unfortunately I have seen a real trend lately of end users coming and asking for support for products that have locked support forums for registered users only. Obviously there are some users who genuinely think AVSIM is where you get FS support for everything but the bigger issue is that if someone will not follow the proper support procedures it is "usually" because they are using illegal copies of the software. I personally feel AVSIM should adopt an across the board policy of locking threads requesting support for products whose developers have locked support forums for registered users only.The only way to ensure you are not inadvertently assisting a pirate is to force them to register the product and receive support just like every other paying customer. Avsim should be an extension of that policy, not a mechanism to circumvent it...It is rather sad it has come to this but unfortunately I do not see any other way to ensure AVSIM is not being used to help assist pirates without even realizing...Just my .02 but I would like to see this adopted as a standard across the board to help developers protect their products from being used by unauthorized users. I would like to see an immediate policy of NO SUPPORT POSTS FOR PRODUCTS REQUIRING REGISTRATION FOR SUPPORT.Just my .02,-Paul

unfortunately I have seen a real trend lately of end users coming and asking for support for products that have locked support forums for registered users only. Obviously there are some users who genuinely think AVSIM is where you get FS support for everything but the bigger issue is that if someone will not follow the proper support procedures it is "usually" because they are using illegal copies of the software. I personally feel AVSIM should adopt an across the board policy of locking threads requesting support for products whose developers have locked support forums for registered users only.The only way to ensure you are not inadvertently assisting a pirate is to force them to register the product and receive support just like every other paying customer. Avsim should be an extension of that policy, not a mechanism to circumvent it...It is rather sad it has come to this but unfortunately I do not see any other way to ensure AVSIM is not being used to help assist pirates without even realizing...Just my .02 but I would like to see this adopted as a standard across the board to help developers protect their products from being used by unauthorized users. I would like to see an immediate policy of NO SUPPORT POSTS FOR PRODUCTS REQUIRING REGISTRATION FOR SUPPORT.Just my .02,-Paul

+1. It pains me to see, for instance, certain folks posting in the FSX forum for PMDG tech support. No signature and blatantly circumventing the PMDG forums.

Edited February 22, 201214 yr by ZachLW

unfortunately I have seen a real trend lately of end users coming and asking for support for products that have locked support forums for registered users only. Obviously there are some users who genuinely think AVSIM is where you get FS support for everything but the bigger issue is that if someone will not follow the proper support procedures it is "usually" because they are using illegal copies of the software. I personally feel AVSIM should adopt an across the board policy of locking threads requesting support for products whose developers have locked support forums for registered users only.The only way to ensure you are not inadvertently assisting a pirate is to force them to register the product and receive support just like every other paying customer. Avsim should be an extension of that policy, not a mechanism to circumvent it...It is rather sad it has come to this but unfortunately I do not see any other way to ensure AVSIM is not being used to help assist pirates without even realizing...Just my .02 but I would like to see this adopted as a standard across the board to help developers protect their products from being used by unauthorized users. I would like to see an immediate policy of NO SUPPORT POSTS FOR PRODUCTS REQUIRING REGISTRATION FOR SUPPORT.Just my .02,-Paul

As one who gives support on one of those forums, I admire the spirit of your post. I must disagree though - I don't think it's AVSIM's problem. There is simply no way for them to be aware of all those products and policies and no practical way to police all the posts on these forums - nor is it really AVSIM's problem. The users seem to be on top of the situation and that is sufficient and appreciated.DJ

As one who gives support on one of those forums, I admire the spirit of your post. I must disagree though - I don't think it's AVSIM's problem. There is simply no way for them to be aware of all those products and policies and no practical way to police all the posts on these forums - nor is it really AVSIM's problem. The users seem to be on top of the situation and that is sufficient and appreciated.DJ

Thanks DJ, appreciate hearing opposing opinions... I understand what you are saying as well. I know there are a group of very diligent and supportive users who try to identify the obvious pirates and root them out but by the same token, we are not mods and trying to self police can sometimes be very uncomfortable. With that being said, I would rather be uncomfortable and self police than EVER support an illegal user of a paid product!!! If AVSIM were to adopt a policy around not supporting payware products with support forums for registered users it would at least give us something to stand behind ans self police whereas right now I just seem like a jerk on a high horse lecturing another user if that makes sense....Thanks again,-Paul

Thats a tough one in my opinion Paul.Some observations:-Some devs provide prompt support....others do not.-Some devs have locked forums....some do not.-Some devs actually provide "real" and useful support.....others do not.-How is it possible for any of us to determine who is using stolen product?Call me naive but I tend to assume "innocent until proven guilty".**edit**And if it is possible to assist a legitimate product user with an issue that cannot be solved elsewhere I would hate to deny them due to the actions of others.

Thats a tough one in my opinion Paul.Some observations:-Some devs provide prompt support....others do not.-Some devs have locked forums....some do not.-Some devs actually provide "real" and useful support.....others do not.-How is it possible for any of us to determine who is using stolen product?Call me naive but I tend to assume "innocent until proven guilty".**edit**And if it is possible to assist a legitimate product user with an issue that cannot be solved elsewhere I would hate to deny them due to the actions of others.

Points well taken Ted especially about assisting a legitimate user! I guess it is a case of my being more cynical and another case of a few bad apples turning my perspective and ruining it for the rest of us... I assume if someone won't follow the proper support mechanism there must be a reason why...Just one of those things that really gets under my skin when a thief comes looking for help How dare they but if they are willing to steal the product in the first place they clearly have no scruples or issues asking for support!Thanks again, all good points.

Edited February 22, 201214 yr by psolk