To Platte Media

[ForumFriend]

Sorry to dash any hopes here, but Platte aren't infringing any privacy issues here as Delboy is only an alias.  However, the fact remains that their approach does  raise other issues as to the way in which they approach their business - i.e. very unprofessionally.

[DELBOY]

Hi folks,

Its Delboy here.

I intended to write a thank you to Platte as they have, via e mail, sent me Uninstall instructions. I have now used their procedures and can say that their pop-ups are no longer appearing.  So, it's a 'Thank you' for that.  Unfortunately, I still have not got my internet working, as it did prior to visiting the Platte site, but hopefully, with a bit of tweaking, this may yet resolve itself.

Regarding their message above, I initially only viewed cartoons and part of a Western or two. As I first visited the site at approx 9.30 in the morning I do not think that any Adult material would have even been considered for viewing! I admit to having viewed the Adult site, but later, could only attempt to view the Utility Subscription site via that log-on.  Again, I would like to say that whenever I attempted to view any sort of material, I could not view a decent picture.  It was always in a stop start motion and not continuous.  That being said, I probably let their programs run in the background, as that would enable me to keep going back to check whether or not the picture quality had improved.  Unfortunately, for me, it didn't.  Otherwise I might have considered paying a Subscription.

I would again like to say that I could not view the whole Terms and Conditions.  I did print them off, and the last condition was numbered 8.1.  I certainly do not recall reading any Terms that stated the Trial Period, and I did not receive any advice as to when such a period would expire.  Even when using the Un-Install, my Subscription was still showing 'NO Cancelled Subscriptions', so there is clearly a fault on the records.

Hopefully, I can now make a closure on this matter.  If not, I'll be back.

Thanks again for all your advice.

Cheers,  DELBOY

[ForumFriend]

Nothing to feel embarrassed about, Delboy, and we're glad you've at least partly sorted out the problem.  I'm wondering if you will be taking up with them the issue of the non appearance of their t's and c's beyond the point you mention.  Anyway, you know we're here if you need us!

Good luck!

[Public Relations - Platte]

Our intent was to not to embarrass or to shame – we merely needed to clarify DelBoy’s stated position with actual fact to inform your readers. He is an adult and we welcome his membership of our site. Our point was that in correspondence with us, DelBoy stated he joined to see what types of films were on our site. However, we only advertise our adult content and our records show that DelBoy joined our site in this way. He joined from an ad/link for adult films and the first film he watched was an adult one. He was never informed that there was any non-adult content on the site until he had downloaded our software. This would suggest that he signed up for our site on the basis of its adult content. Even when he was aware that there was other content, he only looked at it on one visit to the site, returning numerous times to watch adult content. Our point was that in correspondence with us and even in an anonymous forum such as this, some customers are still nervous to admit that they were looking for adult content and in this case distort the truth and therefore mislead your readers.

Regarding terms and conditions, our customer service advisors advised him on how to view his terms and conditions in September.

As stated a letter will be sent to DelBoy and if he has any other enquiries, we will respond via letter or email to him.

If any other customers have any queries, I would ask that you contact customer services and include your reference number.

[matt_d]

Sorry to dash any hopes here, but Platte aren't infringing any privacy issues here as Delboy is only an alias.  However, the fact remains that their approach does  raise other issues as to the way in which they approach their business - i.e. very unprofessionally.

Sorry, but I think they are, and I stand by my edits, regardless of whether an alias is used or not. I don't appreciate Platte Media coming here and publishing personal details about someone it claims has visited its site. Regardless of whether it's possible for anyone to identify Dellboy, the fact that PM is happy to share / make up such details in a public forum is worrying.

[mini ha ha]

i have just recieved my reply from. my house of commons mp Mark Hendrick. may be short but its  sweet. he noted they could be in serious trouble wth Her Majestys revenue, which he sent copies from michaels site.at least if someone brings it up in the commons our MP  will have some knowledge of plattes dealings.we just need one to put their teeth into it, and rid us of this  massive headache.

[ForumFriend]

I am in total agreement with Matt_D that Platte's contributions to our forum are tiresome, and at the end of the day we have only their 'word' for what they are saying.  Frankly, for me (and I'm sure for others on this site) their word counts for nothing.  As to their talk of listening to recordings, etc., etc. - Platte can say what they like:  we'll be none the wiser since we do not have the benefit of being able to verify their claims.

Platte:  You have, yet again, used this forum to attempt to smear a forum member (Delboy).  His word, for us, is at least as good as yours.

This forum has never made it difficult for its members to talk frankly about their activities, whether or not that includes viewing porn.  We do not judge people in that way.  Our contention is with your business model - and you, and you alone, can change that.

[DELBOY]

 

Hi, It's Delboy here again.

Re Platte's last message I must disagree with their statement regarding my initial log on to their site.

Whilst 'Googling' many sites, and we all know what wonderful sites will pop-up, I came across one which stated that Films could be viewed 'Free of Charge'.  It was via that link that I first came across the 'GETFILMSNOW' site.  Whilst that site may contain films of an adult nature, it also advertises Drama's, Westerns, Adventure, etc plus Cartoons.  It was whilst attempting to log into that site that a further site, managed by Platte, intervened.  I again admit that I did attempt to view some Adult films, as well as others, but I did not solely join for the 'ADULT CONTENT'..  Are Platte now saying that their site is easily accessed via links from other sites, or just Adult sites, if so, is this re-direction to a Subscription site legitimate, and are these other sites aware of such action?

Regarding the Terms and Conditions, having attempted on numerous occasions to view them, without any success I later telephoned Customer Services.During that call I clearly pointed out to the Platte Customer Services advisor that, following their advice re these terms, it had become obvious to me that I could not view them in full.  Their advisor said that this was not their fault, but was my own.  Whilst I could accept what he was saying I could not get my point across when saying that ' How was I to know how many paragraphs/pages of Terms and Conditions should I be viewing'.  I again re-iterate, that I attempted to view these on many occasions, but could only view, just the one page, from 1 to 8.1, Governing Law and Juristriction.  I could not access any Terms and Conditions for the 'GETFILMSNOW' site. During my telephone call I did request an Un-install, but was led to believe that this would not be sent until the Bill was paid.  I cannot recall the exact words of the conversation, so cannot argue this fact with PLATTE unless I receive a full and complete copy, not a transcript of that call.

  Additionally, up until recently, every time that I viewed the Utility Subscription Bill, it was always shown completely 'BLANK'  i.e. No details of any current or cancelled subscriptions.

It is obvious that both myself and Platte have different views on this subject.  But, it still took 1 telephone call, 2 written letters and my posted message on this forum to obtain that Un-Install.
Are we going to fight this one forever??

Cheers

[ForumFriend]

Matt_D:  I accept your view entirely on this, of course and, like you, I find it at least obnoxious that Platte should reveal any details about any forum member. 

[ForumFriend]

Now I'm beginning to see some discrepancy in Platte's posturing. 

He joined from an ad/link for adult films and the first film he watched was an adult one. He was never informed that there was any non-adult content on the site until he had downloaded our software.

Is it me, or do I recollect that the Getfilmsnow frontpage shows mainstream films?  Has it changed since this?  Is Platte downloading its software at front page stage?

Since I've never visited their websites, perhaps others will be able to comment on this but ....... IF Platte are saying that their sites are adult sites, why is it that so many people, apart from Delboy, are being misled into thinking that sites like GETFILMSNOW are providing something other than (just) porn?

Would it help if they renamed their sites - after all GETPORNNOW would say it all, wouldn't it?

[Stiffed]

Regardless of all the legalities..... Platte Media surely have more than one method of ensnaring some unknowing adult or child to their sign up procedure.

Unlike previous Platte Madia posts they have declared that there were no "Several Unmistakable Steps" that Dellboy had undergone to sign up.

This must also be the reason why so many of us have fallen foul of their devious signing up methods.

They now say that they have taken away the "PIN No." and added several new steps to the signing up procedure. This undoubtedly confirms that they can configure the signing up procedure dynamically or "at will".

The OFT fully endorses their "lawful" business module but, at the same time ,have no idea what Platte Media are doing in the background and have no technological resources to prove otherwise.

This an extract from the OFT website...

As an independent professional organisation, the OFT plays a leading role in promoting and protecting consumer interests throughout the UK, while ensuring that businesses are fair and competitive. Our tools to carry out this work are the powers granted to the OFT under consumer and competition legislation

Do I beleive that this is a true description of the OFT's portfolio?

 I for one do not think so... they are a government body set up to sit and deliberate everything over and over again without coming to a conclusion. Then when forced into a decision, they go with whoever has the largest voice or wad.

I, for one, would not rely on this particular department for any investigation or decision on our predicament!! They too (like Platte Meda) are unreliable and completely useless (My opinion). OFT...hope you are reading this......

Trading Standards in your locality are more likely to take your case on. They are everyones local domestic or business legal representatives to advise us on scams like this. They appear to have more sway as they are not unknowingly "elected" and on your side!

[DELBOY]

 

Hi, Delboy here...again,

I would now like to give you all an update regarding my ongoing saga with Platte Media/International.

Today, 10 December, I received a letter dated 8 December, from Graham Foster, the Managing Director of Platte International.  Unfortunately, that letter did not give any address at all, nor did it provide a VAT Registration Number as I had requested.

Basically, the letter stated that I had joined via an advertisement/link on an ADULT content site.  That link took me to a 'Landing page' which would have shown that the site was Subscription based.  It would have also shown the Subscription Rate and any Trial period conditions, including the required cancellation procedures.  The letter also states that the 'Landing Page' would have shown all Terms and Conditions, and once these had been agreed, I would have been passed to another page, which would have shown the 'mini terms again' and by clicking on those terms the Full Terms and Conditions could be seen/viewed.  These Terms and Conditions then had to be agreed to be read, prior to any software being downloaded.

The letter also states that I was never informed that there was any non-adult content on the site until after I had downloaded the software.

The letter goes on to say that the Subscription Viewer, shown after the Install, would show details of the subscription, including start/end dates, fee, etc and Terms and conditions.  These details would only be updated when the user cancels the subscription.

The letter ends by advising that I am liable for the subscription fee.  If I do not respond in 10 days from the date of the letter, we (they) will commence court proceedings/pass my details to their debt collectors.

I would now like your advice....

Firstly, bearing in mind the content of the previous messages from Platte, any of their employees could view my record as my subscription number was quoted.  Is this a Breach of my Privacy?

Secondly, I would not have subscribed to any Adult site which was solely shown as a Subscription site.  However, I did view the 'GETFILMSNOW' site, which as the web site clearly shows, contains may films, of all nature, and also cartoons. (the details of this site can be viewed without the need to pay a subscription first!). I still say that I can only view, what Platte are saying, part of the Terms and Conditions.  How was I to know that there were further Terms and Conditions that I could not view? Also, if Platte are sidelining customers via other sites, and allowing the various Films, Cartoons and Adult media to be viewed via their own site, are any copyright rules being infringed?

Although I did view some subscription rates, I did not accept those, and instead, went via another screen in order to try the 'Trial Free Period!.  I do not recall viewing any screen which stated the length of the Free Trial period, and that such a subscription had to be cancelled prior to the end of such a period.

I did, until recently, have a Subscription Utility Bill which did not show any details at all.  Unfortunately, I could not print that screen as the 'PRINT' button was not highlighted.  However, that screen was recently changed/updated to show the 'GETFILMSNOW' site and the due subscription.  However, it does not show that I have cancelled such a subscription.  I have printed that screen, which clearly shows that Platte's records are not necessarily correct, as they have already acknowledged my cancellation.

Can anyone please advise as to how I can view the various actions that I have taken regarding the signing up process, reading of terms etc.  I would gladly take my computer to court if such information could be made available. 

Where should I go from here??  Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks,

Delboy

[ForumFriend]

As a first step, Delboy, look at this link, which is (I am told) a harmless video from Platte's website which demonstrates the signing up process.  Does this coincide with your experience?

Link to Platte's video demonstrating the sign up process.

[DELBOY]

 

Update from DELBOY,

Hi,

I have viewed the Platte Media website video and some of the procedures do ring some bells. 

Unfortunately, I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ M,E, so my energy and concentration levels vary from day to day, and even from hour to hour.  My memory is very poor, and I have to take many rests and relaxation periods every day.  Using the computer, especially writing e mails or messages will tire me out.  My wife will often write for me.

That being said, I do remember visiting some Harley Davidson and associated sites, some time ago, and I can recall being linked to a site advertising the 'Viewing of Films for FREE'.  I had previously visited a site 'moviesfoundonline.com' which allows some of the older films etc to be viewed 'Free of charge'.  I distinctly remember viewing the WEB SITE for 'GETFILMSNOW', although I cannot remember how I got there.  In a message dated 6 December Platte have stated 'He was never informed that there was any non-adult content on the site until he had downloaded our software'.  I again re-iterate the fact that the 'GETFILMSNOW' site  clearly shows that it IS NOT ADULT CONTENT ONLY!   I do remember sighting the Subscription Rates for the 'GETFILMSNOW' but as I was only interested in a Trial use of that site I did not proceed on those pages.  Somehow, I must have linked to another site which then commenced the sign up process.  Again, unfortunately I do not remember sighting or viewing any details regarding Subscription Rates, Trial period dates, nor the fact that a subscription had to be cancelled prior to the end of such a  Free Trail Period.

Suffering with my illness Disability, I am very wary about anything that I sign for, and am rather methodical about any actions that I take.

Platte have advised me that I first visited their site at 9.46 AM.  Does this indicate that Adult Films are available, to one and all, at any time during the day?  This is extremely frightening for anyone whose children have access to the internet!!  But I do remember viewing some cartoons early in the day.  If those were not the first to be viewed on a 'Platte' linked site, do they have any sites other than those which come under the 'GETFILMSNOW' site?

My computer is still running slow, locks up, even when playing cards, and there are problems with the Internet.  I often get messages saying that  a site cannot be accessed because there is a re-direction loop, and I often get numerous pop-ups and linked pages that I have not requested! Additionally, I see a number of alerts which are advising that Registry Entries/files are now missing!

I am now completely whacked out, have a fuzzy head, and can't concentrate.  What do I do next?  Who knows?  Although I do have a colleague who is an expert in Computer Security.  Although he is away, perhaps he could look at my computer, recall all events that have taken place since the start of the trial period, and fathom out just what has taken place on the computer and its operating systems.

Any advice..........HELP!! :'(

[ForumFriend]

Delboy:

Does anything here look familiar?  I think, though, once you get inside the site, the pictures are somewhat different!