Why are vb.org's mods getting ripped/redistributed?
 

Just stumbled across a site that is ripping Mods, word for word and attachment for attachment.

*link removed*

Total BS. The best part, at the rippoff site:
This modification may not be copied, reproduced or published elsewhere without author's permission.

There isn't anything anyone can do about it that already isn't in place at vB.org. I believe that vBulletin.org takes every measure they can to not allow people to freely download these modifications. However all it takes is 1 person with 1 valid license, and the modification is distributed to the entire internet.

Generally sending DMCA notice won't work, they're probably hosted some where that will make no difference. Your best bet is to just keep on contributing to the community and forget about the scumbags that are doing this, as they've been doing it for a while, and won't stop for a while either.

Even modifications that aren't released here such as paid or commercial modifications appear on most these sites, so its a entire WWW problem and not just a vB.org problem.

You've stumbled upon a piracy site.
http://www.vBulletin.com/piracy.php

First time I've seen it like this. I've seen some other sites that at least link back to the original vb.org thread. This one is just total crap tho.

--------------- Added [DATE]1226463067[/DATE] at [TIME]1226463067[/TIME] ---------------

Well, glad I checked my stats. Thanx for the link. Not sure if they will do anything since it's not actually vb that's getting pirated tho, no?

Pretty much everything that is released on vb.org is released on many so-called "warez" sites.

However, the one thing these I've noticed about these sites is they're not particularly organized, nor do they have anyway of notifying these users if the product is updated, re-released or removed due to security vulnerabilities. In short, they get the product, but they don't get the support that comes with it if they had obtained it legally.

It can be the users from vB.org only who re-distribute the patches.

There is some piracy on that site if you check lower than the mod forums. My guess is that it's running a pirated version of vB.

Insiders with now honor...

I have seen 3.7.4 'nulled' :'(

we`ve all seen vbull pirated and running - is it the end of the world ??

I used to use a pirated version to test out when someone sent me it when i was looking at which board software to use.I liked it,so in end when i wanted to go legal i paid for it,and ive paid for it ever since.

not even pirates use my mods ~~~~~~^^~~~~~~

I think sites like vbteam should be exploited by vBulletin since majority of them have nulled scripts. Im sure vb.com knows all the backdoors and security holes so I'm sure they can bring down a site if they wanted to..

These warez sites with mods and nulls are unacceptable and it is unfortunate that there are people abusing their licences. What is the offense for a person caught posting vb.org downloads on warez forums?

2 wrongs don't make a right, and just because they are using a nulled vBulletin which no one even knows 100% for sure if they are other than the owner and Jelsoft, it still isn't professional, legal, or right to do it.

Pirated (Nulled) versions are not 100% safe. They can be easily hacked . Since their installation is not protected by "Customer Number" , SQL database can be dumped and can be easily hacked.

So moral of this is: Use original vBulletin to protect your site.

this is not true.In fact a pirated version is proberly better as it does not have any call home rountines to vb sites.Also it doesnot mean u are more at risk of being hacked just cause u are running a pirated version - so long as they kept up to date then they as safe as any other site.
Remember a site is only pirated because they have not purchased a licensed to use the software.Most sites once they are aware of this will purchase a license rather than be shut down.

What's bizarre is that I have been seeing an increase in the number of 'nulled' *free* add-ons like vBadvanced CMPS also showing up, often with the install script changed. Now seeing as how downloading CMPS does not require proof of license and is free, I don't understand why anybody would be dumb enough to run one of the 'nulled' versions.

I mention CMPS but it is just one example of several that I have come across like that.

:erm: That is some mis-guided thinking there.

The sad thing is someone asked me recently to help them setup a VB forum, I said sure - when & where lol.... then the next day in PM they asked if I had ever installed a "nulled" version.... long story short, they were not aware it was what it was and that in fact you even had to pay for VB and well of course after my ranting and raving they will not be asking me that again ;)

I was like.... :eek: :erm: :down: NO SIR :mad:

Well maybe I worded it differently but I want my post to be read here lofl!

S-MAN

Edit:

AGREED :D

Pirated or "nulled" vBulletin websites always have a backhole. The users that null the forum software are usually just a bunch of script kiddies that go into the source, look for callhome scripts and remove them and distribute them. But, in the process, they remove some legit code that protects their sites.

Fail, right?

Ultimately, using a pirated version of vBulletin is almost not worth the lack of organization and hassle you would get if you just buy a license.

Two wrongs dont make a right is dum to say about a site like vbteam. They have nulled vbulletin, styles, mods, templates, and even things like vBSEO which is not right. If Jelsoft did something to vBteam or any major vBnulled sites, I think it would be the right thing to do. Were here paying about 200$ for a license and we have these noobs trying to get what we pay, for free which is unacceptable. They are lucky with these offshore server shit. They think they can get away with this but if Jelsoft comes in and exploits them.. we may finally have a chance to take them down.

Jelsof cannot do anything unless the host or the user takes it down.

Who's stopping them from using 'deadly' force if the host and user refuse to take it down?

vBulletin isn't too concerned, plus these sites are everywhere. You shut one down and 3 pop up in their place.

No really its not dumb to say to wrongs don't make a right, because it doesn't. Just because someone is breaking the law doesn't mean someone gets to be a vigilante and do the same. Just like there are legal consequences (or lack there of is some places) for using pirated software, gaining illegal entry and destroying data or defacing websites is illegal especially where Jelsoft is located.

How many actual professional business people would use vBulletin if they caught wind that they could at any time come in and take their site down? Whether its a nulled copy or not makes no difference, the fact that someone could become a disgruntled employee one morning and simply hack every vBulletin forum to peices, would be enough reason not to use vBulletin any longer and find an alternative for many, many users.

Just to remind people, the topic of this thread is not nulled vb sites. :)

topic should be changed to to : Are you an Internet cop :)

People are passing hacks around but end of the day they dont get the added support like we do on here so stop letting it worry u that someone is getting something cheaper than you.So long as u all above board then u can sleep safely at night in the knowledge that u paid for your vbull.

Why?
Because people can.
And because there are a lot of others that can't get them from here, because they are not licensed.
So, some folks with "big hearts" (LOL), distribute them to those unlicensed.
It's as simple as that :)

<removed>

If by anychance the author is bothered or even aware that their script is being distributed by an illegal participant then report it to the authors (bare in mind you'll be spending your time pming) Report the site to the author and if he/she is not happy with their scripts being distributed then they have the choice of removing their script or do what everyone does and get's on with life.

or wait till vb releases a new version of its boards software and then all the existing hacks will then be obsolete.

That's not a deterent nor a solution in preventing scripts being distributed. As soons as the new line of the vbulletin software is released the majority of authors have updated their scripts. They can either carry on releasing here and have valid license holders download their scripts and forward them on to these third party suspect sites or they can simply stop releasing them period.

You can eventually get one site shut down but 3 will pop up in it's place and the same rules applies to authors who eventually get sick of releasing scripts and remove/abandon them. They will leave and 3 other coders will pop up in their place.

It's a vicious circle, unfortunately they will always prevail so I stand by my original comment by saying get on with life and forget about making any kind of impact or plea here to prevent it or even question why scripts here make their way to warez/filesharing sites.

with that attitude the pirates have already won...jelsoft could recruit some volunteers on their behalf to go out and send emails, contact providers, etc...and it would not cost jelsoft anything more then just to try...there are always people willing to help out, its better then doing nothing at all...and some people are online that have nothing better to do, I say give them a mission, and they will have something to do...in cooporation, ive had many domains remove my pirated software, if you are nice and polite to whom you are writing too (provider) most will comply. If you do nothing, guess what? expect nothing.

With an attitude like mine? I've had scores of sites shut down, I've seen my styles become one of the most populour styles on the scene, had most of my submissions here posted, sold by legit members of this community and you telling me I lack motivation. Your damn right, I couldn't give a $#!+. :)

If you know how bad piracy is then you already know it's a one way street. Do you think jelsoft gives a crap about peoples submissions here? They couldn't care if mine or your work is re-published and spending time and money chasing after low-life kids is a waste of time. Go knock yourself out and see how far it get's you in "teaming up" and forming this vigilante group of renegades. Like I said, this thread is hilarious and before you get on your high horse are you actually a victim of piracy?

The only mission I have is to be lazy, and let people get on with whatever they want to get on with.

LMAO! I'm with you 110% on that point ;)

ha! Incredible post.

Jacquii.

Wow, something I actually agree with Jacquii about..

ROFL - I was just thinking the same - Something I finally agree with John about LOL

Jacquii.

Just ignore them Shelley, this really isn't a serious thread...
People re-distribute stuff because they can.
And don't take that guy serious... they just can't deal with the fact that there are people that actually think for themselves and not the herd.

someone go ask those guys to use my mods :( I feel so left out.

on the piracy of your work: yeah, that sucks. good thing I don't care about where what I post here end up, or else I would be upset.

Your mods must suck dream Im sorry :(
I could send a request to them, meaning they would be "legally doing it" lol

LOL - Score 1 for warez :rolleyes: ((giggling raucously))
Anyway... Dream - If I were in to having a nulled vBulletin again - I would certainly use the TV & Radio modification https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/

Jacquii.