yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] omarnone:
A_C please relax,take a time out,chill for a while,don't worry,===BUT PLEASE DON'T LEAVE US!!! WE NEED YOU!!!:( F--K the Mother F-ER that stoled your creation i e-mailed him about 25 time's already and told him to remove your awesome program and he said he would? So let's see what happens.:D
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] jeronevw:
I feel with you and I'll support your decision.

To bad theres not much we can do about it.

Just have some timeout, but come back later.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] schettj:
A_C,

It's a tribute to the quality of your software that people re-sell/rip you off. Long ago I used to create shareware, and unless it was crippleware I would find my apps in other people's "bundles"... so then off to cripple/demo-ware, and then you'll find cracked versions, and so on to freeware, and no worries ;)

Not everyone can do freeware - people have a right to earn a living, and frankly the stuff you create is of higher commercial grade then much of what is being sold commercially these days. Your approach (donationware) is *very* end-user friendly, but is open to the kind of abuses you're finding. Sadly, other then letting people know there really is nothing you can do, unless you abandon donationware. You either have to not worry about it, or not do it... there isn't really another option.

All that aside - thank you very much for all that you have done, and for the opportunity to use some really great software. Whatever you decide it's been great watching you grow as a developer!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] mecal:
:)wow that sounds great
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Dishe:
Nah, nag screens are pretty annoying... but, the user only needs to see it ONCE. I'm wondering if A_C should just simply have a EULA screen appear the first time you run it, and require the user to click "I agree" to continue. After that, never bring it up again.

The text could consist of:

"This software is developed by xxx, and is available for free of charge at <insert URL here>. This software is NOT liscensed for resale.

If you paid for this, or have received this application as part of a purchased software bundle, please return the product and request a refund from the seller.

If you redistribute this file, you may do so provided that it is for no charge and the author is given credit.

If you agree to the terms, please click Agree below."

That should really do it, I think.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Dinahl:
Wow guys!!I don't understand you! Stop yelling that "it's terrible" "oh no!" "what a bad guys". Just hack their sites and write them a letter that their sites will no have chances to live if they won't remoove all apps of A_C. Punish that bastards!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] crazian:
well get the copyright, and forbid anyone to sell it, but allow free use (or sell them yourself, whichever).

and now if they keep on selling it, it goes to court for a HUGE donation.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] AGY:
Dishe;

I would add to your disclamier

If you paid for this, or have received this application as part of a purchased software bundle, please return the product and request a refund from the seller[/b]. Contact developer or post at XDA any counterfeit activity.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] NEWT0N:
Such a disclamer could be displayed during installation, so it would be a one time only screen... ;)

Cheers, NEWT0N
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Dishe:
Yes. That's what I said.

:confused:
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ROCOAFZ:
That wouldn't help if it's a pre-installed package..
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] bigix1:
Welcome back A_C.

I'm happy for this.

RESPECT.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] schettj:
Check out that iphone theme site now...

Frankly, I still think that's a pretty bogus site all around, but looks like they at least responded to A_C's request.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Ghost26:
I would hate to see so many people affected by the actions of a few. A_C you have 3 of the most used freeware apps around. And just like all those kids asking for cracks, warez and keygens most people on the internet don't share the same culture as xda & ppcgeeks.

I think the paypal reports will hurt them enough to move on to the next scam.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] xauzainhatvn:
VEry like your Program S2U2, S2P, S2V but prefer PCM image Viewer.. Hehe.

Hic.

All people like you. Like your Programs ...

All continue wait to see your new version ... and found Bugs.

Plz ... for All, continue write to complete your Work.

Thanks you !

You are A_C ... don't you ?
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] xauzainhatvn:
Windows Mobile is No 1. Do'nt Like iphone Theme, like your iPhone Tools ... hehe !

PCM Contact

PCM Image Viewer

ThumbCal

S2U2

S2P

That's all !!!! Powerful but ... some Bugs ... hic !

Thanks you ! A_C !
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ultramag69:
AC, I love your apps mate and was shocked to find out other people are selling your work... :eek::mad:

Seriously, if anyone should profit off your work it should be you and I don't believe anyone who uses your apps would be put off paying for such high quality work... :)

Cheers... :D
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] AkshayGenius:
After all my posts regarding how to tackle these websites, now all I can say is mate, **** happens, you have to face it. I mean, these websites made by stupendously idiotic people will keep cropping up. But awareness is the key.

70% of statistics are made on spot and Im making the next one up too, but I'm fairly sure about it. For every 1 person who buys that software, there are 100s of people downloading your software, donating and supporting you. Just because of few websites, are you going to give up??

Sorry to say, but that's not a particularly good attitude. Look at the support you got man! What more do you want??
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Dishe:
Yes it would. If designed properly, it would show up the first time the application is run. There are plenty of other apps that have screens the first time they are run (config screens, etc).
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] soulfran:
AC your solution...

AC, your applications are great for all the community of WM, the solution for the problem is to notify during the startup of your applications that they are freeware and can´t be sold, put your name an a personal contact or in the main interface put a button called "About" where you notify about the rights of your application, something like this "the program is freeware and can´t be sold and a link o button to donate money for the project"

Regards!:)

and sorry for my poor English!!:D

FRaN
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] naset:
are those buyer really dont know xda-dev web site?they can get it for free!damn to those buyers and sellers.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ichijou-san:
So, what to do?

While freeware works exist, there always will be bad people who want to make money on 'em. That's why you should protect your works, A_C.

I think, it won't be useful to write letters to everyone.

First of all, it should be clearly stated that you are the author of this piece of software.

Then, it should we mentioned that every program in S2 suite is freeware. And it will be good if you include freeware link (here, to XDA).

Maybe you should use reg.codes (place an online keygen at XDA for people with registration). "About" screen would be highly appreciated too. Maybe donation links inside the software (but not too big, not to scare users).

What else? EULA and so on. First run screen. There are a lot of good measures!

And the last one... You can set the option for S2 suite programs to connect to the internet and check new version. Then it will give the link for new version <he-he ^___^> on XDA-Developers!

Keep up, we're waiting for you...

PS: There is an anime song which teaches "NEVER GIVE UP!". I won't post it here, we need your brain. Mine is already taken.

PPS: Sorry for my English.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ichijou-san:
A_C, you can also write in the license agreement that your software shouldn't be bought in any way, be it CAB or just a link to anywhere. If anyone wants to spread your application, they should link back to XDA, and this link should be in a free access.

That's the way to go.

A_C, everyone's with you.

PS: To all the people, who wants to hack those bastards sites... Why doing this? It's illegal. We should answer on illegal actions in a legal way. Or we'll fall on the same stage as them. We're better, aren't we?

Yay for XDA!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] scorpion66:
All your apps are superb and its a real shame people are tying to steal it.

Its kind of the reverse to full price software - lots of that is pirated so the makers loose out. But you give yours away for free so look on the bright side at least you are not losing money as you didnt ask for any in the first place.

Lots of people have come up with some good ideas but lets face it the people who repackage your stuff will always try to find a way around it. All least you have named and shamed them here and have lots of support - maybe a sticky should be set up for a "Hall of Shame" listing all the low life that steal and repack freeware.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] JstarLuvsTina:
it looks like it.. i was just checking out his site and he offers wa2, weatherpanel, s2u2 and all types of other freeware apps.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] littld:
We could all just compete...

You could all just create better, free links to these applications which will show up in search engines... that would be the sweetest revenge

Offers like the ones mentioned by AC are successful because they offer what people are looking for without hassle. Let's face it, if you don't know your way around xda_devs you're likely to get lost in the search options and the sheer volume of threads.

I vote we set up a "front-shop" for the goods in xda-devs and keep it simple - here's the stuff, where to get it etc. That site should have the advertising links to keep this going as well and might have the added bonus of keeping newbies from asking the same question 10,000 times over.

Aside from this, it's sad news but understandable.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ruebyi:
Hi A_C!

I'm Sorry to hear this! I hope you'll change your mind! Or you will sell them! I would buy them all! Your programms are better then a lot of commercial ones!

ruebyi

P.S: I don't think there is a solution for my S2P problem...
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] r75:
oooo ****!

I'm so sad!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] brol1k:
dammittttttttt, i love your apps bro noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo those bastar'ds
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] 1loudsvt:
I very rarely post but in this case i had to...that site has actually been there for a long time. in fact it is what brought me to this forum. When i purchased my first ppc the apache i wanted to theme it like the iphone. After finding that site and doing more research i found S2U2 on here and found all the other apps on various other sites. While I understand your decision...it just sucks. I love all your apps and use them all on a daily basis. I just hope this can be resolved.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] pananza:
Put in a splash screen at first start-up telling that you are the author of the software and that it is free. If you payed for the software, either on ebay or another site you should make a complaint and demand your money back since it's a license breach to take payment for the software.

Just an idea...
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] richabi:
that is a damn shame

i can't stand most people. so damn greedy! i wish i could break some legs for you, man!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] krishan2207:
hi A_C

i wanna suggest u that instead of stopping development u should hardcode that these applications r free and available at xda-developers.com. u can do this by putting a splash screen which comes when the particular applicaion run. and also at bottom of S2U2 where ur name comes for few seconds. a disclaimer also hepls during installation.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] samstar:
it's a shame,

thx A_C i always used s2u2, i would buy it!

hope to see you back
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Yod-b:
This is a shame, I agree...

To the idea for selling it... well, that's far from perfect, cause they will crack it, so not better.

But stealing a freeware product WTF??? That is the most bastardous thing I've ever heard.

It's like selling fresh air on the streets... and your apps were fresh air for many of us. I'm sorry dude...
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] kwill:
WHAT A FREAKING LOSER!!!! nuff said. im not a dev or programmer so i really enjoy the great things everyone at xda does, and lets some of the lower end scrubs like myself use, to make our devices great. thanks AC and dont worry all things come back around 10fold for losers like that. copyright infringement will cost him more than he's making :)
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] bluemetalaxe:
yeah make splashscreen when first running with your donation link!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] BillG24:
I'm so sad. I love your collection A_C. Make the best of bad situations, go commercial, I'll buy all as well.

Would it make sense to send a mail to PayPal telling them that this Assh... is using their service to sell stolen products?
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] da.bell:
A_C, thank you for all the work you have done. I am sorry to hear that this happened to you and I hope the best for you also.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] aadadams:
A_C, I too, hate to see stuff like this. I am very sad that it has come to this, but I certainly empathize. Anyone hackers out there that can penetrate the guys server?
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] hotrod101:
Same here. this guy site was one of the first sites I found when I was searching for way to customize my device; however, I didn't want to pay for it so I just did some more searching and found this wonderful site. A_C Thank you so much for the dedication that you have demonstrated helping others here in our community and in developing and **Always improving** the wonderful (In my opinion among the best) apps for Windows mobile devices. I respect your decision; however, I don't think that there is any software, music, movies out there that isn't pirated somehow or anohter. It is a shame that there are innoscent people who actually got suckered into paying for software that they could have gotten for free though.

I like the idea that was posted earlier - (Splash screen) - This would take a load off of your shoulders with having to report each and every piece of your pirated software you find.

Just so you know - I have seen this guy advertising this iphoneforppc software on this website several times and have reported him several times. I have found him using two different names advertising it - both that I found I had reported have since been banned by administrators / moderators.

Perhaps we as a community could help you out somehow to put an end to these criminals selling your apps which you are offering for free by helping to report to other site administrators when we see it.

It is sad to think that you will not be creating any new apps for our devices as I was always looking forward to seeing what you were going to do next.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] uniqueboy:
Any way to get Apple on his back? they've got the clout to kick his ass.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] calash:
Report it as piracy to his ISP, and report the incidents to any advertising the site uses.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] swordfish123:
why dont you just mention in about or while installing that this app is freely available on xda forum, so that they can atleast download the newer versions from here
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ExiMoR:
Why A_C stop with developing?

Only because there are some fuc*-/s, where share your program without his permit?

No problem.

There are so much peoples where can write peticion or hack his websites....

So..........

PLease Don't stop with developing!

We can still help you.

Your apps have still bugs.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] AkshayGenius:
So, A_C, what did you decide. Like everyone said, **** happens, this world isn't perfect. There will be minor problems and this problem, is VERY VERY small. For every 100 people that download and support your software, there just might be ONE dumb ass who buys it on a scam site. You are very lucky since I don't think anyone has gotten so much support.

Awaiting your answer....

Akshay
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] naish84:
i really hope so, your s2 apps are really the best one!! Don't stop working on it, do it for your fans :)
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] POOPIE4279:
the hell with them freeloaders..but they have to learn someway
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Alkhal:
I wonder could you make your apps licensed and sell them for a dollar or something... Then any other person selling would be in trouble?..
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] mike21pr:
freeware agreement display

a good idea would be to display a copyright agreement and freeware licence the first time you run the application and choose to accept or decline. That way the user knows that its freeware when he runs the app for the first time and also from prevent the rats from selling them cuz the consumers will catch on that its stolen. And also have an About page that explains that the app can be found for free alongside all of A_C s2 projects and a donation link also.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] sicko206:
I like very much your apps. S2U2 is perfect! You have my support. Go on!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] jonboyuk:
It's sickening! I also don't like some of the responses in this thread like "Your apps have still bugs". He has no obligation to fix the bugs - it's freeware afterall.

That said A_C, whether you decide to update or not, those monkeys will still sell your software.

Here's an idea. Perhaps your update could be partial program? To install it, it would contain your name and link and that the software is infact free. Then those who are selling it couldn't provide the update without their users knowing. Get some info into the program, or free registration - it may help allivate the situation. Just an idea. I love your program and I really would like to make some suggestions - but won't until you've made up your mind.

Best regards

Jon
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Dishe:
Yeah, I suggested this back a few pages: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=2654137&postcount=361

I even suggested the text that should appear in the EULA.

In fact, it looks like 3 or 4 people have also suggested the same thing.

I agree that this is the best idea, and if I were A_C, its what I would do.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Bjd223:
A_C I do not use your applications myself, but I am also a developer (PC no PPC) and I respect anyone willing to work in the free software space.

Therefore I would like to help you, I personally can not do anything, but my brother is a lawyer that is familiar with your software (he has an ATT Tilt like me). Anyway I can't guarentee he can do anything, but he can send this fellow a registered letter that may scare him into not being an ass.

If you are interested in speaking to him shoot me a PM, in the meantime I will tell him to look at the site and the agreement that the guy cited in your post, about not selling the software but selling the service.

If the site owner is located in the USA we might be able to do something. I am not sure about overseas stuff.

Wish you the best of luck.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] arigold1:
I will gladly pay for your applications A_C!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] gabfus:
Also in http://www.web-resort.com/ have your program.... and also iFonz have stopped development.... This two site are out-low.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] thx1200:
I miss S2 already

I miss S2 already! I write a lot of free software myself, but I guess I just ignore the jerks out there who attempt to take credit for my work. What can you do? I don't want to "punish" those who rely on my software just because there are some bad apples. Any way you decide, I loved S2U2 and donated a bit a while back even. I hope you dig back in and maybe implement some of the great suggestions in this forum to burn those who are burning you, but if you don't, it's okay too. It was a labor of love, afterall, and you can quit anytime you want. :-)
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Daemos:
From the website:

http://www.iphonethemeforppc.com/install.php

STEP 6 - SlideUnlock (Optional)

This is a freeware version of Slide Unlock. We no longer offer download instructions due to the developers request. You can do a search on the internet for this software.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Youmoussa:
The default page for Paypal propose italian as language.. I'm afraid they are not US based..
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] alpha01:
will it help if someone digg or stumbleupon that site as a 'thief' site?

just bouncing some ideas here.... would be good if everyone is pointing at them instead of just giving up quietly.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] trjons:
I like the idea of putting a message on the startup screen that can be bypassed on future startups that reads, "This application is free and developed on a continuing basis by A_C at xdadevelopers.com" or something to that effect. And saying something like, "If you have paid anyone for this program other than donating to me, you have been ripped off."
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Sensi:
Hello all of you and A_C,

i possible have a simple solution for all your problems. We all love your software and also ifonz.

So why you don't add in your new/recent future programs, that when the user turns your software on a screen showen 5-10sec with the text or something similar (perhabs the program continues after cklicking an ok button).:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS SOFTWARE IS FREEWARE. SS IF YOU PAID FOR IT, you.......

Please contact or visit ....@...com / www.xda-developers.com for more questions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Or perhabs we could make a simple internetpage, with more informations what the person who bought your software could do. Perhaps to contact the seller to get his money back or something like that.

P.S.: Sorry for my bad english !

EDIT: @trjons: BIG SMILE ! Same idea at the same time !!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] vibecatalin:
Love your work... maybe you should change the License Agrement.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] judogti:
I agree that this can be easily handled with reworking the licensing agreement. Like forcing the person installing it to be the end-user, or make it non-redistributable... Something along those lines.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ajb303:
aw, big bummer. I liked the application alot :D k, so is there any other lock app like this one? I tried 1.22 but it wouldnt work on my dual.