</RANT MODE ON>
During the past few years that I have been involved in FTA, I notice that moderators on this and other FTA forums are quick to push the "Ban" button and close the thread...
Why it is understandable that our forum (and others) in no way support hacking, I believe the poster should receive an education in FTA prior to banning. Perhaps we could develop a brief description of exactly what FTA is and isn't, direct the user to that script, and let them decide if FTA is for them.
I firmly believe that most new users have NO idea what FTA is. As a matter of fact when my friends see my system and I tell them it's FTA. ALL of them (with NO exceptions) ask me something like "Aren't you afraid of getting caught"????
This is kinda the same feeling I get when people see my Linear Amp on my
Amateur Radio Station and ask my if I am afraid of getting caught with an "Illegal Amp"...
Indeed, search ebay for "FTA" and you'll find hundreds if not thousands of 18"
DTV dishes for sale with the label "18" FTA Dish".... What do you expect "Newbees" to think?????
I agree there are some jerks out there looking for a "free ride" - However, I believe that there are many more potential new users who would be interested in this hobby if they understood exactly what it is.... FTA has much to offer, and it seems a shame to simply delete any user interested in Satellite TV without giving them the information to decide if they want to take advantage of all this hobby has to offer....
For the record, TRUE FTA has a bad rap. Google FTA and you'll either find hacker posts or "FTA is just religious and
arabic stations" .... No one mentions that you can get ALL Networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, CW, FOX), 4 or more 24 News Stations, Tons of
PBS, 24 hour Music video stations, 4 Channels of NASA, 24 hour Movie channels and so much more (including thousands of music and radio stations)..
So can we consider a tad bit of education before we hit the BAN button!
</END RANT>