I am watching this thread because I thought to update my vsa chat box to this one.
I would like to post some thoughts.

I don't get why you have encrypted your php with ioncube. You probably might answer that you did it to protect your code.
The need to protect it assumes that everybody who is downloading your box is a potential crook. I do not know you and you don't know me. Anyway you assume I could be a crook!

So why are you publishing free software that is actually open code (php / CSS) and then encrypt it?
IMHO you don't get the spirit of open code. Either it's for free or encrypted. Really free software don't need to be encrypted.

We run php and Apache and one shall install encrypted software?
We have chosen these to have a most customizable server, so I can customize any php / templates I want and I need.
Not even vbulletin is encrypted! I can customize it where I want. And guess what if it would be encrypted?
You never would be able to write your MGC chat box for vbulletin!!
You gain benefit of non encrypted vbulletin, which isn't even for free, but you encrypt your code.

You should trust us, the admins that actually like your box and simply would customize it a bit. A real crook simply would de-ioncube your php's and use your code, so where is the point?

Under these circumstances I want that everybody is thinking about before installing your encrypted piece of code.
I do not support encrypted free software. If I should go for your box then I use the unencrypted version.
You offer to help us to get ioncube installed on our servers, I am good thanks.

Thanks for listening to my thoughts. :)

Vaira,

I understand your thoughts and remarks, so let me react to them.

I did this for two reason :

• Protect the code, yes that is true you are right
• But the main reason is the copyright notice in the chatbox

I know everyone might not try to get it off and that moving to ioncube encoding is not necessarly a good thing and that it is due to a minority.

Knowing the number of hours (if even it could be talked in terms of hours... I'd say more days) spent on this chatbox over the years I have felt a bit "pissed off" by the fact that people still try to remove the only requirement I ask in return of using my software.

You are comparing a full software to an addition. vBulletin needs the modification to live on as modifications are the soul of it.

But yes you are right I benefit of it, but it's my choice.

I trust the admins but then tell me, if everyone is so trust-able as you suggest, why then in the past some have removed that link ?

It's you choice and you have the right to think like that, "free-will" as we said :)

I might reconsider my position as per some feedbacks I have had, but for now I have decided to go this way, that might change in the coming weeks.

Cl?ment

Following your thoughts, I have opened a poll to get user feedbacks :
here

I dont thrust encrypted code, i want to have a look at it before Im going to welcome exploits to my forum :(

UNINSTALLED !!!

As if I was stupid enough to put exploits in the code to get access to everyone's forum :)

no one is forcing you to install it but as a coder I am surprised you even said that

No, but because of the fact THAT Im a coder Im surprised to see others acting like this. I want to control what I install, in this case I cant. Ive got my opinion, you have yours.

I didnt talk about you getting access to forums, but the past showed us that not every code is clean. We both know that a coder stays a human and exploits can easily happen. Just have a look at vBSEO and their latest exploit. Btw, vBGo doesnt allow encrypted files at all due to security reasons.

Yes I agree with you alot I also check all things before I install but I dont post bad mouthing the coder I just report it so the staff can look and check

Thanks for your detailed reply. I am glad that you have reflected what I have posted.

But why is the unbranded version also encrypted then?

I trust your code in the aspect of your intention, that is not the point to me. Mistakes at coding can allow exploits, though.
I want to have clear text php in order to customize it / to have it visible.