I know I'm relatively new here but it seems to me that this could be resolved fairly quickly and easily given a little initiative and goodwill from both sides.

Reggie claims that there are 7 mods in his add-on and that he's got permission from all the creators. If this is the case, why not have someone from X-1 come on this thread and in a respectful, classy manner (yeah, that might be a stretch, I know) and list the mods and maybe copies or links to copies of the permissions they have received from the respective creators.

Maybe someone from X-1 could even man up and apologize, because even if it was an inadvertent mistake, and I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt here, they still screwed the pooch.

THEN, someone from the anti-X-1 side (and I'm ambivalent, but the case against X-1 seems pretty strong) can contact these modders for confirmation that X-1 has, indeed, received their permission to use their mods in a commercial add-on.

EVEN IF X-1 did this belatedly, this would at least show that they are attempting to remove their heads from their fourth points of contact and rectify the situation somewhat. At THAT point, maybe the anti-X-1 crowd can consider it water under the bridge and drive on.

Maybe then we can go back to talking about torpedoing merchies rather than each other.

If X1 provide the data regarding the seven permissions, I'll be glad to contact all the mod-makers involved and report back with their responses. If everything is above board, I'll certainly be happy to report that.

However, I know for sure that at least one of those seven people has not given permission for his mod to be used. Without getting into specifics, I know because he told me directly this very morning.

Gunfighter. Sorry to inform you they have already removed the mods that they do not have permision. They have tried to explain while the mob was crying for blood. And, IMO, X-1 should have been forthright quicker, but in the franzy going on here they were all but thrown out, read the last couple pages. Anyone that did not tow the mob mentality has been been demeaned, read the post.
In fairness the modders, again, IMO had every right to be upset. But, when X-1 bowed to the pressure, as they should have, then that was not good enough either as now they were only doing it because they were forced to. In the end there was no way to stop the angry mob.
The mob wanted blood, they wanted to burn down Castle Frankenstein. Only problem was when they went to light the fire they neglected to see everyone was covered in gasoline. Every one that loves SH3
The effect is all are too blame, all!!!!, including me, no one is right, and no one has or will benefit. Whether a fist fight, a gun fight or a flame fight, everyone loses.

Write that down!

Are you writing?

Wulfmann

Unfortunately, your characterization of X1 bowing to the pressure is not wholly accurate. I know of at least one of the mod-makers involved whose efforts to stop X1 using a mod he has not authorized were still being ignored as of 2 O'clock this morning. If X1 had completely backed off from their intention to use non-authorized mods, then you would have a point, but as far as I'm aware that still isn't the case. Sure, they say they aren't using non-authorized mods, but the reality of the situation is that they get permission for one thing, and then they push well beyond the edge of the envelope. Perhaps you should ask the mod-makers directly. You will soon learn that there's a big gap between what the X1 guys say they are doing and what they are actually doing.

I, for one, look forward to full disclosure.

I think I will be making one of my own, soon.

:up:

There certainly seems to be a disagreement over the mod they said they co developed and should be able to use ITO. I do not know who is right on that issue
But, while I agree modders needed to take satisfactory action, that should be measured to correct the problem, not cause the uproar that, IMO if is the cure it is worse than the disease.
Not only that, but the way X-1 was portrayed and continues to be is not at all consistent with their willingness to comply with the request. Particularly while under the barrage that has be leveled.
Let me guess, they are only doing that to regain credibility so they can dub the innocent potential buyers to throw down their hard earned cash and get mods they could easily spend a few weeks trying to figure out and learn to install.
X-1 made errors but there are two ways to look at this and I see both and both have faults.
The SH3 community has been hurt more by the reaction than the action.
The only people that don't see that have their eyes closed.
Wulfmann

Re: 'Seawolves' contains mods by...
 

I gotcha, didn't I?
@ Shadow9216: Keep me informed of your letter. I am not proficient enough in this field of the law to produce something convincing myself, I'm serious! So I'll grab your text, change a few lines and throw it at their distributor (c.c. Ubisoft!!). And I won't credit you for your text of course...
:rotfl:
About "the copywrong on the theftware"... Why ask Beery? I don't see were Beery fits in. He's just the inventor. We're talking about a new legal standard here...
(sorry Beery!)
:rotfl:
@ Terrapin: Thanks Martin for your kind words about my postings. I'll send you a p.m. one of these days, properly introducing myself.
I could never take your words for sarcasm in this thread. Not at this forum.
If you would meet me at the General Topic Forum you might say some bad words about my postings and I probably would take them as sarcasm...
:lol:
@ X 1: I keep my eyes on you!
:shifty:
@ All: Please refrain from personal attacks and flaming against any golfhole you might encounter. Nothing feels better for a perpetrator then being able to pretend to be victimized. Don't give them the chance. Club away at the balls, not at the holes...
:D

X1 Software & CombatPlanes Attempts to Scam SH3 Communit
 

Wonders never cease. The situation has been evolving quickly since a July 19th post on Subsim's Silent Hunter III forum regarding X1 Software's payware mod, SeaWolves.

RealSimulation.com received a press release on the 19th for X1 Software's upcoming payware mod, Seawolves.

After some discussion with Ubisoft, RealSimulation.com learns Ubisoft is both aware of X1 Software's Seawolves unofficial, payware mod for Silent Hunter III, and has found no legal troubles with its sale.

On the 19th and 20th much discussion ensued about SeaWolves on Subsim's SH3 forum. The initial reaction is one of wonder and boredom. There is speculation as to whether any new models or improves were included in SeaWolves that might signal Ubisoft had provided X1 Software with access to a SDK for SH3. However, the situation rapidly devolved with cries of a scam. But as of the 20th there was not yet any proof. Surely X1 Software's intentions of providing the community with a quality payware mod were true?

On the 20th of July, a poster by the name of OSSI claimed proudly:

Why highlight that particular comment, out of a thread of hundreds of posts? Bear with me as the timeline continues.

From the screenshots, various modders comment on seeing familiar things. Some of X1's screenshots appear to be very similar to Ubisoft material, though no direct evidence is linked. Other modders find strange similiarities, including what looks like WorldMod and the MilkCow resupply mod.

To assure the community all is well with SeaWolves, X1 Software's owner Steffen Trombke explained in an email to Realsimulation.com on July 20th in a preemptive strike to avert any claims of impropriety:

Later, at 14:06 Eastern Time, it's discovered that OSSI, quoted above, is acting as an official representative of X1 Software on the Ubisoft German forums.

Meanwhile Trombke explained in a private email to terrapin:

Beery was contacted by private email on the 20th and Trombke explained:

Further, Trombke claimed on the 21st in a press release to realsimulation.com:

On the 23rd, screenshots of SeaWolves were posted on realsimulation.com from X1 Software. A thread spawned on Subsim and they were scrutinized intensely. Immediately several modders made claims that the recognized certain elements, like the Skymod and WorldMod.

OSSI, an X1 representative in some capacity, replies to the Subsim thread stating, simply:

He then claims, in response to allegations that SeaWolves is using an existing community harbor mod:

So who is OSSI, anyway?

Through personal emails which I do not presently have permission to reproduce and Google searches, it's clear OSSI is actually the owner of X1 Software, the two faced Steffen Trombke.

From sturmovik.de:

So, then, we have an email address and not so coincidental alias OSSI. Now, the pieces fall neatly into place.

In one thread, Trombke even posted porngraphic material in response to one individual. (Warning, the thread linked below still contains a reference to Trombke pornographic URL post.) A choice selection of quotes from X1 Software's owner, Steffen Trombke, has been plucked from the thread below. You'll notice he's cleaned up his posts, but fortunately others have quoted him directly, making it impossible for him to hide his lack of diplomacy. Obviously the alligations of mod theft on his part are making Trombke uncomfortable. (He has since edited his posts, so what is represented below is only the portions of his words that were quoted by other forum members.)

On the 25th, on Ubisoft's official forums, Steffen Trombke, posting under a new alias, deathping, demands the community apologize to the noble Trombke, who has been unfairly persecuted. While I have no immediate evidence that deathping is, in fact, Trombke, it seems logical that he is attempting to restore X1 Software's reputation, or at least his own.

Additionally, on the 25th, deathping comments on the legal scenario:

On the 26th he continues, but not to plead his case, but merely initiate personal attacks against members of Ubisoft's SH3 community.

Later on the 26th, Trombke again insults people, followed by a plea to restore his honor under his assumed handle deathping.

And he writes on:

You will notice, above, Trombke referers to a 'magic server'. We will discuss that, soon, but essentially Trombke failed to secure his server and left a copy of SeaWolf in an unprotected directory, which was subsequently downloaded. Later, fact based allegations against X1 Software are based partly on the findings within the unsecured download.

Much later on the 26th, someone with the handle pbashaw, who appears to be speaking unofficially for X1 Software, weighs in:

The individual by the name of Leonard, is actually Leonard Hjalmarson of Combatplanes.ca. We'll discuss Hjalmarson's own history shortly, but let us continue.

Now, speaking more officially, it seems, pbashaw explains on the 27th about the integration of the MilkCow mod into SeaWolves.

Meanwhile, on Subsim on the 27th, someone with the handle Reggie McNeal, supposedly speaking on authority as an agent of X1 Software, claims:

The name Reggie McNeal will receive some careful scrutiny later, but for now just remember it's appearance here.

Later, Reggie McNeal explains:

Searching the Subsim forums, the person with the handle Reggie McNeal appears to have little clue how to actually play SH3. Interesting.

And now, we come to Leonard Hjalmarson (lenhjal@telus.net), the founder of CombatPlanes.ca. While there is a long community history of unscrupulous behavior, his involvement with SH3 seems to begin with X1 Software's SeaWolves payware modification.

Hjalmarson appears to go by a variety of aliases, including Maverick75, Leonard, Reggie McNeal, and Reg McNeal (Maverick77@telus.net).

He uses his alias, apparently the name of his favorite writer, Reggie McNeal, when astroturfing his own wares for Combatplanes.ca, as demonstrated in several simhq.com threads.

Further information about the Combatplanes.ca domain confirms it is indeed owned by Leonard Hjalmarson:

How do we know Reg McNeal is actually an alias? Hjalmarson was careless in personal email sent to several modders in which he incorrectly signed his emails as "Lens" or sent mail from the wrong email address, exposing himself. Additionally, I find it pretty suspect that the real Reggie McNeal, who writes books and lives in South Carolina, has time to astroturf online on behalf of Hjalmarson and Combatplanes.ca.

So who's pbashaw? Perhaps Hjalmarson himself. Here's an interesting thread on Ubisoft's Silent Hunter III - Community Creatives forum, where he inquires on how to properly work with SH3's event system.

What's the link between X1 Software and Combatplanes?

Apparently SeaWolves' Pacific campaign.

The most obvious link is within the aforementioned leaked release of SeaWolves. Although not necessarily the final build, the downloaded distribution of SeaWolves appears to be a nearly completed product ready to ship. Inside the base directory, you'll notice a Gato directory, obviously for the GATO class submarine mentioned at the Combatplanes.ca link above. Inside are some associated TGA graphics for the GATO class submarine reskin.

That's the chronology of the X1 scam to date.

So, what have we learned thus far?

Leonard Hjalmarson is a professional scammer, albeit a rather pathetic, small time one. Steffen Trombke is a professional wannabe, baithing in his ineptitude.

We've discovered that some people will do just about anything to make a buck, from blatant astrotufing, to lying, scamming, and stealing other's work and customer's money.

Were I X1 Software's publisher, Matrixgames, I'd be having second thoughts about now.

In any event, I consider this case closed. Leonard Hjalmarson has been exposed as the principal scammer by his own ineptitude. Steffen Trombke has been exposed as a tool.

Congratulations to both of you.

Now get off my boat.

:smug:

Re: X1 Software & CombatPlanes Attempts to Scam SH3 Comm
 

I'd just like to add that I've been contacted by other people whose mods and/or adjustments are included in Seewolfe and who have yet to be contacted by X1 at all. Of course these people do not appear in the list of seven. I fear these seven mods are merely the tip of the iceberg, and represent mods that X1 has received some sort of permission to use. In my opinion, there is undoubtedly work that appears in the Seewolfe add-on whose authors X1 won't even acknowledge. Perhaps this work is part of what X1 calls 'proprietary'.

Also, Pbashaw's assertion that "the optional mods have been removed, and they now have permission for all others included" is bogus. He posted that on the 26th, yet on the 27th I received word from a modmaker - one of the seven that have supposedly given permission - that X1 was intending to use a mod of his that they were specifically NOT authorized to use. That is a day AFTER they made the statement that all the remaining mods were authorized. Now I don't believe my sources have any reason to lie about this stuff. The X1 folks, on the other hand, have already amassed a history of unscrupulous behaviour. Readers can believe what they want, but I know who I believe.

'Seawolves' contains mods by...
 

@ jasonb885; What kind of sensors you got on your Typ VII C? AEGIS? FLIR? Towed Array?
:up:
Finally we got FACTS, FACTS, FACTS!
Anyway, this is maximum transparancy we got now. Seems I even missed a few of OSSI's/Deathping's more uglier postings.
Lesson for OSSI: if you want to work subsurface, pinging away could be your death.
:down:

That post needs to be bookmarked by everyone now or something :|\
Better yet, hotlinked to those fancy boycott banners!

You know though, I could understand the X1 folks trying to make money the easy and not-very-nice way. What I don't understand is why they would also want to make fools of themselves, which, as Jason's post so eloquently demonstrates, they've done quite well and pretty well right out in public. :hmm:

jasonb885:
Wow, helluva job indeed......maybe you should change your alias in sherlockh885 or something.. ;)

What I do not understand is that UBI had problems with the adaptations made by Combatplanes, but seems to be OK with this so-called 'new' project.......

Anyway good thing that you exposed these guys for what they really are....
Especially this Trombke guy.....he is so small. :roll:
I don't think that there are many people here that would want to buy goods from such a person, even if he had actually made all mods himself.....

Bookmark these posts, too:

http://forums.ubi.com/groupee/forums...143#7621028143

http://forums.ubi.com/groupee/forums...143#7681028143

http://forums.ubi.com/groupee/forums...143#6041058143

And the coupe de grace:

http://forums.ubi.com/groupee/forums...143#9221098143

:nope:

wow exposed! jason you completely changed my mind. i will DEFINATELY not buy the addon. What a buncha scammers. But i really dont think deathping is Stefen "Scammer". And what an embarassment if he is, using Ad Homines for trying to prove his innocence. I mean that seems so juvenile and ridiculous to attack several members on the forum, and this guy is a developer and owner of X1 software? (which i never heard of, does it have any credibility?) Anyway great find Jason

Hello,
that priest thing is really the icing on the cake ... OMG internet and new technology did not make mankind any brighter :roll:

I always wondered how "X1" came to use the Pacific mod done by "Combatplanes", it all becomes quite clear now. I wonder why X1 was allowed to sell this but Combatplanes was not ? UBI? Hello?

Greetings,
Catfish