"Why join the navy if you can be a pirate?" - Steve Jobs, during the Macintosh skunk works project
Welcome to the final product of the MacHeist skunk works project. Over the past few days, thousands of invited MacHeist members worked as a group through puzzles, elections, and even a mole hunt. But most importantly, as the group solidfied, they were put to work, and succeeded on identifying and designing the perfect, fair revenge plan to a gross act of intellectual theft.
With the help of community members, Mac developers (including Trygve Inda of XericDesign, Brian Amerige of Flow, and Saulius and Aidas Dailide of Pixelmator, among others), and even Mac media (Jacqui Cheng, assistant editor of Ars Technica, Richard Neal from The Apple Blog, Colin from MacBytes, and Arn Kim from MacRumors), the skunk works team has succeeded in its goals over a few short days, unraveling a MacUpdate conspiracy, and exacting a complicated, community driven plan for perfect revenge.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But we want some plunder.
See, apparently MacUpdate is pretty confident in squashing us, because they began sending us anonymous taunts by email a week ago showing plans and designs for a sale clearly lifted directly from the MacHeist bundle week concept. (Unlock points. Number of apps. Price point. Design elements. Marketing tactics.) Very confident. Confident enough for the head of MacUpdate to leave, at 6:00 AM EDT, for a two day long vacation. We kid you not.
Their mistake. Thanks to techniques and tools discovered and developed respectively by Arn Kim of MacRumors and Flow developer Brian Amerige, the skunk works community was able to break through MacUpdate security and install a few modifications, and now the stage is set for the most glorious heist so far.
Sharing the wealth
At this point, you might be wondering why you're reading this page. The reason is, MacUpdate is running their promo currently... without realizing or recognizing the extent of our efforts to make things right. And no one will, until Joel gets back in two days and checks the bank balance. Even pirates share the plunder. Joel should've known better.
See, we're playing fair. The community decided on the Robin Hood philosophy. Over the next two days, we are simply siphoning MacUpdate's share of the profits of bundle sales that go through us. The fun part is, we're sharing the wealth. To start, we've offered anticipated pieces of the pie to four additional developers, who are adding value to our cause with two bonus apps to start and exclusive access to two of the hottest upcoming applications' private beta testing. And when Joel comes back, we're down for negotiating a fair partnership.
Yar. Now how sweetened is the pot?
Simply put, it's everything MacUpdate is offering...
... plus more.
- Macworld "Best of Show" winner BrowseBack, the visual web history browser and manager (full license, $29.95 value)
- Exces, the slick tool for password protecting your private documents (full license, $14.95 value)
- UPDATE: Linkinus, the powerful, extendable, and easy to use IRC client for OS X (full license, $20 value, test drive the free loot offer)
- Exclusive early access to the Pixelmator private beta when ready
- Exclusive early access to the Flow private beta when ready
- a free ticket to early access for the next skunk works project
- and, we promise at least one more great free app, announced by the end of the sale
Yeah. You don't want to be "that guy" who gives this one up. The guy who, last December, walked right past what Wired called a bundle of joy. After all, who would you trust more: a sincere pirate or a dishonest thief?
Parlay?
A. Aye, let me at the loot!
B. Can you explain this a tad better?
C. Let me walk off the plank
2007-07-10 22:44:07
Is there a delay in the emails? I haven't received my email yet. I did buy through the ?buy=heist link.
2007-07-10 22:44:07
So now that the Directorate letters have been sent out are all the complaining SOBs feeling better. Maybe not until the actual licences start arriving. I can't say I didn't have some doubts, and not all the questions have been answered. But this trip promises more booty than any I've been on lately, so Yo Ho Ho and hang on for the ride.
2007-07-10 22:44:07
@Eric - I can just tell that all these products will release a new version soon making me pay. It something else holding me back from this purchase.
2007-07-10 22:44:07
Just bought the bundle trough the Macheist link ... how many times for your mail ?
2007-07-10 22:44:07
I have to second OJ's comment... Grage Sale was the main app in this for me, asid eform Tech Tool Pro, but I'v ebeen veyr pleasently surprise dby iWOW and the other apps...BRowseback is something I've been looking at for a long time, and while my Mac's too ancient to run it full time, I can see it coming in handy once in a while... Clarification on the MU membership thing is needed -- but if I ahd my dithers, I'd rather go on and have the MU desktop app -- tho there are free alternatives out there that suffice for now....
2007-07-10 22:44:07
Glad to hear, hope turns up soon.. and hope don't have any problems, by order went a bit funny, as my macupdate account didn't get created properly in process, due to an iffy password I believe, I definately went through the link though, double checked.
2007-07-10 22:44:07
Most recent post for Directoriate is correct! I just receieved my email with links to the Plunder! A little delayed, but all is well now. My comments below were possible more negative than they needed to be; I was just a little impatient. I would however like clarification on the MacUpdate membership though, as many others it seems. Thanks Heisters!
2007-07-10 18:27:35
Loot pickup emails have been sent out, and should be arriving in your inboxes as we speak. Sorry about the delay!
2007-07-10 18:25:57
i bought the bundle through the link yesterday. i'm glad i got the booty. the garage sale app sold it for me but i don't know how i listened to itunes before the srs iwow plug in. truly amazing. unfortunately it's been 24 hours and i haven't heard from the heist crew. i'm still holding my breath though. the heist is on.
2007-07-10 18:25:57
Heist folks - need a clarification. The details listed say "including a free year's membership" (to MacUpdate). But my understanding is that the MacUpdate offer includes 2 invites that you can send to a friend, and then they get the MacUpdate membership if and only if they purchase the bundle. So, which is it - a free membership for me and a friend, or for 2 friends?
2007-07-10 18:25:57
I had two comments that I submitted this morning; but still haven't seen them show up yet? =/ Either way... it is more that 24 hours since I made the purchase through the heist page, and as much as I love the applications, and I got a great deal... I am a little disappointed that I have yet to get any word on how/when I can get the heist portion of the bundle. Also, there is nothing anywhere to suggest that I actually got a 1 year membership to MacUpdate. Any official word on the status of these things?
2007-07-10 18:25:57
Hey, I bought the package, but I never got an email from you guys!!!
2007-07-10 18:25:57
It's been 29 hours; I'd wait longer since I'm not really in a hurry, but the "within 24 hours" comment was made enough to make me wonder whether the e-mail has gotten dropped, or if things are running behind schedule.
2007-07-10 18:25:57
it's my understanding from "Simply put, it's everything MacUpdate is offering (including a free year's membership)..." that the MH version INCLUDES the free year membership, but over at the MU page it seems that you have to get someone else to buy the bundle via the invite to get the free membership. So MH do we get the free membership? I bought the bundle already, and I'm happy with it so far. This might leave a sour taste for many though.
2007-07-10 18:25:57
Well, purchased through the plunder page approx 28 hours ago and no email recieved with details of extra booty.
2007-07-10 18:25:57
No word from MacHeist yet. It has been well over 24 hours since my purchase. What's up guys?
2007-07-10 18:25:57
@Eric - I can just tell that all these products will release a new version soon making me pay. It something else holding me back from this purchase.
2007-07-10 18:25:57
Heist folks - need a clarification. The details listed say "including a free year's membership" (to MacUpdate). But my understanding is that the MacUpdate offer includes 2 invites that you can send to a friend, and then they get the MacUpdate membership if and only if they purchase the bundle. So, which is it - a free membership for me and a friend, or for 2 friends?
2007-07-10 18:25:57
It's been more than 24 hours and I bought the bundle using the link found here but I've received no email regarding the extra applications. Disappointed.
2007-07-10 18:25:57
Does anyone have received the MacHeist email with instructions for the extra apps ? I've bought my bundle yesterday and no email yet... :(
2007-07-10 18:25:57
Ok, I bought the bundle, I had the Heist tag in my URL, and I've received no word of the 'extra apps'. Is anyone going to answer the queries from those of us who are feeling ripped off?
2007-07-10 18:25:57
To clarify some of the more recent posts: This is NOT the MacHeist 2007. This has been termed a mini-heist. A full heist (I would assume complete with puzzles and bundles) will be revealed later in the year. Yes, if you want to be technical about it, MH and MacUpdate are in cahoots on this. There is no stealing/fighting/underhandedness/whatevers. MacHeist gives the appearance of that. Because it makes things fun. They make a game out of bundle selling, and it worked wonders last year. ( I only wish I could still by last years bundle). Please think. If any of this were underhanded in any way shape or form, would it be so obviously called "Mac Heist" ? Would they be publicly stating what they are? Would they be calling out developers and participators names? No. Its fun. Participate, or not. Buy the bundle, or not.
2007-07-10 18:25:57
Interesting. Received my MU registrations mere moments after purchasing. Though, nothing indicates that I received an MU membership (it actually says my free MU membership will expire in 10 days). Also... 24 hours and counting... still no indication of the Heist additions being sent my way. I don't doubt they will come; but communication is key when trying to get and keep customers...
2007-07-10 18:24:43
@ moderator: sorry, awaiting info abaout additional apps: jens@michlo.de nothing yet.
2007-07-10 18:24:43
Is there any support email-address? It says that the information about the additional apps will be announced within 24 hours. ...still nothing. :(
2007-07-10 18:24:43
Hey Pirates, do we get all 10 MacUpdate bundle apps, regardless of what happens at MacUpdate? Or, not?? Why nobody is answering this Question? What´s the deal? macupdate and macheist are the same persons? are they kidding us?
2007-07-10 18:24:43
Hi, a question to the Directorate or anyone else in the know. You state "Simply put, it's everything MacUpdate is offering (including a free year's membership)..." So is the membership a MacHeist extra as well? B/c if you buy directly though MacUpdate, the membership is not included - it is only valid for someone you refer to MacUpdate who can subsequently buy a bundle and get the membership. Which is why the sentence above is a bit confusing. I have no idea what this membership is, or whether it really is worth having, but this is something I wondered about. Can you shed some light?
2007-07-10 02:56:05
Just bought it, sweet!! Tho I DID like the first MacHeist bundle waaaaay better, but mainly because at the time I didn't own any delicious apps...
2007-07-10 02:56:05
Well... I don't know. I bought into the previous Heist. A good portion of the apps there, I did not care about... and never downloaded; A good portion of the apps I already owned... why own them twice?? A good portion of the apps almost IMMEDIATELY released a new "upgraded" version that required I PAY MORE. Leading me to believe that they are only in the deal to "hook" me. Hmm. So HOW was this a good deal? $49, $69, $ ... whatever. If I never use the apps, that's just me throwing money away, isn't it? Similarly, today: We get the opportunity to beta test a new product?? Six or Eight years ago, this might have been something of some value and with some credibility. Goodness, in the Old Day, I participated in testing where NDAs were required! Now, Heh! EVERYbody does "beta testing." So, should I pay MONEY to beta test something? Heck no! Now, if my money buys me a discounted or free Version One, that would be something different. But you aren't offering that, are you? Plus, you characterize MacUpdate as the Bad Guy in this. How am I to know that you and MacUpdate aren't in this together? Creating a lot of false "conflict" simply to increase your sales? Well, I don't buy the whole thing. And: I ain't buying the package either. Good Luck.
2007-07-10 02:56:05
Before some of you get your undies in an more of a twist, NO body is stealing from any one. This IS a partnership between MacHeist, Macupdate and a number of other mac community forums to market software. The only thing underhanded is the fact that in their hype marketing they are not being completely clear on what it is we are buying. Macupdate, now states you are purchasing 7 apps for $49.99. Only if they sell the numbers are the other 3 applications included. The question is, in MacHeists (STW?) (marketing? call it what you will) are they promising all 10 applications and the ...plus more goodies, or only what ever happens to be the release at Macupdate and the ...plus more goodies????
2007-07-09 22:58:07
@Sackman, as promised on the 'plunder' page, expect an email within 24 hours of purchase with instructions on collecting your loot.
2007-07-09 22:48:47
What Luke says. The big unanswered question in all this smoke and mirrors is: Do we get all 10 MacUpdate bundle apps, regardless of what happens at MacUpdate? Or, not?? Or, ...??? The answer to that will be the tipping point for me.
2007-07-09 22:48:48
What Luke says. The big unanswered question in all this smoke and mirrors is: Do we get all 10 MacUpdate bundle apps, regardless of what happens at MacUpdate? Or, not?? Or, ...??? The answer to that will be the tipping point for me.
2007-07-09 22:48:47
I used your link, but I still didn't get the macheist programs....wtf?
2007-07-09 22:48:47
If you're a recent arrival in the Mac world, or know one, this is a good value. Other than that... /shrugs
2007-07-09 22:48:47
I dunno... $50 is a little too much for programs I will barely ever use (not to mention the ones I already have). I would only buy in knowing I'd get a full license of Pixelmator, and not just beta access. I think I'll wait until I know more before taking the plunge!
2007-07-09 19:03:21
I won't use all the apps either, and I already have a couple, but it's still a great deal. So give a couple to friends...promote the Heist, promote the Mac Shareware, and support the Developers :) ARRR matey!
2007-07-09 19:03:21
you'll be getting no money from me.
2007-07-09 19:03:21
two crimes don't make honesty. and any malicious action will only beget malcontent. all who partake in this shall be cursed, and only ill shall come to you and your beloved macs. you have been warned. heed this advice.
2007-07-09 19:03:21
no thanks. intrigued, i bought the first macheist bundle. 7 or eight or however many programs; exactly ZERO of which i currently use. i'll pass.
2007-07-09 19:03:21
I'm not sure what Beta access means. It's fine that we get to play with the beta, but does it also mean we get a license to the final version? I think Pixelmator looks sweet and would want to get a license as well.
2007-07-09 19:03:21
I don't know about you people, but I've been eye-ballin' some of these apps for a while with intent to purchase. I'm jumping on this bandwagon to save some money and to add some powerful utility to my already life-saving MacBook. Anything in addition to the seven stated apps is just extra icing.
2007-07-09 19:03:21
Let me get this straight: You're bitter because somebody else did the work to put together a bundle of shareware mac apps, and so you're going to steal from them? The idea of bundling shareware together at a lower cost is hardly new; it's not like MacUpdate 'stole' the idea from MacHeist; it wasn't original when MacHeist did its bundle in December.
2007-07-09 16:30:17
looks to good to be true.
2007-07-09 16:30:17
mac people will buy anything if you pretend it is cool and create hype..
2007-07-09 15:55:49
Clever marketing :) So do you guarantee getting all 10 apps and the ...plus more, including the 3 locked ones even if macupdate dont reach the sale numbers to unlock them?
2007-07-09 15:55:49
Cocktail, GarageSale, Little Snitch, and possibly iWOW are the only apps I would use. Now if I knew for sure I would get a 1.0 licenses for Flow and Pixelmator, then I would for sure buy this. Until then, I still have to wait!
2007-07-09 15:55:49
I'm in.... I hate developers that don't play fair. Good look on the skunking...
2007-07-09 15:55:49
I would buy it if it included the 1.0 of the beta programs.... I want them.....I just don't want to test them....
2007-07-09 15:12:15
superjunaid: Are you sure for all 10 apps?
2007-07-09 15:12:15
Cocktail, GarageSale, Little Snitch, and possibly iWOW are the only apps I would use. Now if I knew for sure I would get a 1.0 licenses for Flow and Pixelmator, then I would for sure buy this. Until then, I still have to wait!
2007-07-09 14:28:58
I’d only buy this if Pixelmator and Flow are included. Not just the beta but a full version 1.0! Sorry, but I got all the other apps in the bundle. Been around the block already.
2007-07-09 14:28:58
This is yet another awesome heist indeed, just purchased via paypal and got my serials for the 10 included packages. Looking forward to the bonus apps from MacHeist. Go Pirates!! yaarrr
2007-07-09 14:28:58
Hi, will we get the full licences for the beta verions as well? Or will there be at least an upgrade offer? Thx
2007-07-09 13:25:00
Buy? Sure, can I eat the skin too?
2007-07-09 13:25:00
er nao.
2007-07-09 13:14:12
The link to purchase is http://www.mupromo.com/?buy=heist
2007-07-09 13:14:12
And the details on the extra apps will be emailed to you soon (within 24 hours)
2007-07-09 13:11:52
Yeah, I'm curious about where the extra apps are as well...
2007-07-09 13:11:52
Help,I can't find the link
2007-07-09 13:04:46
i got caught up in the hyep over at digg and bought a 50 dollar bundle of apps i have almost no use for. :-(
2007-07-09 13:04:46
Joel sucks.
2007-07-09 13:04:46
I don't understand.... I bought the bundle through macheist but I don't see any of the special heist apps. What gives?
2007-07-09 13:04:46
Some people seem confused. Just bought it and at the end of the URL (the MacHeist "buy" link directs you to Macworld) it says macheist. Damn, that better be right! Actually, it might just end with "heist" not macheist.
2007-07-09 12:24:55
Where is the link here to buy the extra applications? Thank you.
2007-07-09 12:24:52
too poor
2007-07-09 12:24:52
Yarrr! Pirates win. Good luck with sales!
2007-07-09 12:24:52
Wow this is clever! Good luck guys.
2007-07-09 12:24:52
Am I missing something or do the links go to an error page?
2007-07-09 12:24:52
ok so i bought the bundle with the heist part at the ed of the url....but i didnt get any of the macheist added extras? i just got the normal bundle? help!
2007-07-09 11:46:38
So if I bought my bundle through MacUpdate do I not get the extra apps offered here? That would stink...
2007-07-09 11:46:38
Sweet! Loving it =)
2007-07-09 11:46:38
but where do i buy?
2007-07-09 11:46:38
this is really retarded.
2007-07-09 11:46:38
that plank is cruel indeed.
2007-07-09 11:46:38
Can't buy it :(
2007-07-09 11:46:38
Ding dong
2007-07-09 11:46:38
why dont you just crash theire servers instead of trying to cooperate with them a real pirate doesent pay for software!
2007-07-09 10:53:04
We rock so hard.
2007-07-09 10:21:43
just clicked the plank links... it was a horrific ending lads
2007-07-09 10:21:43
Would love to plunder, sadly no credit card, no paypal, and well... no money. But i will be sure to pass along the info!
2007-07-09 10:05:06
NIK, you'll hear from us within 24 hours, as the "plunder page" makes pretty clear.
2007-07-09 10:05:06
"Don't do the evil thing. Pressing A WILL result in bad things happening." When I said that i did of course mean NOT pressing A will result in bad things happening. No mutiny from this camp.
2007-07-09 10:05:06
"Do the Flow and Pixelmator betas include a 1.0 license?" Not as far as we know.
2007-07-09 09:55:19
When will folks who bought via HacHeist hear from MacHeist with confirmation? I've heard from MacUpdate but nada from MH....
2007-07-09 09:55:19
Do the Flow and Pixelmator betas include a 1.0 license?
2007-07-09 09:55:19
I"m buying it through Mac Update. ;) Good deal regardless of the "bonus" you offered. Also, people use similar bundle purchasing ideas like this all the time. You definitely weren't the first to come up with it, and quite frankly, it doesn't matter if you did. -Ian (MacRumors member)
2007-07-09 08:45:12
Fair play to ya, ur certainly not giving up without a fight! Keep us updated!
2007-07-09 08:40:15
argh i screwed it and bought MU without the url. Is there a way ?
2007-07-09 06:26:52
This is awesome! Let's FSU. the heist is on!!!
2007-07-09 06:26:52
Wow, what an amazing offer! I'm pumped and if you're not, well something's wrong with you, buster!
2007-07-09 06:26:52
gooooooo macheist! the heisters strike back once again...
2007-07-09 06:26:52
gooooooo macheist! the heisters strike back once again...
2007-07-09 06:26:52
Now i gotta go find my credit card. Wish me look, and buy it while i am looking! It is WORTH IT!
2007-07-09 06:26:52
WHOO HOO!!! PLUNDER!! :)
2007-07-09 06:26:52
This looks like quite the deal. I'm gonna jump. Don't let those Mac Update people steal the idea of the Heisters!
2007-07-09 06:04:28
Don't do the evil thing. Pressing A WILL result in bad things happening.
2007-07-09 06:04:28
i choose plunder!
2007-07-09 06:04:25
I'm loving it! Lets hope MacHeist pulls this off!
2007-07-09 06:04:25
This seems like a great offer. Thanks Mac Heist for clearing this up.
2007-07-09 06:04:25
Woo this is going to be the best bundle offered to the Mac community yet!
2007-07-09 06:04:25
gooooooo macheist! the heisters strike back once again...
2007-07-09 06:04:25
Woo this is going to be the best bundle offered to the Mac community yet!
2007-07-09 06:04:25
Whoot Whoot, Count me in! ARRRR!
2007-07-09 06:04:25
This looks like quite the deal. I'm gonna jump. Don't let those Mac Update people steal the idea of the Heisters!
2007-07-09 06:04:25
Gosh! I can't wait for that paypal transfer to finish! I can't wait to get in on this!!