In the wake of some news floating around the internet, the question of ethics, free speech, and NDAs starting flying around all over. This post is to clarify "my" position on these issues. As many of you know, I run Aximsite.com and iPaqHQ.com. This is a weird marriage, I agree, but it works out. Microsoft is the common denominator between the two sites.
NDA?
I am only under one NDA between the two sites. This NDA is with Dell. This NDA is not real restrictive, as It only prohibits me from talking about and sharing info on up and coming Dell Devices. Not really a big deal, I can post links to other sites that "uncover" info, I can allow this discussion in my forums, etc.... Now I am willing to sign similar NDAs with HP and Microsoft as well, but Microsoft has not asked me and HP wanted me to sell the farm. (
see link )
I have always allowed posts about unreleased HP devices, but was willing to stop for the above mentioned NDA. Since this was handled in the wrong way, I still have no problems posting unreleased HP info. Like I said earlier, I would cease if HP would have me sign a legitimate NDA. There are several things that I can guarantee:
- Any links to illegal roms or links to sites hosting or linking to these roms will be removed.
- I will never sell out the user’s right to post legal info and/or discuss legal info in our forums. If you want to post a link to a site with pics of an unreleased Axim, go for it, it’s not likely that I will post it on the FrontPage though.
What does an NDA do for us, the users?
Not too much directly to be honest. What it does is allows us to remain in contact with Dell, offering suggestions, getting solutions, and getting the "correct" info at the right time. It also allows us to get a review model several weeks before release. This means we can provide a thorough review to be available at the time of release. There are lots of arguments that will follow this, but this is the way I think it works best.
If an NDA was to be signed with Microsoft, I am sure that it would benefit the site as well. No, we couldn't post screenshots of the new OS to get good press, but we could provide Microsoft with direction and input to hopefully help in updates and/or future releases.
Bottom Line, Aximsite and iPaqHQ are community websites that focus on forum discussions and reviews more than news and being the one to provide the internet "the scoop". I am willing to live with this. I think that 80,000 Aximsite and 12,000+ iPaqHQ members would ultimately agree that the sites are better with the choices I've made on these matters.>>
Where can I get this info if you aren't going to post it?
There are several sites that do a great job keeping you updated on unreleased info. Search around, you'll find them. Some of them are great sites. I think our sites are great as well, we just focus more on community and the forums than being investigative reporters.
How is posting "Unreleased Info" about HP any different than posting Microsoft "unreleased Info"?
Honestly, it’s not much different. Either way its proprietary info that s
omeone broke NDA to acquire.