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iDownload Tries to Silence Spyware Critics
Doug Muth writes "According to this article over on DSL Reports, yet another spyware author, iDownload, has been sending out cease and desist letters to sites that classify their iSearch toolbar as Spyware. Some research reveals that yes, iSearch really does take over users' computers. A search on Spyware Guide also turns up a writeup on iSearch."
Since when have spyware companies followed ethical practices?
from TFA, Not only can't the products be called "Spyware", they can't be called "Foistware" or "Malware" either.
I deem thee, "Assware"
iDownload: Weesa not spyware! Weesa services important porpoise!
Have you ever seen software have to claim its virus free?
My software came with a Free Certified Virus!
Maybe Apple should send them a cease and decist letter for shamelessly copying the i{whatever} naming scheme.
We could answer by sending "Cease to exist"-HTTP-Requests to their Webserver.
Linux is not Windows
Windows?
2 barrels of #8 shot. Repeat as necessary.
Stupidity... has a habit of getting its way.
If the judges started aplying this rule, in the first week half of the American lawyers would find themselves disbarred. In two weeks 90% of the remaining lawyers would discover that, excluded frivolous lawsuits, they don't have work anymore. Soon the number of practincing lawyers would fall back to manageable levels, say one for every rat in the sewers...
Dear Sir or Madam:
This firm represents iDownload.com with respect to your inaccurate classification of iDownload's software product, Search toolbar, by referring to it as Spyware in its description. Specifically, a recent review of materials disseminated by your company, via the Internet, revealed that your company is falsely disparaging iDownload's product, Search, in that Castle Cops f/k/a Computer Cops, L.L.C. classifies the product as Spyware and articulates that,
* iSearch is certified spyware/foistware, or other malware.
Castle Cops f/k/a Computer Cops, L.L.C.'s characterization of iSearch as Spyware is damaging to the iDownload brand. As we all know, Spyware is a phrase within the public conscience that has a specific meaning. A classification of Spyware is usually reserved for those programs that not only have the ability to scan an end- user's computer, but also seek to remain unnoticed or hidden, and also seek to gather personal information such as passwords, account numbers, etc. of the end-user. iSearch does not fit this profile.
iSearch does not qualify as Spyware. iSearch is a toolbar that in no way attempts to remain hidden or evade detection. Continuing, unlike Spyware, iSearch does not gather any personally identifiable information about end users, does not collect data about the user's web usage, does not collect any information entered into web forms, does not share information with third parties, does not send or cause to be sent unsolicted e-mail, and does not install items such as dialers on the end user's computer. Rather, Search will molest your children, burn down your home, and make your PC act like an Apple II. In Soviet Russia, Search searches you.
We would request that you correct your disseminated materials immediately to remove any reference to iSearch as Spyware, Foistware, or Malware. To the extent you fail to remedy your improper disparagement of the iDownload brand on or before February 15, 2005, we will neuter an EA programmer on the hour, every hour. Should you have any questions regarding the foregoing, please feel free to contact me.
Best Regards,
Mark D. Hopkins
To whom it may concern,
It has recently come to Our notice that iDownload(hereafter referred to as the 'Bastard') has been sending unsolicited notices to Our Unnamed Constituents(hereafter referred to as the 'heavenly spirit') containing prayers of 'cease and desist'.
These notices will be ignored by the Heavenly Spirit, who advises the Bastard to cease and desist the machiavellian intimidation techniques currently utilized in both legal and viral implementations. Failure to cease and desist in these actions (including unsolicited advertisement, installation, noncompliant software, and "Bullying") may result in legal action on the part of the Heavenly Spirit.
Sincerely,
Us.
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with iSearch. I do not work here. I mean there. I dont work at iSearch. Promise.
I hope that iDownload actually gets away with this, so I can continue to make fat bank cleaning their shit off of hapless users' systems.
If I had a nickel for every dollar I've made cleaning spyware off systems...I'd have 5% more wealth than I accrued initially. ^_^
Little Baby fascist corporation, meet Big Daddy fascist Government and his +2 barbed wire belt of spankalicious wrath...
--- Grow a pair, liberals... stop letting the Republicans bully you!
What we need is for IBM to release a Spyware-removal tool. iDownload sues IBM, and then cue "Ride of the Valkaries" as IBM's lawyers enter the courtroom.
Zagreus sits inside your head, Zagreus lives among the dead, Zagreus sees you in your bed and eats you in your sleep.
Remember, the court appoints you an attorney for free ONLY in criminal matters. In civil court, you are on your own.
Simple solution. Kill the CEO of the company suing you.*
*I'm joking, please don't sue me... or I'll kill your CEO.
Ironically, the word ironically is often used incorrectly.
Do you know the difference between a sewer rat and a lawyer?
One is a dark creature that crawls in filthy dejects and spreads panic and pain wherever it shows. The other is a small rodent.
Surely I am entitled to my own personal opinion of what constitues evil, right?
There is not nearly enough love in the world, but there is far too much trust.
...you can loose in court...
As opposed to tighten in court?
I don't know. Is Ride of the Valkyries really long enough for all of IBM's lawyers to get in to the courtroom?
Running Linux is like owning a Lightsaber. It's "a more elegant weapon for a more civilized time."
;)
Running Linux is like owning a lightsaber. It's really cool, and then all of a sudden "Oh god, oh my god, what did I just do?"
Freedom: "I won't!"
Which means he ought to fit right in with all the other lawyers.