Olin Lathrop embedinc.com> writes: > And let's keep all this in context. This isn't about me telling someone > they were stupid or lazy. According to James, the post that caused him to > turn on censorship for me last October was: > > >> I contacted Olimex and they > >> said that the firmware is copyrighted and I'd have to pay $30 + > >> shipping for a new 18F252 with the firmware on it. > >> > >> Again, does anyone have this programmer and can upload the firmware > >> for me? > > > > Perhaps I'm missing something, but the above certainly sounds > > like you're a dirtbag trying to steal $30 worth of > > copyrighted material. > > 1 - This is not against any rules as they are stated. > > 2 - I'm quite convinced that if anyone else had said this, they wouldn't be > subjected to censorship. > > 3 - There is a very big difference between saying "You're a dirtbag", and > explaining how this one post could indicate that. James used to understand > this distinction, in fact he used to stress it. Now he either can't see the > difference or, more likely, is merely looking for a excuse to censor my > posts even if that means selectively interpreting the rules. > > I had two purposes with that post. One was to point out to the OP that from > the information he'd given, it could appear he was trying to steal > something. The second was to make sure that anyone else that might be > inclined to help him consider the fact that they may be aiding a crime. I > can't say whether the OP was actually trying to steal, but since it was a > real possibility I personally would not have helped him even if I did have > the code in question. Others can decide whether they should or shouldn't > help him on their own. I did think it was important however that they > considered the possible crime angle before doing so. I have followed this thread with some amusement, especially since Olin appears to have missed the point completely. Olin, may I suggest an alternative version for the response? Response: "Dear OP, as I have explained to you when you called Embed, the code is copyrighted and I wanted to clarify that the terms of the copyright prohibit distribution of the code without express authorization by Embed. It appears that by asking for this code on the PICList, you violate the terms of the copyright and might be violating the term of use of the List. Because of your actions, somebody on PICList might inadvertently become a party to fraudulent activity. I, therefore, urge you to resolve customer support issues with the company, not by engaging in potentially illegal activities on the List." I think that this or similar response will achieve all your goals, plus provide good advertisement for your company. As it stands now, the result is counterproductive. I do not know if the goal of not providing that code "free" was achieved, but that post and this thread have provided significant negative publicity for your company. As a potential customer, I will not even think to consider Embed in the future, because no technology or device is worth the treatment that customers receive from you. I am not saying that this particular customer is right or wrong, I do not have all facts. If somebody in my department sends email to customers with suggestion, even as a joke, that they are dirtbags, I will probably fire that person on spot. BTW, this list is a non-obligatory one. Nobody forces people to answer the posts. So, Olin, if you feel that the person is asking a stupid question, why do you spend time on the post? Just ignore it. There are some posts that go unanswered here from time to time, and that is OK. Otherwise, it appears that you just went your anger on this list and this is not a good idea. Best regards, Sergey Dryga www.beaglerobotics.com P.S. If I am completely off base here, please let me know, just do not call me any bad names if you expect me to answer. Life is too short ... -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist