Originally Posted by Chris Leckness
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Here is my reasoning mousearoma...
I am not promoting the ROMs, I don't support piracy at all in fact. What I do know is that we have a Dell Axim website and no matter what we allow discussed here, there people out there bricking their devices not having the support to keep their Axim running. We're not going to write up a FAQ on how to obtain, install, or setup any shady ROMs, but we are going to attempt, as a community, to help folks fix their Axim. Whether that be helping them to fix what ever legal or illegle ROM they have installed or attempting to help them restore the Axim back to its original state.
I am pretty far removed from Axim issues now, but I know there are many in the forums that can help get people on track.
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Aiding individuals in returning the original state is a good stance since you're helping restore the functionality that they were granted upon purchase and steer them away from piracy, considering it a 'lesson learned.' However, helping them continue to use an illegal ROM is another ballgame. To me, it's no different than:
1.) A member downloading a pirated, modified version of Vista, having the 'reduced functionality mode' (pre-SP1) clamp down due to the uploader not being thorough in circumventing the anti-piracy controls, and then asking for support to resolve the problems so that (s)he can continue to avoid purchasing a legal copy.
2.) A thief stealing a car, having the wheels blown out by tire spikes in a police chase, and then asking you to repair them so (s)he can continue driving the stolen car.
The point is that without support in fixing the illegal ROM they would have to instead ask for support in returning to a legal state. Conversely, by allowing other to offer support in fixing the illegal ROM you are facilitating piracy, more or less giving them a pat on the back and saying 'it's OK, you don't need to give up on piracy...someone here may help.' Thus, I believe the relaxed rules take it too far, crossing the line of both legality and ethicality.
John