I could have sworn I've seen several hacks like this or a variation ([hidden][/hidden]. Either this one is something special or maybe all those were on other sites.

they were on different sites ;)

?????

What kind of post-number-wanna-make-higher forum owner would you have to be to need a hack that hides the text until it is replied to?

In other words, you cannot see the original post until you reply to it.... am I missing something?

How can you reply to something you cannot read? Or is this just something to make a forums total post count higher with B.S. posts saying "reply" just to see the original post?

Personal opinion... I don't see any legitimate purpose for that kind of hack. (take it for what it's worth)

I have quite several clients that use this hack on legitimate forum.

One of the main use is on lottery site.

A prediction board where admin and staff members post prediction number and special hints.

Whith the hide hack they can keep track of who reads the content of the post.

you can hide part of the post so user don't reply to something misterious just to increase the forum total post count :P

Let's not start the "legitimate purpose" again.
A lot of site use it and i can guarantee you lot's are very legit.

Doesn't matter if its for legitimate use or not. If someone pay for the software and someone wants to use it for whatever reason that should be my choice. I fully support the ruling made here. If I do something wrong...let the authorities come after me.

Sorry to make it sound so heated...its really not.

What is so wrong with this hack, anyway? I mean, what could it possibly be used for to make it so "evil/bad?" Doesn't look like it could do that much...

The common usage for it is on warez boards. They make people reply to the link so they know who has had access to the ftp link or what not :)

Yeah. But so? What a person does with the software is up to them (if it's bought, and obviously warez people wouldn't buy it...doesn't mean it should be forbidden though). Not saying warez is cool or good, but I still don't see what is so bad for it. But that's just me. :p

Doubt I'd even install it if there was a release, but I'd have to see.

Can I point you in the direction of "Who Downloaded?" hack. Thats also used on Warez Boards for the same reason.

That's probably the reason why it was made available again. It's against the license agreement for any vBulletin to broadcast or be involved with illegal material on their forums now :)