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Difference of opinion...
Authored by: VicF on Jan 05, '03 12:25:31PM

In my opinion, this would be a legitimate difference of opinion if, when one downloads MaxMenus, they are explicitly told up front that the software includes spyware that sends identifying information to the developer in the event that an inappropriate serial number is entered. Then I as a software user have the option of downloading the software on that basis. Does MaxMenus include such a warning? If not, why not? That warning would actually prevent people from using the inappropriate serial number, which is the only laudable objective that the developer should have. On the other hand, explicitly concealing that the software includes spyware serves the additional goal of 'busting' people that use an illegal serial. THAT's the difference between "protecting ones interest" (warning users, so that the illegal serial is never used in the first place) and "vigilante-ism" (busting them).

FWIW, I downloaded and tried MaxMenus (without the knowledge that it included spyware). I liked it. It's even worth $20. But promoting further encroachment of software users' rights is not worth any price. I've therefore deleted the offending (and offensive) program from my hard drive.



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