Lately I’ve been running into code / plugins that require 3rd party server dependencies to run. I get you are trying to protect your investment and time, but you are also going to lose customers. I will never purchase a license that has any encrypted code or requires any dependencies from authors server to run. I have purchased a few that I did not even know about: 1) because I did not ask, 2) I did not think it was allowed.
One author has an encrypted binary executable file that is created from his server and must be used in order to run the script. Really? So you want me to install some unknown file on my server? No thanks.. I haven’t reported it as of yet, but may do so soon.
Another requires files be written to your server after you have installed and verified your license via the api, otherwise the script does not work. IE: missing files
Another one has obfuscated several files …
Anyway, moving forward, I for one will always ask if the script contains any encrypted files and/or 3rd party server dependencies to run. Not because I’m going to re-sell it, or upload it to torrent sites, but because in the event you go out of business, or your server goes down, so does my script/business. I also cannot make modifications to whatever it is you have encrypted. Finally, I’m not installing some mysterious file, contents unknown, on my server that could potentially open up security risks, back doors and the like. Sorry, makes no sense and not happening.
Anyway, what’s my suggestion? Stop encrypting your code, because it’s not that special, and you will lose business (at least from me). With so much open source software available,and AI capabilities moving at such a fast pace, I’m guessing your scripts/plugins may soon become obsolete.