by Felix/FFDS » Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:02 am
Any reputable site cannot condone improper and illegal use of software, and software piracy. Regardless that there are frequent visitors from established software providers, and who those providers are, Simviation, or any reputable flightsim community site should not create an atmosphere where improper use/trading, etc. of content and software, *whether payware, shareware, or freeware* is condoned.
Commercial software, obviously.
But, for example, freeware? Some developers have quit the hobby because their content has been placed in sites other than those they have specified. This is difficult for a site to control, but Simviation takes action when a developer sends an e-mail to the effect that such and such a file has been uploaded a)without his permission, and/or b) containing modifications beyond the developers control. It can be something as simple as uploading a repaint with the complete model, when the developer has indicated that only the textures can be uploaded, not the model (basically, in this case the developer wants to keep control of the actual package/flight dynamics, panels, etc.)
It is the established policy of Simviation not to condone software piracy, *not because Microsoft/ACES are now frequently visiting*, but because it is the right thing to do.
Felix/FFDS