vBulletin Nightmare

Too much hatred and bad vibes in this whole vB situation now. And yes I know I probably contributed to the bad vibes bit until last week.

I Wayne helped me to get my issues with the company resolved even though he had no obligation to do so. I'm not making any comment on what he may or may not have said to others, merely giving my own experience.

Ray was also fine with me when I spoke to him, and from doing that I better understood where the company is trying to head and why.

I don't agree with every decision they've made, but then I never have done going back many years. What I do see, for better or worse, is that vbulletin, having been pretty stagnant for many years, is finally moving forward at a pace and the argument Ray has made, both to individuals and in the forums, is that a licensing scheme had to be put in places that provides the resources to do that.

That scheme is not in place and is probably the right one.

I think there's an issue with the way the transition was handled for some people, however since I am actually one of those who is better off, I won't comment.

 

Too much hatred and bad vibes in this whole vB situation now. And yes I know I probably contributed to the bad vibes bit until last week.

I Wayne helped me to get my issues with the company resolved even though he had no obligation to do so. I'm not making any comment on what he may or may not have said to others, merely giving my own experience.

Ray was also fine with me when I spoke to him, and from doing that I better understood where the company is trying to head and why.

I don't agree with every decision they've made, but then I never have done going back many years. What I do see, for better or worse, is that vbulletin, having been pretty stagnant for many years, is finally moving forward at a pace and the argument Ray has made, both to individuals and in the forums, is that a licensing scheme had to be put in places that provides the resources to do that.

That scheme is not in place and is probably the right one.

I think there's an issue with the way the transition was handled for some people, however since I am actually one of those who is better off, I won't comment.

 

Don't worry about it wayne has a history posting pm attacks. lol I find them hilarious, take it on the chin and pick your arse off the floor and hold your head up high in triumph. ROFL

 

Don't worry about it wayne has a history posting pm attacks. lol I find them hilarious, take it on the chin and pick your arse off the floor and hold your head up high in triumph. ROFL

 

I would pick my own up but IB really gave it a right good kicking... The story continues

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I would pick my own up but IB really gave it a right good kicking... The story continues

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Thanks shelley.......and that is excellent Mark B., i am glad you were able to get things worked out.

I still find it a nightmare that i paid my renewal fee, found out that i was no longer going to receive my blog upgrades, unless i purchase the Suite. Maybe there is something i am missing by them merging my blog license into my forum license, but i paid money for the rights to the blog software. People seem to not understand that for some reason. I have a great CMS, and yes it's a CMS, and i really don't feel i should have to purchase another, just to receive continued blog updates. To me, this is a nightmare, vbulletin received my renewal fee and isn't, hasn't, will not honor what my money was supposed to go towards. Since steve machol took it upon himself to suspend my license, i am now just out the money. Ray morgan refused to refund it, via the ticket support system. If steve has/had a problem with me, then ban me from the forums, but don't cancel my license because you have a personal issue with me.

 

Thanks shelley.......and that is excellent Mark B., i am glad you were able to get things worked out.

I still find it a nightmare that i paid my renewal fee, found out that i was no longer going to receive my blog upgrades, unless i purchase the Suite. Maybe there is something i am missing by them merging my blog license into my forum license, but i paid money for the rights to the blog software. People seem to not understand that for some reason. I have a great CMS, and yes it's a CMS, and i really don't feel i should have to purchase another, just to receive continued blog updates. To me, this is a nightmare, vbulletin received my renewal fee and isn't, hasn't, will not honor what my money was supposed to go towards. Since steve machol took it upon himself to suspend my license, i am now just out the money. Ray morgan refused to refund it, via the ticket support system. If steve has/had a problem with me, then ban me from the forums, but don't cancel my license because you have a personal issue with me.

 

I really would hate to close this thread, but the last page or two have really strayed off-topic... so let's try and re-focus.

 

I really would hate to close this thread, but the last page or two have really strayed off-topic... so let's try and re-focus.

 

When you say "cancel your license", what do you mean?

They didn't cancel mine, well not entirely. I was still able to download and run the software, but my access to all of the vb.com forums was blocked, and my access to download vb.org modifications was suspended.

This isn't actually cancelling your license, however it *is* removing access to parts of it which could be deemed contractual - but I am not legally qualified to say if it is or isn't. I never investigated that because I sorted my issues out amicably.

 

When you say "cancel your license", what do you mean?

They didn't cancel mine, well not entirely. I was still able to download and run the software, but my access to all of the vb.com forums was blocked, and my access to download vb.org modifications was suspended.

This isn't actually cancelling your license, however it *is* removing access to parts of it which could be deemed contractual - but I am not legally qualified to say if it is or isn't. I never investigated that because I sorted my issues out amicably.

 

I think he means he's had his vb.com and vb.org access removed but can still log into the members area.

Is that correct hotwheels? can you still download vbulletin and the patches etc?

 

I think he means he's had his vb.com and vb.org access removed but can still log into the members area.

Is that correct hotwheels? can you still download vbulletin and the patches etc?

 

No, i can't download anything. Even though i paid my renewal fee, steve machol suspended my entire account. The only thing he hasn't done yet, but i feel he will do, is ask my host to suspend my account. I can't log in at vbulletin.com, .org nor can i go to my members account for software upgrades. Steve and Wayne hooked me up for not agreeing with them.

 

No, i can't download anything. Even though i paid my renewal fee, steve machol suspended my entire account. The only thing he hasn't done yet, but i feel he will do, is ask my host to suspend my account. I can't log in at vbulletin.com, .org nor can i go to my members account for software upgrades. Steve and Wayne hooked me up for not agreeing with them.

 

Is that legal anyone. Maybe you should create a new thread hotwheels. So I've got this right. You purchased a renewal for the vb4.0 and now you don't have access to it even though you paid vbulletin solutions and they are refusing to give you a refund?

I ask because mark still had access to the members area when he had his vbulletin.com and vbulletin.org privileges removed.

 

Is that legal anyone. Maybe you should create a new thread hotwheels. So I've got this right. You purchased a renewal for the vb4.0 and now you don't have access to it even though you paid vbulletin solutions and they are refusing to give you a refund?

I ask because mark still had access to the members area when he had his vbulletin.com and vbulletin.org privileges removed.

 

I'd highly recommend creating a new thread to discuss your specific matter, hotwheels. Perhaps in the Legal Disputes section.

I don't even know how it's legal for them to suspend your Members Area access to download what you have already paid for (i.e. 3.8.x). But I'll save my comments for the new thread you're going to create.

 

I'd highly recommend creating a new thread to discuss your specific matter, hotwheels. Perhaps in the Legal Disputes section.

I don't even know how it's legal for them to suspend your Members Area access to download what you have already paid for (i.e. 3.8.x). But I'll save my comments for the new thread you're going to create.

 

It might be a good idea to take some screen shots if possible.

That way when the crap hits the fan and they start back tracking, you can prove your case.

These guys are certainly getting caught up, in a lot of inconsistent stories aren't they?

 

It might be a good idea to take some screen shots if possible.

That way when the crap hits the fan and they start back tracking, you can prove your case.

These guys are certainly getting caught up, in a lot of inconsistent stories aren't they?

 

I started a thread........thanks nick.

 

I started a thread........thanks nick.

 

I complained via. the BBB about vB/IB.. After 10 days, they just responded...

Here's their response:

A few issues..
1) I was told to stop "trolling". When I wrote back to the mod (Zachary) who told me that, I told him I was not trolling, but was a paying customer who was very upset. He agreed and said that while I "might not be trolling" I should "watch myself". I did. But, I was still banned.
2) I have **NEVER** been banned from vb.org. What's happened is that my Priority Support screen (where I can list email addresses for other admins who should have access to vb.org/com, etc) has been 'turned off'. So, bottom line is that not only can *I* not access vb.com/org, no one else I designate can either! My licenses are worthless without vb.org access.
3) I can not run the software 'forever'. Without access to updates (paying for an upgrade that was *MORE* than what I paid for the original forum, and gives me no credit for the blog), I can only download security patches--not bug fixes.
4) By sending me an email saying that I **WAS** a valued client with an active license, and further stating it again in my AdminCP, I believe IB/vB offered me a price of $130 to upgrade. By changing the price in the shopping cart to be, at first, $250 ($15 more than a new license), then later $190 ($60 more than the price offered), they are violating the California Consumer Protection laws which allows me to purchase a product at the lowest-advertised price ($130).

vB will not own up to the mistakes they've made, and instead continually fall back on half-truths lies. For shame!

 

I complained via. the BBB about vB/IB.. After 10 days, they just responded...

Here's their response:

A few issues..
1) I was told to stop "trolling". When I wrote back to the mod (Zachary) who told me that, I told him I was not trolling, but was a paying customer who was very upset. He agreed and said that while I "might not be trolling" I should "watch myself". I did. But, I was still banned.
2) I have **NEVER** been banned from vb.org. What's happened is that my Priority Support screen (where I can list email addresses for other admins who should have access to vb.org/com, etc) has been 'turned off'. So, bottom line is that not only can *I* not access vb.com/org, no one else I designate can either! My licenses are worthless without vb.org access.
3) I can not run the software 'forever'. Without access to updates (paying for an upgrade that was *MORE* than what I paid for the original forum, and gives me no credit for the blog), I can only download security patches--not bug fixes.
4) By sending me an email saying that I **WAS** a valued client with an active license, and further stating it again in my AdminCP, I believe IB/vB offered me a price of $130 to upgrade. By changing the price in the shopping cart to be, at first, $250 ($15 more than a new license), then later $190 ($60 more than the price offered), they are violating the California Consumer Protection laws which allows me to purchase a product at the lowest-advertised price ($130).

vB will not own up to the mistakes they've made, and instead continually fall back on half-truths lies. For shame!

 

Have you spoken to a lawyer? You're not alone in this. All of us are. The people running the show don't even know their own product as well as the customers and it is embarassing. It is "abide by what we mean and not what we say" or also knowas "we reserve the right to change the terms of any offer at any time and retroactively." Yeah.

 

Have you spoken to a lawyer? You're not alone in this. All of us are. The people running the show don't even know their own product as well as the customers and it is embarassing. It is "abide by what we mean and not what we say" or also knowas "we reserve the right to change the terms of any offer at any time and retroactively." Yeah.

 

I think you all (who have been banned) should create screenshots of your members area, vbulletin.org and vbulletin.com notices where it states you do not have privelages anymore. Gather up as much evidence as possible and then seek legal advice. Post it and send it to all these article sites that show vbulletin what they do to customers that show their concern.

in my experience, you fight fire with fire not bend over and get screwed in the behind and rightly so you shouldn't be screwed over. If half the people had a backbone they would stand up to this bullying company who feel it's in the best interest to hide the truth and do not (or refuse to see) the customers side who certainly have a valid concern on their hands.

Get those screenshots done and start compiling you data so you are covering your backs while they are in a state of being bullies and threatning to revoke peoples privelages.

 

I think you all (who have been banned) should create screenshots of your members area, vbulletin.org and vbulletin.com notices where it states you do not have privelages anymore. Gather up as much evidence as possible and then seek legal advice. Post it and send it to all these article sites that show vbulletin what they do to customers that show their concern.

in my experience, you fight fire with fire not bend over and get screwed in the behind and rightly so you shouldn't be screwed over. If half the people had a backbone they would stand up to this bullying company who feel it's in the best interest to hide the truth and do not (or refuse to see) the customers side who certainly have a valid concern on their hands.

Get those screenshots done and start compiling you data so you are covering your backs while they are in a state of being bullies and threatning to revoke peoples privelages.

 

At the risk of again losing access to vb.org... Somehow I now can access the site again; I'm showing up as licensed. But, I'm STILL banned on vb.com...

 

At the risk of again losing access to vb.org... Somehow I now can access the site again; I'm showing up as licensed. But, I'm STILL banned on vb.com...

 

I never thought about the bbb. I just filed a complaint and reasked for my renewal money back. Since vbulletin violated my blogs and forum software agreement, i feel this would only be fair. Had i known what Internet brands was upto, i would have never renewed.

 

I never thought about the bbb. I just filed a complaint and reasked for my renewal money back. Since vbulletin violated my blogs and forum software agreement, i feel this would only be fair. Had i known what Internet brands was upto, i would have never renewed.

 

Okay, you have privileges back. This is suspect to say the least which means they are looking at this thread. If anyone has their privileges re-voked from the sites because they are showing concern you should be taking screen shots as evidence. If you deserve a ban then so be it that is your own fault but providing constructive feedback and concerns and being banned is an abusement to the customer especially when vbulletin solutions are denying it.

Just because you feel safe don't assume you are and always back yourself up with as much evidence as possible and data so that other parties can be informed and see with their own eyes what is happening to customers who are being banned for the slightest negative remark made to what used to be a welcoming company.

 

Okay, you have privileges back. This is suspect to say the least which means they are looking at this thread. If anyone has their privileges re-voked from the sites because they are showing concern you should be taking screen shots as evidence. If you deserve a ban then so be it that is your own fault but providing constructive feedback and concerns and being banned is an abusement to the customer especially when vbulletin solutions are denying it.

Just because you feel safe don't assume you are and always back yourself up with as much evidence as possible and data so that other parties can be informed and see with their own eyes what is happening to customers who are being banned for the slightest negative remark made to what used to be a welcoming company.

 

From a strictly business point of view I'm not sure what the people that were banned were initially 'banned forever' then some people are having some or all of their privileges re-instated.

People who get a screen shot of 'banned forever' can run off to The Register, BBB, and other outlets, and it looks horrible for the company. If people got a screen shot of it saying 'Ban will be lifted in 7 days' that would be completely different.

In one case the person is a martyr, in the other case the person looks like they misbehaved.

 

From a strictly business point of view I'm not sure what the people that were banned were initially 'banned forever' then some people are having some or all of their privileges re-instated.

People who get a screen shot of 'banned forever' can run off to The Register, BBB, and other outlets, and it looks horrible for the company. If people got a screen shot of it saying 'Ban will be lifted in 7 days' that would be completely different.

In one case the person is a martyr, in the other case the person looks like they misbehaved.

 

My ban is to never expire. Per Steve Machol

 

My ban is to never expire. Per Steve Machol