The Fearless Blogger

This post falls under the better-late-than-never category.

MacHeist3 kicked off just over three weeks ago, but there’s still time to sign up to get in on the fun and nab yourself some free software in the process.

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Part Mac
MacHeist is website with a unique approach to reselling Mac OS shareware software.  Created by John Casasanta, Phill Ryu, and Scott Meinzer (known collectively as “The Directorate“), the site periodically offers bundles of software for a price that is substantially discounted from the combined softwares’ standard retail prices (past bundles have cost around $50 and included 10-14 products, valued around $500).

A portion of the proceeds are donated to charity.  To further encourage purchases, the bundles contain applications that will only be “unlocked” (license keys provided) once specified sales goals have been achieved.  As additional incentive, participants who referred friends to the Heist received “bonus” software not included the standard bundle.

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Part Heist
Several weeks before the latest bundle is released, the MacHeist Directorate transitions the website to reveal a series of “missions“.  Participants are rewarded for successful completion with “loot”: software and/or discounts off the upcoming bundle. Josh Dyson, a MacHeist forum moderator, describes the missions as being

like elaborate Internet-based puzzles that you’ll be asked to solve. You’ll start with a mission briefing which gives you a problem to solve, and clues on how to get started. Chances are, those clues will leave you with more questions than answers. Eventually, if you’re smart (and resourceful) you’ll solve the Heist and get your reward: even more free software! . . .If you get stuck, and can’t figure out the next step, we have a forum called The Backroom that can help you figure out your next move. I’ll say this much, though: it’s way more rewarding to figure it out on your own! But, time is usually of the essence, as heists have a limited window in which they can be solved. You’ll need to act fast or seek help if the hour is drawing near.

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MacHeists Past
You’d think giving away free software (legally) and raising money for charity would make a fan out of anyone.  However, past MacHeists have been the subject of controversy.  Miscalculated publicity campaigns, contributing developers’ compensation, and technical/PayPal-related glitches in the purchasing process have drawn criticism of the site. (I don’t share this to add fuel to the controversy. I happen to believe you deserve to be aware of these concerns, so can make your own informeddecision before making a purchase at a site I’ve recommended!)

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The Joy of Giving
According to MacHeist, last year’s bundle raised $500,000 for charity.  The way I see it, if you can score a handful of free apps, purchase more apps at a considerable savings and contribute towards some good causes in the process, it’s a win-win situation all around.

Of course, it’s hard to maintain that enthusiasm if you already own the apps or don’t find them particularly useful (or if you live in an Windows world).  On the other hand, the inclusion of even just one or two juicy apps can prove the $50-ish price tag to be a bargain.  To save more money, consider splitting the bundle cost with a friend (assuming you can agree who gets which apps).  Or you can share the love and give any unwanted apps to a special mac user in your life.  (Bloggers – your unused apps might make a nice prize for a site contest or give-away.)

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Get Going! Get Loot!
Participants who’ve successfully completed each of this year’s missions thus far have earned licenses for Process, KavaTunes, Shove Box, Webbla, Sticky Notes, AllSecure, 3D Hearts Deluxe, Blitz and Fresh – a value of just over $220.

<strong>It’s not too late to get in on the action and earn some loot of your own.  As of today, you’ll get copies of AllSecure, Fresh, and 3D Hearts Deluxe just for registering.  An added twist this year was the introduction of teams – the ultimate goal still shrouded in the same veil of secrecy as the contents of this year’s bundle.  My (unabashedly biased) opinion is that the green team clearly deserves to win. (Guess which team I’m on!)

Good luck!

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