Red Gate Software - Another freeware app goes payware.

[scancode]

As many of you know, our original intention was to maintain .NET Reflector as a free tool. But, after two-and-a-half years of providing it without charge, we realized that we could not make the free model work. We know that this will cause pain for some people in the .NET community, and we apologize for the change in policy.

Basically, .NET reflector 7 will become payware, $35. There's a catch, tho. When that version is released, the freeware version will stop working!

A free version will be available for download until the release of Version 7, scheduled for early March. The free version will continue working until May 30, 2011.

They're giving users a forum to bitch in give them their opininion, but there are complaints about deleted comments.

We lost a great tool. *sigh*

[Renegade]

I'm kind of ambivalent. It must have been a hard decision. But, if it comes to continuing, or discontinuing, $35 is better than not having it at all.

Yes... They promised to keep it free forever, but it looks like it just wasn't possible/practical.

I've been checking their site for a few weeks to see if they'll reverse their decision, but so far, it doesn't look like.

[scancode]

Why couldn't they just remove the timebomb and start charging for v7+?

[Renegade]

Why couldn't they just remove the timebomb and start charging for v7+?

I'd guess because the project is hemorrhaging money, and they need it to at least cover costs, and that's the easiest way to do it.

[f0dder]

Well, if they promised it would remain free, then it's only fair to reflect reflector to reflect the timebomb - dead annoying that you have to re-download it every now and then, anyway

[mwb1100]

Just as an FYI, anyone put off by Reflector freeware going away might want to keep an eye on JetBrains, makers of ReSharper (R#).  Apparently they're planning on including a decompiler in R# 6, and are planning on providing a free stand-alone version:

  - http://blogs.jetbrains.com/dotnet/2011/02/resharper-6-bundles-decompiler-free-standalone-tool-to-follow/

[Renegade]

Just as an FYI, anyone put off by Reflector freeware going away might want to keep an eye on JetBrains, makers of ReSharper (R#).  Apparently they're planning on including a decompiler in R# 6, and are planning on providing a free stand-alone version:

  - http://blogs.jetbrains.com/dotnet/2011/02/resharper-6-bundles-decompiler-free-standalone-tool-to-follow/

I see mass migration in the very near future...

[scancode]

Well, if they promised it would remain free, then it's only fair to reflect reflector to reflect the timebomb

Have you tried it? It's quite obfuscated :/

[f0dder]

Nah, haven't looked at it. But I'm sure others have, or will now that they're pulling the free version. That, combined with Jetbrains' move, and I think we're currently seeing redgate writing a suicide note.

[steveross]

I have personally never used .NET Reflector, but one of my colleagues was very pissed off about Red Gate's move and has been looking for alternatives. It's not about the $35, but is a matter of principle as they had promised the tool would be free and they are now pulling the rug underneath developers' feet. Anyhow, my colleague was happy about Jet Brain's announcement and he also came across this website http://www.keepdecompilingfree.com that I thought I'd share with you guys.

[Renegade]

WinZip did the same thing. It's not uncommon for "free" promises to be shattered by the harsh reality of business.

It sucks, but there's no sense in crying over it. Bad things happen.

[scancode]

WinZip did the same thing. It's not uncommon for "free" promises to be shattered by the harsh reality of business.

WinZip was born shareware. You had a WinRar-like trial period (ie, your app expired, but you can still use it). You always knew you had to pay for WinZip.

[Renegade]

WinZip did the same thing. It's not uncommon for "free" promises to be shattered by the harsh reality of business.

WinZip was born shareware. You had a WinRar-like trial period (ie, your app expired, but you can still use it). You always knew you had to pay for WinZip.

My bad -- I meant the free forever to paid upgrades. Same type of deal with the promise breaking.