I learned something important today. It's a very simple lesson actually. Do not purchase software first thing in the morning when you've just woken up. Let me explain this in detail.

I recently started using ecto to blog for the various blogs I have out there. Since it is a shareware application, I decided to purchase two copies for myself and Michelle after not being able to find any other blogging client for the Mac that works well enough for my needs. So first thing Friday morning I get up and complete the online purchasing process. Everything went well, PayPal went through and I receive the license key.

I then entered my full name and the registration key into the required boxes on the ecto screens, but no go. It continues complaining the key is invalid. After about four attempts at failure, and highly frustrated I email the ecto support team, explaining my problem. Due to the time difference I receive a response late on Friday afternoon, informing me that the problem is with the move of ecto to a new company, and the merchant key had changed. Since it was an urgent problem they would ensure a new release of ecto in a day or two to ensure that the software will work going forward.

I thanked them for the response and asked to be notified of the new release as soon as it's ready. About an hour later I did indeed receive a response, and had to bow my head in shame. The irony, as I realised my mistake, I was busy reading the latest Daily WTF. During the registration process I had unknowingly mistyped my own name. Even after about 4 different confirmation screens, I still didn't pick up the error, and the generated key is bound to the registered name.

I can only hang my head in shame, and post this here as I reminder to myself.... Do not register software when you've just woken up!