I must add my two cents over the FM WeeGiE update, and other available updates out there. I will start by expressing an opinion that FMW is, as of today (Tuesday 29th August), the most complete update available I believe, as they retain a number of staff to work on all the aspects of each transfer/loan - from changing players' likes and dislikes, to altering relative transfer budgets etc etc...
However, what I can't abide is the fact that through some clever use of programming-I'm guessing by referencing an unavailable location on loading-they have chosen to not allow users to use the "FM Scout" scouting tool.
Now, I understand that they want to keep their work private; many many years ago I helped out on other Updates, and I understand how frustrating it is when someone else renames your update and passes it off as their own. This is especially true when the only reward for releasing an update is the kudos of doing so, as no payment is involved. Allowing FM Scout usage could theoretically allow for people to locate - and hence remove - the players/staff that have been purposely changed by the Weegie staff in an effort to create a "watermark" for what they claim as "their" database.
However, overall, I'm more frustrated at them for adding this quasi-copy protection. The hullabaloo over Digital Rights Management can be applied here; in protecting their IP rights, they have denied the use of a major tool for enjoying Football Manager 2006.
The most frustrating aspect of all of this has been the website operators at FM Weegie, who have regularly banned people via their IP address, as well as closing and altering threads all at their own FM Weegie forum (which they have made the only conduit for accessing the update, after signing up and providing an email address.)
This action has been taken because many people were unhappy at this copy protection - and hence lack of availability of FM Scout - and were posting everything from simple questions ("Why have you done this?") to becoming abusive. Individuals have to make a choice between a professional, "bang-up-to-date" update, and not being able to use a tool they have enjoyed for many years, in some cases. This is because they *may* use it to spend many (probably fruitless) hours looking for various markers that could be removed or altered to allow for something to be passed off as not theirs.
I do understand why they have done this, but the means do not justify the ends in the case, in my opinion. I, for one, will not be employing this update after the deadline window closes across most of Europe on Thursday, as I can't justify the removal of my free choice, and the enjoyment of using it. My understanding of the view of the use of the FM Scout tool here is that whilst some firmly retain the view that any external tools are "cheating", the majority believe in the individual's right to choose what they do with their own legally-bought copy of FM 2006.
Overall, whilst I am making a value judgement here, my main reason for posting is to make others here aware of the disadvantages to using this update, and to allow them to make their own, informed choice.
I'm confident that I will be flamed for this, but that's the price you sometimes must pay for standing up and pointing out what you think is right.
Good luck and good choices!
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