Unethical Freeware Distribution

[DOA]

Just would like to point out that there is someone on ebay selling a contoller/computer adapter with FMA software. I noticed on the frontpage that the author didnt mind selling products and including FMS if it was prominently displayed that the software was freeware. I almost bought this software from ebay. I just happened to do a search to get more info on the software and came across this site. I have been wanting a R/C simulator for quite some time and will download it this evening. Ah the aution link:

[Steve Lewin]

What's unethical about SELLING an interface and GIVING AWAY the FMS software with it ?

You can't download the computer interface hardware free from the Web. You either buy it or construct it yourself.

Steve

[DOA]

Quote from the author: "One exception could be made if the FMS is been shipped with some other product; this may be allowed, if you have the written permission of the authors first. The condition remains that it is evident to the authors, that you do not make any profit from it, and it has to be obvious to the customers as well that the FMS is freely available."

I believe the author made this clear so that users would know that the software is free and that they have a choice to either build the interface yourself, or buy an interface elsewhere (possibly cheaper). The point is that the seller of this auction bundelled the software and hardware and sold it as a package, instead of selling the hardware and including a free copy of FMS that is readily availible at their home site. You know I really dont care anymore. I didnt purchase it, I downloaded the software last night, and I just wanted to make the author aware that someone was using his product in an unethical mannor to make some dough.

[Ken Hewitt]

I am surprised you only found 1, last time I did a search on ebay for FMS I got hundreds of sales.

Ken.