Open Office problems

[Karl F. Larsen]

NoOp wrote:
> On 12/20/2008 06:15 AM, Karl F. Larsen wrote:
>   
>> NoOp wrote:
>>     
>
>   
>>> Brenden got a new email address (search the archives)... but the
>>> questions remain:
>>>
>>> 1. Did you clear your browser cache and try again? If so what was the
>>> result?
>>>
>>> 2. You did 'what' wrong, & not do what again? Yes, I know that's an
>>> open-ended question. But specifically related to "this" issue what is
>>> the answer to that question?
>>>       
>
>   
>>     The answer to MY problem is simple. Bring up Google and ask it to find:
>>
>> openoffice.org
>>
>> not
>>
>> open office
>>
>>     I have been watching the URL's Google finds with the question "open 
>> office". The scam I discovered is still there but not as numerous. I 
>> think the scam artists are pulling out.
>>
>>     When I use "openoffice.org" I always never get the scam URL's.
>>     
>
> Good. Now to clarify the issue of 'scam' URL's for OpenOffice.org (that
> is the name of the program vs just OpenOffice as OpenOffice is
> trademarked in Europe);
>
> 1. There are valid OpenOffice.org (OOo) resellers, distributors that
> provide OOo on CD for those that have dialup and or just want a CD.
> Typically these are listed here:
>
> http://distribution.openoffice.org/cdrom/index.html#cdrom
>
> Such resellers and/or distributors are generally quite useful and
> provide a valuable service as the typical download size of OOo is over
> 200MB. On a standard dialup connection this can take all night.
>
> 2. The scam artists are the ones like you latched onto.
>
> http://www.google.com/search?complete=0&hl=en&q=open+office+2009
>
> They put up sites that charge you for providing a download link to
> download from OOo servers and mirrors. Now, that service _might_ be
> worth something if they also provided value added support services etc.
> But the worst part is that they simply have the unsupecting 'purchaser'
> subscribe to the OpenOffice.org users list (just like this one) for
> support. So, on that list we get emails from people demanding their
> money back, demanding that something be fixed, and sometimes even
> providing their usernames & passwords in the process. Unfortunately for
> some sites there is little that you can do, as the site will clearly
> state that it's a free program etc. Example:
>
> http://openoffice-3.org/
> <quote>
> Disclaimer: This website has no affiliation whatsoever with the owner of
> this software program and does not re-sell or license software. All
> software is freeware and/or shareware with the understanding that the
> user may need or want to pay for it later. Membership is for unlimited
> access to our site's resources. We provide an organized website with
> links to third party freeware and shareware software, technical support,
> tutorials and step by step guides Privacy
> </quote>
>
> Now, most won't read that at the bottom of the page. I'd be willing to
> bet that the site you first visited probably said something similar. And
> if they do, they think they are getting added support. I'm not sure
> about this particular site, but many sites like this just auto subscribe
> their buyers to users at openoffice.org or support at openoffice.org and we
> end up with emails such as this:
>
> ===
> Hi, on purchasing Open Office the site stated that a 30 day satisfaction
> agreement was in place. I would like to take advantage of that
> agreement. I have found your sites incredibly hard to negotiate.
> ====
> ====
> To whom it may concern:
>
> I recently signed up on your website for the
> Openoffice suite. I was, however, under the impression
> it was free. I was then advised it was 5.97 GBP. It
> was not until I reached the final approval screen that
> I was advised I was being charged more than 25.00 GBP.
> At this point I clicked the cancel button. The
> purchase, however, seems to have gone through
> regardless, as per the attached e-mail. I am very
> unhappy about this and I would appreciate it if you
> would refund my monies, especially as I have not used
> the product.
> ====
> ====
>  I did purchase "Open Office" for the sum of AU$11.00. It is the latest
> version and on the "help" page all references for help/support are to
> support at openoffice.org  or www.sun.com/star/support
> ====
>
> From the last you can see that whoever he purchased OOo from provided
> 'support' by sending him off to the OOo list.
>
> You of all people should have known better than to fall for this
> 'service' download for OOo, particularly since posts have been
> frequently made here (by me and others) on how to download & install OOo
> and recently, OOo 3.0. But, we all can fall for scams if not careful.
> So... buyer beware/Caveat emptor.
>
> BTW: Install the Mozilla Prefbar as I suggested and you can then easily
> clear your browsers cache (disk, memory, all), cookies, etc.
>
>
>   
    What started out as a download of OpenOffice version 3 for Windows, 
became a learning experience. I was not aware that the top two web pages 
were paid for by the scam artist. I need to look at the Firefox from off 
to the side to see the  color Google adds.

     I was not aware that so many people are offering OO on their web 
sites. And yes some people will send you a CD Rom for a small charge.

    OO is such a good software offered free of cost to all users of 
Linux, MAC and Windows it will draw scam writers to try and make money 
on it. That is the way our World is now.

Karl

-- 

	Karl F. Larsen, AKA K5DI
	Linux User
	#450462   http://counter.li.org.
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