The Fansite Way

[AgnesIO]

Ok I have just read the news article on the fansite way...

BUT it says fansite must NOT charge users for extra access to things...

Does this mean HxF is breaking rules for selling VIP?

Also don't clubhabbo have 'clubhabbo homes'?

If so they are breaking rules too..



The Fansite Way has been updated. Whether you are an Official Fansite or an Unofficial Fansite, you must follow the Fansite Way.
Habbo is a place where people come to relax, hang out and make new friends in a safe, non-threatening environment. The same goes for Habbo Fansites. If you want to use Habbo graphics on your site then you have to follow a simple set of rules; The Fansite Way. Also, anything you feature on your fansite must not break the Habbo Way, or influence users to break the Habbo Way.
Fansites CAN:
- Post fun, friendly Habbo news with your own analysis.
- Hold competitions and parties in Habbo.
- Allow all Habbos to join in without discrimination.
- Discuss non-offensive Habbo gossip on forums.
- Create fun, non-offensive alterations.
- Offer help for new and old Habbos.
- Hold events for your readers.
- Allow your visitors to post a photo of themselves that's appropriate and does not contain personal information.
- Offset your hosting costs with advertising banners or ad words.
- Use publically accessible images created and owned by Sulake Corporation Oy responsibly and within the restrictions of the Fansite Way and Terms & Conditions of Habbo Hotel.
Fansites Must NOT:
- Offer Hacking, Scripting or Editing Programs.
- Publish any unreleased news regarding updates, new Furni or features without Sulake's prior permission.
- Ask visitors for their Habbo passwords or personal information such as telephone numbers or home address.
- Charge users for premium services such as VIP access.
- Act as an affiliate for a commercial entity, nor offer merchandise (including Habbo Furni) or services for sale.
- Offer to buy, sell or trade Habbo accounts for real money or Habbo Credits.
- Break the law or talk others into breaking it.
- Publish any material which may be offensive to other users or contains sexual content.
- Publish any personal information, pictures, video or documents belonging to Sulake Corporation Oy.
- Use slander or any other form of bullying in order to harass other people.
- Disrupt the operation of any other official or unofficial fansite nor disrupt the Hotel community.
- Replicate any part of the Habbo Hotel service ('Retro' Hotels, Habbo Home clones etc).
- Represent that your site is approved by or affiliated with Sulake Corporation Oy or that any other content on your site is approved by or affiliated with Sulake Corporation Oy.
Lost_Witness



Edit by Professor-Alex (Moderation Manager): Threads about the same subject merged. Posts appear in chronological order.

[Dan2nd]

No because Habbox.com is the official Fansite not Habboxforum... I'm no expert but i don't think the forum counts as part of the officialness

[Elkaa]

I'm going to find out more information about this now.

[AgnesIO]

The Fansite Way has been updated. Whether you are an Official Fansite or an Unofficial Fansite, you must follow the Fansite Way.
Habbo is a place where people come to relax, hang out and make new friends in a safe, non-threatening environment. The same goes for Habbo Fansites. If you want to use Habbo graphics on your site then you have to follow a simple set of rules; The Fansite Way. Also, anything you feature on your fansite must not break the Habbo Way, or influence users to break the Habbo Way.
Fansites CAN:
- Post fun, friendly Habbo news with your own analysis.
- Hold competitions and parties in Habbo.
- Allow all Habbos to join in without discrimination.
- Discuss non-offensive Habbo gossip on forums.
- Create fun, non-offensive alterations.
- Offer help for new and old Habbos.
- Hold events for your readers.
- Allow your visitors to post a photo of themselves that's appropriate and does not contain personal information.
- Offset your hosting costs with advertising banners or ad words.
- Use publically accessible images created and owned by Sulake Corporation Oy responsibly and within the restrictions of the Fansite Way and Terms & Conditions of Habbo Hotel.
Fansites Must NOT:
- Offer Hacking, Scripting or Editing Programs.
- Publish any unreleased news regarding updates, new Furni or features without Sulake's prior permission.
- Ask visitors for their Habbo passwords or personal information such as telephone numbers or home address.
- Charge users for premium services such as VIP access.
- Act as an affiliate for a commercial entity, nor offer merchandise (including Habbo Furni) or services for sale.
- Offer to buy, sell or trade Habbo accounts for real money or Habbo Credits.
- Break the law or talk others into breaking it.
- Publish any material which may be offensive to other users or contains sexual content.
- Publish any personal information, pictures, video or documents belonging to Sulake Corporation Oy.
- Use slander or any other form of bullying in order to harass other people.
- Disrupt the operation of any other official or unofficial fansite nor disrupt the Hotel community.
- Replicate any part of the Habbo Hotel service ('Retro' Hotels, Habbo Home clones etc).
- Represent that your site is approved by or affiliated with Sulake Corporation Oy or that any other content on your site is approved by or affiliated with Sulake Corporation Oy.
Lost_Witness



Apparently it does not matter if this is official or not.

[Favourtism]

No because Habbox.com is the official Fansite not Habboxforum... I'm no expert but i don't think the forum counts as part of the officialness
Correct

Sounds like habbos.net are in the **** though if this is true

[Dan2nd]

Apparently it does not matter if this is official or not.

ah right then lol YAY free VIP all round :P

[Elkaa]

Hmm, apparently this does also include the forum.

[Slowpoke]

It's pathetic in my opinion. How do they expect Habbox to be able to maintain the sites without the VIP fees? :S

[lAscend]

Hasn't that been there for ages though lol, or has it just been recently added to there do and don'ts lol

[Hiro]

If HxF was www.habbox.com/forum/index.php, it would be included and would not be accepted, but since HabboxForum is not the official site and is a separate domain it doesn't count towards the Fansite Way.

surely?

[Wootzeh]

Well I think Habbox would rather be unofficial than stop selling VIP either way.

[Slowpoke]

If HxF was www.habbox.com/forum/index.php (http://www.habbox.com/forum/index.php), it would be included and would not be accepted, but since HabboxForum is not the official site and is a separate domain it doesn't count towards the Fansite Way.

surely?

http://i32.tinypic.com/2mmd4jo.png

Credit to Okeanos.
(http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=35609)

[AgnesIO]

If HxF was www.habbox.com/forum/index.php (http://www.habbox.com/forum/index.php), it would be included and would not be accepted, but since HabboxForum is not the official site and is a separate domain it doesn't count towards the Fansite Way.

surely?

Nope. Apparently it does not matter if official or non-official.


It's pathetic in my opinion. How do they expect Habbox to be able to maintain the sites without the VIP fees? :S

Exactly. They only say it because they want peoples money to go to them.

[Hiro]

Well I think Habbox would rather be unofficial than stop selling VIP either way.

Yeah, even though I have to pay for the VIP, I don't care, I'd rather Habbox be unofficial so I can help pay the costs. =/
Habbo shouldn't do this tbh, I mean, what's wrong with people paying extra for VIP?

[Slowpoke]

Exactly. They only say it because they want peoples money to go to them.

Haha well said. Who are they to say Habbox can't charge users for premium features when they do it themselves (in the form of HC)? Hypocrites.

[e5]

Quite a shame on Habbox's behalf there. They can still sell the sub-forums but you need to be VIP to have one lol :S

[AgnesIO]

Yeah, even though I have to pay for the VIP, I don't care, I'd rather Habbox be unofficial so I can help pay the costs. =/
Habbo shouldn't do this tbh, I mean, what's wrong with people paying extra for VIP?

If habbo dont make monmy out of it, it is like terroists blowing up a building.


Haha well said. Who are they to say Habbox can't charge users for premium features when they do it themselves (in the form of HC)? Hypocrites.

They will probably report habbox and say:

Habbox.com is charging users for VIP features, which is very unfair as it is taking users money away from us.

Ruddy hypocrites.

[Mr.Sam]

yay for unofficial ness

habbox doesn't need to be official anyway

[Slowpoke]

Quite a shame on Habbox's behalf there. They can still sell the sub-forums but you need to be VIP to have one lol :S

I'm sure the selling of sub-forums would come under the selling VIP rule somehow, you know what Habbo are like.

[Elkaa]

yay for unofficial ness

habbox doesn't need to be official anyway

Applies to unoffical sites too - Namely, do this or be closed down.

[AgnesIO]

yay for unofficial ness

habbox doesn't need to be official anyway

Even if habbox are unofficial habbo will hate us.


I'm sure the selling of sub-forums would come under the selling VIP rule somehow, you know what Habbo are like.

I bet you anything they would let us sell VIP, if they made something out of it.

[Inseriousity.]

I actually laughed at that rule. I don't really see how VIP stops money going to Habbo??? Is it that the money spent on VIP could be spent on Habbo furni etc?? Because people who buy VIP normally buy credits and whatnot anyway on top of it so it'd just decrease the money they spend... lmao, that sounds confusing but I know what I mean anyway :p

[Roboevil]

It's rediculous really, I presume it's because Habbo could be held responsible if anyone was scammed of their money.


yay for unofficial ness

habbox doesn't need to be official anyway

Lol, but they've only just managed to get it.


- Charge users for premium services such as VIP access.
- Act as an affiliate for a commercial entity, nor offer merchandise (including Habbo Furni) or services for sale.

There's no way Habbox could get around it.

What would happen if Habbox announced themselves as a non-Habbo fansite (removing the name and images), but still had Habbo content?

[Jongo]

I think it is absolutely ridiculous with the amount of dominance that Sulake have over your website, even though they don't contribute with costs anyway. If your an official Fansite, sure I'd expect rules and all that malarkey. With an unofficial fansite, you should be able to do whatever you please. Some of these new rules are abusive in my opinion, virtually not allowing anyone to generate funds in a sane way (ie. not through adverts). Also what's this:
- Replicate any part of the Habbo Hotel service ('Retro' Hotels, Habbo Home clones etc).Retro's I agree on, but Habbo Homes?! Come on seriously - says the people who made trax and myspace apparently copied off them, but Habbo don't care because they'd be slaughtered by MySpace legal team. I don't see how working and developing your own version of a "Homes System" should be in anyway affecting their company.

Absolute crap if you ask me.

[Hiro]

This is totally ridiculous if Unofficial sites cannot have it too...I mean 5 out of 8 official fansites have the VIP feature, and L_W gave the "all clear" to Habbox and CH after checking the forums too?


I think it is absolutely ridiculous with the amount of dominance that Sulake have over your website, even though they don't contribute with costs anyway. If your an official Fansite, sure I'd expect rules and all that malarkey. With an unofficial fansite, you should be able to do whatever you please. Some of these new rules are abusive in my opinion, virtually not allowing anyone to generate funds in a sane way (ie. not through adverts). Also what's this:Retro's I agree on, but Habbo Homes?! Come on seriously - says the people who made trax and myspace apparently copied off them, but Habbo don't care because they'd be slaughtered by MySpace legal team. I don't see how working and developing your own version of a "Homes System" should be in anyway affecting their company.

Absolute crap if you ask me.

Why don't they go sue ClubTropica while they're at it?

[Slowpoke]

Applies to unoffical sites too - Namely, do this or be closed down.

Imagine the revolt if they tried to close Habbox down. ;)

[Dan2nd]

Imagine the revolt if they tried to close Habbox down. ;)

I don't think there would be a revolt to be honest people who still play habbo would just move on else where.

[Slowpoke]

I don't think there would be a revolt to be honest people who still play habbo would just move on else where.

In all honesty, I can't see it going anywhere. I'm pretty sure that in the past this has been brought up and nothing was done. No fansite could possibly maintain themselves solely from the money made from ad clicks.

[Dan2nd]

In all honesty, I can't see it going anywhere. I'm pretty sure that in the past this has been brought up and nothing was done. No fansite could possibly maintain themselves solely from the money made from ad clicks.

I'm not suggesting it would go anywhere lol I'm just saying if Habbox was to be challenged by Habbo I don't think there'd be much of a revolt

[AgnesIO]

Imagine the revolt if they tried to close Habbox down. ;)

They can't legally close habbox.

They can not go around tellnig other websites what to do, unless it says in there copyright act that you can't.

And i am not sure if you can actually say you can not sell vip features...

[Slowpoke]

And i am not sure if you can actually say you can not sell vip features...

Well I've studied that sentence word for word and all I see is it saying "You cannot charge users for anything". I believe they're basically trying to say that everything has to be free.

[Hiro]

They can't legally close habbox.

They can not go around tellnig other websites what to do, unless it says in there copyright act that you can't.

And i am not sure if you can actually say you can not sell vip features...

Nothing about the fansite thing, but obviously the reproduction of stuff is there:


1.8 The User may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, perform, reproduce,
publish, licence, create derivative works from, transfer or sell any information or services
obtained from the Website. All our intellectual property rights and those of persons providing
content to the site are fully reserved.

[joshuar]

Unless they want to pay the bill for the server then I don't think Habbox will be removing VIP services any time soon.

Habbo just wanting less money spent on fansites and more being spent on them.

[AgnesIO]

Well I've studied that sentence word for word and all I see is it saying "You cannot charge users for anything". I believe they're basically trying to say that everything has to be free.

Where did you find that?

[Mrs.McCall]

Unless they want to pay the bill for the server then I don't think Habbox will be removing VIP services any time soon.

Habbo just wanting less money spent on fansites and more being spent on them.

Its a shame but Habbox has NO choice, it's the rules :(

[AgnesIO]

Its a shame but Habbox has NO choice, it's the rules :(

Yes they do.

My mum is a lawyer.

There is 100% NO WAY, habbo can force habbox not to sell VIP.

[Slowpoke]

Where did you find that?

The rule about fansites not being allowed to charge for VIP, doesn't matter Dom. ;)


Yes they do.

My mum is a lawyer.

There is 100% NO WAY, habbo can force habbox not to sell VIP.

Whilst that's true, nothing stops them removing us from the official list.

[Inseriousity.]

"Charge users for premium services such as VIP access."

What about donations? It's the only thing I can see that gets round it. People just donate. Kinda crap really but more ads and donations is the only way I can think of atm.

[Mrs.McCall]

It's not just that. If they wanted to, Habbo could close Habbox for breach of copyright.

For example, if Habbox don't comply then Habbo can say "oh well, you're using copyrighted images on your page without permission" or they'd find some loophole and then get the site closed.

[Favourtism]

They could force Habbox to not be called a habbo fansite and stop them from using habbo images though :p

[AgnesIO]

The rule about fansites not being allowed to charge for VIP, doesn't matter Dom. ;)



Whilst that's true, nothing stops them removing us from the official list.

Habbox suvived perfectly when not being official.

"Charge users for premium services such as VIP access."

What about donations? It's the only thing I can see that gets round it. People just donate. Kinda crap really but more ads and donations is the only way I can think of atm.

We could get users to 'donate' and users that donate strangely get a colourful usertitle!


It's not just that. If they wanted to, Habbo could close Habbox for breach of copyright.

For example, if Habbox don't comply then Habbo can say "oh well, you're using copyrighted images on your page without permission" or they'd find some loophole and then get the site closed.

No they can't, no images have copyright acts on them.

All habbo could say is:

'Habbox are not paying us, to make money.'

[Jongo]

I can't imagine Habbox raising enough money from clicking the Gaydar advert, I wouldn't modify anything personally and just generally debate with Habbo over the issue.

[AgnesIO]

I can't imagine Habbox raising enough money from clicking the Gaydar advert, I wouldn't modify anything personally and just generally debate with Habbo over the issue.


haha that deserves a +Rep xD

Anyway yeh we could just debate, we need a new department 'The habbox Rights Department'

Habbo are trying to steal our pixel rites :o

[Fehm]

Nah, Honestly, its like asking a webhost not to sell hosting but to give it ALL for free :P

Where paying habbo for 'VIP' access, what does it matter to them if HxF are sellin VIP?

[HotelUser]

This is totally ridiculous. Who cares if Habbox is official or not if it means getting rid of VIP.

This to me sounds like Sulake is scared of fansites taking their business, so they're trying to make a monopoly.

[AgnesIO]

Nah, Honestly, its like asking a webhost not to sell hosting but to give it ALL for free :P

Where paying habbo for 'VIP' access, what does it matter to them if HxF are sellin VIP?

Habbo dont get anythnig out of it.


This is totally ridiculous. Who cares if Habbox is official or not if it means getting rid of VIP.

This to me sounds like Sulake is scared of fansites taking their business, so they're trying to make a monopoly.

That is the reason, if habbo fansites are getting money from vip, then habbo arn't.

[HotelUser]

Habbo dont get anythnig out of it.



That is the reason, if habbo fansites are getting money from vip, then habbo arn't.


It's an unfair monopoly, because Habbox needs the VIP money to pay for the domains, server, vb license and other expenses.

[Hazza]

As others have said I think this is pathetic to be honest, if I didn't buy VIP on here I wouldn't be spending the money on Habbo I'd be keeping it - I don't see how they think people will spend money on Habbo if they do not buy VIP on fansites etc. I would also rather Habbox not be offical than for them to stop selling VIP... I don't understand how they expect the costs to be paid without selling it. Ad clicks are useless, I never click ads on this site like 95% of this forum.

[reeana]

This is crazy!

Habbo are too selfish to see beyond fansites! VIP is the best and they can't take that away from me...[I don't have it but still..] It's pretty annoying. Lets all "donate" instead. =]

[Rafiki]

you better, remove it, because

1, they make you unoffical
2. theyll make you take the habbo imagers of

[Favourtism]

make a donate usergroup thazts the same as vip

and very special donator lol

[today]

I think we are forgetting that even if Habbox is NOT official it still has to OBEY this rule.

So saying oh loose officinalness will make no difference, unless Habbox can find a loophole they'll loose VIP.

Its a petty rule too.

[Favourtism]

I think we are forgetting that even if Habbox is NOT official it still has to OBEY this rule.

So saying oh loose officinalness will make no difference, unless Habbox can find a loophole they'll loose VIP.

Its a petty rule too.
Yeah

either way they gotta remove vip, wether they add a donators usergroup or not

[Hazza]

Well, whats going to happen to the money that people have paid for the VIP? I've still got over a month left. If this rule is put into place Habbox would have to refund a lot of cash.

[Favourtism]

Well, whats going to happen to the money that people have paid for the VIP? I've still got over a month left. If this rule is put into place Habbox would have to refund a lot of cash.
no refunds soz


- Should you ever sign up for our paid membership (Habbox V.I.P.) you will warrant the following:
* Habboxforum.com reserves the right to terminate/remove/transfer/modify/limit any or all parts of your subscription at any time without notice.

[today]

Maybe not, hopefully the vip can run its course as you've paid for it before the rule came into effect.

[Favourtism]

Like I said, just make VIP into Donations and make VIP Usergroup into a Donations Usergroup. Say if u donate then as thanks well give you features and coloured name (like vip).

that pwns habbo?

[AgnesIO]

I think we are forgetting that even if Habbox is NOT official it still has to OBEY this rule.

So saying oh loose officinalness will make no difference, unless Habbox can find a loophole they'll loose VIP.

Its a petty rule too.

they dont have to obey, habbo are ************, money grabbis ********.

If habbox gave 10p to every 1.50 made habbo would be 100% fine.

[Hazza]

Like I said, just make VIP into Donations and make VIP Usergroup into a Donations Usergroup. Say if u donate then as thanks well give you features and coloured name (like vip).

that pwns habbo?
Hmm :rolleyes:
Sounds odd too me. lol

[Mr.Sam]

just make it donations

and for their donation they get vip :)

[Decode]

Clubhabbo removed Clubhabbo homes, you can laugh at them in this thread if you want http://clubhabboforum.net/showthread.php?t=122946.

[Hazza]

just make it donations

and for their donation they get vip :)
Oohhh. I get it, sounds good :)

[HotelUser]

Yeah ClubHabbo also has subscriptions that have yet to be removed too. But anyways Habbox needs the money for paying off fees. I say remove the Habbo graphics and keep VIP if it becomes an issue.

[Jordy]

Habbo are totally within their rights to do this unfortunately, however pathetic this may be they are entitled to do this and presumably they could remove copyright which they're allowed too.

Your all saying that Habbo don't contribute to Habbox's costs, nor does Habbox contribute to Habbo's costs so where's the problem?

If the worst comes to the worst it looks like the Habbo Images would have to be removed but I wouldn't make a fuss over things like this.

Habbo could never implement rules like this and anyone who's been in the official fansite game would know the fansite way is ignored 90% of the time. Habbo have phases where they're fanatical about fansites and actually care about them, they soon lose interest and put someone else in charge of fansites about 6 months later. The only time Habbo have acted about the Fansite Way was when they got over 100 complaints (Mainly from HabboxForum users :P) about ClubHabbo's cutenews being hacked, thus the pornography.

I'm sure any people who have been actively involved in official fansites would back me up here, the rules are never implemented, they're just an empty threat.

Till you get a formal letter from the Sulake legal team (or someone's mum who happens to be a Lawyer) then I'd just keep everything as it is and not cause a fuss and everything will be tickity boo.

[Hiro]

Habbo are totally within their rights to do this unfortunately, however pathetic this may be they are entitled to do this and presumably they could remove copyright which they're allowed too.

Your all saying that Habbo don't contribute to Habbox's costs, nor does Habbox contribute to Habbo's costs so where's the problem?

If the worst comes to the worst it looks like the Habbo Images would have to be removed but I wouldn't make a fuss over things like this.

Habbo could never implement rules like this and anyone who's been in the official fansite game would know the fansite way is ignored 90% of the time. Habbo have phases where they're fanatical about fansites and actually care about them, they soon lose interest and put someone else in charge of fansites about 6 months later. The only time Habbo have acted about the Fansite Way was when they got over 100 complaints (Mainly from HabboxForum users :P) about ClubHabbo's cutenews being hacked, thus the pornography.

I'm sure any people who have been actively involved in official fansites would back me up here, the rules are never implemented, they're just an empty threat.

Till you get a formal letter from the Sulake legal team (or someone's mum who happens to be a Lawyer) then I'd just keep everything as it is and not cause a fuss and everything will be tickity boo.

I'm pretty sure a LOT of Habbox users contribute to Habbo, HC membership?

[Jordy]

I'm pretty sure a LOT of Habbox users contribute to Habbo, HC membership?That's not Habbox themselves though. People have said Habbo don't contribute to the Habbox costs? They don't, but Habbox themselves don't contribute to the Habbo costs so it's irrelvant.

[Nereo]

ClubHabbo and Habbox both break so many rules :P

[Hiro]

Sulake probably wouldn't allow Habbox to contribute anyways..
I can't understand how they expect a well-managed & popular site to cope by the payment of adclicks...it's absurd.

[e5]

They're basically going to force most fansites to shut down because they won't be able to afford the site. Unless people donate and in return receive vip for donating so kindly ;). Work around the system.

[Hiro]

They're basically going to force most fansites to shut down because they won't be able to afford the site. Unless people donate and in return receive vip for donating so kindly ;). Work around the system.

Habbo will find a loophole.

[syko2006]

I've made a Thread about this, I thought it was wrong aswell, how are Habbox supposed to pay for the site to stay open without VIP, BUT.

On the otherhand, it's paying for something that could be free anyway.

[MissAlice]

Charge users for premium services such as VIP access.

Does that actually refer to the hotel or the site? And if it is the site, what's wrong with having sponsors? Anyone donating to the upkeep of the site surely is a sponsor or donator.

[Hiro]

Charge users for premium services such as VIP access.

Does that actually refer to the hotel or the site? And if it is the site, what's wrong with having sponsors? Anyone donating to the upkeep of the site surely is a sponsor or donator.

Exactly, I'm happier using my cash to support Habbox and getting something in return, I hope this rule doesn't stay.

[Rafiki]

Don't worry i have reported this matter, with a link to this thread to 0rca so she can see what habbo users think of it :D

[iJoe]

all send e-mails to sulake saying it isnt fair.... simple :D

[--ss--]

Is the new fansite way just for the UK hotel or for all?
If it's only been implemented on the UK we can easily change the hotel we are supposedly meant to be for into an international fansite for the US/CA hotels but still provide UK, that way the uk fansite rules won't apply?

[H0BJ0B]

Lots of people on this forum have Lost_Witness on their list. Instead of asking about loop holes, anyone want to ask WHY they've done this?

[Jordy]

I personally wouldn't cause a fuss as this will only draw attention to Habbox and guess who will be the losers? Us and Habbox so I'd just ignore it until either Habbo takes action against Habbox or unless Habbox wants us to do something.

Habbo have never backed down to a rule change to date, what makes you think you'll be the first in 7 years of Habbo? If Habbo began giving into fansites the company would collapse, they never have listened and they won't. Either shut your traps or work round it, not work with them.

Edit: LETS PROTEST IN THE HALLWAY LIKE IN THE GOOD OL' DAYS.

[AgnesIO]

Lots of people on this forum have Lost_Witness on their list. Instead of asking about loop holes, anyone want to ask WHY they've done this?

We all know why they have done this.

He will probably say:

'We do not want people to take users money, as it is there money' :l

----

Habbo can't do anything cept take us off official...

[today]

Is the new fansite way just for the UK hotel or for all?
If it's only been implemented on the UK we can easily change the hotel we are supposedly meant to be for into an international fansite for the US/CA hotels but still provide UK, that way the uk fansite rules won't apply?
I said that u copycat :'(

[Jordy]

We all know why they have done this.

He will probably say:

'We do not want people to take users money, as it is there money' :l

----

Habbo can't do anything cept take us off official...They have copyright to Habbo and the images so Sulake can remove Habbox's (and it's sites) permission to use Habbo images and content probably. I'm rather sure that's how copyright works on the internet.

[H0BJ0B]

I'm sure they wouldn't say something like that. I want to see their excuse. xD

[CHA!NGANG]

Hmm, I will ask him if I am around, but I am away so probably won't have time :P! Hmmm, Personally I don't see what's wrong with V.I.P, it's not like you have to be V.I.P to get most the services on the Forum, and you can easily cope without it, it's just an added feature, but I am sure overtime more will be revealed :]

[Carnio]

Official Fansites & Unofficial need to follow the Fansite way, So surely all fansites need to follow the rules or habbo will remove your permission to use habbo images?

Im pretty annoyed about it, How are fansites now meant to pay for hosting most advert things dont cover the costs!

[Baving]

They have copyright to Habbo and the images so Sulake can remove Habbox's (and it's sites) permission to use Habbo images and content probably. I'm rather sure that's how copyright works on the internet.

Don't forget if Sulake were to set out a copyright infringement against Habbox and ClubHabbo then Habbo themselves may loose a lot of users.

Both the fansites combined have a user base of approx 50,000 and most have played or currently still use the hotel.

Also, if websites were to offer VIP items in return for a donation it is not classed as "charging". Donating means giving funds at your own free will.

[luce]

If HxF was www.habbox.com/forum/index.php (http://www.habbox.com/forum/index.php), it would be included and would not be accepted, but since HabboxForum is not the official site and is a separate domain it doesn't count towards the Fansite Way.

surely?

I agree to this and also the CH homes althought i don't like them but i think they should be allowed? unless i here i VERY good reason for both these new rules im agenst them

Today i bought 6 months VIP walked into the help desk and was like. OMG run to habbo and was disapointed but i think we should at least be able to see out our pre-paid VIP terms :)

habbo do have legal rights to take down all the fansites offical or non

[Mikey]

I don't think there would be a revolt to be honest people who still play habbo would just move on else where.

No we wouldn't, we would protest :)

Also if Habbox gets told to take the VIP feature off, people can just donate money to habbox?

[CHA!NGANG]

Maybe give the users with current VIP their VIP until it ends, and then just create a new usergroup called 'Donators' which would be one colour and cheaper. And yes, as Habbox uses Habbo: Links/Images/News/Names/e.c.t. I think Habbo can do damage to Habbox, maybe not shut it down, but make Habbox remove a lot of its Content, Forums, Change Domain name and more.

[Moh]

I duno how the VIP ones effecting Habbo, it wont loose them money (Don't think Habbo Staff went to school). VIP membership is mainly paypal, and paypal is something Habbo don't accept.

[Hazza]

Maybe give the users with current VIP their VIP until it ends, and then just create a new usergroup called 'Donators' which would be one colour and cheaper. And yes, as Habbox uses Habbo: Links/Images/News/Names/e.c.t. I think Habbo can do damage to Habbox, maybe not shut it down, but make Habbox remove a lot of its Content, Forums, Change Domain name and more.
In effect, this rule is basically ruining the forum.


I duno how the VIP ones effecting Habbo, it wont loose them money (Don't think Habbo Staff went to school). VIP membership is mainly paypal, and paypal is something Habbo don't accept.
Also like I said, I wouldn't spend my money on Habbo Credits if I didn't buy VIP - I don't see how they lose?

[Boonzeet]

Maybe give the users with current VIP their VIP until it ends, and then just create a new usergroup called 'Donators' which would be one colour and cheaper. And yes, as Habbox uses Habbo: Links/Images/News/Names/e.c.t. I think Habbo can do damage to Habbox, maybe not shut it down, but make Habbox remove a lot of its Content, Forums, Change Domain name and more.

I for one actually Like John's idea. Instead of having "VIP's" which sounds tacky, Donators or Sponsors? So that if you donate over a certain amount to the forum, you will get extra rights?

[Holofoil]

This Forum counts...


If you want to use Habbo graphics on your site then you have to follow a simple set of rulesUh oh.

This is starting to look like a bribe... habbo Graphics are copyrighted by them, they can kick up a fuss about it. If some other organisation is making money, and they don't like it, they can just say 'well you can't use our graphics then!'.

Habbo are the ones who rip everyone off to charge them for creds, and then they stop others from making money from the sites? Like someone else said, how on Earth are they supposed to run the site without VIP payment?


I for one actually Like John's idea. Instead of having "VIP's" which sounds tacky, Donators or Sponsors? So that if you donate over a certain amount to the forum, you will get extra rights?I'm pretty sure they'd somehow stop us from doing that too. Come on, it's Habbo. Home of the lamest excuses on the planet.

I think this is ridiculous.

[Holofoil]

I am aware DJ-Dominator first posted about this. I just made this thread to discuss the solution. If you want to discuss the actual news go to his thread. If you're here to discuss the solution post here.

The new Fansite Rules have been posted. To see them click here (http://www.habbo.co.uk/articles/224-the-fansite-way). The rules have declared that Habbox Forum are not allowed to:
Charge users for premium services such as VIP accessI know several of you will think that this does not apply to this Forum since it's not a Fan Site. However, the rules also said that:


If you want to use Habbo graphics on your site then you have to follow a simple set of rules; The Fansite Way.This now means that the Fansite Way applies to any unofficial site (By that I mean any site not run by the Habbo Staff).

So what's the solution? If this really does mean the Forum can no longer charge for premium service, there are a few obvious ways to solve this.

I did not think of all these ideas - I've seen ideas mentioned by many other members. I take no credit for the solutions, I'm just putting them together. Sorry i can't give the source, there's too many.

1. Ask habbo if the Forum VIP is an exception since it is not a fan site. (As I've explained, it appears that it doesn't but we might as well ask).

2. As one member suggested, we could change the 'VIP' access to 'Donators' access, and they get 'extras' for donating. (This however would still come under 'premium services').

3. Remove and ban all Habbo graphics from the forum - This would just defy the whole point of having a Habbo Forum.

4. Ignore the Fansite Way

5. Give up and remove VIP access. But then the people who run the forum have no way of maintaining it if they don't get any money.

6. Bombard the Staff with complaints until they give in.

7. Cry

As you can see, the solutions in red are undesirable, and would either ruin the forum or result in mass banning.

Please discuss any other ways of bypassing this tricky problem.

[Hazza]

Thanks for posting this information we've read 15 times already! :D


I for one actually Like John's idea. Instead of having "VIP's" which sounds tacky, Donators or Sponsors? So that if you donate over a certain amount to the forum, you will get extra rights?
I also likes John's (and about ten others) idea. It could be like if you donate £1.50 to Habbox you will get so and so features free and like if you donate £4.00 you can be a Super Donator (VVIP). If it comes to it!

Merged by Professor-Alex (Moderation Manager): Double post due to thread merger.

[PaulMacC]

Number 2 seems like a good idea, I dont really care about VIP anyway, I'd gladly donate £1:50 a month to Habbox even if I dont get a coloured name.

[Holofoil]

It still comes under 'premium services' if the donators get extras.

[Hazza]

I clearly stated that this is a thread, to discuss the solution. I didn't make it just to tell everyone. Please read threads before posting unecessary comments.

And please don't double post.
Its been merged now, like it should be. :)

[Pebbles-Tiger]

Wow i wonder how the people that own the sites will be able to keep it up with this :S

[Holofoil]

UGH What the hell? The whole point was to discuss the solutions, not the actual rules. Ugh I just wasted so much time. I wish people actually read what I said, instead of just moving it to some irrelevant thread.

[Hazza]

UGH What the hell? The whole point was to discuss the solutions, not the actual rules. Ugh I just wasted so much time. I wish people actually read what I said, instead of just moving it to some irrelevant thread.
Stop trying so hard - Well done for the effort but it wasn't needed.

[MissAlice]

http://www.habboxforum.com/showpost.php?p=4856853&postcount=46

I made the suggestion a few days ago, when the new VVIP was being discussed. It seemed to have fallen on deaf ears!

Habbox Patrons it's just a fancier name than donator or sponsor. It could easily work as a reward for donating ;)

Definition: A person who supports or champions an activity, cause, or institution, for example. Synonyms: backer, benefactor, contributor, friend, sponsor, supporter.

[Holofoil]

Stop trying so hard - Well done for the effort but it wasn't needed.

And that's up to one person to decide? Any decent solutions posted here are far less likely to be read >:(

[Stepheen]

Well habbo had a rule like this a year ago, where fansites couldn't charge for usersystems and things like that. It died out in like a month or two.

[Holofoil]

Well habbo had a rule like this a year ago, where fansites couldn't charge for usersystems and things like that. It died out in like a month or two.

To be honest, what are they going to do about it? Try prosecute a bunch of kids? Ban them all? That would merely cause hatred towards Habbo.

[Mint]

Habbox.com is an official fansite, just like in the official fansite group it only advertises habbox.com and not habboxforum.com. So this means that habboxforum.com doesn't even have to be classed as a fansite and just classed as a site that habbox.com use to talk to eachover etc. Also it says about being allowed to show pictures of yourself however I got threatened to be cautioned if I did not remove a picture of me a few weeks ago. I highly suggest that MAD looks at these rules and maybe I am wrong and habboxforum.com could be classed as a fansite therefore he will have to alter this site alot.

[msb.]

Habbox.com is an official fansite, just like in the official fansite group it only advertises habbox.com and not habboxforum.com. So this means that habboxforum.com doesn't even have to be classed as a fansite and just classed as a site that habbox.com use to talk to eachover etc. Also it says about being allowed to show pictures of yourself however I got threatened to be cautioned if I did not remove a picture of me a few weeks ago. I highly suggest that MAD looks at these rules and maybe I am wrong and habboxforum.com could be classed as a fansite therefore he will have to alter this site alot.


Not being rude but read the whole thread like I have... So many people have said it and it has been answered.


Does this mean, VIP (FULLSTOP) or just paying furni to buy vip, such as hc's for vip for (x amount of months)?

[Mint]

Not being rude but read the whole thread like I have... So many people have said it and it has been answered.


Does this mean, VIP (FULLSTOP) or just paying furni to buy vip, such as hc's for vip for (x amount of months)?
Hehe, as soon as I had read all of the rules I just had a massive brainstorm of what to post so I posted without reading all of the other posts. :P

[msb.]

Hehe, as soon as I had read all of the rules I just had a massive brainstorm of what to post so I posted without reading all of the other posts. :P
no worries :P


Any1 feel free to answer my other question cuz I am e-confused about the whole situation :(, I like hxf :(

[samsaBEAR]

the way i see it is, unless habbo/sulake offer up money to support the growing cost of habbox, then dont take away VIP.
if they close down habbox, people will see what kind of people sulake are and go to mycoke or any of the other habbo clones. sulake will lose money and users.

i liked the protest in the hallway idea ;D

[GommeInc]

Applies to unoffical sites too - Namely, do this or be closed down.
They can't close down a site for not abiding by rules which do not apply through the law :/ So if they do contact the host, just say you're not breaking any laws.

[Jordy]

To be honest, what are they going to do about it? Try prosecute a bunch of kids? Ban them all? That would merely cause hatred towards Habbo.I'm sure Habbox would never let it get to a legal stage especially as Habbox doesn't even have a legal team. If Habbox were at any stage threatened to be prosecuted by Sulake I'm sure they'd meet their demands or work round it, they wouldn't be stupid enough to take them on.

I wouldn't get all excited about having a HabboxForum vs Sulake high court case, it would never happen, none of this legal stuff would ever pursue.

[msb.]

I'm sure Habbox would never let it get to a legal stage especially as Habbox doesn't even have a legal team. If Habbox were at any stage threatened to be prosecuted by Sulake I'm sure they'd meet their demands or work round it, they wouldn't be stupid enough to take them on.

I wouldn't get all excited about having a HabboxForum vs Sulake high court case, it would never happen, none of this legal stuff would ever pursue.

It says "Charge users"... can this mean furni or cash?

[Hazza]

Look, No one actually really knows if this applies to the forum - Let's just wait and see.
I'm sure Habbox will have the Donations idea if it comes to it.

[GommeInc]

It says "Charge users"... can this mean furni or cash?
Both obviously... Using furniture to buy things is against the law, it's why furniture on ebay is removed. It's a common law, surely you should know this?


Look, No one actually really knows if this applies to the forum - Let's just wait and see.
I'm sure Habbox will have the Donations idea if it comes to it.
Of course it applies to the forum...

HABBOxforum.com and the banner has Habbo images, which Habbo could use to their advantage :P

[CHA!NGANG]

LOL High court case :P! Nor it won't get to that. If this is really going to have to happen (VIP Removed) Either: 1) Sierk/---MAD--- will remove it and downgrade Habbox a lot to cover costs 2) Change the Domain, and remove the Habbo theme (As Sulake would make them do it) or 3) Shut down Habbox, but I highly doubt it will come to the third. I think it would be the first, but that is only if Habbox can't find a way around it, which I think there will probably be.

[msb.]

Both obviously... Using furniture to buy things is against the law, it's why furniture on ebay is removed. It's a common law, surely you should know this?
I think you missed my point...

I am talking about buying vip access on the forum by furni...

E.g. People sometimes say "buying 1 month of vip for 3/4 hcs" or something like that.

[GommeInc]

I think you missed my point...

I am talking about buying vip access on the forum by furni...

E.g. People sometimes say "buying 1 month of vip for 3/4 hcs" or something like that.
I didn't miss your point :/ Trading Habbo furniture for anything that isn't Habbo related is against the Habbo Way and the law, you're selling something Habbo own.

[Hazza]

I think it'll be number one, but they won't downgrade they'll do the donations option - its the best option.

[CHA!NGANG]

Yeah, that would be a loop hole around the problem, but I'm sure we're all blowing this out of proportion hehe :P :D

[msb.]

I didn't miss your point :/ Trading Habbo furniture for anything that isn't Habbo related is against the Habbo Way and the law, you're selling something Habbo own.
Maybe there saying that forums ain't allowed to do as a reminder?

[GommeInc]

It's not just forums though, websites do such features too like profiles similar to Habbo Homes. I think this is a new rule by Habbo. Bit stupid really.

[msb.]

Lets put it this way not EXACTLY everyone is clear about the rule, so I hope it gets explained in more detail on the homepage:(

[Mint]

I already thought of a way round it. These are two examples:
Habbox says: "You can always make a donation by sending a text to this number, we might also thank you by giving you exclusive features....."
Or
Habbox says: "We are always doing competitions on the forum so we would always appreciate furni donations, even if you don't win we would always thank you by maybe giving you some special....."
Basically make it so your not buying anything but getting it free for donating. If Habbo can find a way around that one then, holy crap!!
EDIT: I think someone has already posted this idea, nevermind. :(

[GommeInc]

I already thought of a way round it. These are two examples:
Habbox says: "You can always make a donation by sending a text to this number, we might also thank you by giving you exclusive features....."
That isn't donating, if Habbox want to give out VIP they'll have to do it for free, which obviously has no point to it. They would have to be free standing donations really. It's like selling drinks at a party, which you cannot do by law and saying "If you buy this drink you'll have to donate 50p to have it".

[Mint]

That isn't donating, if Habbox want to give out VIP they'll have to do it for free, which obviously has no point to it. They would have to be free standing donations really. It's like selling drinks at a party, which you cannot do by law and saying "If you buy this drink you'll have to donate 50p to have it".
Yes because the text message would obviously cost something and Habbox would be getting the money it has cost you.

[GommeInc]

True, if they had to do something, the VIP page would have to be scrapped and and a new page called 'Donating' added. They would have to make it incredibly clear that anyone who donates gets such features, although arguably saying you get features for donating would be like you saying they're buying something. Depends how it's worded really, you can play a game with Habbo and root around their words :P

[TehJoshy]

At the end of the day i see it as this;
Habbox DO NOT force members to buy VIP its an additional extra. you buy it at your own free will. so i really its just sulake wanting you to spend the money on credits/HabboClub etc :P

[le harry]

omg habbox is closin down 4 suer!!!!!

[nvrspk4]

Straight up, I don't think they care that much. Habbo Staff have and did use our site. I am 99.99% sure that they know that we have VIP Access. I could be wrong but additionally we were vetted when we were going official. I think we may be misinterpreting the rule or they may just not be enforcing it. However I am hard pressed to believe that in the four years Habbox has been operating staff have not become aware of the fact that we offer VIP.

Yes, the new rules only came out recently (they were out when Habbox was first contacted about being official, about a month before we were made official I think) and I know that because I saw it then. But they must know.

As far as what they can do, they could take us down for having the images, however we could simply come back up sans-images, with only content and makeshift images in the meantime, while we figured out what to do and perhaps new graphics to make. I doubt we would be forced to change our name, because you can't copyright every extension of a name.

The reason they hold this unfair domineering hold is their graphics. They tie us in with their graphics and then lord copyright infringement over us and give us a set of rules to obey. However the "cannot charge thing", if it ever got to a legal stage (which it won't) could be argued as making an unfair monopoly, and the Microsoft case from many moons ago would be a fair precedent.

Still, we will probably contact Habbo to see what the deal is with that rule.

[Blinger1]

That isn't donating, if Habbox want to give out VIP they'll have to do it for free, which obviously has no point to it. They would have to be free standing donations really. It's like selling drinks at a party, which you cannot do by law and saying "If you buy this drink you'll have to donate 50p to have it".
Sell a joke for $5 and get free VIP!

:rolleyes:

[AgnesIO]

This Forum counts...

Uh oh.

This is starting to look like a bribe... habbo Graphics are copyrighted by them, they can kick up a fuss about it. If some other organisation is making money, and they don't like it, they can just say 'well you can't use our graphics then!'.

Habbo are the ones who rip everyone off to charge them for creds, and then they stop others from making money from the sites? Like someone else said, how on Earth are they supposed to run the site without VIP payment?

I'm pretty sure they'd somehow stop us from doing that too. Come on, it's Habbo. Home of the lamest excuses on the planet.

I think this is ridiculous.

We could just use graphics that graphic designers have made... Yhen say the avatars were made my the graphic designers..


I am aware DJ-Dominator first posted about this. I just made this thread to discuss the solution. If you want to discuss the actual news go to his thread. If you're here to discuss the solution post here.

The new Fansite Rules have been posted. To see them click here (http://www.habbo.co.uk/articles/224-the-fansite-way). The rules have declared that Habbox Forum are not allowed to:I know several of you will think that this does not apply to this Forum since it's not a Fan Site. However, the rules also said that:

This now means that the Fansite Way applies to any unofficial site (By that I mean any site not run by the Habbo Staff).

So what's the solution? If this really does mean the Forum can no longer charge for premium service, there are a few obvious ways to solve this.

I did not think of all these ideas - I've seen ideas mentioned by many other members. I take no credit for the solutions, I'm just putting them together. Sorry i can't give the source, there's too many.

1. Ask habbo if the Forum VIP is an exception since it is not a fan site. (As I've explained, it appears that it doesn't but we might as well ask).

2. As one member suggested, we could change the 'VIP' access to 'Donators' access, and they get 'extras' for donating. (This however would still come under 'premium services').

3. Remove and ban all Habbo graphics from the forum - This would just defy the whole point of having a Habbo Forum.

4. Ignore the Fansite Way

5. Give up and remove VIP access. But then the people who run the forum have no way of maintaining it if they don't get any money.

6. Bombard the Staff with complaints until they give in.

7. Cry

As you can see, the solutions in red are undesirable, and would either ruin the forum or result in mass banning.

Please discuss any other ways of bypassing this tricky problem.

I amaware that you are advertising another thread in my thread :l


It still comes under 'premium services' if the donators get extras.

No. It could be 'If you donate you might get a few cool features!'


UGH What the hell? The whole point was to discuss the solutions, not the actual rules. Ugh I just wasted so much time. I wish people actually read what I said, instead of just moving it to some irrelevant thread.

*Removed*


I'm sure Habbox would never let it get to a legal stage especially as Habbox doesn't even have a legal team. If Habbox were at any stage threatened to be prosecuted by Sulake I'm sure they'd meet their demands or work round it, they wouldn't be stupid enough to take them on.

I wouldn't get all excited about having a HabboxForum vs Sulake high court case, it would never happen, none of this legal stuff would ever pursue.


I would be quite interested, to see habbo take on a group of kids, waste there money, just to get us to close xD

----

If it DID get extreme we could just completely change the name iof the fporum n stuff.

I mean most users would still come to us even if it was non-habbo.

Perhaps call it:

Gamerxforum.com :P

Then we could still have habbo sub forums, but habbo could do nothnig about it..

Edited by ,Jess, (Forum Super Moderator): Please do not be rude towards other forum members.

[Jongo]

Couldn't you just ask Habbo what needs to be done instead of presuming it?

[Holofoil]

No. It could be 'If you donate you might get a few cool features!':l Exactly? Any feature which is given to a member, having payed a sum of money, will be considered premium service.


We could just use graphics that graphic designers have made... Yhen say the avatars were made my the graphic designers..Even so, say goodbye to screenshots, rare value reports with images, signatures, etc.


My long post was originally a thread, which was merged. Use your brain. Oh wait.

[samsaBEAR]

Straight up, I don't think they care that much. Habbo Staff have and did use our site. I am 99.99% sure that they know that we have VIP Access. I could be wrong but additionally we were vetted when we were going official. I think we may be misinterpreting the rule or they may just not be enforcing it. However I am hard pressed to believe that in the four years Habbox has been operating staff have not become aware of the fact that we offer VIP.

Yes, the new rules only came out recently (they were out when Habbox was first contacted about being official, about a month before we were made official I think) and I know that because I saw it then. But they must know.

As far as what they can do, they could take us down for having the images, however we could simply come back up sans-images, with only content and makeshift images in the meantime, while we figured out what to do and perhaps new graphics to make. I doubt we would be forced to change our name, because you can't copyright every extension of a name.

The reason they hold this unfair domineering hold is their graphics. They tie us in with their graphics and then lord copyright infringement over us and give us a set of rules to obey. However the "cannot charge thing", if it ever got to a legal stage (which it won't) could be argued as making an unfair monopoly, and the Microsoft case from many moons ago would be a fair precedent.

Still, we will probably contact Habbo to see what the deal is with that rule.
i think we are misinterpreting it, now that ive thought about it more.
i reckon what it means is charging people to access the normal site. like making people pay to view the content, and it's just worded differently. which habbox doesn't do obviously.

[GommeInc]

i think we are misinterpreting it, now that ive thought about it more.
i reckon what it means is charging people to access the normal site. like making people pay to view the content, and it's just worded differently. which habbox doesn't do obviously.

Charge users for premium services such as VIP access.
I seriously doubt you can misinterpret that... Habbox sells VIP, that's your lot. HabboxForum is a Habbo Fansite, with images and the words "Habbo" plastered about, so it clearly falls into the fansite catagory. If there was only 1 forum, or 1 catagory for Habbo, then it'll be different, but the main subject for the forum is Habbo. The forum offers VIP, which is a premium services (read the sentence, it's one of these ones where you get the main point at the end, and have to drop back to the central point to understand it). Read the sentence like this:

Charge users for VIP access to premium services.

They cannot be suggesting VIP access to Habbo, how would that work?

[Moh]

Easy Way around this:
Say your not a fansite for Habbo UK, but your a fansite for Habbo USA.

Habbo USA actually think of the users, not making money.

Since these rules aren't posted on Habbo USA, and your a fansite for Habbo USA, you have no way of knowing these rules.

[Favourtism]

they loose official status already then lol ^

plus they do uk values

[Mrs.McCall]

Easy Way around this:
Say your not a fansite for Habbo UK, but your a fansite for Habbo USA.

Habbo USA actually think of the users, not making money.

Since these rules aren't posted on Habbo USA, and your a fansite for Habbo USA, you have no way of knowing these rules.


But by posting Habbo UK news etc it'd still be classed as a UK fansite.

[Moh]

tbh, Im going to be contacting our Fansite Director for Habbo USA to contact hight management about these rules.

[Neil]

No they can't, no images have copyright acts on them.

All habbo could say is:

'Habbox are not paying us, to make money.'

Every image from Habbo is copyrighted, they own the images and if you're using the images without permission then you will be breaking the law and that is something that Sulake can do, if your mum is a lawyer she should know a business is right if they have copyright and Sulake will obviously put copyright on anything they publish because they own it and don't want it to be stolen

[GommeInc]

I wonder what brought on these changes :/ A fansite without VIP could work, but fansites normally have some sort of community and exclusive content and access to special areas are things that make a community seem better to some users. It seems odd that they want to control fansites when fansites should have the right to expand their community which such features...

Surely they don't expect people are going to waste money on Habbo instead of VIP? Not all users of a fansite community actually like the thing the site's based on, they usually only go on the fansite because they are part of the community, not at all a fan of whatever, in this case Habbo.

[Holofoil]

We need to ask ourselves why they have set this rule... Is it because they don't like the idea of another site making money because of Habbo? Or is it to do with payment issues - such as scamming or whatever. Which is obviously not true since we've evidently got what we payed for.

[Moh]

We need to ask ourselves why they have set this rule... Is it because they don't like the idea of another site making money because of Habbo? Or is it to do with payment issues - such as scamming or whatever. Which is obviously not true since we've evidently got what we payed for.
Its because Habbox make aload of money out of VIP and there not happy.

AND

Habbox also do charity VIP, so Habbo are corrupting that. Them evil *******s :@

[Fart]

Abit silly rule isnt it?, people choose to buy vip its not like you cant do anything without it :P. How are habbox suppost to keep the site runnin without the income of vip sales?

[FlyingJesus]

Applies to unoffical sites too - Namely, do this or be closed down.

I think we are forgetting that even if Habbox is NOT official it still has to OBEY this rule.

Can't actually be enforced though. Any fansite which puts themselves up for being on the official list is of course liable to action if they refuse to follow the terms of being on such a list, but "unofficial" sites only have to follow actual law, not implied law.


habbo do have legal rights to take down all the fansites offical or non

As above, not true unless the site breaks actual laws.


No they can't, no images have copyright acts on them.

Every image from Habbo is copyrighted, they own the images and if you're using the images without permission then you will be breaking the law and that is something that Sulake can do

I'm sure images can be copyrighted (in fact I know they can :P) but as far as I know Habbox or HxF don't hotlink things straight from the site (with the exception of news perhaps.. not sure) and so any images we use are in fact generally taken from screenshots by ourselves, something which does not fall under copyright law. Any image which can be reasonably believed to have been captured from our own browsers or as our own work (ie: alts) are not property of Habbo or Sulake, so the only thing that'll be an issue in terms of Habbo images is hotlinked images from the site and "leaked" items from Sulake sites.


That isn't donating, if Habbox want to give out VIP they'll have to do it for free, which obviously has no point to it. They would have to be free standing donations really. It's like selling drinks at a party, which you cannot do by law and saying "If you buy this drink you'll have to donate 50p to have it".

Actually there is a way to bypass it, which is obviously still a "sale" of VIP but not a technical one. Asking for donations like people have said will allow HxF to still get money and they could quite easily say that members of management's choice get VIP extras - these would of course be those who donate, but there is no rule/law anywhere that says management of a site can't give out bonuses to whoever they like. It's like at my old school's summer fair they had alcohol on sale, but it's not legal to actually sell it at such an event so they had an 18+ raffle where every single ticket won lol. Perfectly legal that way.


We need to ask ourselves why they have set this rule... Is it because they don't like the idea of another site making money because of Habbo? Or is it to do with payment issues - such as scamming or whatever. Which is obviously not true since we've evidently got what we payed for.

Personally I think it's down to scamming - new sites could easily set up VIP and charge users, then close the site and keep all the money for themselves. A case of the minority spoiling things for everyone, but I'm sure Habbox will be able to work through it quite easily.

If worst comes to worst and VIP does have to be completely scrapped, I'll still be donating because I enjoy the forum.

[Yonder]

No way habbox could run without vip or advertisements. it cost well over 500$ a month to run habbox and its sites, and vip and ads dont even cover the costs.

[Hiro]

They are also taking charitable events from Habbox, and its the only fansite I have seen that donates to charities.
Do Habbo?

[Judge Judy]

They are also taking charitable events from Habbox, and its the only fansite I have seen that donates to charities.
Do Habbo?
They might do with NSPCC and UNICEF (Spain I think).

I say the management should email or contact Habbo about the rule, and what to do to sort it out really.

[kurtis5561]

It says You cannot pay the website for VIP

It seems you want VIP really badly (for your internet egos), From a web content providers point of view I can understand the point of VIP.

My way around it

Paying HabboX for VIP access is a No No with real money.

BUT

Why do you not install a vBulletin hack where you can use credits to buy membership upgrades. Infact you are not selling VIP access for real money but selling it for virtual credits.

I hear you ask "How do I aquire these credits?"

Well, one or two or more members have ALOT of credits and willing to sell them for paypal (WOuld have to scrap the texting as people would see through that) and people in turn exhanche them for a new usergroup.

But to keep habbo happy you would need to award .00000000000000000001 of these credits to each post (You would set a new membership upgrade to 3 credits so you cannot earn from just posting).

And before I hear "My mums a lawyer and that wont work" I have studied law and it a fesiable work around, and from my reading of their rules this would work.

[Jordy]

Its because Habbox make aload of money out of VIP and there not happy.

AND

Habbox also do charity VIP, so Habbo are corrupting that. Them evil *******s :@
Yes but since last year's Christmas VIP there's been no word of the money going to Charity, nothing about where the money is going or where it's gone.

I wouldn't like to make an accusation but perhaps the money has been forgot about or ended up somewhere? :P

[--ss--]

Habbo are feeling threatened with the growth off HabboxForum and the backing off users by buying Vip.

Tbh there aren't even that many Habbo images? other than the banner's and some off the icons, which will be easy to modify without Habbo images.

Also I doubt they'd even bother taking any action against the forum as everyone knows that Habbo staff are far too lazy.

[Slowpoke]

Yes but since last year's Christmas VIP there's been no word of the money going to Charity, nothing about where the money is going or where it's gone.

I wouldn't like to make an accusation but perhaps the money has been forgot about or ended up somewhere? :P

Maybe I'm misunderstanding you but only the Christmas VIP goes to charity, where does it say any other does?

[Hazza]

At everyone saying 'they could close up down because of our name' - I think your forgetting we are not Habbox we are Hab-box. Also I think we are taking this into extreme measures. We've just got to wait and see what Habbo say to the emails sent regarding this rule.

[CHA!NGANG]

Yeah, but the site isn't called: hab-box.com it is called habbox.com lolol, it doesn't matter how you say it :P I am sure Senior Management is thinking of a way around it.

[Jordy]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding you but only the Christmas VIP goes to charity, where does it say any other does?Sorry I didn't make it clearer, yeah I'm on about the Christmas VIP money which allegedly goes to Charity.

[Mr.Sam]

just remove all the habbo images from the forum :)

[Hazza]

Yeah, but the site isn't called: hab-box.com it is called habbox.com lolol, it doesn't matter how you say it :P I am sure Senior Management is thinking of a way around it.
Yeah, true. But if they take it 'higher' I'm sure management should have proof of it being called Hab-box.


just remove all the habbo images from the forum :)
and its that simple?

[Tim.]

HabboxForum, And fansites alike, have infact been officially told they are not to offer any VIP services for a fee. As stated in the official fansite rules,

http://www.habbo.co.uk/articles/224-the-fansite-way

''- Charge users for premium services such as VIP access.
''

Is this just another way to get more money for greedy sulake?

Will habbox be removing their vip?

[Mr.Sam]

There are quite a few threads already on this subject and no :)


HabboxForum, And fansites alike, have infact been officially told they are not to offer any VIP services for a fee. As stated in the official fansite rules,

http://www.habbo.co.uk/articles/224-the-fansite-way

Will habbox be removing their vip?

[brandon]

Someone told me about this the other day and I wondered the same thing but I thought it might have been posted in the Habbo forums and I don't really look there until I saw the one in Feedback. If Habbox lost their VIP they would lose a lot of money and that is something far more important than being official but it doesn't seem like this is a problem.

[Okeanos]

At everyone saying 'they could close up down because of our name' - I think your forgetting we are not Habbox we are Hab-box. Also I think we are taking this into extreme measures. We've just got to wait and see what Habbo say to the emails sent regarding this rule.

it has nothing to do with pronunciation, habbo is a trademark protected by copyright so legally sulake can pull the plug on habbox whenever they like

[AgnesIO]

Easy Way around this:
Say your not a fansite for Habbo UK, but your a fansite for Habbo USA.

Habbo USA actually think of the users, not making money.

Since these rules aren't posted on Habbo USA, and your a fansite for Habbo USA, you have no way of knowing these rules.


Won't Work.


Every image from Habbo is copyrighted, they own the images and if you're using the images without permission then you will be breaking the law and that is something that Sulake can do, if your mum is a lawyer she should know a business is right if they have copyright and Sulake will obviously put copyright on anything they publish because they own it and don't want it to be stolen

Ahh but the images have no copyright signals on them.


We need to ask ourselves why they have set this rule... Is it because they don't like the idea of another site making money because of Habbo? Or is it to do with payment issues - such as scamming or whatever. Which is obviously not true since we've evidently got what we payed for.

Yeh, I think you need to ask yourself, if your fingers are really using there time well.


No way habbox could run without vip or advertisements. it cost well over 500$ a month to run habbox and its sites, and vip and ads dont even cover the costs.

$500?! :o


It says You cannot pay the website for VIP

It seems you want VIP really badly (for your internet egos), From a web content providers point of view I can understand the point of VIP.

My way around it

Paying HabboX for VIP access is a No No with real money.

BUT

Why do you not install a vBulletin hack where you can use credits to buy membership upgrades. Infact you are not selling VIP access for real money but selling it for virtual credits.

I hear you ask "How do I aquire these credits?"

Well, one or two or more members have ALOT of credits and willing to sell them for paypal (WOuld have to scrap the texting as people would see through that) and people in turn exhanche them for a new usergroup.

But to keep habbo happy you would need to award .00000000000000000001 of these credits to each post (You would set a new membership upgrade to 3 credits so you cannot earn from just posting).

And before I hear "My mums a lawyer and that wont work" I have studied law and it a fesiable work around, and from my reading of their rules this would work.

Dear child, when will you learn that sellnig habbo credits via paypal is illegal!

[Johno]

Ahh but the images have no copyright signals on them.

What the hell? Copyright Signals?

Umm, All images are property of Sulake Corporation Oy. I have no idea where you got something called a "Copyright signal" from...

[kurtis5561]

Dear child, when will you learn that sellnig habbo credits via paypal is illegal!
Selling habboX credits are not, Habbo Credits are!

And its clear you did not read my post I said "Install a vBulletin credit hack" not "sell habbo credits"

I also looked in statu (English law) and It doesnt say that it is illegal to sell habbo credits!

[CHA!NGANG]

If Habbo find out though, they will ban you probably as they frown upon selling habbo furniture/credits over sites such as ebay. And HabboX is a Habbo eXpert, Habbox is the site, sorry but it always confuses me when people do that hehe :P As for two posts above, probably meant symbols.

[shizzle]

- Charge users for premium services such as VIP access.
So it should be towards forums I guess.

[nvrspk4]

Yes but since last year's Christmas VIP there's been no word of the money going to Charity, nothing about where the money is going or where it's gone.

I wouldn't like to make an accusation but perhaps the money has been forgot about or ended up somewhere? :P

No we sent the money in but Sierk lives in the Netherlands so we didn't get a letter from Livestrong :(

[leah]

The rule is pathetic ;/

[AgnesIO]

What the hell? Copyright Signals?

Umm, All images are property of Sulake Corporation Oy. I have no idea where you got something called a "Copyright signal" from...

Ahh does it state in Terms and conditions?

Anyway we could just get the images put them on pain then edit them a tiny bit, then upload them on imagehsack.us, then they are ours?


Selling habboX credits are not, Habbo Credits are!

And its clear you did not read my post I said "Install a vBulletin credit hack" not "sell habbo credits"

I also looked in statu (English law) and It doesnt say that it is illegal to sell habbo credits!

[Favourtism]

No we sent the money in but Sierk lives in the Netherlands so we didn't get a letter from Livestrong :(
Shoulda let Immenseman or someone from UK did it so they got a letter like 8F8 did.

[Holofoil]

just remove all the habbo images from the forum :)

That would totally ruin the forum. And it defies the point of having a forum which is mainly about habbo.

[AgnesIO]

That would totally ruin the forum. And it defies the point of having a forum which is mainly about habbo.

This forum does not have to be about habbo.

75% bof its users dont play habbo, or are much more interested in the fantastic community here,

[Holofoil]

Yeh, I think you need to ask yourself, if your fingers are really using there time well.
What the hell is that supposed to mean? Stop trying to patronize me just because I -repped you for being an idiot -.-

Edited by lAscend (Forum Super Moderator): Please don't insult other forum members.

[AgnesIO]

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Stop trying to patronize me just because I -repped you for being an idiot -.-

It means stop trying to make this thread into yours.

[Holofoil]

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Stop trying to patronize me just because I -repped you for being an idiot -.-
What? Since when have I been trying to do that? I've been inputting my opinions on the new fansite way rule, just like everyone else. You know you just have a grudge on me. Grow up mate.

[AgnesIO]

What? Since when have I been trying to do that? I've been inputting my opinions on the new fansite way rule, just like everyone else. You know you just have a grudge on me. Grow up mate.


'What we need to ask ourselves is this'

'I know there is already a thread on this but you could all check out my thread!!!1one!!'

[Holofoil]

'What we need to ask ourselves is this'What? Are you completely clueless? In what way does that indicate that I'm "trying to turn this thread" in to my own thread?

[AgnesIO]

What? Are you completely clueless? In what way does that indicate that I'm "trying to turn this thread" in to my own thread?

Look just stop posting in my threads.

THREAD CLOSED TO AVOID FURTHER ARGUEMENTS. MADE NEW THREAD, WITHOUT ARGUEMENTS IN.