Selling Software as a Fundraiser

[ng12345]

I don't know if this is the correct forum, but I don't really know what is.

I recently purchased some software from ebay, and instead of receiving the retail version I received a copy burned onto a disc. This person had hundreds of feedback and all he/she sells is software, so I'm surprised he/she has been around for so long.

Anyway upon asking about the software, it was claimed that it was a fundraiser for the local VFD (volunteer fire department) and it was totally legal (though the software was on Staples brand CD-Rs).

I couldn't really validate this story based on my online research -- is this for real? I already thought the deal was pretty shady, but if you know of anything that would verify his/her claim, I'd appreciate it.

I figured you guys would have the experience/expertise to comment on this.

 

[John]

Sounds like BS to me. Depending on which software is on the cd's I'd report the guy for piracy, issue negative feedback, and contact eBay.

 

[Lazy8s]

I SERIOUSLY doubt this is legit. You could contact the software publisher and ask but we discussed this with my local ACM chapter as a possibility and when we asked game manufacturers we got politely reminded of piracy laws and that was that.

 

[ta8689]

What kind of software is it? Does it require a serial number?

 

[kamper]

It'd be completely up to the producer of the software. It could easily be entirely legal although it seems unlikely. What was the software?

 

[Injury]

Ebay rule #2762: Never buy software on ebay. You're bound to get screwed some way or another.

 

[tiarnachutch]

If the software was being legally distributed, they'd not have to sell CD-Rs of it. Also, people like that reduce the resale value of software for the rest of us, when we get tired of a game or whatever, so they should be reported.

 

[Micah]

I quit buying software on ebay when CD burners became cheap enough for home users to buy. Now, you NEVER get legit copies of stuff.

I use http://gametz.com for any games I want now (as well as Anandtech forums). I've traded about 10 times and been very pleased every time.

 

[robphelan]

Originally posted by: Injury
Ebay rule #2762: Never buy software on ebay. You're bound to get screwed some way or another.

same applies for craigslist.

 

[Looney]

Complete and utter BS. If it was for a fundraiser, then the software companies would have provided them with legitimate copies to auction off. They wouldn't tell them 'go ahead and burn as many copies as you like for your fundraiser'.

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: John
Sounds like BS to me. Depending on which software is on the cd's I'd report the guy for piracy, issue negative feedback, and contact eBay.

 

[Slogun]

Greetings.

I'm with the FBI and I'll be seeking a warrant for your IP and a subpoena for your testimony in this matter....

 

[ng12345]

Its for USMLE study materials (medical exam) -- the reason I used ebay, is because the software is not usually available in common stores.

one of the cd's is usually available in textbook format -- the series of 5 books cost $150 -- i was not able to find the cd-rom version anywhere else (though it supposedly exists); the other was a set of audio files that seller said is not available for resale

looking at seller's feedback -- he has received multiple negative feedbacks about pirated software (don't know if it was medicine related or not) -- but he also has 1000+ positives (i think 12 negs -- all about piracy).

seller offered refund

 

[professor1942]

Anyone who burns a copy of retail software to a 10 cent disk and then sells it for profit is a scumbag and deserves whatever horrible consequences come his way.