mers2
Premium,MVM
join:2004-03-20
USA
clubs:
 ·AT&T U-Verse
| reply to Kiwi
Re: ASW Vendors in La-La Land
said by Kiwi  : said by mers2 :Ad-Aware just made their 2nd huge mistake in deleting Eric's post. If this issue isn't clarified and rectified by Lavasoft it's off my machine and will no longer be recommended. Huh, maybe he resolved an issue! It takes people like Eric to get things done, you know   They haven't issued an update and rather than issue a statement in response to Eric's thread they deleted it. Doesn't sound like a resolved issue to me.
--
"Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too." - Voltaire |
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JSM88
join:2000-12-20
Falls Church, VA
·Verizon FIOS
 ·RCN CABLE
| reply to mers2
Ok, they made this move in the dark of night and now they have deleted a level-headed post on their forums inquiring about it. On top of this they have snuck in a subscription service on all of their paying customers. Heck, I paid for Musicmatch 2.0 and they'd still give me the next copy for free if I wanted it. You don't get to explain after behavior like this - no answer could be more clear then deleting that post.
The only way to ensure that the few remaining reputable companies stay that way to to make it perfectly clear that Lavasoft is finished. Verboten. Kaput. I run an operation with 200 computers - my sysadmin already has an email directing him to remove adaware from all of our systems in the morning - don't feel for him, he has the time, and I just authorized a new 23" lcd for him to play with (we use three products, maybe ms-giant will do as the new third.) We are associated with other offices usings over 7,000 computers and his job after that will be to convice all of the other admins to drop AA as well.
If others responsible for these decisions make similar moves quickly it will be abudantly clear to the rest that you compromise your ethics at the risk of your corporate survival. If we wait for weeks for their various PR justifications it will just muddy the waters as to casue and effect - action and consequences.
If you couldn't tell, this kind of behavior just ticks me off. |
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JSM88
join:2000-12-20
Falls Church, VA
·Verizon FIOS
·RCN CABLE
| Before any of the apologists chime in with the old chesnut "maybe they were forced to through legal action" NO legal action on record would force them to modify there product and then forbid them from telling their customers. This does not happen. |
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Allyn_P
Premium
join:2002-10-29
Cashiers, NC
2 edits |  reply to eburger68
After removing a crippling infection caused by 180Solutions and the wtools/IBIS Toolbar from a client's Windows 98 SE machine this morning, I am reminded of the floundering of COAST with the admission of 180Solutions to the organization. I also remember not long ago when Lavasoft quietly removed some (if not all) New.net variants from their definitions. Never mind that uninstalling New.net can still require LSP Fix to restore Internet connections.
Eric, I want to thank you for your dedication to the subject. We all appreciate the tremendous efforts you've made and the fruitful results of your research. Of course, you know we're looking for more! |
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CajunTek
Insane Cajun
Premium,MVM
join:2003-08-08
Arlington, TX
1 edit | reply to eburger68
Bummer.. Ad-aware just disappeared from my computer!!
And again many thanks to Eric for his great work!!! |
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Scaramouche8
join:2004-09-10
Philippines
| reply to eburger68
While I agree this is troubling I don't know if we should turn it into a Lavasoft hate party just yet. I'm concerned (but not surprised) by their silence on this issue, but I think Lavasoft still has done a lot more good for the anti-spyware community than bad. They were among the first, and their free product has helped countless numbers of people. For that I'm willing to extend however much time they want to figure this out. Even if they actually do de-list WhenU it's certainly within their rights to do so though it will inevitably be damaging.
As for the subscription thing, that's more troubling. Not that they're doing it, since I think if they're going to compete in the retail market they'll have to but rather how they did it. Was there an announcement about the licensing change, or just an addition to the EULA? That concerns me a bit more, since I'm thinking the average Ad-Aware customer doesn't religiously re-read the EULA everytime they upgrade. What happens with existing customers? What happens with people who bought/donated over a year ago? Does this mean the original people who helped Ad-Aware out in the beginning will, in twelve months time, have to pay again? I don't see much wrong with that in concept, but if it's true their execution could definitely use some work. Either Lavasoft has no idea how to interact with their users or something really strange is going on.
As for legal issues causing the removal, it's entirely possible but as someone else pointed out it's incredibly unlikely that the basis for a settlement would include not saying why something was removed. Either Lavasoft is really slow in creating press release documents (not something I've observed earlier) or again, something really weird is going on.
--
In the interest of full disclosure I should say that I work for FBMSoftware, makers of ZeroSpyware a spyware-removal tool. Opinions posted do not reflect my employer's unless otherwise noted. |
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Kiwi
Premium
join:2003-05-26
USA
·Comcast
 ·Aristotle Internet
| reply to mers2
said by mers2 : said by Kiwi : said by mers2 :Ad-Aware just made their 2nd huge mistake in deleting Eric's post. If this issue isn't clarified and rectified by Lavasoft it's off my machine and will no longer be recommended. Huh, maybe he resolved an issue! It takes people like Eric to get things done, you know They haven't issued an update and rather than issue a statement in response to Eric's thread they deleted it. Doesn't sound like a resolved issue to me. We will see, but again; I did a rather hard check & nothing related to WhenU came up, So, I'm supposing although Eric made his point and was deleted -The file in question has gone! So, again I don't think Eric is without some influence. If you can PROVE to me this file exists now, then I suppose Eric failed -But I don't believe he did, I'm not a newbie in reg file takes....Or, checks & balances.
Lets see what Eric has to say! He is very much respected & I'll go with his input any day!
Cheers
Cheers
--
2.66g/533fsb Intel CPU @ 3.48g512meg Twinmos PC3700~466 DDR @ 2.8v -PCpower&Cooling 512.ATI 9500 Pro @ 9700 Pro @1.6v--AMD ASUS A7N8X-E ~2500+ @3200 ATI 9500 Pro, Corsair 512LL.-- Aristotle.net |
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eburger68
Premium,MVM
join:2001-04-28
1 edit | reply to eburger68
Hi All:
I must say that I am saddened and disturbed by Lavasoft's removal of the thread that I started yesterday in their forums. I don't yet know what Lavasoft has planned, so I will withhold final judgment for just a while to see what Lavasoft may have in store for its users.
My question in Lavasoft's forum was a simple, straightforward one and was offered in the most non-judgmental way that I could. I have been posting on the Net in various forums and newsgroups for 10 years now. This is the first time I have ever had a post of mine deleted by a mod anywhere.
At the moment it does not appear that Lavasoft has updated their definitions, nor do they appear to have addressed this issue anywhere else. Someone else has started a similar thread:
»www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.ph···ic=59008
How long that will last is anyone's guess.
I urge Lavasoft to address its users' legitimate questions and concerns swiftly, and in a straightforward, forthright manner.
Edit: see the information supplied below. It now appears that the removal of that thread was an innocent mistake and has been partially rectified. See:
»www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.ph···ic=59008
Best,
Eric L. Howes |
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Big Al 86
@comcast.net
| reply to speedwell
I sent Patrick's Spybot crew some cash awhile back. Enough that I missed it.
Lately, some of the press have been critical of SpyBot's current inability to detect certain new stealthier spyware. To a fair degree, the criticism of the SpyBot program is justified. A couple of the commercial anti-spyware apps have caught the newer spywares - I may even buy one of the better ones of these.
But I will still support SpyBot, both in word and with wallet. He's got a small team; they have regular jobs and work on this effort when they can on their own time. More importantly, they're not going to sell us out to a bunch of spyware-writing goons. I'll always run SpyBot to clean up what it can - and more importantly - what other anti-spyware won't! |
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k_o
Que Hora Es?
Premium
join:2002-12-05
Lakeport, CA
clubs:
| reply to eburger68
as posted at the Lavasoft forum
»www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.ph···ic=59008
from Corrine
Sorry, there was a bit of a snafu when consolidating threads on the same subject into one topic. I know, of all threads to have a mixup on. However, I assure you that it was totally unintentional. In the event that it cannot be properly restored, following is a copy from DSLR that was copy/pasted here. Of course the posters are welcome to repost.
Our appology for any confusion.
--
DC Cruncher for Teams ECO & Starfire * MoveOn * MysteryLake.com hosted by gottadeal.com |
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Corrine
Premium
join:2004-08-27 | reply to eburger68
Thanks. I was on my way here to post that link!
We are really glad that there is a copy here! Bless DSLR!!!
--
Corrine, Lavasoft Forum Administrator |
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B
Premium,MVM
join:2000-10-28
1 edit | reply to eburger68
Well, that was fast!
Wow. This is going to be really big. Lavasoft has just taken a cyanide capsule. They have just made themselves as disreputable as the worst spammers on Eric's Rogue AntiSpyware page.
I knew the company had a history of ignoring its users and insulting its competitors, but this is an unprecedented low.
Nice timing, too. Strange how the only reputable ones left are either related to Microsoft/GIANT or freeware (Spybot). Reminds one of MS v. FSF.
Bye, Lavasoft. Thanks for picking up where Gibson left off when we needed it. Don't let that big fat virtual door kick your ass on the way out.
You've officially become scum. Quick -- blame this on some bad web site administrators and apologize. You have a few hours left.
Eric, don't dare even THINK about explaining your post at their forums -- no one who follows your work could even imagine you writing an inappropriate post! Bless you for your fine work, and be heartened that everyone, and I mean everyone, is behind you on this.
So what's the deal with WhenU then, Lavasoft people?
-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function |
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Corrine
Premium
join:2004-08-27
| reply to eburger68
Hi, B and everyone else too! We're all waiting to hear as well. Of course, I suspect that the home office is gonna be upset with the messed up thread. There were two of us working at merging at the same time but didn't know it, then come to find out a member requested his post be removed and . . . well, you've seen the result.
--
Corrine, Lavasoft Forum Administrator |
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mers2
Premium,MVM
join:2004-03-20
USA
clubs:
·AT&T U-Verse
| said by Corrine :Hi, B and everyone else too! We're all waiting to hear as well. Of course, I suspect that the home office is gonna be upset with the messed up thread. There were two of us working at merging at the same time but didn't know it, then come to find out a member requested his post be removed and . . . well, you've seen the result. Since that issue was rectified and you've always been up front and honest Corrine, I sincerely hope the home office doesn't take it out on those working the forum and addresses the real issue at hand quickly.
--
"Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too." - Voltaire |
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psloss
Premium
join:2002-02-24
Alpharetta, GA
| reply to k_o
said by k_o :as posted at the Lavasoft forum » www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.ph···ic=59008from Corrine Sorry, there was a bit of a snafu when consolidating threads on the same subject into one topic. I know, of all threads to have a mixup on. However, I assure you that it was totally unintentional. In the event that it cannot be properly restored, following is a copy from DSLR that was copy/pasted here. Of course the posters are welcome to repost. Our appology for any confusion. Obviously, an answer from Lavasoft is more important at this stage, but the problem with this for me is that consolidating the threads is more confusing, since to me it obscures that there were independent queries about this behavior. Some of the sense of urgency is also lost in the current presentation, so I hope that the original threads can be restored in their original form.
(It's also worth noting that Eric's original thread was linked to in multiple widely-read columns today...)
Philip Sloss
--
Feedback? e-mail: stuff@lupwa.org |
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Kiwi
Premium
join:2003-05-26
USA
·Comcast
·Aristotle Internet
| reply to eburger68
I'm confused? Although Eric seems 'damned' by Adaware, it seems he has had an impact; I can't find the file and although some people may view me as "Stupid" ~ Damn, I don't know!
Every check I have done seems that Eric has achieved his goal? Upset an anti spyware company ~Enough that that the 'Problem' may have gone away?
I would really like to know, because I did some hard core checks on this and if I'm wrong; I would really seriously like to know.
--
2.66g/533fsb Intel CPU @ 3.48g512meg Twinmos PC3700~466 DDR @ 2.8v -PCpower&Cooling 512.ATI 9500 Pro @ 9700 Pro @1.6v--AMD ASUS A7N8X-E ~2500+ @3200 ATI 9500 Pro, Corsair 512LL.-- Aristotle.net |
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mers2
Premium,MVM
join:2004-03-20
USA
clubs:
·AT&T U-Verse
| said by Kiwi :I'm confused? Although Eric seems 'damned' by Adaware, it seems he has had an impact; I can't find the file and although some people may view me as "Stupid" ~ Damn, I don't know! Every check I have done seems that Eric has achieved his goal? Upset an anti spyware company ~Enough that that the 'Problem' may have gone away? I would really like to know, because I did some hard core checks on this and if I'm wrong; I would really seriously like to know. Since the database Eric used was 2/5 and there hasn't been a database update since the issue cannot possibly have been fixed today. Also, Corrine stated, even those manning the forum for Lavasoft are awaiting an answer. Nothing has been fixed yet except restoring Eric's post.
--
"Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too." - Voltaire |
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BIGHUSKER
join:2002-01-20
Minneapolis, MN
| reply to eburger68
Good to see it was just an error that it got deleted. In my mind, Lavasoft can still make things right, but ignoring the topic isn't going to make it go away. There's too many anti-spyware people on here and elsewhere!  |
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Kiwi
Premium
join:2003-05-26
USA
·Comcast
·Aristotle Internet
| reply to eburger68
The why can't I find the problem? I'm really not that much of an idiot, believe it or not. I have checked every file & can't find the offending one since I posted.
Adaware are either working hard to rid themselves of this issue, or I'm just plain stupid!
I still think Eric took care of this by highlighting the issue. I took another look @ grass roots and still find no reference to WhenU. It seems some immediate action was taken, perhaps?
Heck, I'm waiting to see how really stupid I am!
Cheers
--
2.66g/533fsb Intel CPU @ 3.48g512meg Twinmos PC3700~466 DDR @ 2.8v -PCpower&Cooling 512.ATI 9500 Pro @ 9700 Pro @1.6v--AMD ASUS A7N8X-E ~2500+ @3200 ATI 9500 Pro, Corsair 512LL.-- Aristotle.net |
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antiserious
The Future ain't what it used to be
Premium
join:2001-12-12
Scranton, PA
| reply to Corrine
said by Corrine :Hi, B and everyone else too! We're all waiting to hear as well. Of course, I suspect that the home office is gonna be upset with the messed up thread. There were two of us working at merging at the same time but didn't know it, then come to find out a member requested his post be removed and . . . well, you've seen the result.
... well, I suppose it's possible, but it sure doesn't pass the 'smell test' ... and I wonder if they'll be as 'upset' over the thread fubar as their users are over the issue at hand - and the lack of an official response ...
... actions speak louder than words ... and we're all still waiting for some credible action ... but that's okay, we've got plenty of time - and OUR thread's not goin' anywhere ... ...
... f w i w ...
--
... "Nobody's perfect - well, there was this one guy, but we killed Him" ... Christopher Moore, 'Lamb' ... |
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