Disappointing response from ED

[Sov13t]

So I have recently updated a few things in my PC (GTX295, new SSD and some more RAM). Reinstalled everything to find out that I have 0 activations left. By recommendations of my fellow squadmates I went and contacted ED to allow me an extension with the following text:

 

> Dear to whom it may concern:

>

> I would like to have my activation counter reset for LockOn Flaming

Cliffs.

>

> Your product Serial Nmber is:

> XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX, activations left: 0

>

> My login: XXXXXXXXX

>

> I have used up the 7 allotted activations with hardware and operating

system

> changes.

>

> Thank you in advance,

> Soviet

 

Response:

 

We have reviewed your application for a new serial number and decided:

Denied to issue a new serial number.

Reason: violations of the license agreement.

You activate yours copy of BS from different PC and different countries.

Please buy a new licensee.

 

Bunch of BS (and I do not mean Black Shark). First, I requested my LOFC serial reviewed NOT BS as I have a different serial for that... second, I have lived in the same country for god knows how long... and third OF COURSE I installed Lock On on different computers... its called upgrading hardware that is why the activations get used up... :mad:

 

Very frustrated at this... I requested an appeal.

-Soviet.

[Vekkinho]

That's one of the reasons I stick to good ol' CD/DVD versions of any application/program/game I use often and on different systems. I advise the same.

 

My FC disk came straight from Russia, it took 5 or 6 days to reach me and it still shows no wear and tear so far.

 

Now perhaps more details are needed for you to retrieve your activations so fill another request and be patient!

[RedTiger]

That's one of the reasons I stick to good ol' CD/DVD versions of any application/program/game I use often and on different systems. I advise the same.

 

My FC disk came straight from Russia, it took 5 or 6 days to reach me and it still shows no wear and tear so far.

 

Now perhaps more details are needed for you to retrieve your activations so fill another request and be patient!

 

Except when the CD/DVD has the same activation process as the download version, you know, like Black Shark... :music_whistling:

 

Not the place for the discussion, but this is going to become a big issue on a very grand scale in the future. It will be interesting to see what happens. Software: tangible product you own for life or just media you pay a license fee for? Only time will tell, but the license side of the debate is currently winning, to my disatisfaction.

 

I'm willing to bet there's an understandable reason why ED didn't provide him more activations, perhaps having to do with the legality of licenses in different countries seeing as how he used one version in multiple countries.

 

So I guess in addition to RTFM, we have to add RTFP: read the fine print?

Edited August 5, 2009 by RedTiger

[GGTharos]

Actually it is just media you pay a license for. That is not and will not be in question.

 

The only thing that could be in question are the terms of the license.

[RedTiger]

Actually it is just media you pay a license for. That is not and will not be in question.

 

The only thing that could be in question are the terms of the license.

 

Are speaking of DCS or is that your take on software in general?

[GGTharos]

This is how software works in general - by law.

The only time you can own it is if all copyrights, source code, etc, are assigned to you. Otherwise it's just license.

[sniffer]

This is how software works in general - by law.

 

Exactly - You never buying software as is but You buying rights to using it...

[BrumTx]

Virtually the same thing happened to me but with FC, I updated my bios ( which I would think would be a 'normal' thing to do and it ate my remaining activations).

I've sent mails to " Tez " who seems to deal with this issue, my last e mail from him was July 20th and he said my issue would be resolved in a few days it's now Aug 5. I'd love to get back flying but this is getting silly and annoying. I've e mailed all relevant data to Tez.

 

Edit: I'm still using the same computer, all I did was update my bios

Edited August 5, 2009 by BrumTx

[Sov13t]

Okay, now that we have established that... the license that the licensee accepts from the licensor on lockon.co.uk mentions the following:

 

The "Program" may only be used one computer at a time; the "Software" may not be run on multiple computers simultaneously.

 

and later

 

To protect the link between the "Program" and your computer configuration, StarForce is used for such protection. If up to 40% of the hardware parameters of your computer have changed, you will be required to re-activate your "Program." After your initial activation, you have a total of four re-activations of the "Program."

 

I have purchased LOFC back on: 22-05-2005 06:59:45. I am certain all of us agree that the computers you guys had in 2005 are not even close to being the same as you have today, and that an overwhelming majority of us can not even account for the amount of changes/revisions we have made to our machines since then. As such, I know for a fact that ED has helped numerous fellow virtual pilots with activations to accommodate the lifespan of this software, however in my case I am really puzzled as to the "reasoning" and "facts" behind the denial. Yes, I did install Lock On 7 times on 7 "different" computers but they were "different" due to Operating Systems, Hardware changes not different as in physically I installed it on 7 machines and now want to install it on the eighth. As such I see no part of the license accepted by me upon licensing of the product to me broken or otherwise infringed. However, nowhere in the license does it specifically state that "You have to purchase the license again upon expiration" nor do the actions of Eagle Dynamics where they have issued extensions to pilots requesting them. This is where my "disappointment" comes from.

 

Regards,

-Soviet

[GGTharos]

^^^^

 

We weren't debating any of this. Obviously this is between you and ED and they're the only ones who can resolve it (or not).

[BrumTx]

GGT, Sorry to air this in public but where else can I say anything, I'm getting no response from ED since July 20 and I would love to play FC, but I can't till I get an answer.

 

EDIT: I have send " Tez " a PM and not even got an answer to that, in total I have sent 5 emails to him requesting info and an update

Edited August 5, 2009 by BrumTx

[GGTharos]

Right, I understand.

 

I don't know if he's on holidays right now, or what might be happening - I have no visibility on this.

[RedTiger]

This is how software works in general - by law.

The only time you can own it is if all copyrights, source code, etc, are assigned to you. Otherwise it's just license.

 

I got you, that's right. I stand corrected. EULA and all that stuff. Maybe I need to RTFP. :) I think the debate tends to be software vs. other media, license vs. ownership (example: do I own my hard copy of Harry Potter or is just a license from the publisher? Ok, what if I bought it via Amazon for my Kindle?, etc.)

 

Anyways, I hope you get that sorted out with ED, Sov13t.

Edited August 5, 2009 by RedTiger

[hitman]

Im off to thinking that your serial may have been hacked or copied somehow. Who knows what they have up at the pirate bay.

[Андрей_Андреевич]

So I have recently updated a few things in my PC (GTX295, new SSD and some more RAM). Reinstalled everything to find out that I have 0 activations left. By recommendations of my fellow squadmates I went and contacted ED to allow me an extension with the following text:

 

> Dear to whom it may concern:

>

> I would like to have my activation counter reset for LockOn Flaming

Cliffs.

>

> Your product Serial Nmber is:

> XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX, activations left: 0

>

> My login: XXXXXXXXX

>

> I have used up the 7 allotted activations with hardware and operating

system

> changes.

>

> Thank you in advance,

> Soviet

 

Response:

 

 

 

Bunch of BS (and I do not mean Black Shark). First, I requested my LOFC serial reviewed NOT BS as I have a different serial for that... second, I have lived in the same country for god knows how long... and third OF COURSE I installed Lock On on different computers... its called upgrading hardware that is why the activations get used up... :mad:

 

Very frustrated at this... I requested an appeal.

-Soviet.

 

Hi!

I am just a make a typographical error with the BS. I meant FC.

 

Dear Sov13t, you activate FC your game from following IPs:

68.227.200.121 from USA, City:Burke

194.126.164.5 from Poland, City:Chorzów (May 19 2006 21:51 GMT:0)

68.227.202.197 from USA, City:Burke

173.66.74.66 from USA, City:Alexandria

173.66.74.66 from USA,City:Alexandria

 

 

I have no complaints about IP between Alexandria and Burke, because this cities is close one to another.

But how you can explain how you have activated the Black Shark from Chorzów, Poland?

 

This is the case refusal to issue a new serial number.

 

Best Regards,

Andrey Kryuchenko.

Edited August 6, 2009 by Андрей_Андреевич

[Андрей_Андреевич]

Virtually the same thing happened to me but with FC, I updated my bios ( which I would think would be a 'normal' thing to do and it ate my remaining activations).

I've sent mails to " Tez " who seems to deal with this issue, my last e mail from him was July 20th and he said my issue would be resolved in a few days it's now Aug 5. I'd love to get back flying but this is getting silly and annoying. I've e mailed all relevant data to Tez.

 

Edit: I'm still using the same computer, all I did was update my bios

 

Please, send me by PM yours expired Serial Number.

I have check and if everything is OK, give the new one.

Thank you.

[Андрей_Андреевич]

The "Program" may only be used one computer at a time; the "Software" may not be run on multiple computers simultaneously.

The order of activations was U.S. – Poland – U.S.

We can assume that was used 2 PC within about a year.

I have purchased LOFC back on: 22-05-2005 06:59:45. I am certain all of us agree that the computers you guys had in 2005 are not even close to being the same as you have today, and that an overwhelming majority of us can not even account for the amount of changes/revisions we have made to our machines since then. As such, I know for a fact that ED has helped numerous fellow virtual pilots with activations to accommodate the lifespan of this software, however in my case I am really puzzled as to the "reasoning" and "facts" behind the denial. Yes, I did install Lock On 7 times on 7 "different" computers but they were "different" due to Operating Systems, Hardware changes not different as in physically I installed it on 7 machines and now want to install it on the eighth. As such I see no part of the license accepted by me upon licensing of the product to me broken or otherwise infringed. However, nowhere in the license does it specifically state that "You have to purchase the license again upon expiration" nor do the actions of Eagle Dynamics where they have issued extensions to pilots requesting them. This is where my "disappointment" comes from.

We understand the issues of PC hardware upgrade.

We recommend that before you change the hardware configuration of your PC to make deactivation (available at Star-Force ProActive 2.0) to save the number of activations.

 

But if this option is not available we will thoroughly consider your application, and try to help you.

 

We are against the serial number sharing.

This is violates the license agreement.

 

Sincerely,

Andrey Kryuchenko.

Edited August 6, 2009 by Андрей_Андреевич

[mvsgas]

To: Andrey Andreevich (Андрей_Андреевич)

 

Well, I do not have a problem with Lock on FC nor BS but something worries me.

I travel and/or get moved by my employer to many part of the world. If this where to happen, for example; If I was moved to Korea, or Japan, or maybe Italy, and I have to reactivated ether BS or Lock On, could I send prove that I'm living in that area ( like an electric bill with my name) to prove why I was in a different location?

 

Also, following that mentality, could Sov13t prove he was in that country ( if he was )at that time?

 

I hope this makes since, what I'm asking.

 

Again, I do not, nor have in the past, had any problems with Activation , but, what if?

[Havner]

Again, I do not, nor have in the past, had any problems with Activation , but, what if?

 

That's the reason I never bought international version of BS since it was announced that it only can be activated via starforce online. I stick with Russian DVD.

[Boberro]

what if?

 

Common question asked by millions of people in various situations. In this case I guess it will be answer, also common:

 

Please buy a new license.

[Андрей_Андреевич]

could I send prove that I'm living in that area ( like an electric bill with my name) to prove why I was in a different location?

 

Well… firstly if you are traveling with a laptop (computer with which you are traveling) you do not have a problem.

 

For the Black Shark, you can deactivate the product prior to the change of the PC/Location

And you will be free from need to write to us.

 

For FC when you activation expired:

- Send us prove that you live in the other areas (like an electric / bank / etc. Bill with yours name).

And we will consider your application.

 

 

We do not guarantee a positive decision on your application.

The quickest way is to purchase a new license.

 

Best Regards,

Andrey.

Edited August 6, 2009 by Андрей_Андреевич

[BrumTx]

I thought it was only Black Shark that could be de-activated not FC

Edited August 6, 2009 by BrumTx

[Андрей_Андреевич]

That's the reason I never bought international version of BS since it was announced that it only can be activated via starforce online. I stick with Russian DVD.

 

Good when you know a lot of languages :)

[GGTharos]

Andrey, while this hasn't happened to me, I have family in four different countries in Europe, and I do travel to them; I stay with family as a guest, and I have no bills to prove I live there.

 

Considering that it was activated in Poland just once, perhaps it isn't a big deal?

 

If it was activated in 5 different countries I'd be much more suspicious.

 

Well… firstly if you are traveling with a laptop (computer with which you are traveling) you do not have a problem.

 

For the Black Shark, you can deactivate the product prior to the change of the PC/Location

And you will be free from need to write to us.

 

For FC when you activation expired:

- Send us prove that you live in the other areas (like an electric / bank / etc. Bill with yours name).

And we will consider your application.

 

 

We do not guarantee a positive decision on your application.

The quickest way is to purchase a new license.

 

Best Regards,

Andrey.

[Андрей_Андреевич]

Andrey, while this hasn't happened to me, I have family in four different countries in Europe, and I do travel to them; I stay with family as a guest, and I have no bills to prove I live there.

 

Considering that it was activated in Poland just once, perhaps it isn't a big deal?

 

If it was activated in 5 different countries I'd be much more suspicious.

 

Hi! I am guided by the rules.

 

I cannot check did you really are on vacation in Hawaii and play in BS/FC on other PC,

Or you give the SN to your friend for fly together.

 

August 10, TEZ start to work after leave.

You will be able to appeal to him.

 

But I do not think that he would support those users who share Serial Numbers.

 

Best Regards,

Andrey Kryuchenko.