Andy, are you serious? This cdearth.com web site looks like a classic SCAM web site. It says NOTHING about having to provide your credit card information before starting the process of providing personal information to get those CDs "free". Not to mention the unexplained and illegal charges that Chris reported. CLEARLY DECEPTIVE!
I find it disturbing that while you approve distributing OpenOffice in illegitimate ways, you don't seem to help fight the EBAY evil that uses your name to suspend sellers of OpenOffice CDs. I also find it amusing that a great master work of software like OpenOffice gets such amateurish legal support. No wonder people continue paying hundreds of dollars for MICROSOFT OFFICE. At least they know what they are getting and whom to call when they need answers. I think that OpenOffice.org needs to start managing authorizations in a more professional manner - and go after those distributors who violate the license (is CDEARTH.COM on your list?) Erika ________________________________ From: Andy Shiels <[email protected]> To: [email protected]; UTTER PRESS <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:02:13 PM Subject: Re: [cd-rom] Company charging for openoffice Dear Chris, I have had a look at the website that you quote : www.cdearth.com and as far as OpenOffice.org are concerned, they do not appear to be 'breaking any rules'. Under the terms of the GNU Lesser license for OpenOffice.org anyone may copy and distribute the same. It IS permissible to make a charge to cover production & mailing costs etc. and this does vary. ------------------------------------------------------------------ The following is my PERSONAL COMMENT : If you look at their write up on the main page,they are stating that they will give you a copy of OpenOffice, and one other product free as an incentive to join their software club. As these goods would probably be sent to you from the USA - or at least 'Offshore' -they appear to be charging a price that combines production costs and carriage, not 'selling' them. Just at the end of the descriptive paragraph below the 'Get free cd' button, have you clicked the word Details, and read this? I would humbly suggest that you Send them a FINAL reminder that you wish to cancel, giving them 7 days to respond,and save a copy of the same. If you do not hear from them, then print a copy of the 'details' from the site, along with all other correspondence, and mail this to your credit card supplier, who should be able to block further payments on your behalf. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There are plenty of Distributors of OpenOffice.org in the UK (including myself) who will gladly assist you with supplies if necessary. Regards Andy Shiels
