I have HAD it with BSA / Microsoft
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> How did this whole mess start? Did you do something to someone? Not as far as I am aware. However SEVERAL people I know of in this area have received the same type of letter. Seems to me like a thinly veiled extortion campaign... I have actually contacted a journalist at the local newspaper here (Seattle Times), although I doubt they would write a story about it, but it sure would be nice if they did.
Chris Hansson wrote: I have actually contacted a journalist at the local newspaper here (Seattle Times), Since you say you know several people who have gone through the same thing, you could maybe tell the reporter about them, with their consent of course. If the reporter sees that the thing is becoming more and more common, the paper might get interested. Try top find a new angle for them, which they might think would interest their readers. That's what is important to them. Will other readers find it interesting? They don't care if it is actually important or not. I remember the time when about two and a half years back our company started getting phone calls from the authorities about how our company uses pirated software, and our office was going to be raided if we don't buy all legal software before a specified date. We weren't using any, so we were puzzled as hell. Turned out it was a former disgruntled employee who had been fired earlier because of his bad attitude and bad quality work. He was the one who had "informed" the authorities about us. The matter was sorted out soon, though we didn't take any legal action against him, because we didn't have anything which could stand in a court. Are you sure nothing of this sort has happened to you? Do the people there find it easy to complain against other people of piracy if they want to settle a few scores with them?
Regards,Rohit Sinha
Character is like a tree, and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.
- Abraham LincolnThe whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going.
- Anonymous -
Ok, this is it. If there is one thing in this world I hate it is a BULLY!! I received letters from the BSA and Microsoft with thinly veiled threats (since I am taking legal action against them for this, my attorney tells me I cannot post their content), saying that someone had reported the my company has pirated software. Funny thing is, I do NOT have a freaking company (i.e no business license), I do my work as an independant contractor or through consulting companies. NOR is their a single piece of pirated software on any of my computers. I *had* (notice HAD) legal copies of Windows 2000 AS, Exchange 2000, Office XP Developer and Visual Studio .NET.... As for 4 hours ago, I donated every single one (along with reciepts) to a local charity, and now I do not have a single piece of Microsoft software on ANY of my computers. Yes, I think the technology from Microsoft is quiet frankly superior to that of what I am now using (Linux), but I am making a stance against such bully tactics, that makes me start to think of the Mafia. Microsoft is turning into its own worst enemy. I am rewriting the application I was about to release, that was written in C# into either C++ with WxWindows or Java (depends on how my perfomance tests for JDK 1.4.1 comes out), and will NOT develop ANYTHING for Microsoft that I release myself (if a client wants me to do Microsoft, then I will), or atleast not until I get a public apology from Microsoft (yea , and cows might fly). Guess Microsoft has totally forgotten that they grew up and become successful through the small independent developer and is now doing everything they can to irritate them, or to prevent them from being successful (the LUDICRIOUS prices on Visual Studio or Windows 2000 AS are good examples), Ok, so not that posting this is going to do any differance, but I just had to vent (and yes I will keep reading CodeProject, it is far to amusing and valuable not to). GOODBYE MICROSOFT, DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ARSE ON THE WAY OUT! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: /CMH
While I comiserate with your situation I do hope that you are independantly wealthy because I don't see how you are gonna make a living in programming on a contract basis without MS and their tools. I know I couldn't. My company had a little tussle with another large company ( ISO ) a few years ago and in the end it was just a misunderstanding and mnisinformation. As far as getting a public apology from ANY company of any size - fergetaboutit. You are notr even a speed bump on their happy highway. Richard I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones. Albert Einstein
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Ok, this is it. If there is one thing in this world I hate it is a BULLY!! I received letters from the BSA and Microsoft with thinly veiled threats (since I am taking legal action against them for this, my attorney tells me I cannot post their content), saying that someone had reported the my company has pirated software. Funny thing is, I do NOT have a freaking company (i.e no business license), I do my work as an independant contractor or through consulting companies. NOR is their a single piece of pirated software on any of my computers. I *had* (notice HAD) legal copies of Windows 2000 AS, Exchange 2000, Office XP Developer and Visual Studio .NET.... As for 4 hours ago, I donated every single one (along with reciepts) to a local charity, and now I do not have a single piece of Microsoft software on ANY of my computers. Yes, I think the technology from Microsoft is quiet frankly superior to that of what I am now using (Linux), but I am making a stance against such bully tactics, that makes me start to think of the Mafia. Microsoft is turning into its own worst enemy. I am rewriting the application I was about to release, that was written in C# into either C++ with WxWindows or Java (depends on how my perfomance tests for JDK 1.4.1 comes out), and will NOT develop ANYTHING for Microsoft that I release myself (if a client wants me to do Microsoft, then I will), or atleast not until I get a public apology from Microsoft (yea , and cows might fly). Guess Microsoft has totally forgotten that they grew up and become successful through the small independent developer and is now doing everything they can to irritate them, or to prevent them from being successful (the LUDICRIOUS prices on Visual Studio or Windows 2000 AS are good examples), Ok, so not that posting this is going to do any differance, but I just had to vent (and yes I will keep reading CodeProject, it is far to amusing and valuable not to). GOODBYE MICROSOFT, DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ARSE ON THE WAY OUT! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: /CMH
It's pretty easy for someone to make annonymous accusations. Here there is some form of bounty paid by the BSA if they can get a conviction, so a few idiots turn informers. Having saying that, I had a mega-financial institution give me pirated MS software once for a project. I told them that if they didn't register the software they wanted me to work with I'd tell the BSA. They promptly found someone else for the project. "And I didn't bother ratting to the BSA" Regardz Colin J Davies
Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin
I'm guessing the concept of a 2 hour movie showing two guys eating a meal and talking struck them as 'foreign' Rob Manderson wrote:
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hey i can understand u being angry or annoyed about being accused of something u didnt do but it is possible they made an honest mistake or were tipped off by someone with a grudge against u maybe u should take some time and let the dust settle b4 making any rash decisions that have future implications good luck
This is actually the way BSA and Microsoft are behaving in this country according to stories I've heard and read, sad to say. They make an unfounded accusation (based perhaps on whim, or a phone call from an unhappy employee or customer) and hit companies with a barrage of letters demanding proof and audits. Small companies often can't afford to comply with their unreasonable demands, and have to cave in and buy all new licenses for products they bought legitimately but failed to track properly. Most individual developers probably fall in that same category. I don't have a single piece of unlicensed software in the house, but I'd be really hard pressed to prove it, and the effort required to do so would make me drop MS in a heartbeat. The best option in such a case is to dump all Microsoft products and make sure that everyone in sight knows why. Nobody wants to read a diary by someone who has not seen the shadow of Bubba on the prison shower wall in front of them!
Paul Watson, on BLOGS and privacy - 1/16/2003 -
> How did this whole mess start? Did you do something to someone? Not as far as I am aware. However SEVERAL people I know of in this area have received the same type of letter. Seems to me like a thinly veiled extortion campaign... I have actually contacted a journalist at the local newspaper here (Seattle Times), although I doubt they would write a story about it, but it sure would be nice if they did.
About two years ago they did a 'sweep' on the Southwest, focusing on the Phoenix area. It's outright extortion, and their claims seriously damaged several companies according to articles I've read, but it's really hard to prove malicious intent. There is, after all, a huge amount of piracy going on, so it's easy to make a case that their extortion is based upon a reasonable expectation of finding some unlicensed software on some of the machines owned by any company. The goal is honorable, but their methods are not. Far more effective than a newspaper campaign would be an outright boycott of their products. There are plenty of perfectly usable products out there that can accomplish the same objectives at a lower cost, but the learning curve is likely to be steep. If your company can afford training more easily than succumbing to threats, that might be a viable solution. Nobody wants to read a diary by someone who has not seen the shadow of Bubba on the prison shower wall in front of them!
Paul Watson, on BLOGS and privacy - 1/16/2003 -
It's pretty easy for someone to make annonymous accusations. Here there is some form of bounty paid by the BSA if they can get a conviction, so a few idiots turn informers. Having saying that, I had a mega-financial institution give me pirated MS software once for a project. I told them that if they didn't register the software they wanted me to work with I'd tell the BSA. They promptly found someone else for the project. "And I didn't bother ratting to the BSA" Regardz Colin J Davies
Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin
I'm guessing the concept of a 2 hour movie showing two guys eating a meal and talking struck them as 'foreign' Rob Manderson wrote:
Colin Davies wrote: "And I didn't bother ratting to the BSA" Bravo!:-D Nobody wants to read a diary by someone who has not seen the shadow of Bubba on the prison shower wall in front of them!
Paul Watson, on BLOGS and privacy - 1/16/2003 -
Ok, this is it. If there is one thing in this world I hate it is a BULLY!! I received letters from the BSA and Microsoft with thinly veiled threats (since I am taking legal action against them for this, my attorney tells me I cannot post their content), saying that someone had reported the my company has pirated software. Funny thing is, I do NOT have a freaking company (i.e no business license), I do my work as an independant contractor or through consulting companies. NOR is their a single piece of pirated software on any of my computers. I *had* (notice HAD) legal copies of Windows 2000 AS, Exchange 2000, Office XP Developer and Visual Studio .NET.... As for 4 hours ago, I donated every single one (along with reciepts) to a local charity, and now I do not have a single piece of Microsoft software on ANY of my computers. Yes, I think the technology from Microsoft is quiet frankly superior to that of what I am now using (Linux), but I am making a stance against such bully tactics, that makes me start to think of the Mafia. Microsoft is turning into its own worst enemy. I am rewriting the application I was about to release, that was written in C# into either C++ with WxWindows or Java (depends on how my perfomance tests for JDK 1.4.1 comes out), and will NOT develop ANYTHING for Microsoft that I release myself (if a client wants me to do Microsoft, then I will), or atleast not until I get a public apology from Microsoft (yea , and cows might fly). Guess Microsoft has totally forgotten that they grew up and become successful through the small independent developer and is now doing everything they can to irritate them, or to prevent them from being successful (the LUDICRIOUS prices on Visual Studio or Windows 2000 AS are good examples), Ok, so not that posting this is going to do any differance, but I just had to vent (and yes I will keep reading CodeProject, it is far to amusing and valuable not to). GOODBYE MICROSOFT, DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ARSE ON THE WAY OUT! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: /CMH
BSA is a scum bag. Get it clear : the only way for the BSA to get your attention is to aggressively threaten you. But, and that's the point, they are not credible, since this is only SPAM, actually. BSA is known for randomly treatening companies, and even sometimes individual people : after all, they do what SPAMMERS do : they crawl web sites for email addresses, and then start the (mail and email) bombing. As you read their sheet, you can easily figure out that in fact this a general speech not targeting you at all (most details in their paper fail to commit with you). In addition, BSA is not entitled to anything. Kinda self-promoting company. Get along with it. Here is a name from someone of the BSA : Eric Beaurepaire.
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Ok, this is it. If there is one thing in this world I hate it is a BULLY!! I received letters from the BSA and Microsoft with thinly veiled threats (since I am taking legal action against them for this, my attorney tells me I cannot post their content), saying that someone had reported the my company has pirated software. Funny thing is, I do NOT have a freaking company (i.e no business license), I do my work as an independant contractor or through consulting companies. NOR is their a single piece of pirated software on any of my computers. I *had* (notice HAD) legal copies of Windows 2000 AS, Exchange 2000, Office XP Developer and Visual Studio .NET.... As for 4 hours ago, I donated every single one (along with reciepts) to a local charity, and now I do not have a single piece of Microsoft software on ANY of my computers. Yes, I think the technology from Microsoft is quiet frankly superior to that of what I am now using (Linux), but I am making a stance against such bully tactics, that makes me start to think of the Mafia. Microsoft is turning into its own worst enemy. I am rewriting the application I was about to release, that was written in C# into either C++ with WxWindows or Java (depends on how my perfomance tests for JDK 1.4.1 comes out), and will NOT develop ANYTHING for Microsoft that I release myself (if a client wants me to do Microsoft, then I will), or atleast not until I get a public apology from Microsoft (yea , and cows might fly). Guess Microsoft has totally forgotten that they grew up and become successful through the small independent developer and is now doing everything they can to irritate them, or to prevent them from being successful (the LUDICRIOUS prices on Visual Studio or Windows 2000 AS are good examples), Ok, so not that posting this is going to do any differance, but I just had to vent (and yes I will keep reading CodeProject, it is far to amusing and valuable not to). GOODBYE MICROSOFT, DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ARSE ON THE WAY OUT! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: /CMH
Ok. Fair enough. Your angry. But somebody seems to have reported that you do have illegal software on your machine. As far as I can see if this is the case then they are not being bullies. Did anybody actually contact you or check out your machine or or anything like that??? They could just be making an honest mistake. Regards, Brian Dela :-)
Run naked in the snow until you're sweating like a stuck pig and can't seem to catch your breath. When the flu becomes pneumonia, they can cure that with a shot. - Roger Wright -
> maybe u should take some time and let the dust settle b4 making any rash decisions that have future implications Probably should have, but I am just tired of bullies, no matter where they are, from the school yard all the way to the mega corporations, they are all the same. Besides, I just donated the whole bundle (all of my Micro$oft software) to the local community college (who were very happy to get them). I'll use Microsoft for my own use and development when they stop acting like a schoolyard bully.
Chris Hansson wrote: I'll use Microsoft for my own use and development when they stop acting like a schoolyard bully. Ok. I agree with Lauren. MS aren't out to get you... If you were reported they they obviously will follow it up. It's not their fault that you were reported or maybe it was a genuine mistake. Regards, Brian Dela :-)
Run naked in the snow until you're sweating like a stuck pig and can't seem to catch your breath. When the flu becomes pneumonia, they can cure that with a shot. - Roger Wright -
Ok, this is it. If there is one thing in this world I hate it is a BULLY!! I received letters from the BSA and Microsoft with thinly veiled threats (since I am taking legal action against them for this, my attorney tells me I cannot post their content), saying that someone had reported the my company has pirated software. Funny thing is, I do NOT have a freaking company (i.e no business license), I do my work as an independant contractor or through consulting companies. NOR is their a single piece of pirated software on any of my computers. I *had* (notice HAD) legal copies of Windows 2000 AS, Exchange 2000, Office XP Developer and Visual Studio .NET.... As for 4 hours ago, I donated every single one (along with reciepts) to a local charity, and now I do not have a single piece of Microsoft software on ANY of my computers. Yes, I think the technology from Microsoft is quiet frankly superior to that of what I am now using (Linux), but I am making a stance against such bully tactics, that makes me start to think of the Mafia. Microsoft is turning into its own worst enemy. I am rewriting the application I was about to release, that was written in C# into either C++ with WxWindows or Java (depends on how my perfomance tests for JDK 1.4.1 comes out), and will NOT develop ANYTHING for Microsoft that I release myself (if a client wants me to do Microsoft, then I will), or atleast not until I get a public apology from Microsoft (yea , and cows might fly). Guess Microsoft has totally forgotten that they grew up and become successful through the small independent developer and is now doing everything they can to irritate them, or to prevent them from being successful (the LUDICRIOUS prices on Visual Studio or Windows 2000 AS are good examples), Ok, so not that posting this is going to do any differance, but I just had to vent (and yes I will keep reading CodeProject, it is far to amusing and valuable not to). GOODBYE MICROSOFT, DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ARSE ON THE WAY OUT! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: /CMH
This is just like a C&D letter. It would be the first letter just to "put the fear of god" into you. If you aren't doing anything wrong, then don't sweat it. Toss the letter in a file and be done with it. Tim Smith I'm going to patent thought. I have yet to see any prior art.
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> maybe u should take some time and let the dust settle b4 making any rash decisions that have future implications Probably should have, but I am just tired of bullies, no matter where they are, from the school yard all the way to the mega corporations, they are all the same. Besides, I just donated the whole bundle (all of my Micro$oft software) to the local community college (who were very happy to get them). I'll use Microsoft for my own use and development when they stop acting like a schoolyard bully.
Sad thing is they only go after people in countries where they know they can go after them. I wonder how many copies of SQL Server 2000 were not licenced in S. Korea when it wiped the internet out country wide. Its one of the main reasons people don't use Linux on the desktop, becuase as far as people who are prepared to pirate software are concerened, Windows is free to, and easier to use.
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Ok, this is it. If there is one thing in this world I hate it is a BULLY!! I received letters from the BSA and Microsoft with thinly veiled threats (since I am taking legal action against them for this, my attorney tells me I cannot post their content), saying that someone had reported the my company has pirated software. Funny thing is, I do NOT have a freaking company (i.e no business license), I do my work as an independant contractor or through consulting companies. NOR is their a single piece of pirated software on any of my computers. I *had* (notice HAD) legal copies of Windows 2000 AS, Exchange 2000, Office XP Developer and Visual Studio .NET.... As for 4 hours ago, I donated every single one (along with reciepts) to a local charity, and now I do not have a single piece of Microsoft software on ANY of my computers. Yes, I think the technology from Microsoft is quiet frankly superior to that of what I am now using (Linux), but I am making a stance against such bully tactics, that makes me start to think of the Mafia. Microsoft is turning into its own worst enemy. I am rewriting the application I was about to release, that was written in C# into either C++ with WxWindows or Java (depends on how my perfomance tests for JDK 1.4.1 comes out), and will NOT develop ANYTHING for Microsoft that I release myself (if a client wants me to do Microsoft, then I will), or atleast not until I get a public apology from Microsoft (yea , and cows might fly). Guess Microsoft has totally forgotten that they grew up and become successful through the small independent developer and is now doing everything they can to irritate them, or to prevent them from being successful (the LUDICRIOUS prices on Visual Studio or Windows 2000 AS are good examples), Ok, so not that posting this is going to do any differance, but I just had to vent (and yes I will keep reading CodeProject, it is far to amusing and valuable not to). GOODBYE MICROSOFT, DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ARSE ON THE WAY OUT! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: /CMH
Back in 1992, someone reported my dad to the Inland revenue for tax evasion. Luckily my dad keeps all his buisines and personal expense records very well. But it took 5 years going back and forth between the Tax man, and even having suprise random inspections at the house which was quite stresful for my parents. They finnaly gave up and admitted that the person who had tipped them of had lied. As it turns out my dad had paid too much tax, and was entitled to a rebate. Last year we found out that it was an ex employee who was sacked becuase they had stolen £20,000 from the company. Should have guessed. At the time my dad had not prosecuted, as the guy had a wife and 2 yound kids. For being leniant, he gave 5 years of misery and time wasted. I would hate to think how much it costed the inland revenue, but its nice to know that the taxes I pay went on such a wasted adventure with no evidence, and probably no background check on the person doing the acusing. The thing is there should be a law agaist false tip-offs, as they can be easily used against people, by their competitors of enemies. :(
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Ok. Fair enough. Your angry. But somebody seems to have reported that you do have illegal software on your machine. As far as I can see if this is the case then they are not being bullies. Did anybody actually contact you or check out your machine or or anything like that??? They could just be making an honest mistake. Regards, Brian Dela :-)
Run naked in the snow until you're sweating like a stuck pig and can't seem to catch your breath. When the flu becomes pneumonia, they can cure that with a shot. - Roger Wrightsomebody seems to have reported that you do have illegal software That is not necessarily true. When the economy started sliding in 2001, Microsoft needed to keep revenue coming in. Their brilliant idea was to send letters threatening legal action against most of their business customers in the U.S., whether or not anything was suspected.