Question of morality...

CoderzF1

Let us say that you wrote an app, that happens to contain ads, for Android or some other OS. Also, you are the sole developer and tend to take a little longer that you thought you would for updates or adding new features. Some of the users get impatient on waiting for you to update, and decompiles your app to make their own changes to it, thus removing said ads and possibly breaking the app in unknown ways. They also decide to share their version with others. What would you do? Would you slap a lawsuit on them or just let them do it? Keep in mind, this is not an Open Source app.

CLWPROGRAMMER

BillWoodruff

First, why would you write an app containing ads ?

«One day it will have to be officially admitted that what we have christened reality is an even greater illusion than the world of dreams.» Salvador Dali

Greg Utas

Presumably to annoy people into paying. See Yahoo! Mail. X|

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Greg Utas

It's a copyright violation. Whoever did it is being unethical, so a lawsuit would not be immoral. However, I'd try to get them to take down the pirated version first, although this may prove difficult given that it's already been shared.

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CoderzF1

There is a way to remove the ads. Lets say that to remove ads, it is a $.99 per month subscription. You do this, so you can get up enough revenue to be able to possibly hire other developers for quicker updates.

CLWPROGRAMMER

jeron1

Unless that app was the source of a substantial portion of my income, I might consider letting it go. Once lawyers get involved nobody wins (except the lawyers of course). But sometimes the threat of a lawsuit gets the job done. your case is made more difficult due to the app being shared with an unknown number of people.

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Lost User

clwprogrammer wrote:

What would you do?

I think that you can write your own cease-and-desist letter and send it via a carrier that provides 'proof of delivery' (photograph of signature). You can then use the signature in the courts if you ever needed it. You should probably ask a lawyer for legal advice.

DerekT P

This, but it slightly depends on the EULA you have with your application, plus any copyright notice. Generally speaking, an informal approach is generally your best bet initially; explain that your business depends on income from your software and when people copy it you are directly impacted. If they deny everything just mention your evidence, again in a not accusing way. If they still appear to be non-compliant, then a more formal cease-and-desist letter with POD as above. Escalate to a solicitor's letter, which won't cost much and simply mentions legal action. Actually going to court is expensive, stressful and can damage your reputation so avoid unless you think you'll (a) win and (b) at least get your costs back!

CoderzF1

Here is the thing. The app isn't mine. The developers of said app are located in Korea. I am unsure as to their laws pertaining copyright stuff. There were some users that de-compiled their app, thus removing the ads. There were only 3 developers for the app and this was the source of their income. They have had to cut back on updates due to lack of funds, so are having to take on other projects. A group of us have tried defending the developers, but it hasn't been doing much good as the Developers aren't exactly in contact with us.

CLWPROGRAMMER

BillWoodruff

Now ... you tell us ! If the app has been cracked, modified, and the pirates got a hold of it ... game over.

«One day it will have to be officially admitted that what we have christened reality is an even greater illusion than the world of dreams.» Salvador Dali

Slacker007

how is going after a criminal, immoral? Why are we even having this conversation. CAUTION: The coffee in this cup is extremely hot!

Lost User

So none of your business then.

Marc Clifton

You're asking several questions of morality. Is it moral to add ads? Is it moral to not maintain the app? Is it moral to decompile someone else's work? Is it moral to decompile someone else's app because they fail to update it? Is it moral to post that new version of the app? Oh, the tangled apps we write. Oops, did I just violated copyright? ;)

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BillWoodruff wrote:

First, why would you write an app containing ads ?

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Lost User

The only way to "fight" it (without deep pockets) is more releases with desirable features. Carrots versus sticks. I originally thought of a single "Anthology" edition; instead, I'm on my 5th app (of an implied series). Divide and conquer.

It was only in wine that he laid down no limit for himself, but he did not allow himself to be confused by it. ― Confucian Analects: Rules of Confucius about his food

Nelek

Gerry Schmitz wrote:

The only way to "fight" it (without deep pockets) is more releases with desirable features. Carrots versus sticks.

And with a bit of protection agains decompiling?

M.D.V. ;) If something has a solution... Why do we have to worry about?. If it has no solution... For what reason do we have to worry about? Help me to understand what I'm saying, and I'll explain it better to you Rating helpful answers is nice, but saying thanks can be even nicer.