by GeorgeRace » Thu Nov 23, 2017 4:11 pm
I am so pleased that I discovered FlightGear and this web site! I am a pilot, but at 81 years old, not doing any flying unless it is with someone else! I discovered FlightGear quite by mistake, after I had ordered "VirturalPilot3D".
What a scammer they are! There should be ways to get out the word, and put them out of business. Unfortunately, what they are doing is allowed by the rules of GPL/GNU.
Just in case it may be of help to someone else, below is a copy of the email I just sent them. Please feel free to use any part of it if you were also scammed and looking to get back your monies.
A new member of FlightGear, have a great time trying to get it all together and working. I can be reached at george at mrrace.com if you need any further information.
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Dear VirturalPilot3D:
I have sent you several emails inquiring about the almost $200 that I was charged for what I though was a $39 set of DVD's.
I have not had any response, and I have sent several emails to different email addresses you have listed.
Consequently, I contacted American Express and ask them to withhold your payment. I also explained to them how your web site is being deceptive and taking advantage of the GPL/GNU software rules to sell and distribute someone else's work, as coming from your organization, which of course we know it is not!
The reason I ask for my payment back, is that shortly after I ordered, I discovered that you are simply selling what can be downloaded free from the FlightGear site.
And on top of that, you are selling outdated version of all the various files.
I know that you are doing this to make money, and it does cost you to upkeep a web site, have DVD's made, etc...
But, if you are selling this product, which is legitimate for you to do, under the rules of GPL/GNU, you should at least be selling the latest 2017 versions of all the files.
Your web site makes it sound like you and your people, who you show on the web site, are the ones that are designing, building, and compiling the programs from original ideas. Nowhere do you give any credit to the many thousands of hours, and the volunteer software writers that are actually doing all the work that you are simply taking and making money from.
I find that very deceptive, and although not illegal for you to do, a very underhanded way to take advantage of the folks who do so much to keep FlightGear alive and well, and up to date for us end users to enjoy.
Yesterday I received the DVD package by UPS. I noticed that It was sent from a Stateside address. I did throw the bag away, as it was left out in the rain when delivered. I notice that on all the DVD packages it says there is no refund or return of the material due to the nature of the software on the DVD's.
If you want me to return the set of 4 DVD's to your supplier, please have them send me a prepaid UPS return label and I will get them packaged up and on the way back.
If I do not hear from you in 30 days or less, I will donate the set of DVD's to a local EAA Chapter, so any of the younger members can install your outdated programs and files on their home computers. Hopefully this may spark some additional interest in them becoming Pilots, and somewhere in the future join the ranks of us who are.
Sincerely,
George Race
Albion, MI U.S.A.
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Last edited by
Gijs on Fri Nov 24, 2017 2:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Obfuscate email address to prevent spam