vbPhotoVote by Mary

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Removed by the Author
till the time that People like Bubble #5
understand what means respection to honesty,
respection to the time that someone spent
for giving them something for free.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Hello Friends,

Reading posts from my other mods, I want to make clear something very important. Yes, this module (as all the others) is supporting. But only in my site and only in the forum bellow:

http://www.madebymary.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=32

Why? The reason is simple. Actually it's a simple calculation. Till now I've post 4 mods, plus 2 that I'll post next week is a total of 6 mods. I'm posting my mods in 4 different sites, plus in my site is a total of 5 sites. A simple calculation gives a result of 30 different forums. If you add PMs in these 5 sites the total grows up to 35 places. Sorry, but:

Being in my 51st year of my age, I don't have the courage to move in so many different places
It's frustating to reply 5 times in the same questions. Believe me, the same question that you ask here, someone else asks in another site


So, I'll appreciate your understanding and follow the link above for support. For those few members, who don't like to move their ass, the only that I can say, is an old Greek saying. "When, in the old years, it was difficult for men to find women for one night stand, some of them, not only wanted to find a woman right now, but they wanted her to have "it" shaved". No more comments.

Cheers
Maria

[Robru]

No files uploaded :)

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

No files uploaded :)

My God !! I still haven't finished my post :(

[Robru]

Hahahaha ;)

[boxingscene]

Love her scripts, but I hate that they are not SEO friendly. Every photo page has the site name in the header, instead of the photo name. Noticed that same thing with the articles mod.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Love her scripts, but I hate that they are not SEO friendly. Every photo page has the site name in the header, instead of the photo name. Noticed that same thing with the articles mod.

I'm developing modules having in mind hobbist communities and not business communities. If you check my site too, I haven't add any meta there. Still using the defaults of vBulletin.

[JermaineBelgard]

Hello,

nice add-on! Is it possible to change the locations? I have no use for US federal states, I'd rather need the german ones.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Hello,

nice add-on! Is it possible to change the locations? I have no use for US federal states, I'd rather need the german ones.

Location is a multi purposes field. You can use it as you want not only for locations. Like a pseudo-subcategory. You can modify the values editing the file:
vbphotovote/includes/vbphotovote_locations.inc.php

If you use it for other than location then edit the word "Location" in phrasegroup vbphotovote.

[JermaineBelgard]

Thank you. :)

[Veer]

Very Nice Module :)

[wizardan]

Installed.
Flawless:)

[Robru]

How to set, users can vote ones ...

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

How to set, users can vote ones ...

All users can vote just once.

[amnesia623]

Just FYI---

I submitted a support ticket on a paid script at maria's site and I received a response in about 30 minutes.

Thanks

[Exitilus]

Is there any problem if I use VBSEO to re-write the links? It won't affect any of your coding :)

[Exitilus]

Also I noticed there isn't any blank index.html files for each folder. This could be a security issue as people can go poking through those directories with full read / write access.

Found something else. For the vbphotovote_myphotos template there is no end tag for <font>

At the same time .. when I view it. The Font (only when viewing My Photos) for the categories gets huge O.o

[Milad]

According to my country's laws, everybody who is offering something for Free (not only software, but anything) has the legal right to know:

So, according to this authorization that my laws gives to me, I've added a piece of code that monitors the installation sending me the following info:

You're in vb.org not in Athena.
And why do you need the webmaster email? by which law?

[Lizard King]

This module has been developed by a Greek developer liable in the laws of Hellenic Republic (mostly known as Greece). According to my country's laws, everybody who is offering something for Free (not only software, but anything) has the legal right to know:

*
Where the software (in this case) is.
*
For what it is using

So, according to this authorization that my laws gives to me, I've added a piece of code that monitors the installation sending me the following info:

1.
Full installation URL
2.
Webmaster's email

In case that you don't agree with the above rule, please DON'T INSTALL vbPhotoVote!!

I just want to ask you a question before i critisize further. Why do you want to know these information ?

[Rich]

Hello,

I thought vb.org addressed this issue before. I was under the assumption that nothing was to be added in regards to tracking, etc. I personally would just remove it if I decided to check this out as I don't see why you need to know where this free mod is being used and what my email address is. (I can understand you want to try and make sure people aren't removing your copyright, but pulling info like this doesn't seem like the way to do it.)

[Exitilus]

Well I know some previous Hacks she released people removed the copyright without approval, as well as some started releasing it on other sites saying they made it.

Personally I have no problem with this.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

You're in vb.org not in Athena.
And why do you need the webmaster email? by which law?

vb.org is a UK site liable to UK and European's communities laws. The same laws applies there. Actually this is an international law. As for the Email in this case replaces the phone nbr.
Finally what's your problem? I'm placing the rules and you can accept or reject them. Commenting them has no sense. Have I pressed you to use it? No. Then keep your big mouth closed.

Maria

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

I just want to ask you a question before i critisize further. Why do you want to know these information ?


For statistic reasons (it's the only way to know the actual installations).
To see how many are honest out there, by not removing my copyright. This will help me to decide if I'll continue offering free modules or not.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Hello,

I personally would just remove it if I decided to check this out.....)

If you remove it, it assumes that you use it illegaly, so please dont try something like this. Finally I was honest saying it straight while it was so easy to keep it secret and place the code in a place that nobody could understand where it is, by breaking it in multiple lines and variables.

[Lizard King]

For statistic reasons (it's the only way to know the actual installations).
To see how many are honest out there, by not removing my copyright. This will help me to decide if I'll continue offering free modules or not.
I don't want to hijack your thread but i don't think that the way you follow is the correct route. As it is 100% sure that you don't trust anyone who wants to install this mod. So why shall people trust you and send you their personal information. vB.org is a special site. So if you release a modification here then you shall trust other people otherwise you can release your modifications at your site. If in past people removed your copyright information , i am really sorry for you but that people will remove the code which transmits the information to you so again you will face problems. I totally respect you to protect your work but i don't trust to a person who doesn't trust me without having any information about me. I will also report this modification and ask it to be removed from site.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

I don't want to hijack your thread but i don't think that the way you follow is the correct route. As it is 100% sure that you don't trust anyone who wants to install this mod. So why shall people trust you and send you their personal information. vB.org is a special site. So if you release a modification here then you shall trust other people otherwise you can release your modifications at your site. If in past people removed your copyright information , i am really sorry for you but that people will remove the code which transmits the information to you so again you will face problems. I totally respect you to protect your work but i don't trust to a person who doesn't trust me without having any information about me. I will also report this modification and ask it to be removed from site.

So, you don't respect that someone was honest with you informing about this "black hole"? Did you prefered to keep it secret and place in 50 different parts of the code un-understandable variables doing the same?

My dear, it's not only the copyright removal. That's the minimum. Next comes that some of them are publishing it as their own mod (usally in local country sites) and a few of them are selling it. There was also one (for vbMates) who was selling it and sent his clients for support in my site!!

My action is not illegal. Posting something for free in a community like vb.org is, is just a donation to this community. And as you, when you're doing a donation you've the right to know where you money went (be careful ...you've the right, not that you're obligue or responsible to know), the same exactly applies here.

It's like the guarantee that comes with any product wordwide. You can read them and then decide if you accept it or not. But you can't change it.

thanks for your understanding
Maria

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

I don't want to hijack your thread but i don't think that the way you follow is the correct route. As it is 100% sure that you don't trust anyone who wants to install this mod. So why shall people trust you and send you their personal information. vB.org is a special site. So if you release a modification here then you shall trust other people otherwise you can release your modifications at your site. If in past people removed your copyright information , i am really sorry for you but that people will remove the code which transmits the information to you so again you will face problems. I totally respect you to protect your work but i don't trust to a person who doesn't trust me without having any information about me. I will also report this modification and ask it to be removed from site.

And because I believe that this is a topic that needs a lot of discussion I want to ask you something very simple. In one of my other free mods (vbArticles) there are at this time 187 dowloads with 121 installations. Can you tell me what the rest 66 members who downloaded the product wanted to do with it if they didn't installed it? Because is diffecult to believe that they downloaded it just because they have free space in their HD.

[Marco van Herwaarden]

According to our rules it is not allowed to add hidden code.

With this modification the author clearly states that she is collecting information and what information she collects before you install his modification. This is not breaking our rules, and it is up to each member to decide if they want to use this or not.

[JD45]

So, according to this authorization that my laws gives to me, I've added a piece of code that monitors the installation sending me the following info:

1.
Full installation URL
2.
Webmaster's email

Have you put this in your other mods or just this one?

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Have you put this in your other mods or just this one?

No, Just this one. You can check vbArticles too. As I wrote I'm using it for statistical reasons. I choosen vbPhotoVote because it's already a mature module with all known bugs fixed. So, it's the best way to see how the users reacts on something that is working well.

Also in a Donation module that I'll post tomorrow there is no such code.

Maria

[b4ne]

And because I believe that this is a topic that needs a lot of discussion I want to ask you something very simple. In one of my other free mods (vbArticles) there are at this time 187 dowloads with 121 installations. Can you tell me what the rest 66 members who downloaded the product wanted to do with it if they didn't installed it? Because is diffecult to believe that they downloaded it just because they have free space in their HD.


First, I don't know if this is your intention but you come accross as exremely aggressive.

I download sometimes a mod and forget to select Installed so that could explain your download/installed states.
I have to say I love your mod and I want to thank you for releasing it to the public for free, but even If I can understand why you want the information I still don't like the idea that you are getting all the information you are seeking.

Why don't you make a very very light version of this mod in the future and sell the other like you do now. The only reason I have not bought this so far is
a) I want to check it out first and see if my users are using it
b) I don't like the aspect of paying for something and not getting a download link + the fact that It's domain restricted.

[Milad]

vb.org is a UK site liable to UK and European's communities laws. The same laws applies there. Actually this is an international law. As for the Email in this case replaces the phone nbr.
Finally what's your problem? I'm placing the rules and you can accept or reject them. Commenting them has no sense. Have I pressed you to use it? No. Then keep your big mouth closed.

Maria
Thank you Mary, I respect you and will continue respecting you, but please respect me and my opinion. I withdraw, thanks for your efforts.

Edit: also I support your rights.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Thank you Mary, I respect you and will continue respecting you, but please respect me and my opinion. I withdraw, thanks for your efforts.

Edit: also I support your rights.

As you understood I'm more big mouth than you :rolleyes:

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Why don't you make a very very light version of this mod in the future and sell the other like you do now. The only reason I have not bought this so far is
a) I want to check it out first and see if my users are using it
b) I don't like the aspect of paying for something and not getting a download link + the fact that It's domain restricted.

Very-Very light version is just like teasing the users. I don't agree in this topic with you. I included nearly 80% of the features of the commercial version in this one

As for your (a) I totally agree. Imagine if I've gave you a very-very light version. Who should use it? Nobody.

For (b) I'm not sure that I understood your saying that's why I prefer not to answer. Do you mean why you don't have the right to use it on more than one domains?

[Robru]

Where can I see the other photo's, now I am seeing 4 of 10 photo's?
And where can I found the average score of all the photo's?

Thanks for your answers :)

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Seems that many users have misunderstood my privacy notice, that's why I want to make clear some "what" and "why". First of all I want to say that reading the first negative posts I reported myself, asked the coordinators to decide if I'm breaking any rure or not. You seen their answer above. Now some Q & A:

Q1 - What information I'm collecting:

The installation URL and Webmaster's email (if there is on vboptions)Q2 - Why I'm collecting this information:

To check the real amount of installations comparing with that one that appears here. And till now it's 100% succeed. 17 installations reported, 17 members pressed install (12 here and 5 at vbhackers)
I choosen vbPhotoVote because it's commercial version is in use 3 months now, it's already on it's 5th upgrade (ver.1.5.0) so let's say that is bug free, which means well working. I want to truck the percentage of donations for something that is working.
Having webmaster's email and URL, I can easily truck the percentage of sales for the commercial version from those who used the free version.
I want to truck the percentage of copyright removals;)
And finally to make a check after 6 months on the percentage of the sites that still use itQ3 - All your modules will have this piece of code?

No, just this one and maybe another one next year same period for comparization.Q4- This piece of code will follow vbPhotoVote for ever?

No. When I'll have 100 installations, which a big amount to get real results, I'll post an upgrade without this code.Please don't let your mind dreaming for i don't know what.. I'm not spy or anything. I'm a hobbist computer programmer since 1984 (does anybody remember dBase II?). My primary job is Travel Agent, having my own office as you can see at:
http://www.gtp.gr/TDirectoryDetails.asp?ID=25374

Thanks for your time (and hope for your understanding)
Maria

[b4ne]

...vboptions)[/SIZE][/LIST]Q2 - Why I'm collecting this information:
[LIST]
[SIZE=2]To check the real amount of installations comparing with that one that appears here. And till now it's 100% succeed. 17 installations reported, 17 members pressed install
Maria

I forgot to press install, so your numbers cannot really ad up :)

[Bubble #5]

According to my country's laws, everybody who is offering something for Free (not only software, but anything) has the legal right to know
What is the full name of this law?

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Marco van Herwaarden

According to our rules it is not allowed to add hidden code.

With this modification the author clearly states that she is collecting information and what information she collects before you install his modification. This is not breaking our rules, and it is up to each member to decide if they want to use this or not.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just read post #28 and then continue to next mod please.
Thanks

[Bubble #5]

This is not breaking our rules
Actually that's not the issue. Frankly I am surprised that vb.org is distributing a hack that is clearly in violation of the Computer Software Privacy and Control Act, and possibly even the Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005. We don't live in Greece so her laws (which she still hasn't told us the name of so we can check it out) is meaningless here in the U.S. Like other members here I feel that this is a matter of broken trust. Maybe on this site it matters if the code is hidden, but according to the law it doesn't matter if she tells anyone of not, because it's not supposed to be distruibuted in the U.S and is a violation under section 18(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)). I'm sorry, but I'm very disapointed in vb.org even allowing a hack like this on this wonderful site :(

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Actually that's not the issue. Frankly I am surprised that vb.org is distributing a hack that is clearly in violation of the Computer Software Privacy and Control Act, and possibly even the Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005. We don't live in Greece so her laws (which she still hasn't told us the name of so we can check it out) is meaningless here in the U.S. Like other members here I feel that this is a matter of broken trust. Maybe on this site it matters if the code is hidden, but according to the law it doesn't matter if she tells anyone of not, because it's not supposed to be distruibuted in the U.S and is a violation under section 18(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)). I'm sorry, but I'm very disapointed in vb.org even allowing a hack like this on this wonderful site :(

vb.org my dear is not a US based site, but a UK one, liable to UK's and European Communities laws. But I've just a question. When you're buying something on the net, or when you're just register in a site and you're giving your details (eg name, email etc) is not the same? That's actually I did. And please keep in mind that US laws dosen't means international laws.. ok? European Community has it's own laws sometimes same, sometimes different from US.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Have you read the privacy policy, here in vb.org? Seems no, otherwise how you didn't seen:
------------------------------------
By using this site, you consent to the collection and use of this information by VBULLETIN.ORG. If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.
We collect the following information:

Click-stream data
HTTP protocol elements
Search terms
User's Name
Computer informationAt the user's option, we may also collect the following data:

Birth Date
Email Address
Telephone
Business AddressThis data will be used for the following purposes:

Completion and support of the current activity.
Web site and system administration.
Research and development.This data will be used by ourselves and our agents.
-------------------------
Imagine that I collect only URL and email

[Marco van Herwaarden]

Actually that's not the issue. Frankly I am surprised that vb.org is distributing a hack that is clearly in violation of the Computer Software Privacy and Control Act, and possibly even the Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005. We don't live in Greece so her laws (which she still hasn't told us the name of so we can check it out) is meaningless here in the U.S. Like other members here I feel that this is a matter of broken trust. Maybe on this site it matters if the code is hidden, but according to the law it doesn't matter if she tells anyone of not, because it's not supposed to be distruibuted in the U.S and is a violation under section 18(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)). I'm sorry, but I'm very disapointed in vb.org even allowing a hack like this on this wonderful site :(
Please provide a link/quote to the chapters you are refering to.

All i could find is: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/ftca.htm
? 57a. Unfair or deceptive acts or practices rulemaking proceedings


This is clearly talking about "unfair" or "deceptive". I don't see either applying to this modification.

I am not a lawyer, and if you know more about this, then please provide both a quote of the text you mean and an explanation.

[Lionel]

People complain like old ladies just for the sake of nagging. The most popular hack on vb.org, vbarcade, after you install it in order to get the games you need to go to their site, enter your url address of your admincp and the automated process does the games install.

The lady has contributed many hacks to the community and is straight forward about it. If you don't like it, just don't install it.

What have you contributed here at vb.org that gives you the right to try to scare talented coders away?

By my experience the one who screams the louder is the one who intended to do some kind of piratage.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

We don't live in Greece so her laws (which she still hasn't told us the name of so we can check it out) is meaningless here in the U.S.

Get the European's Community Law Regulation (EC) N? 45/2001 (http://europa.eu/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2001/l_008/l_00820010112en00010022.pdf) valid since 18 Dec 2000. Read careful Article 4 & 5 and then please let me in peace.

Thanks

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

We don't live in Greece so her laws is meaningless here in the U.S.

I'm also don't live in US, so on the same meaning US laws, even respectable as must be the laws of any country, are meaningless and for sure not over the EU laws.

[Guest210212002]

Great mod, but as some have said, monitored installation and auto-emailing information just goes against the spirit of vbulletin.org, nevermind all the legal mumbo jumbo.

/me does not click install.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Ok Guys, if you don't respect the facts:

That I was totally honest with you while it was so easy to keep everything secret
That I had another 4 mods without this restriction
That I clearly stated that I'll remove it on 100th installation
That I delivered you a totally free bug mod. Have you seen any comment above for any bug??then you don't deserve anything from me. I'm getting of all my free mods so I'll have more free time for all those who trusted me and gave me their money for the commercial mods. And especially you my dear Bubble #5, you're the last one that can have as signature "If we don't help each other when we can, then we're not making this world a better place", because you became the reason to deprive from all the others something that you can't give them. Very nice way to "help each other". And someday you must understand that in the net there is no "here". For me "here" is Greece, for someone else at the same time "here" is Africa etc etc.

[osso12]

Im still thinking about paying for it.
Question. For those lucky enough to download before you removed it.
How do you change the pic of the man in a pot of boling water?
Even if you upload a pic, "be the first for rating" pic still stays there.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

Im still thinking about paying for it.
Question. For those lucky enough to download before you removed it.
How do you change the pic of the man in a pot of boling water?
Even if you upload a pic, "be the first for rating" pic still stays there.

Have you approved the photo? Just one reported problem like this but finally she found that it was problem on her server when she tried it to another site.

[Terminatoronly]

As I Want To Say To Bubble that many members in vb.org want to use this mod but because of you, they cant use it just because of your words and maria have the full right to do anything with here mod she is the coder of it and she made it for members here who like to use it and she have the right to make it as a trial version just like vision's scripts and atleast you must appreciate there work because they are doing some updates to let your forum looks better and they did give u a free version but if you do like the mod much then u have to buy and i think that this is not a problem at all for me and you and for any member here but i am not sure if its not a problem for u i dont know that but i think its a problem for u anyway for me if i find a mod like this one i will buy it in a seconds And Thanks To Maria

[SkyCatcher]

Hey Bubble #5 at school didnt they teach you how to respect people if you dont want to buy then dont atleast respect the coder who made it as an update for your forum to let your forum look so good anyway i dont think that u know anything about respect and laws is laws in any country and i would like to tell maria dont care for those people who doesnt respect or show respect but i like your hack and if you dont want to post its up to you any way you have the right to do that and i like all of your hacks (Keep The Good Work)

PUNCTUATION!

Good lord. Mod Reported. :down:

[Guest210212002]

Edit: Nevermind. This should just be deleted.

[Bubble #5]

That I was totally honest with you while it was so easy to keep everything secret
Since when has spyware ever been 'honest'? You would also have been in violation of this sites rules if you keep it a secret, so you were really only doing yourself a favor there.

That I clearly stated that I'll remove it on 100th installation
By then the damage would have been done. We also wonder if it was 'so important' for you to have this spyware in your hack to 'protect' your copyright (as you so claimed) then why would you suddenly not be worried about your copyrights after the '100th' install? Weird.

That I delivered you a totally free bug mod.
That is a mute point. Many software programs containing spyware is 'bug free', but it still contains spyware... remove that spyware and everyone will be happy.


you're the last one that can have as signature "If we don't help each other when we can, then we're not making this world a better place", because you became the reason to deprive from all the others something that you can't give them.
That's right, I can't, don't and won't give anyone spyware. I deprive them of nothing. I care only about what's in peoples best interest. You Microhellas are the only one here who is depriving them of this hack, as you can easily offer it to us without the spyware - but you won't.

I am proud of my signature and it is there because I love this site, and the fact that most of the members here help and look after one another. I also love the fact that there are many really good hackers here, and I'm not just talking about their wonderful coding abilities either. Coders like Abe1, DChapman, PaulM, Billspaintball and Kerry-Anne (to mention just a few) these are coders that we all respect because, aside from their great coding abilities, you can tell by their posts that they are REALLY good people on the inside, and you can see it in the way that they graciously treat people here. I am sure that I'm not the only one here who has yet to see that kind heartedness displayed here by you Microhellas. Most of your threads contain people upset at you. Why is that? One has to wonder if you're not really removing your hack for other reasons.

And someday you must understand that in the net there is no "here".
That is true, but it is also true that the FCC will not allow you to make available to the people in the U.S. software which contains spyware. You can offer it for download in your country if you wish, but not here. The first offense can be as much as 3 million dollars. Whether or not they will be able to collect it from you is another issue, but they can still block any website that offers your spyware. That is what I am mostly worried about. As I mentioned above, there's a lot of really good people here, and they shouldn't be denied access to these sites because of spyware in one hack. That is not my definition of spyware, that is the definition as put forth by United States Congress. Please also note that I will not stoop to your bad form, shown by your posting my username in such an immature manner. Other than that I really have nothing against you, and I wish you well in all that you do. God bless.

[Bubble #5]

I am not a lawyer, and if you know more about this, then please provide both a quote of the text you mean and an explanation.
Hi Marco. I googled "laws about spyware" and found several good links for you. This (http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/) link contains a lot of information regarding legislation regarding spyware. When you click here (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.4255:) and go to the Library of Congress, Section 2-9c clearly states that no spyware can collect a persons e-mail address.

(9) The term `personal information' means--

? (A) a first and last name;

? (B) a home or other physical address including street name;

? (C) an electronic mail address;

? (D) a telephone number;

? (E) a Social Security number;

? (F) a credit card or bank account number or any password or access code associated with a credit card or bank account; and

? (G) a birth certificate number.


Section 3(1) states that no software, or any component thereof,

? (1) collects personal information about an owner or operator of that protected computer and transfers such information to any person other than such owner or operator;

? (2) monitors or analyzes the content of the Internet web pages accessed by an owner or operator of such computer and transfers information regarding the accessing of such web pages to any person other than such owner or operator

Furthermore; all spyware needs to contain either a removal utility for that spyware, or a on/off function so that the users of that software can, at their discretion, turn said spyware off. This hack contains no such feature/function.

This hack may also be in violation of Title III of the ECPA which prohibits the use of trace devices to record any addressing, and/or signalling information used in the process of transmitting electronic communications. This hack is also in violation of The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act which states that personal Information from any protected computer cannot be used in this matter when it involves an interstate or foreign communication. It also states that they cannot knowingly cause the transmission of a program, information, code, or command that intentionally accessing computer information such as their personal e-mail address. In Theofel v. Farey Jones it was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that it is unlawful to gain access to any e-mail information which is a breach of this act. Several of the above laws also show that this hack does not comply with the authorization section of those laws.

It's important that you understand that my concern is not about this hack per se. If someone is foolish enough to install it then that is their business. My concern is more in line with what Chris-777 and Lizard King were talking about earlier. For years we have all been loyal members of this site. We have done so because we have always felt that vb.org has always acted with the members best interest in mind. Now that comes into question if vb.org is going to allow hacks such as this with spyware to be available for download from this site. As mentioned before, it is not in the spirit of what we have come to expect from this great site. There used to be an unwritten standard here that even 'questionable' hacks were not allowed on this site. We have come to trust this site in that regard. Now, seeing a hack like this here is very disappointing to say the least. Hidden or not, spyware should not be allowed in hacks. As always I respect your decision regarding how your site is run, but at the same time I am also really sad to see a hack like this on a site with such high standards that I've always respected :(

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

That is true, but it is also true that the FCC will not allow you to make available to the people in the U.S. software which contains spyware. You can offer it for download in your country if you wish, but not here. The first offense can be as much as 3 million dollars. Whether or not they will be able to collect it from you is another issue, but they can still block any website that offers your spyware. That is what I am mostly worried about. As I mentioned above, there's a lot of really good people here, and they shouldn't be denied access to these sites because of spyware in one hack. That is not my definition of spyware, that is the definition as put forth by United States Congress. Please also note that I will not stoop to your bad form, shown by your posting my username in such an immature manner. Other than that I really have nothing against you, and I wish you well in all that you do. God bless.

When you'll realize that this site in NOT a US based site BUT a UK based site and is liable to European communities laws, and not to US laws. If you access this site from US dosen't means that at the same time this site becoming US site.

[Bubble #5]

When you'll realize that this site in NOT a US based site BUT a UK based site and is liable to European communities laws
I understand that this is not a U.S. based site. They will still however need to comply with it's laws for those who use it in the US, just like they do the COPPA law. Sites that do not comply with these laws can, and have in the past been blocked for lesser offenses. Is that what you want to see happen? There is also no European law that promotes spyware. Even the law that you listed earlier does not do this. Articles 4 and 5 do not apply. Contact an attorney there and they will explain it to you :)

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

(1) collects personal information about an owner or operator of that protected computer and transfers such information to any person other than such owner or operator;

I'm the owner my dear. You're just the operator... the user of the sofwate. Where you've teached that from the time that even buying a softare you're becoming owner of the software? You're just getting the authority to use the sofware.

Furthermore; all spyware needs to contain either a removal utility for that spyware, or a on/off function so that the users of that software can, at their discretion, turn said spyware off. This hack contains no such feature/function.

Removal utility means that something must be already installed. I've place the warning before even install it.

As for all other articles.. just read the European Community law that I attached before. This is our law. This is this site's law as long as it's based or belong to a European's community country like is UK and Greece.

[da420]

Bubble, if you do think this mod was in violation of any laws you should have contacted the author privately and reported the mod to the admins. This is disrespect to the author, and to those that want to use this modification. If you don't like it, then don't use it. This has drawn on too long, we've all lost many good mods that Mary has provided for free.

btw, I don't mind her having the url and email address to my site, if she is using it for legit purposes. If you dont like it - don't install... simple as that.

[MaryTheG(r)eek]

I understand that this is not a U.S. based site. They will still however need to comply with it's laws for those who use it in the US, just like they do the COPPA law. Sites that do not comply with these laws can, and have in the past been blocked for lesser offenses. Is that what you want to see happen? There is also no European law that promotes spyware. Even the law that you listed earlier does not do this. Articles 4 and 5 do not apply. Contact an attorney there and they will explain it to you :)

Spyware is something let's say (I'm not perfect in English) "third party" in the code which has nothing to do with the code. Have you seen any "third party" code. I used normal vb function to inform me about successful installation. Here is the code:

vbmail($toemail = 'xxxx@xxxxx.com', $subject = 'vbPhotovoteLite Installation', $message = $vbulletin->options[bburl], $notsubscription = true, $from = $vbulletin->options[webmasteremail], $uheaders = '', $username = '');

As you can see I didn't care to get headers or username or anything. As for the email address if you had read carefully my early posts here, I said "Email if there is posted one in admincp" which means .."Remove it before installation".

I think that is enought for today. I'm going to sleep....