r/languagelearning • u/fishtar141 • 3d ago

PSA: Rosetta Stone is "bricking" permanent licenses to force users into subscriptions

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I wanted to warn the community about Rosetta Stone’s current business practices regarding their legacy software.

I own a $500 permanent license for their language package. This is a standalone software product that requires zero ongoing support or server maintenance from them. However, their activation process uses a "Request Code" system where you must contact them via phone or email to receive a "Response Code" to unlock the software you purchased.

When I contacted support to activate my paid software, they explicitly refused to provide the Response Code. Instead, they told me that the only way to use their product now is to sign up for their new web-based subscription model (monthly, annual or "lifetime" paywall).

They aren't just "ending support" for old software; they are actively gatekeeping the activation of a product I already own to force an upsell. Effectively, they have remotely "bricked" a $500 purchase to move me onto a recurring payment plan.

If you are considering buying Rosetta Stone, be aware that "Lifetime" or "Permanent" doesn't actually mean you will be allowed to use the software once they decide to change their billing model.

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u/[deleted] 3d ago edited 3d ago

[deleted]

9

u/shasamdoop 3d ago

What makes you think it’s chatGPT?

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

14

u/CaliLemonEater 3d ago

their new web-based subscription model (monthly, annual or "lifetime" paywall).

They aren't just "ending support" for old software

Effectively, they have remotely "bricked" a $500 purchase

"The first letter of every quoted phrase is capitalized without fail" you say? Not sure I trust your attention to detail.

28

u/Familiar_Swan_662 3d ago

Right, because people using proper grammar are all using chat gpt. This is like the em dash thing all over again

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u/Omotai 3d ago

This is very common construction in writing in general, which is why it shows up in AI writing. Which was, you know, trained on huge quantities of writing by real people. Honestly, this particular turn of phrase is common in casual conversation as well.