Feedback on Tethering - merged from PSA threads

[mikekelso421]

I think charging 90$ a month for 1 phone line is theft. Lmao!!!!! its nice to know that cell phone company's can rape us,but when we take a tiny little bit back from them,WERE THE THIEVES! ! I don't even use it anyways. Just figured I'd add in my 2cents. Lol

Thanks for the heads up

 

[dkl1]

Hmmmmm, lemme see if I am understanding this:

Are you saying that this site will no longer support/help members with questions regarding wifi tethering? Just to clarify...

 

[Rxpert83]

Only if they are asking for the purposes of using it without the tether plan (most root users).

So we can't recommend rooting to get free wifi tether or using X app because it enables it. In other words, somebody has to change the rooting guides.

 

[theTrashcanMan]

Only if they are asking for the purposes of using it without the tether plan (most root users).

So we can't recommend rooting to get free wifi tether or using X app because it enables it. In other words, somebody has to change the rooting guides.

Your logic is sound, but is taking it to the extreme. This site is privately owned, and as such we are bound by whatever rules the owner deems fit. If said owner, took your cue and said rooting=tethering=theft and banned any and all info related to rooting that would be his/her prerogative(I think that would be incredibly stupid and would result in him/her losing a ton of business). Until that happens, I would suggest that we treat this as a 'don't ask don't tell' situation. If someone wants to root, it is not the sites business to know why, we can give them the same info and just leave out the tethering part.

 

[Rxpert83]

Your logic is sound, but is taking it to the extreme. This site is privately owned, and as such we are bound by whatever rules the owner deems fit. If said owner, took your cue and said rooting=tethering=theft and banned any and all info related to rooting that would be his/her prerogative(I think that would be incredibly stupid and would result in him/her losing a ton of business). Until that happens, I would suggest that we treat this as a 'don't ask don't tell' situation. If someone wants to root, it is not the sites business to know why, we can give them the same info and just leave out the tethering part.

I'm not taking it to the extreme at all. Nor did I say we can't root anymore. What I said is our rooting guides have a very specific "life after root section" that details wifi tethering. According to these new rules we need to take that out. Thats what I meant by my prior post, not that we need to completely get rid of all the guides.

In other words, the way I'm reading it is if someone asks how they can get WIFI tethering we need to tell them to go ask sprint about their plan, not oh hey download X ROM its got the hacked hotspot baked in.

 

[psousa781]

Your logic is sound, but is taking it to the extreme. This site is privately owned, and as such we are bound by whatever rules the owner deems fit. If said owner, took your cue and said rooting=tethering=theft and banned any and all info related to rooting that would be his/her prerogative(I think that would be incredibly stupid and would result in him/her losing a ton of business). Until that happens, I would suggest that we treat this as a 'don't ask don't tell' situation. If someone wants to root, it is not the sites business to know why, we can give them the same info and just leave out the tethering part.

I think (and could be wrong) that he means the current rooting guides talk about hacked tethering and will need to be edited.

 

[theTrashcanMan]

I'm not taking it to the extreme at all. Nor did I say we can't root anymore. What I said is literally what is quoted up there. Our rooting guides have a very specific "life after root section" that details wifi tethering. According to these new rules we need to take that out.

Oh...lol, well crap...I guess I misread your post. Sorry

 

[mikem0269]

I'm not taking it to the extreme at all. Nor did I say we can't root anymore. What I said is literally what is quoted up there. Our rooting guides have a very specific "life after root section" that details wifi tethering. According to these new rules we need to take that out. Thats what I meant by my prior post, not that we need to completely get rid of all the guides.

Cant there be some kind of disclaimer put in the guide just wondering?

 

[Rxpert83]

Sorry, my posts weren't very clear I guess. Also, I came off sounding like an arse in the 2nd one and everyone quoted it as i went back and edited to add/remove things ahaha

Cant there be some kind of disclaimer put in the guide just wondering?

From the sounds of Ocn's OP the official stance is we are not to give out that information, just like when someone comes in here with a phone thats bricked and needs warranty service we arent supposed to tell them how to screw up the phone beyond recognition so Sprint/Assurion wont know they were rooted (insurance fraud).

Its a private website, and the owner has deemed that tethering without paying is stealing and stealing isnt ok.

 

[psousa781]

Should we post ROMs that have a hacked tethering app built in? Just curious how broad reaching the new policy is.

 

[9to5cynic]

Yeah, I've heard about this and had a bit of discussion with some of the staff in the "Private Site-Questions" area (whatever it's called )... It's the owner's decision, which means it's law. Simple as that.

That being said, I don't necessarily think that the guides should be edited...

 

[mikekelso421]

Nobody said we can't say. " hey,we can't talk about that on AF, but heres my email address..." lol.

 

[9to5cynic]

Nobody said we can't say. " hey,we can't talk about that on AF, but heres my email address..." lol.

not to mention aim and gtalk and the like...

 

[MizzouBrent]

Odd thing, we all signed up for the wifi hot spot feature today. Are just use the apps because we like choices.

 

[9to5cynic]

Odd thing, we all signed up for the wifi hot spot feature today. Are just use the apps because we like choices.

That's a very interesting point. I guess people just need to be a bit more deceptive...

No point in flat out saying "I am not paying for this feature..."

I would guess that this includes the visual voice mail app that was hacked..?

 

[Granite1]

Should we post ROMs that have a hacked tethering app built in? Just curious how broad reaching the new policy is.

No, we won't be removing the roms that have this feature baked in. We won't be advertising said feature anymore though.

Yeah, I've heard about this and had a bit of discussion with some of the staff in the "Private Site-Questions" area (whatever it's called )... It's the owner's decision, which means it's law. Simple as that.

That being said, I don't necessarily think that the guides should be edited...

The discussions have been going around with the site staff, opinions were voiced and heard. The decision has been made, and we have been asked to abide by the site rules. As far as the guide goes we'll look at it and make a judgement call.

Nobody said we can't say. " hey,we can't talk about that on AF, but heres my email address..." lol.

What you do in private is what you do.

I really want to make sure all of yinz understand we're not picking on anyone, nor are we trying to be a gistapo force or anything. This is just something that we felt should be brought to the light and an informal, healthy, constructive discussion could evolve.
Teathering isn't all there is for rooted users, there's soo much more.

If something is bothering you, vent, get it out, in a non violent, non bashing kinda way.
We'll discuss, thats what community and friends are for!

 

[psousa781]

This is the most helpful, least drama filled forum I've found so I have no problem with the change.

 

[argedion]

Well I do not nor have I ever used my phone to tether. I have not had a need to do so. I have DSL internet and a very good Cisco Router with wireless g/n/o/p/q/r/s/t/u/v/w/x/y/z all that good stuff. However I do have to agree with the decision it really boils down to legal liability. The owner of the site does take a risk of being sued and possibly arrested for being an accessory to a crime.

Mike - I agree charging that much is a crime however if you agree to it then the only crime then is just the "stupidity" of using that service with out finding a better alternative or a "Tax" write off. I mean anyone accepting a credit card that has a 30% interest rate is really no more or lest desperate. The Government allows this type of behaviour from these companies as long as they keep the "economy" going. We are merely slaves to a Corporate Master.

Let us not become problems but solutions

 

[9to5cynic]

The discussions have been going around with the site staff, opinions were voiced and heard. The decision has been made, and we have been asked to abide by the site rules. As far as the guide goes we'll look at it and make a judgement call.

Oh yeah - when it comes down to it, the call has already been made - so that's that really. And compared to a lot of forums I've been to, this one is pretty lax in a lot of it's rules. Basically - don't be a jerk.

I really want to make sure all of yinz understand we're not picking on anyone, nor are we trying to be a gistapo force or anything. This is just something that we felt should be brought to the light and an informal, healthy, constructive discussion could evolve.
Teathering isn't all there is for rooted users, there's soo much more.

If something is bothering you, vent, get it out, in a non violent, non bashing kinda way.
We'll discuss, thats what community and friends are for!

And this site has some good ways to get your ideas about these features out there in a non-offensive, overly-dramatic way:
androidforums.com/private-chat-staff/
private chat with staff, they love it when you bug them there
Suggestion Box & Feedback - Android Forums
Site feedback, enough said.


However, back on topic, I know a lot of people originally root their devices because of wifi tether (while not the sole reason, it is very appealing), and I wonder if this will deter people from rooting or joining the site... ?
Personally, I rooted to get rid of sprint crap

 

[mikekelso421]

I rooted to flash roms and delete bloat. Period. Anything else after is just a bonus!

 

[Granite1]

Oh yeah - when it comes down to it, the call has already been made - so that's that really. And compared to a lot of forums I've been to, this one is pretty lax in a lot of it's rules. Basically - don't be a jerk.

And this site has some good ways to get your ideas about these features out there in a non-offensive, overly-dramatic way:
androidforums.com/private-chat-staff/
private chat with staff, they love it when you bug them there
Suggestion Box & Feedback - Android Forums
Site feedback, enough said.


However, back on topic, I know a lot of people originally root their devices because of wifi tether (while not the sole reason, it is very appealing), and I wonder if this will deter people from rooting or joining the site... ?
Personally, I rooted to get rid of sprint crap

This is part of the reason we wanted to start a discussion thread, so folks understand there is waaaaaayyy more to rooting than just tethering.
I just want to be sure new members arent turned away from rooting, or the site because they can't get tethering info or help here.

 

[9to5cynic]

I agree... I mean, personally, I find xda to be a bit -- off-putting. A lot of people seem to get arrogant and elitist attitudes over there (and elsewhere online) -- but that doesn't really happen here. And if not here, xda would be the next place people would go right? Or maybe a Dev specific site...

And there is so much more to rooting. I'm not too sure how much of an impact it would have on account creation - but it might on duration. People (specific areas - root users and those looking for tethering) might not stick around as much, but I would wager that would be offset by new users from android's popularity.

And the rule makes sense - I might not really like it - but rule one of almost anything is cover your ass. That's all this is really, though, on one thread I read it was a more ethical dilemma - though I'm in no position to make that claim, simply hearsay.

 

[theTrashcanMan]

I think the word crime should be taken out of this conversation. Last I checked it is a violation of the tos of the cell phone contracts, which is not criminal. I'd bet that the reason for the new rules has more to do with pressure from one or more of the carriers, loss of revenue from advertizing, or both. I am not a lawyer nor do i play one on TV, but until someone shows me a criminal case dealing with tethering, it won't be a crime in my book.

Edit: as previously stated, I'm perfectly fine with the site owner making whatever rules they see fit. If they don't want us talking about the feature who shall not be named then so be it. I just don't think WE need to give any lawyers any ideas or ammunition to start trying to make those cases.

 

[ocnbrze]

ok guys sorry that i am late to this conversation, but school and work caught up to me today. i started this thread to make everyone aware on what is to be expected going forward. this was also meant so that we can discuss this new guideline in a non dramatic way.

i have also erased the link and mention about tethering to the http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all...ooting-dummies-guide-gingerbread-edition.html. i will put a disclaimer into the guide as well. i wll look into the http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/194918-rooting-dummies.html and see if there is anything about tethering.

I'm not taking it to the extreme at all. Nor did I say we can't root anymore. What I said is our rooting guides have a very specific "life after root section" that details wifi tethering. According to these new rules we need to take that out. Thats what I meant by my prior post, not that we need to completely get rid of all the guides.

In other words, the way I'm reading it is if someone asks how they can get WIFI tethering we need to tell them to go ask sprint about their plan, not oh hey download X ROM its got the hacked hotspot baked in.

we can't go out of our way to mention tethering. but we can point it out that that roms do have the hotspot hacked. i think that is ok. however, we can't help anybody who has tethering questions or issues.

From the sounds of Ocn's OP the official stance is we are not to give out that information, just like when someone comes in here with a phone thats bricked and needs warranty service we arent supposed to tell them how to screw up the phone beyond recognition so Sprint/Assurion wont know they were rooted (insurance fraud).

Its a private website, and the owner has deemed that tethering without paying is stealing and stealing isnt ok.

exactly rxpert. i think you have the idea where we are going with this. that is another thing that is new as well. we can't say if you can't unroot to use this ruu and then lie to the techs when you take it in. not that we would say that anyways.

This is part of the reason we wanted to start a discussion thread, so folks understand there is waaaaaayyy more to rooting than just tethering.
I just want to be sure new members arent turned away from rooting, or the site because they can't get tethering info or help here.

thank granite for saying that. that is my hope as well.

I think the word crime should be taken out of this conversation. Last I checked it is a violation of the tos of the cell phone contracts, which is not criminal. I'd bet that the reason for the new rules has more to do with pressure from one or more of the carriers, loss of revenue from advertizing, or both. I am not a lawyer nor do i play one on TV, but until someone shows me a criminal case dealing with tethering, it won't be a crime in my book.

Edit: as previously stated, I'm perfectly fine with the site owner making whatever rules they see fit. If they don't want us talking about the feature who shall not be named then so be it. I just don't think WE need to give any lawyers any ideas or ammunition to start trying to make those cases.

i do not think that is what some were saying. i think it was the matter of cost that should be a crime being that using the hotspot is expensive. and it is only a violation of your contract that is in jeopardy. but what higher ups think is that by using the free tethering apps you are stealing from the carriers which is wrong.

 

[theTrashcanMan]

Well I do not nor have I ever used my phone to tether. I have not had a need to do so. I have DSL internet and a very good Cisco Router with wireless g/n/o/p/q/r/s/t/u/v/w/x/y/z all that good stuff. However I do have to agree with the decision it really boils down to legal liability. The owner of the site does take a risk of being sued and possibly arrested for being an accessory to a crime.

Mike - I agree charging that much is a crime however if you agree to it then the only crime then is just the "stupidity" of using that service with out finding a better alternative or a "Tax" write off. I mean anyone accepting a credit card that has a 30% interest rate is really no more or lest desperate. The Government allows this type of behaviour from these companies as long as they keep the "economy" going. We are merely slaves to a Corporate Master.

Let us not become problems but solutions

In this post

I realize that I'm being kinda picky, in reality I know that this isn't a huge deal, but I don't like being called a criminal. This is a great site, mostly because both the members and the staff are friendly and helpful. The owner(s) can run the site however they choose and make whatever rules they deem fit(I'm a big private property rights fan, even if it does affect me negatively) but I also believe that a business should appreciate and respect its customers. We are the customers, and calling me and all the other users of the feature that shall not be named criminals is disrespectful.