Why is Buddy Spy condoned on BBB ?

[fd64stang]

I have read the "forum policies". Close this tread or delete it or whatever you feel the need to do - BUT ... yes I started a heck of a discussion on whether it is "morally correct" to use Buddy Spy at one time, but that's not what I am asking here.

I have no personal issues with Unsakred or anyone else on this forum, and I'm not trying to cause a "conflict", but I truly don't understand why Buddy Spy is condoned when other programs that aren't condoned, are basically doing the samething. I was told Buddy Spy was "less evasive" as the message archive reader, but that still doesnt mean that it isn't "invading" someone's privacy. The use of either program IS the same concept, regardless if one program digs alittle farther than the other. I really would like an explaination as to why it is accepted here. It IS an invasion of privacy whether it is something that can be checked manually or not. As far as posting this question on the other subject you closed down, they were talking about invading someone's privacy so that is why I put it there. I am looking for imput from both sides of this issue. I really like BBB and I have learned alot from reading the post here, but so many programs are denied even being spoken about, so why is Buddy Spy considered so different ? I hope that goes across to everyone the way I mean it.

[sunflowers]

One thing is...Buddy spy isnt hacking into someones pc or reading any personal files whereas an achive reader would be.

[amy_d_g]

You may want to look over this topic here... it has quite a debate with pros and cons from a while back.

[fd64stang]

Thanx Amy, apparently I missed that posting (which REALLY surprises me). I agree with alot of what was posted there - the pros and the cons. Yes, I agree Yahoo itself is at fault for letting it still be "useable". No, BS isn't "hacking" into someone's system, everything it does can be done manually (not everyone knows how to do these things, thank God), but it is an invasion of privacy, regardless if it is hurting things like a boot program would be, but that still doesnt explain why BBB condones its use over other programs. Obviously Jeff and the monitors get to decide what is accepted and what is ditched - why is BS an exception ?

Stalkers can have a field day with programs such as BS. I have a teenage daughter who uses Yahoo and such programs do concern me, so I try with all my "Yahoo knowledge" to protect her. That is my main reason for starting all this. There are too many creeps out there for any of us to make it easier for them with such programs. Yes, I could solve the problem all the way around by not letting her use Yahoo but I don't think that is fair to her just because some other people are freaks. Yahoo is a wonderful program if they would beef up their security.

[Jeff]

It's a legitimate question, and one that we take very seriously here. The staff here has discussed BuddySpy at length and we have different views on whether or not discussion about it should be verbotten. In the end, we decided to allow discussion, with the feeling that awareness is the first step towards protection.

Generally we allow discussion on any useful utility or application, unless the application could ONLY be used for illegal purposes. We want to keep things friendly, and provide advice that helps everyone have a more enjoyable online experience. What I don't like are programs that serve no purpose other than to annoy, harass or break the law.

Obviously, there are a lot of programs that can be used for good or bad. Even Yahoo! Messenger, all by itself, could be used to harass, annoy or break the law. So what do I do? My general rule is that if a program can ONLY be used for a negative purpose, we don't want to support or encourage it's use. We might still discuss it, mainly to raise awareness to the risks that abound, but we won't help people find it, or help them figure out how to use it. In this category I would include booters, worms, viruses, and other programs that don't have a legitimate use.

If there are programs that you think ought to be discussed here, but you feel have been restricted, please let me know what they are -- discussion might not only be allowed, but very useful!

[miGs]

You got a valid point, but in every rule, there is always an exception.
And in this case, it is up to the discretion of the "site authorities" whether what forum topic or programs will be "allowed" to be discussed or not.

[Jeff]

And as I said, if there is some program that you feel should be discussed, let me know. You may be right!

[fd64stang]

Thank you all - that is what I wanted to know. I personally only can see a VERY FEW "good" things that it can be used for, but like you stated it is up to y'all to make the final decision. I was just curious and concerned. As far as any other programs - not right now, but give me some time, I'm pretty good at "stirring the pot" - lol.