Copyright violations

[minstrel]

I am becoming increasingly angry about the number of sites I am finding who use open source or freeware scripts like phpLD or freeware templates and remove the copyright notice and/or link back to the authors.

This is unethical, immoral, and illegal. If you do this, you are by implication claiming something as your own which you did not create. It is no different than piracy or plagiarism. You are proclaiming to the rest of the world that you are a cheap cheating bottom feeder.

I just found another one this morning and now I'm angry enough to suggest that we start publicly denouncing the people who do this.

Here's the one I discovered today:

site: http://www.abc.md/
contact: "Sergey" #####@gmail.com

My suggestion is that we add to this list as we find these sites. Maybe we can embarrass these thieves into acknowledging the people that put hard work into creating software they can use without having to purchase.

[Bill]

Wow-

powered by BestDomain.org

How is it powered by them when they didnt make the script. :roll: I find many directories not linking back. I believe in the read me that came with phpLD, it said something like you cant get support if you dont back link. I think that is a good policy, we just need to enforce it.

-Bill

[David]

Thanks. I made a post in that thread over at Digital Point.
I'm still at a loss for the right words, but I think the heart of the matter for me is that we have to learn work together to help each other, and we all benefit. People who don't see this are probably going to continue to have problems finding success. :wink:
(at least the type of success that feels good when you have it)

[IGonza]

I don't understand why you don't like this text :

powered by BestDomain.org
Directory script powered by PHP Link Directory .

I understand that script was made by phplinkdirectory. But maybe this company (BestDomain) made several changes in this script. Maybe in admin part, maybe design... If BestDomain company owns this site, why should "Powered by PHP Link Directory" be there? Even if they just changed the color scheme, they did it, not PHP Link Directory. I think it's quite correct to use:
"powered by BestDomain.org
Directory script powered by PHP Link Directory"

[David]

The way it reads currently seems reasonable to me.

[IGonza]

Those are not my sites ;). I'm just interesting why there is so many noise about it. People who give the scripts for free I think can foresee that many people will use the scripts like they want and not like you want.

I know hundred websites those use osCommerce and more than half of them write in the footer " Powered by 'Their Company Name' ". And nobody is in the prison yet ;) .

[David]

Correct, and this why we will be using a different model for 3.0.
Thousands of hours have been put into phpLD, and we are here to service users that are loyal to phpLD first and foremost.

[aryob]

Added a link back to phplinkdirectory on my website. http://www.alifafghan.com

Thanks for the script

[Kevuk2k]

Content visible to registered users only.

The reason why people are making noise is because of the greedy abuse of resources that get picked up for free because they are open source and then the users claim all the credit. You think you are being clever by manipulating the text to say powered by so and so but directory powered by php, but at least you have left the link in that gives this site credit. As for your claim that you may have modified the script does NOT allow you under international law to claim copyright,. The script in its entirety remains the copyright of the phplinksdirectory, and technically you should ask for permission on altering the text in the original script and post a notice advising that the original script has been modified, so that if the modified part messes up it is not attributed to the original script.

To add my pennies worth on your attitide, People like me contribute hard earned cash to see this script getting developed and it is most certainly not my intention to do so for lamers and leachers to use this! You are only going to strenghten the feeling of most people that we should not bother to contribute as people like you are going to benefit for nothing! :twisted:

I'm glad David saw fit to create Version 3 and that makes me along with others maintain support, the second I see abuse by people like you is the second I'm out of here with my money as little as it may be, and I am certain that the most others who contribute will feel the same. Don't expect to get everything for nothing in life, it will come back to haunt you!

This isn't a personal attack on you as you have maintained the link and as David has accepted this I have to follow suit, however you were sending a message to many that you don't appear to give a stuff over copyright and contribution, and you did ask why people are so pissed off with people like you.

Yours

Kevin

[Optimit]

I know this is an old thread, but it is a good topic.

I think that by making any Open Source software and giving it away for free, you just have to accept the fact that many people will take the credit for your work. You can reasonably expect only half of the honest people to keep it there, and almost none of the rest. I think part of what has made Open Source projects thrive is the fact that they actually have many many contibutors.

I'll play Devil's advocate for a minute. It is correct that David, along with his developers have created phpLD. However, how many others have also contributed their time and knowleedge for free? I am guessing quite a lot. I see several people in this forum, and a couple of others, that have contributed. Does that mean the link at the bottom should give credit to them all?

Now we all know who should get the credit for phpLD, and rightfully so. But, if you offer a script like this, paid or free, you have to assume that the selfish people in the world are going to take advantage of an opportunity.

Eventually maybe phpLD can be a secure script that that requires an unlock. Until then, I think all you can do is ask for a linkback, and let it go at that. You can always withhold support, but that's about all.

[Kevuk2k]

Content visible to registered users only.

Nothing is old in here intil the topic has been exhausted...



Content visible to registered users only.

Version 2 is opensource, Version 3 is not, and the very reason for this is because of the facts you point out above.

Content visible to registered users only.

Equally you can reasonably expect the owners of this site to defend their property and can only take so much abuse of privalage.. Again that's why Version 3 and the benefits are now in place..

Content visible to registered users only.

I would hazard a guess that finance-wise I am one of the stronger donators, not because of any other reason than, firstly I am in the fortunate position where I can, but also that I have morals and know that developing the script costs time and money these people don't have. How many adverts do you see on this site?

Content visible to registered users only.

Who should get the credit? The owner, the developers, the financial backers who let it all happen that little quicker?

Content visible to registered users only.

This point is the best you've made and the rest were very good and I never patronise! This script no doubt needs to be protected as egos only pay for that warm fuzzy feeling of doing good, it does not put food on the table! It has to be funded and backers like me and many others will only tolerate so much abuse. David and his team are very clever and know that they have to make small sacrifice in order to achieve the ultimate goal of providing a script that will pay for itself, it means that lamers will try to steal the thunder, but this site has powerful allies and will be protected as and when necessary.

The questions you posed are very much appreciated and the one thing that I personally can say, I don't speak for the forum, that's not my place, This script will not be another 'Has Been'. it will at the very least make a mark on the web where unlike other projects that have come and gone, will leave all the supporters not only with the warm, fuzzy feeling of making something many can benefit but will also allow people to make a living from it.!

Off my soapbox now, hope I have pricked the consciences of at least a few of the lamers who might want to get on board this steamtrain early and benefit sooner. I know you don't mean to throw down the gauntlet and challenge phplinks directory to do as you suggest. Support will always be given to even those who haven't paid, sure, it might be slower but it will always be available. As for Content visible to registered users only. Isn't that all that is asked?

Invitations to donate or rather support has benefits attached that far surpass the small fee asked for! The fact those who contribute get extra benefits is to be expected, or do you think the lamers should get special treatment as well!?

Kev

[Optimit]

I completely agree with you. My comments were meant as objective points of view. I told David about a recent request I had from someone at digital Point. Some tard had the nerve to PM me ask if I would send them a copy of phpld 3.0 It never ceases to amaze me of the disrespect and stupidity of some people.

I too give as much as I can, and I will be a phpld supporter for a very long time.