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Subject:Re: in search for better tools From:Robert Lauriston <robert -at- lauriston -dot- com> To:Mike Hamilton <mhamilton -at- madcapsoftware -dot- com>, "techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:37:20 -0800
"... this functionality is completely optional."
The privacy issue isn't with Feedback Server. It's with a .chm
generated by Flare with feedback enabled. If a software vendor bundles
such a .chm with a product, and an end user installs the product, the
tracking is *NOT* optional for that user, since there's no opt-in
dialog.
On Thu, Dec 10, 2009 at 1:02 PM, Mike Hamilton
<mhamilton -at- madcapsoftware -dot- com> wrote:
> OK, after two weeks of insane travelling and sporadic availability of web connectivity I am finally back into a connected mode.
>
> I hope I can shed some light here.
>
> The MadCap Feedback Server software has been VERY CAREFULLY crafted to not run afoul of privacy laws anywhere in the world, including the very restrictive privacy laws in European countries such as Germany.
>
> To the AntiSpywareCoalition page referenced, after careful review the MadCap Feedback Server does not run afoul of ANY of the items listed in that document.
>
> The key point to keep in mind is that the MadCap Feedback Server never, ever, tracks ANY information to ANY SPECIFIC USER. You cannot use the MadCap Feedback Server to find out the viewing habits, search habits, or anything else about ANYONE. It cannot be used to target specific information to anyone (and there are customers mad that we don't provide this). All the server does is provide documentation teams with macro-level data such as how many times the word "foo" was searched for in the last seven days. You can't see who searched for "foo", just the fact that it was searched for, and how many times in a given time period (as an example). Since no data is ever collected on any one particular user, it does not (and cannot) violate the privacy of any user.
>
> This type of functionality has been vetted by many attorneys from several different countries. We would never provide software that allowed anyone to "spy" on any of their customers.
>
> Now, having explained all of the above, it should also be pointed out that this functionality is completely optional. In order for the anonymous macro data to be reported one has to actively install the MadCap Feedback Server software and enable the functionality in their Flare project. If you have any concerns over the use of the MadCap Feedback Server software then simply don't purchase it, as it is not a core requirement for document publishing using Flare. It is an option, only for those who choose to buy and use it. ...
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