Here We Go Again? Selling Freeware?

[Tom Allensworth 1,532]

Is this what I think it may be?

 

http://www.ebay.at/usr/fernreiseprofi

[n4gix 5,003]

While it is indeed "freeware" I note that full credit for the creators is printed on the CD/DVD labels.

 

Are those creators receiving any of the proceeds from sales? While it is unlikely they are, it is at least possible...

[sascha 314]

Can't see what products are being sold, definitely fishy! Project Airbus and Opensky 747?

[vc10man 732]

This was linked a few days ago under the Best FSX A320 Freeware post, IIRC, and there were questions asked in that thread about the legitimacy of it all. The word 'purloining' came to mind.

[Mean Aerodynamic Chord 269]

He's got 97% satisfaction rating.

 

 

Worst case scenario, report it to Ebay.

[spirit_66 2]

I know from one author that he gave away the freeware to support somebody (seller?). It's an old version and he's fine with this.

Spirit

[FloSim 3]

Together with some simmers of a german forum, I asked 'fernreiseprofi' if he has the permission from the freeware authors, we got no answer. BTW, it's NOT enough to write  ©Project OpenSky and then sell freeware. The seller has to give a written permission of the creators (PoSky, ...). Sorry, but that ###### me off!

[n4gix 5,003]

Well, that's the sticky point indeed.

 

Just what is being "sold?"

 

Is it the contents of the media, or the media and installer itself?

 

While on a personal level I detest this sort of operation, I'm not at all certain about the legality of such a practice.

[Guest Tushka]

This is probably not legal anywhere as it's actually selling and not giving away for free. It clearly states "Complete package including the Airbus A340-200 and A340-300 by Project Opensky " and stuff but a newcomer to flight simulation might not know this is freeware and simply buy these packages thinking he/she got a good deal.

 

If I had an ebay account I would immediately report it and I encourage others includings mods to do the same.