A New Year Reflection - positive, safe solution

[Heather Laine]

Dear Curry,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and Happy New Year to you.

We have reviewed your comments regarding the LiveCode Create EULA. The EULA is intentional, lawful, and reflects a licensing model that is standard and widely used across the modern software industry. It is neither immoral nor illegal.

To clarify a key point: continued use of any licensed software is contingent on that licence being valid and paid for. If a licence is not renewed or is materially breached, there is no reasonable expectation that access to the licensed platform—or services dependent upon it—should continue. This is a basic and accepted principle of commercial software licensing.

Apps built with LiveCode Create may optionally make use of LiveCode-provided services such as cloud hosting, backend infrastructure, and data services. These services incur ongoing operational costs for us. It would not be reasonable, or commercially viable, to expect LiveCode to continue providing such services indefinitely for applications that are no longer licensed or paying for those services. Similar provisions exist in the terms of most commercial development tools, SaaS platforms, and cloud-backed systems in use today.

The EULA will not be changed on the basis of this feedback.

Finally, please note that the use-livecode mailing list exists to help participants use the software effectively. It is not a forum for repeated accusations or attacks against LiveCode Ltd. We ask that discussion on the list remains on topic. If individuals have specific questions regarding their licence or require clarification on the EULA, I am always happy to address those directly through appropriate support channels.

You are, of course, free to decide whether LiveCode Create is suitable for your projects and risk profile, as with any other software tool. However, we do not agree with your characterisation of the licence, and we do not accept the conclusions you have drawn from it.

We consider this matter closed and do not intend to engage further on this point. Please refrain from reposting on this thread or using similar emotionally loaded language (bordering on slander in places) in respect of the company or the licensing we have chosen to employ.

Kind regards,

Heather


Heather Laine
Customer Services Manager
LiveCode Ltd
www.livecode.com
Build Software You'll Never Outgrow

> On 4 Jan 2026, at 23:23, Curry Kenworthy via use-livecode <use-livecode at lists.runrev.com> wrote:
> 
> Heriberto Torrado:
> 
> > I honestly don’t know how to help LiveCode Ltd.
> 
> Yes - but luckily, it's so simple to help!
> Here's how. In the LiveCode Create EULA ...
> 
> Twin clauses, Extreme risk -
> 
> 8.2/3.3 Runtime kill switch = fragile Toy Apps.
> Instant disaster! Loss of built products and users.
> 
> 8.1 Blank check terms = legal/financial minefield.
> No protections; this can bankrupt or derail operations.
> 
> Kill built apps?
> 
> This is nuclear! Likewise Blank check.
> Not workable. Not safe. Not acceptable.
> 
> Remove those 2 - huge impact. More users and no downside.
> People have been retooling elsewhere; no choice.
> 
> > Because somewhere in the world, there is probably a child
> > who ... will discover LiveCode and realize that controlling
> > a computer and making the most of it can still be simple and fun.
> 
> Exactly - And a child or adult/senior needs positive, safe discovery;
> Not a EULA gun to the head, with fragile Toy Apps!
> 
> Getting frustrated, harmed, or squeezed - that hurts everyone.
> No excuse for Runtime kill switch and Blank check terms.
> 
> No legitimate purpose -
> 
> You can't gain more HONEST money with a Blank check.
> You can't MORALLY or SAFELY leverage users with app kill switch.
> 
> I realized the giant risk; I use a custom AAC, etc! For handicap.
> Imagine that cut off - I'm sure some others in same boat.
> 
> Both are extreme and dangerous. I realized it would be immoral
> not to warn the rest of you! So I did.
> 
> Meet the LiveCode Create EULA -
> https://livecode.com/eula
> 
> > With the arrival of the Internet, large manufacturers such as
> > Microsoft and Apple pushed amateur programmers out of the ecosystem
> 
> Not quite! Amateur programmers today benefit from an abundance
> of online resources and free tools. Just not the SAME tools.
> 
> Many dev tools do NOT require Internet login or any subscription.
> But we want the HyperCard style dream to expand, right? So ...
> 
> A real LiveCode EULA fix is needed; not emotional persuasion techniques,
> nor circular nostalgia exercises that lead away from any solution.
> 
> > What I am certain about is that LiveCode must continue.
> 
> I hope for a fix; that is why I've donated my awareness effort
> in free public service here, not easy after long illness!
> 
> Not thinking only of myself, and some chance of retaliation.
> But I'm glad to speak up, because it's the only moral thing to do.
> 
> Opportunity -
> 
> LiveCode recently requested my feedback to help improve.
> Glad to help. Easy to fix, if LiveCode chooses.
> 
> Either way, the HyperCard dream will expand further -
> Among other dreams. Managing risk too, meanwhile.
> 
> > A hug to everyone, and Happy New Year!
> 
> Thank you! Bright future / new year...
> 
> Best wishes,
> 
> Curry Kenworthy
> 
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