Who else is tired of the crap that software companies pull these days?

Here is the list of "crimes against customers" some of these companies perpertrate:

• Requiring an Internet Connection for game which can be played offline
• Taking over control of our PC's (in a manor which says "I now own your PC. Oh sure, I could give you control back of your own computer, but then you can't play our game :P").
• Installing "hidden" program elements (see cmdlineext.dll).
• Creating inaccessible registry keys (see SecuROM)
• Cloud (aka wring money out of a player) computing. aka, they own everything, we are "lucky" to get to play, we can't possibly play without agreeing to their every demand.

Here is a list of the shamed:

• Valve (aka Steam)
• Sony (search RootKit and Sony)

Thank god theres still the independent development community, producing software for everyone to be bought, and owned (not licensed and rented).

Though, its a sad fact that once some idependants become known, many buy-in to the "customer is to be controlled" mentality.

As a final note, there can be a case made for protecting investment in the face of unscruplous copying. I am not against copy protection, I am against software facsism (seeking to resolve societys issues by forcing behaviour and control, as appose to freedom, understanding, advice, direction, nuturing and assistance then finally, if absolutely neccessary, policing).