Hi All

I've started this thread so as to not be seen to hijack the existing threads on how to unlock / jailbreak iPhones or iTouch's.

I can only speak for myself that:

1. I enjoy reading and contributing at MacTalk
2. I appreciate the support MacTalk has given my Bigpond Usage Widget.
3. Decryption, Currawong and the rest do a great job with this site. Thank you.

I have posted opinions about the legality of MacTalk / Decryption promoting unlocking / jailbreaking iPhones.

I made the post in the interests of MacTalk precisely because of the service this site offers to the wider Mac community. I'd hate to see the site go and/or the operators face legal action.

Silverdreamer is also of the opinion that there exists questions over the legality of MacTalk and Decryption offering to unlock and promoting the unlocking of iPhones.

Please understand that I am not concerned over a court judgement going against MacTalk, Mr. Aguis or W9cae for that matter. My question is "Can you afford to engage solicitors to defend an action if you become party to such an action?"

Sure the courts award costs ultimately. So if you win the loser has to pay your bills. But in the interim, those defending the action have to bear (PAY) their legal fees (solicitor, barrister and finally SC) which later may be re-imbursed depending upon the outcome of any court action.

And because of this the question follows: "Are you so certain of your legal position, and have so much money in the bank, that continuing to encourage jailbreaking and unlocking is in your best interests?" Remember also, that should Apple or Telstra commence an action, you may be asked to lodge a security covering their costs. They'll reciprocate on this issue by lodging a security deposit of at least $100,000 no sweat.

I'd hate for such an outcome to happen to you guys ... and because of this I am urging to be more cautious than anything else.

Why not buy a domain in Vanuatu or the Cook Islands, host it anywhere in the world and do all your iPhone jailbreaking / unlocking discussions at that forum without placing this asset and service at risk?

It's only my opinion ... and it won't change.

Cheers
MacP

Once its out here, why would I bother unlocking them? There has been advice on this forum (and other Australian) ones on how to unlock iPhones since day 1. If Apple did have an issue with it, they'd send us a message to stop it or face the consequences. If that day happens, I'll gladly comply with removing info regarding from the site and retracting my offer to unlock phones for people.

I have no idea of your motives mate.

EDIT: You do understand that there is no such defence as "but he did it too your Honour"?

This is your business/hobby/forum - you have my unequivocal support in doing that. In this case, I am only posting to, do what I believe is, help.

Well spoken Macpomme.

It's all I was trying to say, and have been howled down for doing so.

This is the best Apple site on the net, Let's keep it that way.

How very open-minded of you.

Perhaps they are waiting to see what the outcome is in the present test cases. If they get the result they want, where does that leave you Anthony. We just want you to accept that there are potential hazards in what your doing.

I really think, that this close to the official release, you could be devoting your time to better things.

What's the name of Andrew "Boy Genius" Denton's Show on the ABC?

Could you please point me to a website that has received a cease and desist regarding this issue?

Thanks

a.

I'm fully aware of what I am doing. I always am. You don't run a forum for as long as I have not knowing how this sort of stuff goes down. We have no information on an official release - which is useless info anyway. It comes out here = I stop, even if it's tomorrow.

What I do with my time is up to me - what do I care what you think? I'm trying to help people and to help the EFA and instead I'm getting shit on from a great height by you and MacPomme.

I understand your concern but both of you are on such a power trip over this it's crazy. There is a real holier than thou attitude here. If you actually did care, both of you would have sent me or Currawong a PM, rather than be a buzzkill and got yourselves into this aggressive mindset.

You are lucky I am as open minded as I am - the common sense thing to do would have been to delete both of you guys posts and close my eyes and hope for the best.

Every time I try and do something good, someone comes along and shits on it. I can understand that, I expect it at the least. But the amount of vitriol you two have thrown on this pretty insignificant topic *after* already making your point is almost offensive.

You said what you had to say, its clear that you guys aren't up for a discussion, but want to give me a lecture, in all your infinite wisdom.

Has anyone been busted for unlocking in countries where the iPhone is available for sale (all 4 of them)? Geez, I have even seen the iPhone advertised as a prize on those flippin' mobile phone "competitions" (and I use that word very loosely) on tv.

Apple themselves are really the only ones to blame. One of the hottest products on the planet and they only sell them in 4 countries (and it was only 1 a few months ago). It would be interesting to know the stats on how many people use Visual Voicemail (is it a feature that could easily be dropped?). Isn't that really the only real reason for Apple having to go with one provider?

Anyway, if Apple did have a problem with unlocking they would have been litigating from day one.

Adding this for W9cae as he answers some questions and adds some closure;

Get over it, I say.