The copy protect sounds like the Vbox system or something similar. I use several programs delivered electronically using Vbox -- from Digital Origin, Macromedia and Adobe. So far only Adobe GoLive 5 had the restriction on movement and re-installation of the registered program. (but Adobes license does allow for a home copy and office copy). The technology also allows for full version time-limited demos which can't be reset so I think the claim about surviving a disk format is valid. It only requires contact with Vbox on installing/purchasing it. So far I haven't had any problems but I haven't had to re-licence my copy of GoLive yet. My main concerns are backup of the program and continuing upgrading of my hardware. (It might work to stick the program on an external drive, I don't know) The big incentive for me was price. It was cheaper and quicker than getting a boxed version. If Curious gives a substantial discount and ESD, it might encourage people to use it. (The feature set of 5 had better be good too) I do think its a very bad move to tie a bug fix with the implementation of the scheme. Cynically I wonder how long it will take hackers to circumvent it, ultimately its all only a delaying tactic. As for Curious going out of business, the worry would be for both Curious and Vbox (or whoever handles the scheme) to go bust. I do think the new system will be a PR headache to Curious if only to get its customers to trust them and buy into the system. How long it lasts will probably depend on Curious's bottom line. If they make more money they'll continue with it, if customers leave in droves they'll probably rethink their position. If a competitor comes out with a similar unprotected compatable product, it would also require a rethink. The big difference with the Adobe product was I had a choice with GoLive to buy a version in a box that had no restrictions (apart from normal license) --I may even still be able to purchase a standard CD ROM version and paper manual for an extra charge. Curious doesn't seem to be offering that choice. Its a pity that legit users are seemingly being at best inconvenienced, at worst punished because of pirate users. Depressing all right but I wouldn't get too paranoid about it.