If you're anything like me, you blow past those End User License Agreements without even a cursory glance. Every time I download new software or update any existing software, there they are. Accept and move on, decline and no update.
An English company, to prove the point that few people actually read the EULA's, changed the wording temporarily on April 1st. It seems that over 7,000 people accepted the new EULA, which contained the clause that they would give up their immortal souls to the company, on request. I would assume that they're right on target that not many people were reading that contract before they pressed accept.
Of course it was just a goof, but it does bring up an important point about reading and understanding contracts. As Realtors, we already know how important this is to our clients, and to us as well. When we install new software on our computers, we are clients of the company that manufactured, and owns the rights to that software. I'm not worried about giving up my immortal soul in one of those EULAS, but without reading it, what else might I be giving up?
I doubt that my behavior is going to change dramatically after reading this article...but maybe I'll be a bit more skeptical before I click agree.
Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist
Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
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That can get rather expensive if you don't read the small print, although I was once told by a lawyer that they were not legal sense they were not signed and/or witnessed. Anyone could check the box...
Have a great Friday my friend,
Paul
The EULA's are not a negotiated contract. It's a take it or leave it. I don't know, but seriously doubt that one would stand up in court.
I wonder who has lien rights on immortal souls if a person promised it out indiscriminately? But, excellent points, we need to be fully familiar with and able to impart an understanding of the contracts we use to our clients and customers. And we need to pay attention to changes in our contracts, and those imposed upon us.
Richards
Most people don't read user agreements before they sign them.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Richard...Knowing what you sign or agree to is absolutely essential. You can be put in a very bad situation by "fine print".
Guilty! It is necessary to pay closer attention to those small, minor details, that is FUNNY though Rich!
If it wasn't so seriously wrong, it would be funny that that company changed their message on April 1st. We are guilty as charged though. You have made us think maybe, we will give it more than just that cursory glance next time.
Richard - I'm taking an MCE class on the new Agreement of Sale. I'll have to ask about adding in their immortal soul as a substitute for the earnest money.
Richard, have you noticed all the American Flags by all the phone numbers on Active Rain? I see them on your post. I think I have missed something. How have all these flags cropped up everywhere?
Hi Richard - I usually don't read these start to finish, but sometimes will do a search for the words "commercial" or "business" to see if a particular site can be used for real estate or if it's just for fun.
I think I just figured out the flags everywhere. I downloaded Skype the other day and I think it is related to that. American Flags are all over Active Rain and everywhere I go! Your site, Moniques, mine...ah haaa!!!!!
That's just too funny Richard. Of course, I am guilty of not reading these. Mainly because they make them long, legalese and unreadable.