Well, I debated on whether to post this to Avsim or not, but decided to do so, as I thought it better to air such experiences for others to use in their buying decisions.I have purchased most of FSDs aircraft in the past. And for the most part had no real show stopping issues. It was rather pleasant to deal with FSD that is, until I started having problems with their products, and had to start interacting with FSD staff. During those few interactions with FSD I came away feeling like I was an idiot or otherwise very stupid on a few occasions. Being told, "Well there is no one else experiencing this must be just you."On another recent occasion I got a rude, accusatory letter from their supposed legal department, stating I had illegally obtained two or three of their aircraft, and used some sort of key or crack to circumvent their disastrous protection scheme. I was told legal would be taken against me if I did not meet there demands as it were. Additionally ALL of my purchases were held hostage and disabled, until I paid in full for aircraft I supposedly 'stole' from them. To me at that time they seemed to be stealing from me!! I still to this day wonder what really occured for this to happen, I got no real explanation, support or sympathy from FSD.Since then I have completely written off FSD as a company who neither cares for or wants to maintain a loyal customer base. Due to their often rude and obnoxious statements and accusations. There is one particular individual at FSD who is particularly bad at humane communication. Don't beleive me take a look at their forums, you think Mods in some forums are edit/delete/censor happy?I know not all have had similar experiences but there are some who have had pretty heated exchanges with FSD. I implore those of you contemplating a purchase from not only FSD but any online vendor, do your research first, get the community's input first, I for one will be here to help, so that experiences such as my own with FSD are reduced or never happen again.Thanks for reading,JayCYYZ

Welcome to a large and growing club.

I never buy ANY product that prevents reinstallation. I have no FSD products whatsoever :).

This is why I decided not to buy any of their products after doing some research here and at other sites. Thier Skymaster sure looks pretty, but no thanks, I'm not risking it with them.

Arrg... not another one. I am sorry for your experience, but it is difficult to understand what happened when we do not know the details from BOTH sides. Since these seem to be occurring on a regular basis, perhaps we should have a monthly "Bash FSD" sign up sheet. It would be orderly and minimize repetitive comments. Now... who wants January? :)Hopefully Tom or a staffer will be along to lock this shortly. Bob..

>there demands as it were. Additionally ALL of my purchases>were held hostage and disabled, until I paid in full for>aircraft I supposedly 'stole' from them. To me at that time"Until"? You mean you actually paid them AGAIN?Wow. Hey, come to think of it I'd love to do business with you...Regards,http://www.bremmekamp.com/img/misc/avsim.jpg

I don't see why anyone would be along to lock anything unless the thread comments go downhill? This is exactly what these forums are for, after all, and let's be honest the common appearance of FSD's name in these topics is actually rather telling, wouldn't you agree? http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...ing_type=searchIt's a consistent story, so in need of re-telling. I was a customer of theirs. Never will be again.Perhaps then they might actually realise that threatening customers and withholding goods and services bought and paid for is actually potentially a criminal act, and wise up. Or at least realise its stupid and commercial suiciode, and just stop.Now, its' become so common they no longer even bother to try and defend themselves and justify their accusations. So our only alternative is to name and shame, and advise other simmers to stay well away.Allcott

Sheesh, Bob. Lighten up.The guy is expressing his dissatisfaction with FSD and just wants to pass the information along to perspective buyers. Locking these posts would serve nobody.I've seen enough posts decrying the lack of courtesy and product resolution from this vendor that I don't care to ever buy from them. The same could certainly be said for other add-on vendors. If one of the members here has an issue that stands in the way of reinstalling the software they paid for, then they should have the right to let the rest of us know.I, for one, appreciate his candor and seemingly genuine concern for those of us who spend time in this place.Hopefully, Tom or a staffer will agree.Regards,Jim Karn

Hi Jim and thank you for your comments, which are good ones. My issue is these types of threads are inherently unfair (to whom ever is in the barrel) because they do not present balance. The bandwagon folks have already jumped into this thread without questioning the OP's assertions. I hope he is right. And FSD would be nuts to jump into this thread to defend themselves.Something is missing from the explanation (details) or certainly different than my experience. Is that not important when another persons livelihood may be damaged? I own most of FSD's payware aircraft which I have moved at least twice to new computers without being accused of thievery or violating their copyrights. What is different here? Many do not like Steve Small's abrasive language and company culture that shoots first and ask questions later. Neither do I, but I don't mind sending a courteous email asking for a new download for a legitimate reason. (which I received within hours.) I will buy again from FSD without hesitation. What is disappointing is how quickly the lynch mobs lights the torches around here and few question the accuser. Bob...