It seems that there is more than a coincidental failure with DVD Drives after installing SH3 and the 'MALWARE' '(StarForce') that they seem fit to issue with it!
(There is probably a justifable case for a 'Class Action Suit' providing that 'experts' can prove the failures are due to the 'StarForce' installation....)
Purchasing a Software (licence) from 'UBISOFT' should not include allowing damaging 'Malware' (I dont know how else to describe Starforce!) to be installed on individual PC's - which is akin to allowing 'Spyware' to be installed on your PC without objection.
The latter would never be permitted, but 'UBISOFT' are saying in not so many words) if you want to use our products, then accept our 'Malware' (StarForce)...
QUESTION:
Why have'nt MICROSOFT done the same thing?
ANSWER:
They, (MICROSOFT) probably (being really smart!) reason that ANY Software can be copied (eventually) but place the 'user' and the 'community' 'on trust' - threatening and implementing the occasional 'huge' copyright lawsuit and at the same time acknowledging that 'software Marketing is a 'two-edged Sword' - if enough people want your product, (they monitor the forums too!) then give them the tools (SDK - SoftwareDevelopment Kit) and encourage the user base to help it evolve...
Flight Simulator is a perfect example - the entertainment need was there - and now the product has evolved - MICROSOFT sold millions of copies the users followed the generations and ...WIN-WIN for everyone!
It's a pity that UBISOFT has not fully understood how to 'market' software products, instead prefering to instal (potentially damaging) MALWARE in a 'ruse' to protect their meagre market share.
Well UBISOFT 'LISTEN-UP' in fairness, some of your products are pretty-damn good (SH3) for example IS THE BEST SUBSIM TO DATE - but some of us need the versatility of our PC's for other applications - if this means uninstalling your products and giving you 'bad press' so be it - there is a trade-off for loyalty - you need us - we will respect your decisions, but never forget WE have 'choice' on our side when it comes to buying software!
There is an 'easy fix' to the problem - introduce SH4 without StarForce but with a non-invasive copyright routine and include a SDK - This will allow the user-base to evolve the product - support them in the forums - then UBISOFT can introduce SH5 and maybe 6!
