Did TSF backstab the skinning community?

Why do you feel that TSF has backstabbed the skinning community?  They are doing something to try and counter piracy of their intellectual property.  Nothing more.

But isnt it like bargaining with criminals to eliminate the cirmes?

"our loyal members".....translation=thieves..!!

You could look at it that way.  But I don't think they've backstabbed anyone here.  Has Stardock backstabbed the gaming industry by offering DRM free games?

Who cares?

It's a)TSF and b) a pirate board.

And what are YOU doing on that board?

I think SD is not selling DRM-Free games to just pirates .. do they? or is it their properly defined business decision?

I had reported that site to Koop/I-D!

So, they've managed to turn a site dedicated to stealing TSF software into one where people can get a discount for legitimately purchasing it and where posting TSF's stolen material will no longer be tolerated.

Um, that's just smart, contemporary, digital age thinking in my book.  It might generate revenue, and it's guaranteed to cut down on piracy on that site at least.

If the five major content producers would think out of the box a little like this they might stay in business rather than be going the way of the dinosaurs...

That's my thinking as well.  I don't think TSF did it to appease the pirates.  It's smart on their part.  They cut out piracy on that site (at least) and maybe make some money too.  And that's what it's all about, lets not kid ourselves, making money.

Of course in doing such a deal the owners of the forum have demonstrated it is within their power to control pirate links.

Its not backstabbing anyone imo and why were u on the site?

Actually you should remove that code from your post as its intended for visitors to that particular forum.

It's like a virtual Black Market. Gotta pay the mob for protection.

I don't think this qualifies as "backstabbing".  I would be more concerned with the people who buy the software/skins and then "share" them among forums like this. 

Also, trusting sites like this is like trusting a crackhead to clean your house.  All these forums have private areas where they trade with "trusted" members, so this "discount" really won't stop anything.

Excalpius: I like how you think. You get it.

First of all, as I had said that it is in my view is like having joined hands with criminals to limit the crimes. As the SD stuff has been pirated since ages and they could have offered such an option for those pirates but did they? And a clear answer is a big NO. Instead of joinging hands with those criminals why not TSF reports that site/forum to the ones providing them with net-space and hosting their servers as SD peole do?? why dont they use the right of inltellectual property?

SD really puts like thounsands of $$$ to develope software/skins having their own skinning engines and original in concept but what TSF has? A bundle of hypersutes which really does nothing but patching/hacking the dlls which are actually the property of Microsoft?? In my view, it is just the difference of determination and nothing else!

What would be the feelings of you guyes when one day you would come to know SD has a special discount for members of a pirate site? Wont you feel that you could have saved the money if you were one of those pirates? what will be the image of SD will be in your mind?

Jesh can defend himself, but I don't have a clue where you're getting that from.

http://draginol.joeuser.com/article/310691/Some_thoughts_on_Hyperdesk

Interesting read (a little dated).....someone a lot smarter then me in skinning is going to have to address what it really does in it's final version, but I don't think it touches the files....

.....sure as hell could be wrong.

It does change/patch the files ... I confirm ...  Personally checked!

Then I stand corrected....you have my apology.

Gracias, amigo! 

What it really comes down to is greed. TSF feels that getting something is better than nothing so they take the lower road while their integrity goes on a bender.

I always thought ....If you can't beat em, join em... was lazy and cowardly.    

I think Neil covered it quite well in #10.

Sure makes you wonder....;)

Well I think for whatever it's worth there is something that may be of benefit to people.  First any who are hard corp pirates aren't going to be swayed in the least by such agreements.  However, if the audience for these sites include those who were naive and foolish, I'm thinking youth here, then some may end their stealing ways.  I can't see how this agreement can harm TSF and the potential to end a degree of problems in this area is there.  I hope it works out for them.

BX: You really are an idiot. Hyperdesk patches in memory. If you're going to keep talking about us, it would be nice to get your facts straight at least once. And since you felt the need to post the coupon code I'm going to give them another one. Something catchy like: BX-IS-AN-ASSHAT. I'll make sure they post that to all their members. And why are you on there anywhere? Just doing "recon"? I'll bet. I was on their to remove my copyrighted works - our themes and artwork. I'm sure you weren't there downloading themes and apps. I know, I know... you were just "helping out". You're a hero.

Night Train: Is it greed to want people to stop stealing our hard work? Our expensive to make hard work? Hey, but whatever let's you get in your little hater dig, works for me.

And the title of this little forum post isn't written as someone's opinion. It's stated as a fact: TSF Backstabbed the Skinning Community. Not BX Thinks TSF Backstabbed the Skinning Community which would be written as a personal opinion. Your title borders on defamation since our actions affect our business not the skinning community. All it takes is one person to come on here saying they won't buy our product because of what you wrote and i can prove damages. We're not part of this community. We don't post our work here. I come on once in awhile. We do belong to the deviantART community.