To Platte Media

[SwampyUK]

I want your Solicitors address and phone number.........

You have a week to respond
or
I will be contacting my solicitor to take out legal action against you..

On the following grounds :-

1.  Hacking
2.  Infecting Computers With a Trojan
3.  Rendering Computers Unusable
4.  Extortion (demanding money to remove your software from computers)
5.  Pornography
6.  Copyrights (Films)
7.  Reinbursment of my telephone calls made to Platte Media, OFT, My Solicitor, Ofcom, Police (ICU)
8.  Stress this has caused to me and my girlfriend. 

[SwampyUK]

Well you have had your week to respond......

You didnt.

You can settle this out of court.......

Only on the following grounds :-

1. A Proper Registeration Format.
2. Credit Card Verification For Over 18s.
3. Longer Trial Period.
4. A Proper Program To Download With A Uninstall File For Your Software.
5. No Distributing Trojans or Worms With Your Software.

If you do not agree with any of the above, I will be taking legal action against you for all the misery you have caused me, my girlfriend and all the other people your software has effected..

You have 7 days to respond to this.........

FAILURE TO RESPOND

YOU WILL LEAVE ME NO OBLIGATION BUT TO TAKE OUT LEGAL ACTION AGAINST YOU

I KNOW YOU LOT AT PLATTE MEDIA VISIT THIS FORUM.........




 





 

[Public Relations - Platte]

Apologies for the delay in replying but our primary contact with consumers is via our call centre on 0800 051 6687, and not by monitoring forums such as this. Your post only came to our attention today.

Please see below for our responses to the issues you have raised.

Hacking and Trojan issues
Hacking is an illegal offense and Platte Media would never partake in this. Please note that the software can only be installed with consent. For further information, please go to Platte media FAQ – download demo. http://www.plattemedia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=26.

The software is not a Trojan.  A Trojan is a piece of software that disguises its true nature. Our terms and conditions make it very clear what the software does and that the individual must confirm (multiple times) that they wish to download it.

Rendering Computers Unusable
Our billing profile is outlined in our Terms and Conditions, which have to be agreed to by the customer before installation of the software can take place. These were developed after consultation with OFT, and have been deemed acceptable to UK consumers. With our current billing system, the invoice only remains open for a maximum of 60 seconds.

Extortion (demanding money to remove your software from computers) and uninstalling the software
We do not demand money to remove the software from a computer. We do not require payment prior to uninstallation, but we do need an address to post the uninstall information to. Customer services can help with uninstalling the software.

Pornography
We currently only market the late night section of the site on Google and Yahoo. This is how one would find the site. The software is installed after viewing an advert for adult material and agreeing to the terms and conditions of the download. A date of birth is required and customers must be over 18.

Copyrights (Films)
We have a distribution license for all content on GetFilmsNow.


A Proper Registration Format.
The registration format is a step by step process, including steps where consumers have to input a pin and agree to the Terms and Conditions. We are currently in the process of adding further steps to this process in response to the fact that, despite having to go through 7 separate confirmation screens and provide a pin number, certain individuals still manage to go through that process without realising what they are doing. More details are available from: http://www.plattemedia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=26

Credit Card Verification For Over 18s.
We believe our billing method offers an innovative and safe method of payment, especially in light of current worries over online identity theft and credit card fraud. Our billing profile is outlined in our Terms and Conditions. As stated above, these were developed after consultation with OFT, and have been deemed acceptable to UK consumers. Requiring credit card verification would defeat the objective of providing consumers with a secure means of subscribing for services without the need to disclose their credit card information.  Additionally pages are age verified and which allows for easy blocking by Firefox and Internet explorer.

Longer Trial Period.
A three day free trial is offered with the chance to cancel the subscription, at any time, within three days. This information is downloaded to the consumer’s desk top. If the subscription is not cancelled within the three day period, the consumer is invoiced for one month’s subscription to the site GetFilmsNow. This is clearly outlined in the terms and conditions which the consumer agrees to before the download process can begin. We believe the three day free trial offers the consumer ample time to decide whether they would like to continue with the service or not. It should be noted that the majority of online service providers do not provide free trials.

We hope we have addressed your concerns. If you have any other queries, please contact Platte Media customer services on 0845 017 8386 so we can address your issues. Please ensure you have your Platte reference number at hand when you call.

[jonlewi5]

Why dont you offer the uninstall program on your website??

If,as you say, people are able to uninstall the software whenever they like, why did you get YOUR LAWYERS  here to get our "removals" section removed??

[SwampyUK]

Probly because we know what there upto and they dont want anyone to know how to remove it.....
Which if the removal section wasnt here, Other people would have to phone them up, give them there address for there letter on how to remove the software from your computer which didnt help my girlfriend bcos she couldnt do anything with her computer......  ( rendering computer unusuable )

Your right Jon, like I said they need to use a proper install file which comes with an unistall file so if you dont like it you can get rid of it............

Ah well, Iv passed on all whats happened with my girlfriend to my friends online in chat or just on my messenger, also on the radio on the Ham Bands and on the CB bands.

Links to this forum have also been sent to the above, so that they can see for themselfs what this company is all about..........

Also
Iv had a phone call with the local MP, who has said he will be looking into this........

I think the OFT should also step in now with some of the points I posted in my 2 posts........
If they dont there not helping the consumer.......     

At least shes got shut off the sodding thing now ......... OH YEAH 
   
Oh thank you Platte Media for replying to my 1st post.
What about answering my 2nd Post.   

Steve

[jonlewi5]

well, in my opinion, the reason why MBS/Platte wont/dont give the uninstaller on their website is because :-

If someone has downloaded this "software" and wants rid, MBS/Platte want their address to send there balliffs (spelling??) if they end up not paying

*NOTE
THIS IS JUST MY PERSONAL OPINION

[Public Relations - Platte]

We believe we addressed your second post in our previous reply but to reiterate:

A Proper Registration Format
The registration format is a step by step process, including steps where consumers have to input a pin and agree to the Terms and Conditions. We are currently in the process of adding further steps to this process in response to the fact that, despite having to go through 7 separate confirmation screens and provide a pin number, certain individuals still manage to go through that process without realising what they are doing. More details are available from: http://www.plattemedia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=26

Credit Card Verification For Over 18s.
We believe our billing method offers an innovative and safe method of payment, especially in light of current worries over online identity theft and credit card fraud. Our billing profile is outlined in our Terms and Conditions. As stated above, these were developed after consultation with OFT, and have been deemed acceptable to UK consumers. Requiring credit card verification would defeat the objective of providing consumers with a secure means of subscribing for services without the need to disclose their credit card information.  Additionally pages are age verified and which allows for easy blocking by Firefox and Internet explorer.

Longer Trial Period.
A three day free trial is offered with the chance to cancel the subscription, at any time, within three days. This information is downloaded to the consumer’s desk top. If the subscription is not cancelled within the three day period, the consumer is invoiced for one month’s subscription to the site GetFilmsNow. This is clearly outlined in the terms and conditions which the consumer agrees to before the download process can begin. We believe the three day free trial offers the consumer ample time to decide whether they would like to continue with the service or not. It should be noted that the majority of online service providers do not provide free trials. We have no current plans to extend the trial period.

A Proper Program To Download With A Uninstall File For Your Software.
Customer services can help you with uninstalling the software. Please call 0800 051 6687.

No Distributing Trojans or Worms with Your Software.
The software is not a Trojan or worm.  A Trojan is a piece of software that disguises its true nature. Our terms and conditions make it very clear what the software does and that the individual must confirm (multiple times) that they wish to download it.

We have been working closely with the OFT and will continue to do so. If you have any more queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 051 6687.

[matt_d]

"Apologies for the delay in replying but our primary contact with consumers is via our call centre on 0800 051 6687, and not by monitoring forums such as this."

That's why you threatened my colleague with legal action is it? We'd actually be quite happy if you didn't have any input onto these forums. Remember, it is YOU who have signed up (multiple times) for accounts on public forums such as these. We neither invited nor encouraged you.

As you are here, you obviously want some kind of voice. If you don't want to monitor these forums, feel free to go away. I'm happy to delete your account and restrict your access.

OK?

[Maryjay]

To the Platte Media people:  If you are so innocent and righteous, and you are so certain your software can only be downloaded after a legal registration process has taken place, can you please explain why so many people have identical experiences and say exactly the same thing, that the icon/software simply appeared, they did not knowingly  download it, and all they want is rid of it.  In my opinion, if you were any sort of decent company, you would have investigated and changed the registration process for your own peace of mind and a wish to improve your public image.  In my further opinion, you are intending, by the use of this software, to deliberately or carelessly defraud and frighten innocent people.  But that's just my opinion.

MJ

[jonlewi5]

I find it really funny to be honest, in my opinion all MBS/Platte have to do, is make there customers add a credit card to their account before they can download and install the software.

SIMPLE, that means that the customr knows they have done it, cant deny it, even if there kids dogs friend takes it, it is still the card holders responsibility.

simple as!!!

Jon

[Public Relations - Platte]

Dear Administrator,
As stated our primary contact with customers is via our call centre. However, it is also necessary to monitor forums in order to ensure that our company is not misrepresented.

You stated - “We'd actually be quite happy if you didn't have any input onto these forums”.  It is very disappointing that you, as an administrator of the forum, feel this way. We had thought that forums such as these wanted an open debate and informed, balanced discussion and still feel that our voice on these forums ensures that customers can get both sides of the story.
 
As a company, we would like to be able to defend it and ensure that we are not misrepresented. Many of the comments on these forums accuse the company of acting illegally. This is untrue;  a Queens Council barrister and deputy high court judge has deemed that the company operates within UK and EU law. It also needs to be acknowledged that our present sign-up and billing structure was developed during consultation with the OFT. In light of surveys which show that one in ten internet users have been the victim of identity fraud, we believe the service we offer is beneficial as it allows for safer transactions. See http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/108759/one-in-ten-uk-surfers-suffer-online-fraud-survey.html. While this type of billing might not be to everyone’s liking, all customers have to go through a lengthy sign-up process to become members of the site. Please remember that all claims of the software downloading itself were found to be unsubstantiated when examined by the OFT.

It is necessary to ensure that customers have these facts before making a judgment about the company and our voice on forums can help customers make an informed decision.

Regards signing up multiple times, the company has different departments and it was initially felt that these departments would be better equipped to answer the various queries or statements on this forum, e.g. customer service for customer service issues, etc. However, we will operate from this account only if you would prefer that?

Please feel free to contact us if you require any more information on the company.

[jonlewi5]

Yes we would prefer it if you used that one sign in.

In regards to your first statement

"As stated our primary contact with customers is via our call centre. However, it is also necessary to monitor forums in order to ensure that our company is not misrepresented."

May i remind you that this is not a place for our members to contact you. Im sure anybody that wants to contact you knows how. This forum is NOT here for your benefit.

Everybody has a right to an opinion, and if that opinion of your company is bad, who are we/YOU to try and change that.

If it was up to me i would have banned your account when you brought your lawyers in.

[matt_d]

It is very disappointing that you, as an administrator of the forum, feel this way.

Well, you know, there are many things that disappoint me about this whole situation, but we're stuck with it now.

You'll notice that we haven't banned you or deleted your account.

We had thought that forums such as these wanted an open debate and informed, balanced discussion and still feel that our voice on these forums ensures that customers can get both sides of the story.

Yes, that's what we thought was happening, until you became heavy-handed and started throwing around legal threats.

Perhaps if you really do subscribe to openness and freedom of speech, you'll refrain from giving Birkett-Long more business every time you see something here that you don't like.

[Public Relations - Platte]

Legal action was taken because this forum included untrue and defamatory statements. We advocate freedom of speech, but believe this should be undertaken within the context of British and UK law. We did not actually insist on all the defamatory material being taken down. We focused on the highly defamatory material and material that had the potential to incite violence. In the interests of free speech we purposely did not insist on the removal of all defamatory and untrue statements. The action was taken because it appeared that the posting of comments referring to violence were inciting further similar comments and Admin were not taking any action to stop this and so we had no option but to take legal action.

We also recognise that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. What we are trying to provide, by posting on this forum, is information that will allow people to form a knowledgeable opinion. As stated above there are/were untrue statements on this forum. One cannot expect customers to form an educated opinion or make an informed decision if certain information they read is inaccurate.

[ForumFriend]

The action was taken because it appeared that the posting of comments referring to violence were inciting further similar comments and Admin were not taking any action to stop this and so we had no option but to take legal action

I take great offence at this comment, Platte.  As one of the moderators, I made it entirely clear, on several occasions, that this forum does not encourage violence, or threats of violence. 

As for the inclusion of, what you describe as 'defamatory statements', I think you need to look at your own track record before making such claims.

As you say, everyone IS entitled to their own opinion, and in the opinion of many, including myself, your company is interested in only one thing:  making money by underhand methods and without regard for the consumer.  I would say a lot more about your company, and none of it would be remotely complimentary.