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Offer to buy source code.

Started by June 09, 2013 09:57 PM
19 comments, last by latch 11 years, 6 months ago

In my opinion:

  1. $1000 to buy the source code copyright? Wow, no. That's way too little. Not like I'd ever give away my copyright like that (if I want to I'd do it from the beginning).
  2. Localization doesn't work like that. Even if we assume the worst case that the game is hardcoded, it's still the original developer who usually ends up with the reprogramming burden, the localizator only bothers with the data.

So yeah, I'd say this is a scam, either somebody looking to commit fraud or somebody looking for a developer naive enough to let go of their games and avoid having to develop anything.

Don't pay much attention to "the hedgehog" in my nick, it's just because "Sik" was already taken =/ By the way, Sik is pronounced like seek, not like sick.

You should try to sell him a non-exclusive licence which does not stop you from reusing the code in derived works later. If necessary, you can sign a time-limited non-compete agreement, if it's not too stupid. If he wants an exclusive licence which revokes your own use of your own code in perpetuity, you need to walk away.

I had this problem with a customer, where they seemed to want an in-perpetuity exclusively licence for the code and all derived works, which effectively screws up the developer as it means if they ever create a derivative work, the customer can sue the shit out of you. No developer in the world is going to NOT reuse some code for a future project, even if it's completely different.

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That's for sure- any app I write these days is infused with code from 3 to 6 other apps.

Hi,
We are a marketing team specialized in marketing at Middle-East region. We are interested in partnership (distribution, publishing) deal. You make localized version of your app (named in subject) for Arabic and our suggestion and publish it, We'll provide local distribution and we will split the revenue 50-50. Also, If you have more games, we can deal with them.
We expect to make 500,000 - 1,000,000 downloads in the first month.
Hoping to hear from You soon!
Best Regards,

The saga continues.

You should ask for the things discussed above, and you should get an advance. See what they say.

-- Tom Sloper -- sloperama.com

^Yeah, I'm not taking it seriously as there are too many things in the way. ie cultural differences, no physical contact, and other things. I have his name but it means nothing to me as I don't even know what country he's from. So I said this:

Excellent! What is your website? What other games have you marketed?

I'm merely keeping y'all abreast of current events. I'd post his name but I don't want it to turn up should he do a google vanity search and find out I'm talking about him.

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At least that offer sounds a bit more conventional smile.png

I would be weary of someone who started the communication with such a bad initial offer though. (looked very much like he tried to find someone to rip off)

Also his download claims sound a bit optimistic...


I'm merely keeping y'all abreast of current events. I'd post his name but I don't want it to turn up

Your instinct not to post his name is good.

-- Tom Sloper -- sloperama.com

That would be like posting something from pm in a forum. A no-no.

Here's the next answer:

Hi,

Firstly, I don't have a website, because I'm just starting and I'm working on my own like most Android developers.
Secondly, here you are sample apps that I have marketed:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=<dude>
Please share with me your opinion in the following procedure (add or modify if you advise):
1- You will add Arabic labels.
2- You will change the game name: Name it for example <current name> + Pro for paid and <current name> + Lite for free version.
3- Publish it in new android developer account, and create secondary user for me to let me monitor our downloads.
4- After publishing, my turn will start to promote the game in my ways and make it top ranked in middle east.
My question by the way: Can you tell me how I can guarantee my revenue share from paid and free versions?
Thanks a lot

<dude>

After this one, it looks like he's earnestly trying to work a deal.


After this one, it looks like he's earnestly trying to work a deal.

Agreed. Approach it in a businesslike manner. Don't shut off your scam radar all the way, but turn it down a little.

-- Tom Sloper -- sloperama.com

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