Hello,

my friends, I have sad news. After several emails sent to various sections of Microsoft, the Microsoft Anti-Spyware problem that currently plagues Messenger Plus! has not been solved. This particular branch of Microsoft seems to persist in denying the obvious truth which is that their software is damaging some of their users' computers by detecting Messenger Plus! when the sponsor is not installed and by reporting&deleting files they have no reason to detect in the first place.
As I do care about my users myself, I have decided that the only proper and peaceful way (meaning, outside a court of law) to solve this matter was to create a special petition. This petition describes the problem in details and I encourage all of you, supporter of Messenger Plus! or not, to read it in details and to not jump to conclusions. My only wish is for Messenger Plus! to be treated as it ought to be, nobody should tolerate anti-spyware programs that create a mess on computers in the name of "protection" anymore. This is not about removing advertisement, this is about arbitrary assigning threat levels to products that should be left alone.

Please, read and sign the petition and send the link to all your friends, the very life of Messenger Plus! depends on it as well as the future of software distribution rights (yes, nothing less).

Thank you,
Patchou

Hello Patchou,

I've signed the petition and hopefully Microsoft will realize that they cannot take our favorite addon away from us with their false alerts.  I have also given the page to my entire contact list in hopes of support.

Signed and sent; I hope there is someone coherent behind those desks at Microsoft AntiSpyware.

Thanks, Patch, in name of each and every users that supports you and Plus!.

Signed the petition.

Are you going to allow translations? It would reach more people.

Signed, sent, added to my sites, and will be sent to my contact list tomorrow.

If there's any other way of helping you out on this one, please don't be shy to tell.

I also quoted your post of this thread on my website, I hope you don't mind.. if you do please PM

signed and sent

Did sign it too

Signed ...
Microsoft is getting dodgy

Lets save Messenger PLUS!!!!!!
Signed

ok my bad

i feel there should have been a counter to show us how many people have already signed the petition. Not the names and the comments (to protect privacy but mabbe only the number

signed it myself , hope some1 at M$$ listens, there  only gonna Dig a Grave for themselves also if People uninstall Plus, , they'll no longer use MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger

you got my support

quote:

---

Originally posted by Animal
at M$$

---

just another compny MS is trying to squash!

quote:

---

Originally posted by lance.carnegie
just another compny MS is trying to squash!

---

Yes, it is clearly a big misunderstanding, I still have nothing against Microsoft as a company, this petition is against the Anti-Spyware division. Don't forget that this is probably the same people that were working as Giant before, they've been bought but Microsoft is a big company, each one with its own set of employees.

And to answer the question, yes, you can quote this page anywhere you want (as long as it is with good intentions of course ). Thank you all for the early support, I can't wait to send the first box of letters to Microsoft. The count of current signatures will be added tomorrow, when there will be more than a hundred or two .

Signed

Signed.

Signed.

Im just about to add the banner to my space.

Signed it.

If Microsoft decides to ignore your petition, what will your next course of action be?

Ive signed it

Signed.

Messenger Plus! has actually helped Microsoft, so I don't see why they are seeing it as a threat.

That's sad when Microsoft doesn't show up any respect. Plus! is the one and only, what makes MSN Messenger better! As serious supporter of Plus!, im signed.

I've translated the petition to Estonian, so it would be easier for my people to understand it. I hope it will help you, Patchou.

Justice for all!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patches
Signed.

Messenger Plus! has actually helped Microsoft, so I don't see why they are seeing it as a threat.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Absorbation

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patches
Signed.

Messenger Plus! has actually helped Microsoft, so I don't see why they are seeing it as a threat.

---

microsoft have many deparements in each one you need to do your own thing, the msn messenger department supports him

---

signed and link in my web site

I've signed it and updated my blogs about this too

Signed

Although I do not really support the addition of (optional) adware to the Messenger Plus! software package, I do consider Messenger Plus! a valuable and worthy piece of programming. And although I haven't used Messenger Plus! in quite some time because I use Trillian now for AIM, Yahoo and ICQ, the two years that I did use it, I enjoyed every bit of it. I also consider it unfair and unethical of Microsoft Anti-Spyware to flag harmless and valuable software packages and hurt the reputation of its creators.

Therefore I gladly signed the petition.

Is there any chance of seeing how many people signed the petition already? And what number of signatures is the unofficial goal?

What the hell? I'm sorry but i dont understand why you are complaining Patchou, your program has the 'potential' to install adware(yes i know its optional) but I'm clearly stating thats the reason to be even included within Microsoft Antispyware, Clearly also is the fact that its a 'moderate' threat and clearly states if you know what it is, click Ignore. Is it really that hard to understand? There policy states "the policy of Microsoft Anti-Spyware is to flag all installers which bundle spyware/adware as being potentially dangerous" I'm sorry Patchou but it falls into that catagory. Do you honestly think there going to give-in or even care? No, they, Microsoft, are placing it there for the benefit of the computer illiterate. If they do this for you then more programs will do the same and Microsoft would have to bend for them also. I'm sorry but I will not be signing for someone so petty. Remember kids, a reminder of my point; Ps I will be screenshotting this post as i fear due to community biast, this will no doubt be removed.

I don't think you have read the petition, dawgie. This petition was not made because of that warning, but because of another. Patchou explains it quite extensively at http://www.msgplus.net/petition.php

its still a large part of why he seems its wrong also. its not lieing, just the author seems to be in some mind bending denial. if he wants it to go, revenue methods should change from potentially harmful methods that Microsoft Antispyware will pick up

signed and sent

Hello Patchou,

I have signed the petition and I have placed links to the petition in many of my signatures on websites. Hopefully this will work, and if it don't then I guess you'll have to take on the software giant in court .

quote:

---

Originally posted by dawgieThere policy states "the policy of Microsoft Anti-Spyware is to flag all installers which bundle spyware/adware as being potentially dangerous"

---

Signed !
Dame shame what MSAS died, because Messenger Plus! is simply a great piece of software, with or without the sponsor.... (hehe... prefer whitout myself but ...)

I seriously doubt the effectiveness of this petition but if it helps I'll sign it.

Done and done...

signed and sent

Also signed and am letting my friends know too.

quote:

---

Originally posted by rix
I've translated the petition to Estonian, so it would be easier for my people to understand it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by dawgie
its still a large part of why he seems its wrong also. its not lieing, just the author seems to be in some mind bending denial. if he wants it to go, revenue methods should change from potentially harmful methods that Microsoft Antispyware will pick up

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by John Anderton

quote:

---

Originally posted by lance.carnegie
just another compny MS is trying to squash!

---

I dont think so. I just think its some kinda misunderstanding that will be cleared up hopefully peacefully sooner rather than later
UPDATE:
Btw i put this topic on my website along with the banner @ http://ja.thedt.net/2005/08/17/msgplus-petition/

---

signed

I've signed it also. Hope it will work.

  Signed the petition. and from my heart hope Microsoft will understand us.

And for sure we should be one hand, and i think this only the start!.

Good Luck for all

Signed with the following comment:

As a Msgplus user, helper and betatester i sign this petition. This problem needs to be solved asap as this is making it hard on us to solve peoples problems, due to MSAS cripling the uninstaller and deleting files it should not.

I will continue to provide help using messenger Plus! and right now it means telling users to disable MSAS and to reinstall Plus! with sponsor in order for the sponsor to be uninstalled properly...in my opinion this is making it hard on everybody and surely isn't needed at all.

Patchou has made a very userfriendly program in all points of view (the sponsor is optional and can't be installed without the user actually choosing to install it and has provided a simple way to uninstall it aswell incase they don't like the sponsor afterwards).

The way MSAS is detecting Plus! right now is bad for both parties really. Msg Plus! party for ppl starting to doubt this program (even though many won't use MSNM without Plus! anymore because of the many usefull features it provides) and for MSAS aswell because once they see Plus! sponsor can be uninstalled as we tell them to they might seriously consider getting rid of MSAS.

I hope we can solve this problem in a friendly way and that MSAS and Plus! can exist next to eachother. Plus! does not deserve to be treated this way..there's so many programs outthere that go undetected and certainly are bad, every toolbar is ad/spyware no matter how usefull they are...do be fair on us please.

Thank you for reading.

Signed.
And I hope the Microsoft also make an official apology

WE MUST SAVE MESSENGER PLUS! NO MATTER WHAT!

I signed it. I'd hate to see your paper/toner bill for this though .
personally i woudlnt use msas just because i see them as trying to compete with perfectly good adware/spyware/malware/whaeverware removers like Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D.

Of course I signed the petition! I'm really happy to see that all the Messenger Plus! community is with Patchou ! Like I said many times before, "Together, WE can change the situation!"... Messenger Plus! is the greatest addon ever, we cannot let Microsoft make what they want with it...

Have a nice day everybody !!!

*einum has signed the petition

Patchou, keep up the good work and stay in there!

you should put a counter on the amout of people that signed the petion

quote:

---

Originally posted by Supersonicdarky
you should put a counter on the amout of people that signed the petion

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
The count of current signatures will be added tomorrow, when there will be more than a hundred or two .

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by dawgie
"the policy of Microsoft Anti-Spyware is to flag all installers which bundle spyware/adware as being potentially dangerous" I'm sorry Patchou but it falls into that catagory.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by x2zen

quote:

---

Originally posted by Supersonicdarky
you should put a counter on the amout of people that signed the petion

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
The count of current signatures will be added tomorrow, when there will be more than a hundred or two .

---

btw. I signed the petition

---

Signed the petition.... Hopefully everything works out.. and if it doesn't I say Patchou makes his own Messenger service

Signed and put http://www.msgplus.net/petition.php in the newssubmit on 1 of the biggest Dutch tech sites.

Signed. If there is anything else we can do, let us know.

By the way, what is a simple way of adding the banner to one's site?

quote:

---

Originally posted by MenthiX
Signed and put http://www.msgplus.net/petition.php in the newssubmit on 1 of the biggest Dutch tech sites.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by cardshark
Signed. If there is anything else we can do, let us know.

By the way, what is a simple way of adding the banner to one's site?

---

code:

---

<center>
<a href="http://www.msgplus.net/petition.php" target="_blank" title="Sign the petition to save messenger plus!"><img src="http://www.msgplus.net/images/banner_petition.gif"></a>
</center>

---

Signed the petition and will link to it in a couple of places.

My comment: Microsoft should be able to tell the difference between a Messenger Plus! installation with OPTIONAL sponsor program and an installation without the sponsor program. There's absolutely no reason for MS to do something with the installation without sponsor program other than to ignore it. Ad-Aware nor Spybot report it, if you want MSAS to be a success, then do something about this. Because instead of letting MSAS remove Messenger Plus just like that, we'll just (recommend) uninstall(ing) MSAS just like that. Thank you.

I don't know what's worse, ad/spyware or false positives.

Thanks, Supersonicdarky. That will be added to my site now.

signed and sent....stupid microsoft anti-spyware!

Signed.

quote:

---

Originally posted by SlimShady
Tweakers.net right?

---

Signed.

Now sue them!

Signed

BTW  i signed something like this at mess.be too o well, but patchou you got all of us suporting u we are to help Msgr Plus! continue its journey, and if it is going up the big MS anti-spyware door, knock and say please remove it, i will do it 

Signed. 

signed

quote:

---

Originally posted by CookieRevised

quote:

---

Originally posted by John Anderton

quote:

---

Originally posted by ance.carnegie
just another compny MS is trying to squash!

---

    I dont think so. I just think its some kinda misunderstanding that will be cleared up hopefully peacefully sooner rather than later
    UPDATE:
    Btw i put this topic on my website along with the banner @ http://ja.thedt.net/2005/08/17/msgplus-petition/

---

Although you mean it well, I very very strongly advise you to either remove the message or fix the message.

What you wrote there is NOT what this is all about and misinforms those who want to sign the petition. Patchou does NOT ask that Messenger Plus! is to be removed from the black list at all. Please read again the petition to grasp the real issue at hand...

It is very important that everybody understands the real problem to avoid people starting to flame these forums like it happened these days, just because they are misinformed.

---

Patchou, I have been using MsgPlus since very early stages of development (and I still do). I think you have lost your way a little. The original reason why I downloaded Plus in the first place back in the day was to remove the annoying MSN Adverts.

When you removed that feature from Plus, that is when I lost respect for you. Micro$oft are screwing you big time with this Antispyware BS and you are just sitting back and letting them give it to you...

Something that would probably piss them off would be if you reintroduced the ability to hide the banner and advertisments. Then you would get my respect back and I would sign the petition for you.

I signed it this morning, however what I think everyone should realise how many complaints these people will get (some of them invalid) to get their software allowed. They will be very busy filtering the real from the fake, but luckally this problem is one that can be easily proved and tested. However software that forces users to unfairfully remove another is illegal, so a lawsuit could be on the cards for the future, but I hope MS listen to this.

I signed it this morning too . Pathou deserves better indeed.

quote:

---

Originally posted by John Anderton
Ok done cookie ... and i got the idea now ... thanks for the info

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viper6
Patchou, I have been using MsgPlus since very early stages of development (and I still do). I think you have lost your way a little. The original reason why I downloaded Plus in the first place back in the day was to remove the annoying MSN Adverts.

When you removed that feature from Plus, that is when I lost respect for you.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viper6
Micro$oft are screwing you big time with this Antivirus BS and you are just sitting back and letting them give it to you...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Guido

quote:

---

Originally posted by Animal
at M$$

---

Sorry to interrupt with such a picky subtlety but... is there a reason to call them M$$ or M$ or whatever? It's a company, it's thousands of people, it's called Microsoft, or abbreviate it MS. If we want to be heard like civilized people we should at least treat their *name* with respect maturity.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viper6
Something that would probably piss them off would be if you reintroduced the ability to hide the banner and advertisments. Then you would get my respect back and I would sign the petition for you.

---

Signed.. you have all my Support Patch no matter what .

Signed.... can you make a script to allow petition.php to be translated in other laguages?

not every plus user speak english....

Signed, sealed delivered

I will be sending the list to the entire college that im at cos im a mod on the forums there so muhaha.

How long will this petition be running for?

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viper6
Something that would probably piss them off would be if you reintroduced the ability to hide the banner and advertisments. Then you would get my respect back and I would sign the petition for you.

---

Signed. Hope this petition makes a difference.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Guido
Right, because childish attitudes like your suggested revenge are the best alternative for solving misunderstandings with a Microsoft division.

---

signed

quote:

---

Originally posted by lou_habs
I second that opinion...but Patchou can you make it so other languages have it in their language? plz

---

Yes, I will, just give me some time lol .
Already 2,000 signatures... not bad for a 12 hours period. That's gonna be some big bags of letters (I'll post pics of course).

Any printer ink sponsor or something?

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
Yes, I will, just give me some time lol .
Already 2,000 thousands signatures... not bad for a 12 hours period. That's gonna be some big bags of letters (I'll post pics of course).

---

lol, you wish.

and actually yes, that's a good idea... so many people seem to react to this problem that I should contact Epson and ask them to sponsor me for the petition .

Joke asside, of course, all the letters will be printed professionally on a laser printer, by batches, in a specialised stores.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
lol, you wish.

and actually yes, that's a good idea... so many people seem to react to this problem that I should contact Epson and ask them to sponsor me for the petition .

Joke asside, of course, all the letters will be printed professionally on a laser printer, by batches, in a specialised stores.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dane

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
lol, you wish.

and actually yes, that's a good idea... so many people seem to react to this problem that I should contact Epson and ask them to sponsor me for the petition .

Joke asside, of course, all the letters will be printed professionally on a laser printer, by batches, in a specialised stores.

---

You're averaging 1 signature every 21 seconds according to toddy, but when I refresh it seems a bit quicker than that at this point.  Way to go Plus! Community, keep spreading the word!

---

way to go plus! More than Patchou had expected I'm sure

EDIT:

quote:

---

Originally posted by From the petition site
Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 2,198

---

http://www.neowin.net/

Hi Patchou, i already signed the petition good luck!

quote:

---

Originally posted by toddy
http://www.neowin.net/

---

Plus..... must....... live!!!!!!

Anyways signed the petition

I signed the petition too!

I've signed it, Viva the La Resistance.

so i should be expecting a new thread "Help Messenger Plus! pay for envelopes" ?

quote:

---

Originally posted by dawgie
so i should be expecting a new thread "Help Messenger Plus! pay for envelopes" ?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by dawgie
so i should be expecting a new thread "Help Messenger Plus! pay for envelopes" ?

---

Signed and posted in my webpage (Spanish).

http://jolo.mi-pagina.cl

i even posted this on trillians forums

quote:

---

Originally posted by dawgie
so i should be expecting a new thread "Help Messenger Plus! pay for envelopes" ?

---

Have signed it myself an added a banner and link on the home page to my site, I will do what I can to promote it more as well.

We're behind ya all the way patchou!

Signed it of course

Goodluck with everything Patchou

WHAT? F***ING M$ ANTI-SPYWARE!

Signed & send! Messenger Plus! was never, isn't and will never be SPYWARE!

Well, signed of course (i'm just a fan ) and Patchou I know you speak french so this is for you and that's my contribution to your fight :

http://www.pcinpact.com/actu/news/MS_Antispyware_...divorcent.htm?vc=1

I just hope I will touch as many users as I can cause our news are published on Yahoo! France

they cant take plus away

Hey Patchou!

Just to let you know i sined the pentoion and added the "Save messenger plus" banner to my myspace profile  (if you would like me to remove it just ask! - www,myspace.com/oddandy - as well as sent verious e-mail round to freinds and family telling them to sign the petition!

I dont know where i would be without Messenger Plus and I certainly can't wait for the next version! Every feature is useful to me (custom names, chat log encryption and of course boss protection to name a few!) Your work is marvelous and your dedication to your users, such as myself, is a credit to you! As a result of this, I promise I WILL get as many people to sign the petition as humanly posible! It's the least I can do for someone who as made MSN so much more useful and fun for EVERYONE!

Thanks again! - keep up the good work!
                                                                 Portessa

f***ing microsoft

ps: did you mention this at the meeting? (for msn messenger 7.5)

quote:

---

Originally posted by YA_MUM
f***ing microsoft

ps: did you mention this at the meeting? (for msn messenger 7.5)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by YA_MUM
f***ing microsoft

ps: did you mention this at the meeting? (for msn messenger 7.5)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by portessa
U aking me or Patchou?

---

Sent

Would it not make more sense just to remove the sponsor program from messenger plus altogether?

quote:

---

Originally posted by craigbrass
Would it not make more sense just to remove the sponsor program from messenger plus altogether?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by portessa
no coz then we may have to pay for plus - as it is the sponser of plus that help to keep it free...(correct me if i'm wrong patchou. Thanks)

portessa

---

Yes, but the point is nobody actually keeps the sponsor package if they install it by accident. They simply uninstall and reinstall it so I can hardly see how including it benifits anything.

quote:

---

Originally posted by craigbrass
Yes, but the point is nobody actually keeps the sponsor package if they install it by accident. They simply uninstall and reinstall it so I can hardly see how including it benifits anything.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by craigbrass
Yes, but the point is nobody actually keeps the sponsor package if they install it by accident. They simply uninstall and reinstall it so I can hardly see how including it benifits anything.

---

Yea, but he could make money in other ways. Look at stuffplug.com. They make money off http://www.azoogleads.com on the site (the banners are fine but don't have that popup js thing). How about ditching C2 Media and going with them sort of adverts on the site.

quote:

---

Originally posted by craigbrass
Yea, but he could make money in other ways. Look at stuffplug.com. They make money off http://www.azoogleads.com on the site (the banners are fine but don't have that popup js thing). How about ditching C2 Media and going with them sort of adverts on the site.

---

Well I understand it is Patchou's choice but MS won't back down you know. They are stuburn as shown by several things in the past.

The different ways to make money has already been talked about here http://shoutbox.menthix.net/showthread.php?tid=46306 and other post from what I get its useless to bring it up Patchou will not change it from the responses I have read. I think Patchou does need to reconsider it though this is just gonna get worse. I think ms is full of sh** myself. They know what they doing and I think they doing this on purpose.

The problems with picking another sponsor is:

1. About the "ads on the installer" suggestion: They must allow to be seen in a program's installer.
(Google AdSense and many others do not allow this, from what I've read.)

2. About the money: They must give considerable amounts of money.

3. Security, age-wise, customization: They must be safe, non-spyware, and must allow Patchou to customize the sponsor.
(Currently, the sponsor is a customized version for MsgPlus!, it does not contain anything harmful nor porn ads.)

The ads on the site are meant as an additional income. Obviously you don't go all the time to the main MsgPlus! website to use this add-on. So the sponsor must be in something people use a lot.

I have signed the petition, and I have also defended plus! on neowin. This is just plain stupid. Read my full rant on neowin, i'm the_guy over there.

Go Patchou!

Then from what he has said about Messenger Plus having to shut down if Microsoft do not change the anti spyware on the petition page, it looks like that is going to happen because I am almost certain that Microsoft will NOT back down. As the senior management have said there on several occassions, backing down to external sources show weakness and Microsoft do not want to be seen as weak.

Maybe this is Microsoft's intention, who knows.

quote:

---

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 5,017

---

signed... of course this is the greatest extension for MSN and patchou has put a lot of effort into it...

but why would msnplus have to shutdown as a result? Couldn't msn plus just keep working even if Microsoft doesnt do anything about it?

It could but Patchou has stated that Messenger Plus will close on the petition page if Microsoft don't change their anti spyware program.

also knowing microsoft they have a lot of users and maybe start to bundle the software in windows meaning a hell of alot of people will have it and not use messenger plus

As far as I know it is going to be included with Vista.

quote:

---

Originally posted by craigbrass
As far as I know it is going to be included with Vista.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doorknob
but still.. why shut msn plus down

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Absorbation

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doorknob
but still.. why shut msn plus down

---

for legal reasons it's called msg plus or messenger plus

and patchou thinks this is the peak of the software and he would be glad to work on other projects.

so patchou needs help from microsoft, which he did a month back but that was with the msn messenger department

---

I think ms is trying to end msgplus. I think ms will regret that to if that does happen. I think it might be a good idea for everyone to stop using msn messenger if ms does nothing.

(please note that I AM on Patchou's side, I am just stating the ineviatable of how MS conduct themselfs).

Maybe Patchou could create a whole new messenger protocol and messenger if it happens.

Well since you brought that up, it would be cool if Patchou went and worked for google or work out something with them. From the news not long ago google is being urged to make a messenger. Google makes a messenger and whips ms a** with tons of features and stuff cause of Patchou's involvement.

Signed

quote:

---

Originally posted by dreaded
Well since you brought that up, it would be cool if Patchou went and worked for google or work out something with them. From the news not long ago google is being urged to make a messenger. Google makes a messenger and whips ms a** with tons of features and stuff cause of Patchou's involvement.

---

signed and sent.

Why dont this get put on a tv? Alerting people that ms antispyware dont even do what it is suppose to. It is deleting the program and leaving the advertisements. Wonder how good that would look for ms tv stations warning people that ms antispyware is flawed it deletes things it shouldnt and actually leaves what it suppose to clean. Anyone work for or know anyone from cnn, abc, nbc or cbs?

quote:

---

Originally posted by craigbrass
Maybe Patchou could create a whole new messenger protocol and messenger if it happens.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
Hello,

my friends, I have sad news. After several emails sent to various sections of Microsoft, the Microsoft Anti-Spyware problem that currently plagues Messenger Plus! has not been solved. This particular branch of Microsoft seems to persist in denying the obvious truth which is that their software is damaging some of their users' computers by detecting Messenger Plus! when the sponsor is not installed and by reporting&deleting files they have no reason to detect in the first place.

Thank you,
Patchou

---

As Microsoft provide spyware definitions to SunBelt Software (makers of CounterSpy), won't the level on that also match up to Microsoft's product soon when the release a new version with latest definitions?

Patchou sent out petition translation file and I just finished translating it. If it comes to saving Plus!, then I just need to do it as soon as possible.

once ever 16 seconds or so now

Craigbrass counterspy does its on definitions to. Most people that has  counterspy or keeps up with it will tell you that it is better. Counterspy adds and removes definitions.

I signed the petition as well.

I think it is just terrible the MS does this.  It appears that they don't even try to work with anyone to get them off of the list.  The only problem with using Counterspy is the MS AntiSpyware is very similar & it's free.  I actually use MS Antispyware, but I told it a long time ago to ignore MSG Plus.

I personally think it is a shame that they detect the MsgPlus Files & registry entries when they cause no harm at all, and they do not detect the adware that it can install.

I think MS Antispyware should be changed so it detects the installs & sponsor programs only, not the apps or the registry entries.

Shaggie

P.S. I put the banner up in our office tools to spread the word.

I've signed it myself, I'm there to save Messenger Plus!

not to be mean shaggie but:

quote:

---

Originally posted by http://shoutbox.menthix.net/rules.html
# Spam: Any post that is off-topic or contributes nothing useful or interesting to a thread is considered to be spam. Most spam posts will be moved or deleted. Spam includes posts that:

    * only contain emoticons.
    * only contain a short message, such as "LOL" or "hello."
    * are posted more than once, or immediately after another one of your posts (double post). There is an edit button. Learn to use it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Shaggie
So I think everyone here should Provide feedback to the MS AntiSpyware team.  Please keep it clean, nice, and respectful, otherwise they will just ignore all of our complaints.

---

Signed and it beter be mail...thos dam Ati-Spywear.

Signed it. I want Msg Plus to STAY

quote:

---

Originally posted by Petition Counter
Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 10,460

---

OMG poor trees thats 10,460 pages

He's printing 5000+ copies and counting.... Patchou must be going through printer paper and ink by the truck load.

10,920 to be exact! SAVE MESSENGER PLUS! Microsoft has some good free programs, like, um... MSN Messenger 7.5 (my dads a beta tester). They also have some not so good free programs, like AntiSpyware (it is a beta, but that doesn't mean they need to flag a spyware-less program, while keeping the actual spyware). It doesn't make sense.

the_guy

Done And Done.

i'v signed the petition    been using msg plus for month's now best thing that was ever created


1 thing i dont understand      why are people using microsoft spywhere
why dont people bycot the microsoft sw

i use mcafee and i havent had any trouble with msg being an adwere supplier             

quote:

---

Originally posted by Garry
1 thing i dont understand      why are people using microsoft spywhere
why dont people bycot the microsoft sw

i use mcafee and i havent had any trouble with msg being an adwere supplier

---

yep cookie, its all about profits/market share - Most users would think the more the program finds (regardless of whether its actually spyware) the better it is - hence more users will change over to that program

I have happily signed the petition and will pass it on to all of my friends on MSN Messenger .

I've signed too, because i have been using MsgPlus! for a very very long time, i think since v1, and you can choose wether to install the spyware or not to.
Although i think searching a better sponsor would be a lot better, because thisone sucks, and mucks up a lot of computers...

Wouldn't it be easy to take the letters to a printing company? You'll have to pay a fee but it will be quick and cheaper than buying new ink every 10mins.

Signed and sent

quote:

---

Originally posted by mwe99
Wouldn't it be easy to take the letters to a printing company? You'll have to pay a fee but it will be quick and cheaper than buying new ink every 10mins.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
all the letters will be printed professionally on a laser printer, by batches, in a specialised stores

---

Signed (long time ago) and emailed MSAS directly.... still awaiting a reply Patch.

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 17,200

quote:

---

Originally posted by Matty
Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 17,200

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by mwe99
Wouldn't it be easy to take the letters to a printing company? You'll have to pay a fee but it will be quick and cheaper than buying new ink every 10mins.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
The number of signatures is growing rapidely and translations have not even been put online yet!

---

I've never seen so many papers being printed so much in my life.. O_O

I've posted this on a site I go to regarding this petition. Should bring in quite a few more signs and I'll consider posting somewhere else.

i heard that MSAS has made agreements with several spyware makers so that those particular spyware programs won't be put into MSAS's definitions... i have removes MSAS now... that isnt doing its job properly

quote:

---

Originally posted by Matty
Signed (long time ago) and emailed MSAS directly.... still awaiting a reply Patch.

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 17,200

---

(i've signed too.)

quote:

---

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 21,632

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by SlimShady
that's alot. I had never thought so many people knew Messenger Plus or even visit the site.

---

just signed the petition.
i hope thoes pigs take you off the list.
i mean msg plus has been around almost as long as messenger itself!!!!

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 21,819

I'm happy to support Plus! and have signed the Petition as well

quote:

---

Originally posted by EmaX
just signed the petition.
i hope thoes pigs take you off the list.

---

I wonder if ms knows its doing it. From the ms antispyware newsgroups ond guy said if its not deleting the adware its a technical issue and should be reported lol. I think they know though, I think they doing this on purpose.

i signed it and i hope for the best!

quote:

---

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 23,834

---

BTW... that languages thing is not working in FF

FF 1.0.6

EDIT: nvm, it's working now , strange glitch

Why is patchou's explanation not translated btw?

It's not necessary. You don't want to exhaust translators so that next version will be delayed?

quote:

---

Originally posted by rix
It's not necessary. You don't want to exhaust translators so that next version will be delayed?

---

Patchou sent petition translation file to all translators. So i guess Apatik is doing the French.

I have signed the petition, as it would be a pity to see this software disappear.

I have had no problems, but then I have pop-ups blocked, so that may be why.

MS antispyware is even worse than it was ...it found not just the usual 7 to 12 signatures but now up to 600 signatures for msg plus!  its stupid!

quote:

---

Originally posted by MR_5_MR
MS antispyware is even worse than it was ...it found not just the usual 7 to 12 signatures but now up to 600 signatures for msg plus!  its stupid!

---

WOW!!

quote:

---

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 26,000

---

Can we please stop posting the current amount of signatures? We all can see the number if we go to the page, you don't have to post it spam it here...

hmm...how many signatures will it take?

quote:

---

Originally posted by dylan!
hmm...how many signatures will it take?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by MR_5_MR
MS antispyware is even worse than it was ...it found not just the usual 7 to 12 signatures but now up to 600 signatures for msg plus!  its stupid!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Schockwave
Why use Microsoft antispyware, if it causes all these problems? There are other antispyware, mine comes with my antivirus, and my firewall will be coming out with it in the new version shortly.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by CookieRevised's answer to a similar question a few pages back
Because unfortunatly many people blindfolly trust programs like that without even questioning 1 bit of what they do or without reading/knowing what the limitations are of such programs...

All this because of the current trend that the more a program detects the better it is (disregarding what exactly it is it detects). That's what you get when the "fight against malware" gets out of hand and taken over by people who have every benefit in keeping the users dumb and uninformed, all under the name of "make a PC n00b friendly".

Don't get me wrong though, when they do work like they should, they are very good tools, but still should be used with some basic knowledge and common sense...

---

I seem to be unable to access MsgPlus.net and as a result the petition is unavailable to anyone who wishes to sign it, assuming this is a problem with the server and not myself, does anyone know the problem?

seems not to work here either

quote:

---

Originally posted by Anubis
I seem to be unable to access MsgPlus.net and as a result the petition is unavailable to anyone who wishes to sign it, assuming this is a problem with the server and not myself, does anyone know the problem?

---

Patchou is aware of the problem, Probably just regular maintnence, but if it's something more he'll get to the bottom of it.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Regexp

All this because of the current trend that the more a program detects the better it is (disregarding what exactly it is it detects). That's what you get when the "fight against malware" gets out of hand and taken over by people who have every benefit in keeping the users dumb and uninformed, all under the name of "make a PC n00b friendly".

Don't get me wrong though, when they do work like they should, they are very good tools, but still should be used with some basic knowledge and common sense...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Schockwave
Why use Microsoft antispyware, if it causes all these problems? There are other antispyware, mine comes with my antivirus, and my firewall will be coming out with it in the new version shortly.

---

i did it be cos i have Ben using it since v1 did not use v2 and now using v3

Signed up... Never Never Never Give up Patchou

quote:

---

Originally posted by lou_habs
not to be mean shaggie but:

quote:

---

Originally posted by http://shoutbox.menthix.net/rules.html
# Spam: Any post that is off-topic or contributes nothing useful or interesting to a thread is considered to be spam. Most spam posts will be moved or deleted. Spam includes posts that:

    * only contain emoticons.
    * only contain a short message, such as "LOL" or "hello."
    * are posted more than once, or immediately after another one of your posts (double post). There is an edit button. Learn to use it.

---

double post!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Shaggie
So I think everyone here should Provide feedback to the MS AntiSpyware team.  Please keep it clean, nice, and respectful, otherwise they will just ignore all of our complaints.

---

Great idea! Except theres no use...this petition will be just that...but alot of paper

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Shaggie
The fact that you DELETED MY THREAD makes me feel a little less welcome, and that you believe that your point is the only one that counts.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by MR_5_MR

i use MS antispyware b/c it is good for everything else too

---

BURN HIM!!!

Signed....

quote:

---

Originally posted by Shaggie
The fact that you DELETED MY THREAD makes me feel a little less welcome, and that you believe that your point is the only one that counts.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Shaggie
First of all I totally disagree that it would be no use.  Who do you think the antispyware team would be more likely to listen to,  it's users or one person who sends a list with people's names on it (with comments).

---

god, patchou, take a picture of all teh boxes you send before you send them, i want to see it

quote:

---

Originally posted by NiteMare
god, patchou, take a picture of all teh boxes you send before you send them, i want to see it

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
Yes, I will, just give me some time lol .
Already 2,000 signatures... not bad for a 12 hours period. That's gonna be some big bags of letters (I'll post pics of course).

---

Signed.

Signed!

so when is the signing period gonn stop so they can send?

After Patchou's many years of hard work on the BEST Instant Messaging addon available anywhere, I understand why many are frustrated by Microsoft's classification of Messenger Plus as spyware is upsetting to so many.  I first noticed this anomaly when Microsoft's initial Beta of its antispyware client listed Plus as a "software bundler." Software bundling is one of the technical categories of spyware.  I decided I didn't like Microsoft Antispyware for a number of reasons and switched to Webroot Spy Sweeper, with which I am much happier (I got what I paid for).  But the fact remains Plus IS a software bundler.  Even if one elects not to install the sponsored addons, Plus still bundles everything from games to plugins with Microsoft's proprietary Instant Messenger, without permission or license from Microsoft.  Like it or not, software bundling is becoming part of the industry standard for classifying spyware.  Based on its actions in the past I think it is highly doubtful Microsoft would reverse its position.  A more successful strategy might perhaps be to find methods of avoiding the "software bundler" designation.  Although I'm certain many would disapprove, changing Plus from freeware to mandatory shareware might be a step in the right direction.  This would permit dropping the sponsored install option without denying Patchou the revenue his work justly merits.  From the discussion thus far, it appears Microsoft has made up its mind.  Fighting the giant from Redmond is like trying to shoot down a jet fighter with a pea shooter. What we need to do is find a "workaround" that will satisfy Microsoft without denying Patchou income from his labor.  I don't like paying for things that were once free of charge any more than anyone else. Speaking for myself only, I would much prefer paying a shareware fee to purchase Plus than risking loss of this superb addon to Mr. Gates and his greedy ghouls.

quote:

---

Originally posted by AlohaSlick
Plus still bundles everything from games to plugins with Microsoft's proprietary Instant Messenger, without permission or license from Microsoft

---

Guido, you are ABSOLUTLEY correct. Now let's get down into the real world and try to solve a problem.  Microsoft has no particular interest in giving us tools to remove adware. It is in business to make money. Until we understand this is NOT about what is fair or just but rather who is in control, Mr. Gates and his cohorts are likely to prevail and Plus is likely to be relegated to the junk heep of great things that stepped on the giant's toes and suffered the inevitable consequences.

Remove the adware from Messenger Plus and quit whining. I am sure Patchou does not run the adware program himself as no sane person would install it willingly.

There are tons of possibilities to make some money without bothering computer illiterates with a popup and banner fest.

Messenger plus is a nice program really, but this adware spoils the fun.

Yeah sure there will be people responding "I have installed it to support Pathou!". Enjoy the popups

quote:

---

Originally posted by arnoud
Enjoy the popups

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by arnoud
Remove the adware from Messenger Plus and quit whining.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by arnoud
There are tons of possibilities to make some money without bothering computer illiterates with a popup and banner fest.

---

EDIT: As Guido has posted:

quote:

---

(Thanks for knowing how to mantain a civilized conversation and discuss your points kindly; you are in the minority)

---

arnoud, indeed, it has been a while since we had somebody with a different point of view who also could maintain a civilized convo without bursting into flaming and name calling

quote:

---

Originally posted by arnoud
There are tons of possibilities to make some money without bothering computer illiterates with a popup and banner fest.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by AlohaSlick
Guido, you are ABSOLUTLEY correct. Now let's get down into the real world and try to solve a problem.  Microsoft has no particular interest in giving us tools to remove adware. It is in business to make money. Until we understand this is NOT about what is fair or just but rather who is in control, Mr. Gates and his cohorts are likely to prevail and Plus is likely to be relegated to the junk heep of great things that stepped on the giant's toes and suffered the inevitable consequences.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by CookieRevised
the reason why it was removed is because it isn't so wise that 20000 people start to mail MSAS out of the blue.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by CookieRevised
As we all know, not everybody can write decent formal mails like it is required in this case. Also mailing it to the wrong department, or even using the wrong mail form from their site can cause the opposite effect.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by CookieRevised
It is far better to compile everything together and that only 1 person sends it. This also reduces the huge amount of overhead that the mail department would otherwise recieve, again, resulting in the opposite effect...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by CookieRevised
Also, not everybody is willing to compose a decent mail with a big formal explanation, fill out all the required fields and send it like that. On the other hand, much more people are willing to fill out a simply mailing form as shown in the petition.

And, as said, not everybody (as you can read from several posts and on several forums) can tell in the correct words what this is about or do it in a decent manner either.

A petition is a much better way in such cases.

...

They would rather listen to 1 person who gathered a petition in a professional way, then reading 20000 random mails, as the later can be seen as pestering and mass spamming....

This is also how most companies would react...

---

I think that a physical letter would have a lot more standing than e-mails. E-mails can be sent without any thaught, but a letter at least shows that a little more effort has been put into it.

Personally, I think patchou giving a pdf file for us to download, print, sign and send would have an even bigger effect.

I am one of those unfortunate people, who could not have the sponsored version, as my anti-virus saw it as spyware, but as soon as I installed it sponsor free, if you get what I mean, I have had no problems.

Smilies from smiliecentral.com, is another one I could not install, despite being 100% spyware free. Wonder if MSAS sees it as spyware too. Smiliecentral know about this and I have written to my anti-virus company.

Why is it that companies set anitspyware to see some things as spyware when they are not and there is no way of making it possible to accept these softwares etc?

I don't know about anyone else but I once recieved the following chain-email:

>MSN is planning to take away MSN Messenger by September 14th,
>2005. If you want to keep our MSN Messanger free of charge, send
>this
>email to everyone you know. It will be used as a petition. Each person you
>send this to counts as one signature" If this petition gets
>500,000 signatures they will keep MSN Messenger. If they do not receive
>500,000 votes you will have to pay £5.00
>to have Messenger (per month). If you don't care about this then please
>for everyone's sake help out a little. Thank you for your time and
>consideration
>and please help MSN beat their vote

I ignored it for about 50 good reasons.  One such reason was that as far as I'm aware, you can't actually petetion a company, only a government. Ok, so MSN do govern my life to some extent, but that's not the point, the point is that they have no obligation to care about this whole thing, so perhaps you should use a different approach -remember how MSN is about competetion... it's their weakness.

That sounds like a spam e-mail, and if I received one such e-mail, would not reply to it, the best thing is to bin it. MSN will not get rid of MSN Messenger, that seems absurd, when so many people use it.

They would have to give people plenty of notice if they were going to start charging people for the use of their software, but £5.- per month is pretty steep in my view, as many people do not have a lot of money and use such software as a means of communication, keeping in touch with friends and family. £.5- per year is not so bad though, but from what I read that was supposed to be per month, how utterly ridiculous.

If there were to be any changes, we would all hear about it from MSN and with plenty of warning, I would think.

quote:

---

Originally posted by SirronTheMighty
I don't know about anyone else but I once recieved the following chain-email:

>MSN is planning to take away MSN Messenger by September 14th,
>2005. If you want to keep our MSN Messanger free of charge, send
>this
>email to everyone you know. It will be used as a petition. Each person you
>send this to counts as one signature" If this petition gets
>500,000 signatures they will keep MSN Messenger. If they do not receive
>500,000 votes you will have to pay £5.00
>to have Messenger (per month). If you don't care about this then please
>for everyone's sake help out a little. Thank you for your time and
>consideration
>and please help MSN beat their vote

I ignored it for about 50 good reasons.  One such reason was that as far as I'm aware, you can't actually petetion a company, only a government. Ok, so MSN do govern my life to some extent, but that's not the point, the point is that they have no obligation to care about this whole thing, so perhaps you should use a different approach -remember how MSN is about competetion... it's their weakness.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by CookieRevised

quote:

---

Originally posted by SirronTheMighty
I don't know about anyone else but I once recieved the following chain-email:

>MSN is planning to take away MSN Messenger by September 14th,
>2005. If you want to keep our MSN Messanger free of charge, send
>this
>email to everyone you know. It will be used as a petition. Each person you
>send this to counts as one signature" If this petition gets
>500,000 signatures they will keep MSN Messenger. If they do not receive
>500,000 votes you will have to pay £5.00
>to have Messenger (per month). If you don't care about this then please
>for everyone's sake help out a little. Thank you for your time and
>consideration
>and please help MSN beat their vote

I ignored it for about 50 good reasons.  One such reason was that as far as I'm aware, you can't actually petetion a company, only a government. Ok, so MSN do govern my life to some extent, but that's not the point, the point is that they have no obligation to care about this whole thing, so perhaps you should use a different approach -remember how MSN is about competetion... it's their weakness.

---

That is a chain letter... it is not a petition at all!

Of course microsoft will never listen to that as it will never be recieved in the first place. Mails can not be monitored like that at all. How is MS going to know when 500,000 mails have been send? They can't, mail doesn't work that way.

This mail is just a very old typical chain letter scam.

PS: And you can petition a company. It is more done than petitioning a goverment...

---

i got about 10 of those dont listen to them or do anything just a waste of time when you could be doing sumthing that actually helps XxX

You're all missing my point, so I'm giving up.

quote:

---

Originally posted by SirronTheMighty
the point is that they have no obligation to care about this whole thing, so perhaps you should use a different approach -remember how MSN is about competetion... it's their weakness.

---

Hi,


Just thought I say.
It's not a big of a problem.

Microsoft Anti-Spyware. Does detect Msgplus, but Microsoft has told the program to "ignore" it. All the time.

So it wouldn't get deleted...


But The installation of msgplus.

"the sponsor".
DOES damage computers.
Which installs a load of crap and spams computers and sometimes users dont have the knowledge to get rid of the spyware/adware/search crap on their computers, so they have to format their computers.

Like I have done in the pass, but I had a way round to stop it from installing.. (when you didn't have the "do not support sponsor" option.)

I believe this is the only thing Microsoft is concerned about.

But I signed it anyways. Well in a few minutes.

quote:

---

Originally posted by plawlor
(when you didn't have the "do not support sponsor" option.)

---

I don't think it has.
I mean, Version 1, 2... didn't have the option to NOT install the sponsor.

As I rmemeber, i disconnected from the network/internet, before I actually installed, to stop the 1800search, is it? connecting to its server to download the adware/search stuff.

but oh well.. my mistake then.

quote:

---

Originally posted by plawlor
I mean, Version 1, 2... didn't have the option to NOT install the sponsor.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by plawlor
As I rmemeber, i disconnected from the network/internet, before I actually installed, to stop the 1800search, is it? connecting to its server to download the adware/search stuff.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by plawlor
As I rmemeber, i disconnected from the network/internet, before I actually installed, to stop the 1800search, is it? connecting to its server to download the adware/search stuff.

---

The sponsor was added in version 2.10.36, May 23, 2003...

http://shoutbox.menthix.net/history.php?all=0&group=2.10#21036

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 59,374

awesome! Go PATCHOU!

quote:

---

Originally posted by einum
*einum has signed the petition

Patchou, keep up the good work and stay in there!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by natichipi
    quoteriginally posted by einum
    *einum has signed the petition

    Patchou, keep up the good work and stay in there!









i think the same... nice work!!

---

sorry to say this (no offence intended)

But how about a petition to remove the freeking sponsor program from messenger plus instead

its a pain in the arse, and means that most people i know wont use messenger plus beacause this sponsor thing really fucks up your computer

and alot of people also say not to use plus beacause of it ...

then again, you gotta get money somehow i guess

And it means u have to be extra careful in the install of plus, otherwise you could end up with this crap on your machine

MS have a point, but their removal is stupid

So why give them a basis for their complaints against plus ??

Well it blocks it from running now which will ruin messenger plus!

I think patchou should make it more clear about the sponsor as i installed it last week by accideant lol (just quickly going through the insatller) however people should read the basic things in an insatller

And patchou should not say agree and disagree it should be more like I want sponsor i dont want sponsor but then again it's easy to remove in add/ remove programs

The installation screens are very clear. That's not what this petition is about.

It's about MSAS deleting MsgPlus! and the only way to remove the sponsor if it was installed.

Please, read the petition page.

quote:

---

Originally posted by yahooadam
sorry to say this (no offence intended)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by yahooadam
But how about a petition to remove the freeking sponsor program from messenger plus instead

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by yahooadam
its a pain in the arse, and means that most people i know wont use messenger plus beacause this sponsor thing really fucks up your computer

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by yahooadam
and alot of people also say not to use plus beacause of it ...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by yahooadam
then again, you gotta get money somehow i guess

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by yahooadam
And it means u have to be extra careful in the install of plus, otherwise you could end up with this crap on your machine

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by yahooadam
MS have a point, but their removal is stupid

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by yahooadam
So why give them a basis for their complaints against plus ??

---

     I had a perfectly sound computer hard drive untill I installed Msgr+ (even without the sponser). The problem therefore doesn't lie with MSAS but with your program. I uninstalled Msgr+ without using MSAS and the spyware continually caused pop-ups. I finnaly uninstalled it with MSAS and all was fixed.
     In the case of Smiliecentral (as was posted earlier) the problem doesn't lie within pop-ups but with sending unwanted messages through instant messaging programs.

EDIT: I am not a great fan of MS myself but I think MSAS is the best AS program available.

Well the sponor is optional and easy to remove

Also smiley central is it conflicts with messenger plus and smiley central has it's own sponsor which is more visouse and is not optional.

MSAS is bad becuase it's blocking programs that are safe

I said that I installed it without the sponser and it still installed pop-up spyware.
The problem with smiliecentral has nothing to do with Msgr+ it sends unwanted messages. I mentioned this because someone before posted saying it was safe when it isn't.

I asure you you either insatlled the sponsor or you insatlled smiley central it's that simple. The sponsor only insatlls if you allow it too and it's a clearly yes or no question

quote:

---

Originally posted by HI ********
I had a perfectly sound computer hard drive untill I installed Msgr+ (even without the sponser). The problem therefore doesn't lie with MSAS but with your program.

---

I wonder if we can get any expected date when the letters will be mailed to Microsoft, Patchou?

quote:

---

Originally posted by HI ********
I said that I installed it without the sponser and it still installed pop-up spyware.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by lou_habs
We do not appreciate it when people register on here just to say that they don't like the software. If you don't like it there is no reason to come on here at all.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Absorbation
I think patchou should make it more clear about the sponsor as i installed it last week by accideant lol (just quickly going through the insatller) however people should read the basic things in an insatller

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by traxor
You don't have to be really careful at all, at first, there is a screen explaining what the sponsor is first, which you have to watch for 10 seconds, because you can't press "next" until you have, then on the next screen you see this:

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by traxor
This is only because there is a lot of false talk about Messenger Plus! surrounding the sponsor software. If they knew the truth, I assure you that they would download Messenger Plus! and use it sponsor free.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by traxor
Patchou needs the money, otherwise nobody would be here.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sam Spade

quote:

---

Originally posted by Absorbation
I think patchou should make it more clear about the sponsor as i installed it last week by accideant lol (just quickly going through the insatller) however people should read the basic things in an insatller

---

Cripes! If you, with over 1,000 posts to this forum still managed to install the sponsor by accident, pity those who are not familiar with the program.  MP needs a big pop up window with tick boxes like MSN Messenger.

---

Just a question - will this be recycled paper and how much does one petition take up?  I signed but I don't want to be wasting valuable trees

Of course... I don't want to waste trees either and I know Microsoft has a recycling plan too so in the end, the petition shouldn't have wasted any valuable resource.

quote:

---

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 83,666

---

Signed mine straight away, I said it to them Patchou I might as well say it to you...

What a petty argument against what is widely known among all users of your own MSN software as a fantastic FREE add-on that poses no threat to an individual's computer whatsoever. Despite the fact that Messenger PLUS has been recognised by Microsoft in the past as one of the main add-on programs for MSN messenger, I would have thought that Microsoft would want to be seen as supporting all amateur programmers that wish to work FOR FREE to improve the Microsoft MSN experience for all its users rather than discouraging them. You only need to read the posts on the Messenger PLUS forums from users who only ever have praise for Patchou's work to see the time and effort he has put into not only creating this program for all to benefit from , but his continuous efforts to provide admiral personal support for anyone who has a query regarding his program. Good look with you're petition Patchou and congratulations for all your work.


Hope all works out well my friend

Ryan Heath
NoFus Software

quote:

---

Originally posted by ryanh_106
Signed mine straight away, I said it to them Patchou I might as well say it to you...

What a petty argument against what is widely known among all users of your own MSN software as a fantastic FREE add-on that poses no threat to an individual's computer whatsoever. Despite the fact that Messenger PLUS has been recognised by Microsoft in the past as one of the main add-on programs for MSN messenger, I would have thought that Microsoft would want to be seen as supporting all amateur programmers that wish to work FOR FREE to improve the Microsoft MSN experience for all its users rather than discouraging them. You only need to read the posts on the Messenger PLUS forums from users who only ever have praise for Patchou's work to see the time and effort he has put into not only creating this program for all to benefit from , but his continuous efforts to provide admiral personal support for anyone who has a query regarding his program. Good look with you're petition Patchou and congratulations for all your work.


Hope all works out well my friend

Ryan Heath
NoFus Software

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by SlimShady

quote:

---

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 83,666

---

are you waiting for number 100,000 or 1,000,000 ?
or until a specific date ? (next MsgPlus release?)

---

i signed it again with my coobydoo@gmail.com

quote:

---

Originally posted by expert
i signed it again with my coobydoo@gmail.com

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Leo

quote:

---

Originally posted by expert
i signed it again with my coobydoo@gmail.com

---

O.o Isn't it supposed to be ONE signature per person?

---

Yes, it is only one signature per person, your second signature has been removed. Note also that before sending the petition, the database will be cleared of every suspicious "Donald Duck" entries.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patchou
Yes, it is only one signature per person, your second signature has been removed. Note also that before sending the petition, the database will be cleared of every suspicious "Donald Duck" entries.

---

Don't know yet, we'll start purging the db next week but the overall look is pretty good so I don't think the change will affect the final result by much .

OMG,

quote:

---

Number of signatures received since the 17th of August 2005: 123,319

---

SIGNED COMPLTEED SIHNEDEDEDED

Looking at this statically: I'm sorry to say that you're wrong Patchou.

Your installer DOES contain adware, therefore, technically, your application is granted a strike.

Why? Well there's third party software bundled that you do not control. In Messenger Plus!'s case, this might not be an issue. But it still doesn't matter. Adware is in your installer. Unless you remove it, you'll never get MS to classify your application to anything else.

It simply doesn't matter if your application doesn't contain any ad/spyware, your installer does.

The line has to be drawn somewhere, and I think it's drawn correctly form a security perspective. ANY applications affiliated with any form of ad/spyware will be classified. This is simply what's happened to MSN Plus!

but it blockes messenger plus even without the adware installed

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
MSN Plus!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
Your installer DOES contain adware

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
Looking at this statically: I'm sorry to say that you're wrong Patchou.

Your installer DOES contain adware, therefore, technically, your application is granted a strike.

Why? Well there's third party software bundled that you do not control. In Messenger Plus!'s case, this might not be an issue. But it still doesn't matter. Adware is in your installer. Unless you remove it, you'll never get MS to classify your application to anything else.

It simply doesn't matter if your application doesn't contain any ad/spyware, your installer does.

The line has to be drawn somewhere, and I think it's drawn correctly form a security perspective. ANY applications affiliated with any form of ad/spyware will be classified. This is simply what's happened to MSN Plus!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
Looking at this statically: I'm sorry to say that you're wrong Patchou.

Your installer DOES contain adware, therefore, technically, your application is granted a strike.

Why? Well there's third party software bundled that you do not control. In Messenger Plus!'s case, this might not be an issue. But it still doesn't matter. Adware is in your installer. Unless you remove it, you'll never get MS to classify your application to anything else.

It simply doesn't matter if your application doesn't contain any ad/spyware, your installer does.

The line has to be drawn somewhere, and I think it's drawn correctly form a security perspective. ANY applications affiliated with any form of ad/spyware will be classified. This is simply what's happened to MSN Plus!

---

ok i added the petition banner on my website

good luck, patchou

I've not signed the petition because I use the Microsoft AntiSpyware and yeh it shows up in the list, but you just uncheck the box. I use loads of applications that appear as spyware or a trojan. If you don't want to remove it, don't. It gives you the option! Also if you don't want to run into this problem uninstall the MS software and get Spybot search & destroy or Adaware.

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
Looking at this statically: I'm sorry to say that you're wrong Patchou.

Your installer DOES contain adware, therefore, technically, your application is granted a strike.

---

and you think everyone that uses msgplus! knows that? this is also for those people that have little knowlege about spyware and this kind of issues

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
Looking at this statically: I'm sorry to say that you're wrong Patchou.

Your installer DOES contain adware, therefore, technically, your application is granted a strike

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by peaky1988
Also reading this, they are right. Maybe if you don't want your patch to be blocked, find another way of getting sponsored!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by NiteMare

you know, i don't think this issue has anything to do with the sponcer, MSAS is blocking msgplus wether or not the installer has installed the sponcor, so even people who have no spyware/adware on there computers. also MASA is blocking the msgplus.exe file which does NOT contain any adware at all.

and i think all those people that join the forums just to say that patchous wrong in this thread should stop and read every single post in this thread before they post.

---

@lou_habs, did you have problems understanding what application I meant? Why else the ridiculus pointer?

@lou_habs, Ezra & Matty: Read my post again, it doesn't matter if the main executable doesn't contain spyware, the installer does. It doesn't matter if it's optional. An application most often consists of a whole set of files, including an installer. Even when it's a clear case of spy- or adware, most of them does not contain bad code, most likely just a single dll or an executable has the bad code. But it still grants a strike.

And again, technically, I think it's motivated. The line has to be drawn somewhere, and that it's drawn at the state where an application in any way could install ad- or spyware is totally right if you ask me. Even if Patchou's application handles this in an ethically correct way, there are ALOT of coders who doesn't, that's why we have a problem in the first place. Couldn't be more logical if you ask me....

All I'm saying is that I totally understand why Patchou is having this problem. Sad but true - most often there's a minority f*cking this up for a majority. Blame the authors of ad- & spyware.

Hmm the "Save Messenger Plus!" part is a bit dramatic.

Its not really under any threat of closure.

quote:

---

Originally posted by -rafy-
Its not really under any threat of closure

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
@lou_habs, did you have problems understanding what application I meant? Why else the ridiculus pointer?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
@lou_habs, Ezra & Matty: Read my post again, it doesn't matter

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by -rafy-
Hmm the "Save Messenger Plus!" part is a bit dramatic.

Its not really under any threat of closure.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by -rafy-
Hmm the "Save Messenger Plus!" part is a bit dramatic.

Its not really under any threat of closure.

---

Well, if Microsoft do put their anti-spyware in with Windows, I have no intention to use it, as my anti-virus and firewall do the job, and as long as I do not install the adware with Messenger Plus, I have no problems. It is surprising that MS anti-spyware still decides that there is adware in the installer, does not make sense, and this does need to be sorted. The only other way round would be for everyone to pay something to use this software, but then probably a lot of people would not want to use the software, unfortunately.

Reading the messages here, it is amazing what some people seem to think they know and unfortunately do not come up with anything sensible to say, except to criticise and put Patchou down, whom I am sure has worked hard and is still working hard to get it to work with MSN Messenger and MS anti-spyware. If there was adware in the installer, then I would not have been able to install Messenger Plus!

Keep up the good work, Patchou, do not let people get you down and good luck with your petition with Microsoft, hopefully you can come to a successful conclusion !

I think what many people are not understanding is that MSAS is detecting the program itself, and not the installer. From the petition itself:

"In a recent update of Microsoft Anti-Spyware, the threat level of Messenger Plus! was lowered from 3/5 to 2/5, which was a good thing, however, the program itself, msgplus.exe, is now detected immediately at system startup or whenever run manually by the user, and the following message is displayed in bold red: "Warning, Messenger Plus! Software Bundler is trying to install!". In addition to discouraging anybody in their right mind to click "Allow", this message is, to put it simply, a lie. Messenger Plus! is not a "threat" and it certainly is not trying to "install itself on your computer", it's already been installed at this point and the program is just trying to run and do what the user expects it to do."

The anti-virus software is detecting it after Plus! is already installed, with or without the sponsor program. That is what the problem is. The program itself is being flagged as spyware when it clearly is not. There should be no confusion about it: they are detecting the Messenger Plus! program, not the installer. That is why Patchou is going through all the trouble with this petition, and why anyone who likes to use Plus! should give their support to get the issue resolved.

We Will save msg Plus !!!
I've sight it too.
I have Microsoft Anti-spyware and I set it to always ignore msg Plus, and since that I never had more problems.

how many sigs do you need to convince them??

Much as though I like Messenger Plus, I have to say for the millions of mums and dads and computer illiterates who are naive and just install software without reading the fine print... by even installing adware Messenger Plus is part of the adware/spyware problem.

Yes, I realised it's not the main executable. Yes, I realise the installer is the only thing that could potentially install adware.

But you know, it doesn't make any difference.

There are thousands of adware/spyware coders out there who lie and deceive and inject all manner of tricky code in there that wrecks the performance and operation of millions of PCs. Even "harmless adware" reaches a disruptive critical mass when you have dozens of programs all installed on one computer. I've seen it myself.

And when you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. And that's what happened with Messenger Plus.

For me, I'm computer literate enough to read and understand what I am installing and make sure that I never install admware or spyware knowingly.

Patchou... I would strongly suggest you find some other way to gain/maintain your sponsors. Your application is great and you might win the battle here.. but in the long run I think you will lose the war.

Someone else will eventually develop a free enhancement to MSN without an adware installer... with an alternative revenue method... and then where will you be?

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
@lou_habs, did you have problems understanding what application I meant? Why else the ridiculus pointer?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by peaky1988
I've not signed the petition because I use the Microsoft AntiSpyware and yeh it shows up in the list, but you just uncheck the box. I use loads of applications that appear as spyware or a trojan. If you don't want to remove it, don't. It gives you the option! Also if you don't want to run into this problem uninstall the MS software and get Spybot search & destroy or Adaware.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by TemMan
Much as though I like Messenger Plus, I have to say for the millions of mums and dads and computer illiterates who are naive and just install software without reading the fine print... by even installing adware Messenger Plus is part of the adware/spyware problem.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by masken
And again, technically, I think it's motivated. The line has to be drawn somewhere, and that it's drawn at the state where an application in any way could install ad- or spyware is totally right if you ask me. Even if Patchou's application handles this in an ethically correct way, there are ALOT of coders who doesn't, that's why we have a problem in the first place. Couldn't be more logical if you ask me....

---

200,000 Messenger Plus! Fans Can't Be Wrong

lol thats awesome but beside the sponser program you should of had like the pention, t owuld have got more sigs or can you still do that

quote:

---

Originally posted by TemMan

And when you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. And that's what happened with Messenger Plus.

For me, I'm computer literate enough to read and understand what I am installing and make sure that I never install admware or spyware knowingly.

Patchou... I would strongly suggest you find some other way to gain/maintain your sponsors. Your application is great and you might win the battle here.. but in the long run I think you will lose the war.

Someone else will eventually develop a free enhancement to MSN without an adware installer... with an alternative revenue method... and then where will you be?

---

i just signed it, sorry for being late.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rubber Stamp
i just signed it, sorry for being late.

---

Signed up too, some days ago.

This post is just for increasing my postcount.

Just joking.

Everything that had to be said has already been said, I'm closing this thread for now. Thank you all again for the support .