I have to agree on one thing. Webchat users are forced to use the msn ocx in order to chat, and if something happens that msn were to pull the plug on the ocx then webchat is history for buzzen. At least until buzzen finally creates their own ocx, or something else.
Yesterday, I spent quite awhile on Buzzen. Personally I like it very much as I do VSIXc. I have nothing against Buzzen at all, and would hate to see webchat disappear if msn did decide to take the ocx away. So, instead of working against Buzzen I think we should pull for them, and give them our support. People can do more when everyone works together instead of against each other.
Hi Warrior and X-fusion, for me it's not a thing about whether buzzen(or any other clone) looks good or not. For me it's about whether or not buzzen has acted within the legal boundaries in providing webchat with the msn.ocx.
Quite simply I do not respect, nor do I support illegal activity. So if buzzen is acting legally, they have my respect for the work they have put into their site, if they have acted illegally to respect them and support them while they are acting illegally would be foolishness--no matter how hard they have worked.
I hope they finish up their own ocx soon, it's somethng that should have been done before they ever decided to provide webchat. But even when their own ocx is completed buzzen will still have the stigma of gaining its popularity via illegal and unethical means... by piggy backing off someone elses copyrighted chat ocx. To me there is no sense of achievement in that, nor is it worthy of a pat on the back. At the very best it serves as a constant reminder that the very foundation(the ethics of the admin) at buzzen is corrupt and willing to participate in illegal and unethical activity to gain their own benefit. That sure doesn't sound like a group of people I want to provide me with chat services.
I wrote msn this time, so that I would have their response in writing about this matter and here is what they have told me:
Thank you for writing to Windows Live ID Technical Support.
This is Maureen and I acknowledge that you want to know if www.buzzen.com and www.phreik.com are legal chat services.
After reviewing the information at hand, I have determined that we will need to do further investigation.
Although I do not have a definite time as to when this will be resolved, I want you to know that I am engaging additional resources to help me investigate. As soon as we have more information, either myself or another member of our support team will be in contact with you.
I know how important it is to have your concern addressed immediately. Please accept my apologies for not being able to assist you fully.
Thank you for using Windows Live ID.
Sincerely,
Maureen
Windows Live ID Technical Support