yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] AkshayGenius:
Listen, if I buy a software for example, photoshop and sell it, without a license alone it is illegal and the obvious fact its owned by Adobe. Now, if photoshop was freeware, but still has a license(made, produced and owned by adobe), it would obviously be illegal. Its the same case with A_C's apps. They have a license and they are freeware. So, it IS ILLEGAL, no doubt about that.

Maybe iphonethemforppc have changed by only providing a link which is a great improvement! But that leaves web-resort and iphonethemforpocketpc, so why can't we pursuade them to do the same? As far as I know, they still bundle the software with them and this is obviously wrong.

Also, fastiis and fast-uk are official organizations meant to deal with piracy and illegal sales, so thats not really that much of joke.

But you and the other people are right, you can't stop developing because of some guys. This world is an imperfect world. There are always going to be assholes creating problems, you can't help it. You make it freeware, this is whats going to happen, you make it payware and they crack it.

But all I'm saying is, that the least we can do is report the website to their hosts and the previously mentiones website with all the info provided.

If we can make iphonethemeforppc give in(which is, if what you're saying is true, that they only provide the link now), why can't we make others???

Akshay
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ExiMoR:
Hacker, is there hacker???

I've a plan for him....

Please A_C don't stop!!!!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] walla:
Yes, it's a tragic. But unless there is a law stopping them, the sellers won't stop selling.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] DiamantNoir:
Bunch of stupid a**holes, if i could do it, i will shut down their website or hack em or worst...
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Nagrom Nniuq:
Just bombard them with emails!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] TheChampJT:
Bingo! I say everyone email these people, should be enough to get these people going!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] vishaal:
Seriously! This is a joke!

AC, I am a huge fan of your work too mate... as is my atom life :) Thank you so much. I too would buy a licence from you if you were to commercialize the s2 series... I know your in bit of a pickle but I wish you all the best.

Once again, thank you for all your hard work, time and effort to date. Quite frankly I am appalled at the responses you have received from the above mentioned site owners... pure stupidity and greed! :mad:
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] quicksite:
iphonethemeforppc.com ARE TOTAL SCAM ARTISTS

A_C --- The people at iphonethemeforPPC are total RIP-OFFS and have cheated people here in this community, as well as across the web.

I posted about them in June 2008 here, but I was total newb then and just didn't get to the point. They misrepresent what they state on their site, made it sound like it was a simple one-step package, when instead it was simply a list of instructions of how to assemble an iphone-like interface comprised of "other people's hard work". And they failed to disclose that key pieces of their "app" were trialware that expires in 14 days.

Wrote to them over and over. Never one reply. Eventually, after complaining to PayPal, even PayPal could do nothing about those scammers, but PayPal credited me the $10. ... I would love to see iphonethemeforPPC shamed or shut down or both.

Also, these guys routinely ADVERTISE here on this site (ad-word ads), so they are compound sleaze-bags: They steal from here, misrepresent the works on their site, then they advertise here as well, trying to hook newbie people like me who (initially) are so overwhelmed by these forums and how to assemble component apps and themes that we're willing to pay $10 to have something we think will be instantly-reliable.

After that experience, I began donating $50 or more to developers here -- to support the tremendous value I gain here. It kills me to see them rip you off, since you are one of the most innovative application developers here. Unfortunately, it is hard to stop assholes like iphonethemeforPPC.com -- there will always be lowlife leeches like them.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] FunBoy26:
Hi A_C!

Like all the other people here i love your work! I use S2P daily on my TD! I find its the greatest music player for WM devices!

I want to say thank you for your hard work!

And i have to say that it makes me real sad that this great apps now going death!

Only because some real stupid f****** people want to make money with the hardwork of somebodey who want to give it to all people for free!!

But i can understand you!

But A_C you have done a great work and please don´t let it die!!

Maybe a splash screen is good idea to prevent your work??

Hope to see you back here!

Regards
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] zanger:
iPhone Theme Packs

I just went to the website link in the first post, and I looked at the site for mentions of S2 apps. Here is what I found:

"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."

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

So, A_C would you continue to develop apps if there was a thread that concentrated on finding the websites that sold your programs. Everybody could contact the site saying that they want the S2 apps taken out so that they will continually be developed. I think that a license is not the way to go, as I don't have a lot of money. I really want to see the full potential of your apps when they are finished.

Everybody quote this post if you agree.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] shoey-n:
I just looked on the site as well and it says this ^^^^^

so please could you continue with your development because I'm a big fan of your programs and would hate to see them get discontinued over a stupid site
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Grondinm:
first off it's not just one site(and even the one site you mention still has it in it's members area once you purchase theire package so they only took it off the main page(see rest of thread))...a few sites are doing it(read the entire thread) and it's not just s2u2 it's all the s2 app(s2u2,s2p,s2v) I'm not sure if a_c will ever continue developing these great apps. the only way i think this will happen is either the site in question will remove the content and no new sites will be found or 2 a_c will start charging for a license for the s2 apps...which i can't really see happening but we should all be ready for this to happen(i know i am and am fully willing to purchase one for each of them) as he was ripped once and wont want this to happen again.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] egzthunder1:
Unfortunately, I don't think you guys are seeing what A_C is doing here. He is pissed at everyone who sells his work, not just one or two sites. The truth of the matter is that if you go to eBay, you will see countless people selling either the app or the "info" on how to get it.

The reply from the site owner to A_C's demands has been posted a lot in this thread. So, doing a copy and paste of the site's policy for S2U2 into this thread isn't gonna do anything for anyone.

I am as pissed about this as all of you, but it is truly up to A_C to find a way to protect his software from this kind of BS.

Besides, I highly doubt that A_C has stopped developing his apps. I believe that he is just not releasing them to the public. But he will, once he finds the solution to his problem. So, I suggest that instead of moaning about us to having an update for S2..., I suggest that we put our heads together and try to come up with a solution to help him so that he can release them...

Helping each other out. This has been the long standing commitment of XDA-Devs (at least for as long as I have been a member)... and I have been around for a while :D
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] quicksite:
The Solution-path is clear: A consolidated, targeted discussion thread

Well that's exactly right.

So, given this issue of ripping off work developed here at XDA extends way beyond A_C as well, I would like to see the Senior Members of XDA create a DEDICATED THREAD, highly visible & easy to find within the Forum Structure of this site, and propose a list of various methods by which

(a) The community can help police these practices -- with definite and clear policy procedures, including a uniform set of action-steps one would take against any site found to be selling XDA-developer apps. Hit & miss doesn't work. The smart minds here can and should come up with a BEST PRACTICES model for "what to do when a user here finds XDA software being sold anywhere on the web, in conflict with the authors intents"

(b) the offending sites be SCREENED OUT from being able to advertise on this site, and principally this means iphonethemeforppc.com -- as they are one of the many guilty parties. It makes no sense at all for this site to generate ad revenue from such assholes -- as it is counter-productive to the rules of this site.

(c) brainstorm ways that software can be released here in ways that respect authors' intentions to give away their software without licensing it, including methods that help designate the software as Donationware, etc.

What strikes me is that this is a very well-known problem, but the steps to combat it or solve it are all fly-by-night and uncoordinated. It's clear that the mindsets that can author superb software here can also work through the 101 "if-then" sequences that comprise this problem. And provide/suggest at least ONE solution, if not 5 recommended solutions for how various authors might consider releasing their work.

To me, anything less than this is just a bunch of BS postings, every couple of months on this site. If the problem is to be harnessed and solved, it is fairly easy to channel that solution-path into ONE DEDICATED THREAD designed to act on this issue, vs the noble but useless "that sucks, man!" comments.

Does anyone here agree?
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] :
Can't we get their paypal account suspended for this? I wrote a letter to paypal.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] zanger:
Another Possiable Solution

What if A_C were to put all his apps together, and add a home screen, that would be better than any of those skins available for purchase. He could do a home screen (today screen), put his apps on it, and allow users to place shortcuts. C-Launch doesn't have the sliding menu, and everything out there you have to buy a license. It would beat everything out there. In the future, if this happened, there could be calculators, dialers, etc. Wouldn't that be cool. It would also maybe be easier to track since it is one program instead of 3.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Menneisyys:
can anyone compile a list of all these sites? I plan to publish a PPCMag blog entry, crossposted to all (!) WinMo forums, with the title "beware of these rip-off pages!" or something like that. The additional negative exposure may help in getting rid of these idiots.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] AGY:
To: A_C and all the members of XDA community

Unfortunately this type of parasites will continue selling these free “Great” programs until we “all” as a community take some action to stop them! We all feel bad but we don’t do so much about it. So this is what I propose is:

To donate some money to A_C (and any other developer in XDA) to file for the copyrights of their applications. The cost of filing is not high around $300 bucks. I offer to help to prepare the application if we decide to go ahead with it. I am not sure as to where should be file (my suggestion will be the US) however it could be file anywhere else.

Once the application is filed, you can (if decide) send formal letters of cease and desist to all these suckers to stop any activity related to your program or else they will face a lawsuit for infringement on protected copyrights.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] zanger:
I think that is a good idea. I think that if there is an infringement, you can sue for money, good income for A_C. All it takes is one lawsuit, then nobody will sell them for the fear of getting sued. I will help compile a list. On eBay, a lot of people sell A_C's apps.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Menneisyys:
Great idea! Please PM me when the list / further steps are ready so that I can give it some more publicity.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] zanger:
Ill start a thread looking for where S2 apps are being sold tomorrow, and AGY can start a thread for getting the copyright.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] uniqueboy:
Maybe you could put a sticky up which would be a place where all XDA members who find links to instances of developers being exploited could be posted, I think we would get a much more comprehensive list. :)
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] zanger:
A thread that may contain a solution.

I will start a list here. Post sites that sell it there.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=426576
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] ZzFDKzZ:
Someone hack their sites!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] strikeone:
sorry to hear that A_C. your software is simply amazing. Both S2 apps are still in use today.

thanks.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] zanger:
Here is another site that sells A_C apps:

http://www.aaronjosiah.com/iphone/
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] asmanthebell:
i have just sent him a tasty email .
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] meehaa:
S2U2

http://www.gigabitsoftware.com/demo.php

what about this guy, there is a screen shot of S2U2
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] PDAPhoneJunkie:
aaronjosiah.com/iphone is my website I was only SELLING the WA/WAD Theme I MADE and NOT ANY of A_C's apps. I really love A_C's work and I respect him. He has done a great job with all the S2 series. I did not include his apps in my zip package. I just put it on my page of software that you could use it to have cool iPhone interface. However to respect A_C I've taken out of my screen shots and off the page. I sent e-mails to all these other guys who have been packaging the software into their pakages telling them that it's not cool to be selling A_C's work and reported them in PayPal. We were discussing this matter at ppcgeeks thhe first day this came out. Please guys don't just assume everyone is selling it. I wasen't but I'm not going to hold it against anyone because there's been a load of idiots selling it and you can't always tell right from the start that they're not selling it. Take care everyone and A_C I hope you can start developing soon without the idiots selling off your work. And I will be posting at that thread any sites I see selling his work. Peace.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] zanger:
This may be another site.

http://www.iphonethemeforpocketpc.com/features.php

Look at the screens shot.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] PDAPhoneJunkie:
I reported him and myiphonetheme.com and iphonethemeforppc.com
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] SkillzLaPoop:
Thats funny PDAPhoneJunkie, your in here talking crap like everyone is so bad and your no better. You as well had screenshots of S2U2 for your theme and if im not mistaken you also had the S2U2 apps for download.

Here is a google cache of your site BEFORE this thread:

http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:XAww5qcxxxQJ:www.aaronjosiah.com/iphone/+aaronjosiah.com/iphone&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us

How do you explain that? Sounds to me like your a hypocrite.

I myself think we should add in this website : www.aaronjosiah.com/iphone/ and should be included in the list. It is hosted by x10hosting.com. I will be reporting them as well to paypal tonight.

Here is the info for this website owner:

http://who.godaddy.com/WhoIs.aspx?domain=aaronjosiah.com&prog_id=godaddy

Im adding this site to my list as well. Everyone should report them as well.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Sian:
I'm involved in some IP related work at my current job. From what I know, copyright requires no filing (in most countries) in order to obtain legal protection. It is automatically given. The tough part is to prove that it's yours and it's done before whoever making a claim to it.

It is also not easy to take legal action against some one / company who/which does not reside in your country. Normally you would need assistance (law firm / special body etc) from that country to take the action.

I believe the cyber community can do something on our own. While we can't stop people from riding on someone's creation, we can stop people from buying something which meant to be free (or donation-based). Think if each and everyone of us help to alert our local (various country) community, it will help.

Sian
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] PDAPhoneJunkie:
Hello All, I was not selling it. I had it in my screenshots cause I use it on my deivce but not in my pack. I showed it on my website only and did not sell it. I removed all stuff from A_C from my website. Thanks.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] zhw410:
Oh,no,very BAD news!

I'm like your S2 app very much,But We'll support you!:mad:
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Caferacer:
Luckily since A_C has coded everything well enough we aren't left with unusable programs to ANY extent.

Thank you A_C, you have given me a reason to love my WinMO phone. My first download here at XDA was I think you .5v of S2U2.

Best of luck to you.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] gpmoo7:
There is no more screenshot or download on www.iphonethemeforppc.com now.

Just that :

Is that enough ?
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] AkshayGenius:
Yea, I guess everyone is slowly giving in, that includes PDAPhoneJunkie and iphonethemeforppc as well! Thats great!

Only iphonethemeforpocketpc left, thats ok, we'll 'em as well but till then isnt that enough?
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] AGY:
Your comment is correct defending IP is not easy it’s a very technical issue and could be expensive. However registering your IP is always a good thing to have.

If the community can stop this people by complaining on their site and get a good response it will be great.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] AGY:
Zanger;

I do appreciate your entusiasm however before doing anything A_C will have to agreed on. he will also have to disclose to somebody his program with great detail in order to prepare the application. until that happend I see no point in starting the thread.

AGY
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] A_C:
@ALL

I must say thanks all for your support & feedback. I'll think seriously about every suggestion you've posted here but I have not made up my mind yet. So please forgive me for the lack of update of any S2 apps in the near future.

Take care... I'll be back...
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] syrguy1969:
That is all we can ask of you! Good luck with whatever choice you make, you quite obviously have our full backing and support!!

We look forward to you coming back ASAP as both a developer and as a fellow member of XDA!!!
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] mreaglejr:
maybe it's a stoopid idea, but what if you put a "NOT FOR SELL" alert into the code somehow? and it would write that when you try to install or sth..
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] uniqueboy:
You know A_C, with your skills you could even move on to something new and even more amazing and maybe even commercial, you've given the world enough you deserve some payback. I hope a great idea is growing in you as I type, there is a killer app waiting to be born and you should be it's mother! :)
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] syrguy1969:
You are absolutly 100% correct, but mannnnnnn I was hoping A_C would make these 800w compatible eventually LOL!!!!

Seriously though....I have looked forward to the 800w since it was still a rumor, and these S2 apps not being compatible are actually making me second guess that device.....THAT is how much I LOVE these apps!!!!! :D
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] jtoyz2:
I Love your apps there are great full customize and everything its ashame that people like that taking your good work and making money out of it...hope to see u back soon
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Dishe:
http://mobile-enthusiast.blogspot.com/2008/09/for-sake-of-development-stop-stealing.html

Helping spread the word...
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] LoriInWa:
I sent them an email sharing my disgust at their blatant theft of your work and I intend to post on every ppc forum I belong to that this company should be boycotted for stealing your work and selling it.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] TheChampJT:
PLEASE READ!!!!

This may not be a big impact, but here's an idea....

What if we sent one email to these websites, attached with some sort of petition to remove the S2* suite from "their" package. It may not sound like much, but think of the number of users that are willing to sign this. On top of the long list of users, we would be sure to persuade as many users as possible NOT to purchase from these sites.

We could ALL have a small part in our sig saying who NOT to buy from, I think it would be a nice tribute to all of our great developers here and could possibly have a great impact.

Think of how many juniors come here asking how to install these types of themes.......
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] jiggawho:
A_C, I dig your S2U2 software. I really appreciate your effort in ensuring that we Windows Mobile users have free, feature-rich, and stable applications for use. I really hope that you'll reconsider.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] frankie_t:
Thanks A_C, you make our PDA "live", thank you for your great affort, I hope we can see you wonderful and creative application again . ^_^ Don't be frustrate.
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Shusha:
A_C. BIG thank you. (this is what i know in english :0) )
[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] Mr_Gee:
I second that,

If you decide to continue development, maybe it's an idea to include apptodate support, this way you can update the already installed versions,

sadly this wouldn't do anything for the < v0.50 installs

(let me know if you need help with apptodate support, also I'll be happy to host the files for you)

next show a disclamer every time the application starts*

"this application is free, if you paid for it demand your money back

this and more free applications can be found on xda-developers.com"

(maybe even bold some words, so you don't need to read them all to get the gist of the message)

Sadly it is always possible that people are selling other people's applications,

and I'm not sure if anything can be done about it..

a DDOS would kick these guys from the internet and is fun, but other sites located on that server would also suffer

If i had to choose i'd go with a mass mailer or sign him up to a couple of spam sites, that way he can no longer run his so called "business"

*this ensures it is shown, All the S2x applications need to be run once,

after that the user just needs to be sure its send to the background or

they'll have to view the notification again.

it shouldn't be annoying to the end user, of course I'm speaking for myself

but i'm sure that the rest of the people on this forum wouldn't mind this if it meant further development of your applications.