Updated November 21, 2008

World Gaming Center Hijacks SlideGamers Lobbies


A few years back, one of the people involved at the World Gaming Center contacted a SlideGamers developer, with the hopes of stealing them away to help WGC fix their system up. This developer had no intentions of helping but was curious, and attended a meeting.

Things were discussed, and as suspected... the coding language they were using was not capable of doing what was needed, especially for a site that tried to give the presence of being so professional. As the meeting was about to conclude, one of the WGC people made a statement about new development, since they were not happy with what they had created and their current software had extreme limitations.

"Since it seems you don't have an interest in this, what are your thoughts about making something new using a more powerful coding langauge other than xxxx xxxxx" was the jest of the statement given to the SG developer. Well... now there was some potential. But there was also the honor factor. This developer had helped to create something that was really very cool at SlideGamers, and gave their word to the others helping to build the new SG program. WGC was told point blank... "You can not have me... but perhaps, just perhaps... you *might* be able to get the entire SlideGamers team. But ONLY if the entire team was willing."

Over a period of time, suggestions on what could be done and how it could be done, were all discussed. The development team at SlideGamers was only interested in creating something that could be done quickly. After all, we had built our system from scratch to a first operational beta release in just about a month. Only when WGC agreed that the "dot Net" platform would be the choice of software used, did we agree to "helping". Since the basis of the discussions were focused on the potential of using our client as a possible starting point for their new system, and since what they had for CDROM type lobbies did not work, we agreed to move the HOSTING of the SlideGamers system to WGC, and agreed to provide them with the services to create a new system that would eventually "absorb" our CDROM client into one generic package that could run both CDROM games and Card and Board games. We also agreed to move their current CDROM games, where possible, into our client. And we agreed to give some cosmetic changes to our program so that it would take on a more "look and feel" of the WGC system.

All of these discussions were done with the Executive Director of WGC (Zydor), who showed an amazing amount of class and honor in getting this deal put together. Some of the others involved in WGC (Jeff and Josh) were also clearly aware of what the intentions of our written agreement were, however the person putting the "paperwork" side together, was constantly screwing up what those intentions, with an end result that wasn't *exactly* what was supposed to be... but we agreed to it anyway because we were tired of the petty-assed details being tossed back and forth.(Gee, does that sound familiar to anyone?)

(A portion of this agreement is located at the bottom of this page)

So time passed, SG moved the lobbies over to WGC, trained their staff on how to manage them, and continued to make the required changes so that it worked within the way WGC did its stuff, and we also made enhancements to our program.  Meetings and talks took place, several attempts were made to discuss a "new system"... and each time any attempt was made to get the new development going, there was always something else happening.  This needed changing, that needed changing, this and that needed fixed... it just never stopped.  In the mean time, the SG developers were working on "dis-assembling" the SG client into a bare bones basic product, so that WGC could have some source code to work with in creating the new system.

After having discussions with Zydor, it became clear that perhaps a source code license might be a better solution.  This way the SG people would not have to worry about exposing their source code and violating the honor of the SG system.  A HUGE amount of work had been put into creating SG... but WGC was "poor", and we took some pity on them.  Besides... since this was supposed to be all-for-one and one-for-all in team work, why charge them a "proper" fee...  so we gave them a HUGE break on what should have been the cost.

David (Zydor) realized how important this would be in speeding along the development of a new system, meetings were held with the WGC owners, and an agreement on purchasing a source code license was done.

The SG developer continued to make changes to suit the "look and feel" for WGC, plus put extensive efforts into assisting the other WGC developers into making changes to fix and improve the base WGC data structures and operations... no easy task since the data was in a huge mess.  All along the way, SG patiently reminded... and waited... for WGC to supply things for its end of the agreement.  Things like web pages that would properly show the extensive categorization and numbers of the CDROM lobbies that SG was running...  and we waited... and we waited...

Sadly, nothing was forth coming, and SG had grown tired of waiting.... so we decided to leave WGC, and get back to doing what we liked to do, which was building our own system.  Naturally, the users of the SlideGamers lobbies would be heart broken if we just left and killed the lobbies so it was decided that since WGC had purchased a source code license, we would give them a decent amount of time to "change the name" of the client program, and make their own release.  As a matter of fact, detailed instructions on exactly what to do, were supplied to WGC, along with everything required to build the install program.

Time passed... the lobbies were not changed over as requested.  This 5 minute programming change (ok, 30 minutes if you had to read and follow the instructions) was not done even after a week or so.  Since the lobbies were SG lobbies, we still had our "tokens and powers" within the cdrom side (which of course was a totally seperate client from the WGC side) so we requested that our lobbies be taken down until WGC could create their own.  Not only was that request outrightly refused, our access and tools for OUR lobbies... were removed!  Needless to say, its quite easy to see that we were pretty peeved.

WGC finally got around to changing the software... but, in creating the instructions on what to change, one of the SG developers accidentally said that it was ok to change the copyright information, just as long as the program still stated that it was SG software.  OPPS!!!!  WE BAD!!!  Upon examination of the source code license agreement, there was a stipulation that the programs copyright will forever remain with SlideGamers.  The SG developer politely explained to WGC the error in the instructions, and allowed an ample amout of time for WGC to make another release.

Our request was not honored... and we requested again... and it was not honored.  Since the source code license was clear, and anyone with any kind of legal knowledge would know that a written contract can not be modified without the express consent of the person who owned the software (and of course, this consent was never given)...  it meant to us that WGC was deliberately violating the terms of the source code license, and the license was cancelled.  WGC was asked to remove our software.  This never happened, hence it is our position that WGC is now running our software illegally.  *sigh*

Naturally... the depth of this story goes a LOT deeper than what you are reading here.  Meetings, MSN chat logs, email... we have the full works to back up our statements made here.  Also located at the bottom of the page is an extract from the source code license agreement.


The TRUTH shall set you free!!!

We must also take a moment to advise folks that ALL aspects of events and communications within the CDROM lobbies are logged.  This includes all public AND private chat, PM's, table settings... *everything*...As well, several routines are in place which log (either to the database or to text files) serveral hardware ID items on the users computer, which are used to identify the user connected to the system.  This type of thing of course, is common practice.  What we did not know at the time was...  according to California law, this information must be encrypted.  WGC was completely aware, and were told several times, exactly what the data was.  Due to some events that happend internally with a few of the WGC staff members accessing confidential data, WGC was forced to take measures to better protect that data.  The CDROM lobbies were never included in that "fix", and data and log files are still in an openly readable format, both in the database and in the text files.  Apparently this is in violation of the California Privacy laws and WGC knows it yet never did anything to change it.

WGC has consistantly denied that any "private chat logging" is done within their own card and board lobbies...  and I am afraid they are also fibbing when they make that statement .  We have several MSN logs from the WGC developers that have admitted that in SOME lobbies (those they consider to be "trouble lobbies") they do indeed log all communications.  And they do so, so that they can track down the problems with the hackers.  Fair enough!  The POINT being, you are on THEIR system and they do have every right to log whatever they wish when ever they wish...  The issue of course, is the constant denying of what they do.  Why LIE about it?  Honesty is the BEST policy and if they had said "yes, we do this from time to time when its needed, however those logs are not generally available to normal staff members and are only used to isolate out problems...."  But no... they choose once again to mislead you, just as they have mislead US with the things they had promised over and over to do, and never did.

However the bottom line is... WGC is still using our software, despite contracts being in place, which have been violated, or perhaps "not complied with"...  use what ever term you feel like.

Like many of the users of WGC, we were promised this and that... and the promises were never kept.

WGC Chief Executive Officer  Joshua Canton Outright LIES in e-mail to our site host!

WGC then went to the extent to complain to the hosting company with the following...

=======================================================
We write to you to bring your attention to a website run on your servers with the domain name http://slidegamers.com.

The above-referenced cite has been created for the purposes of harassment and libel against a very well known Online Gaming Company known as the World Gaming Center LLC (WGC).

The owners of SlideGamers were temporary developers for WGC who have caused disruption and grief to the WGC Community. Henceforth, they were removed. They have established the SlideGamers website to propagate untrue rumors against WGC and its partners and affiliates and this unscrupulous behavior has caused a significant decline in WGC\'s population, site hits, site revenue and reputation as a whole.

We kindly request that you take immediate measures to whatever extent necessary to ensure that the libel and offensive content is removed from the SlideGamers website and/or that this website is terminated to prevent any further damage to WGC and its partners and affiliates.
=======================================================

The above email was sent by Josh, signed as an ATTORNEY AT LAW...  can you believe it?

(For what its worth, we have tracked down what we believe is the firm that employs Mr. Canton and are in the process of filing a complaint.  If indeed we can determine exactly where he is licensed to practice law we will be filing a complaint with the Bar Association.)

WOW... we were "removed"?  we caused disruption and grief??   we created this to spread untrue rumors???  Why are the owners and the Board of Directors at WGC knowingly violating written contracts?  Is Larry, who seems to be the newest of the "bosses", thinks that his poo-poo doesn't stink and he can do whatever he sees fit?

Anyone who was ever around the forums at WGC or who ventured into the CDROM lobbies or asked questions about the CDROM lobbies clearly knows that the people from SG were nothing short of *amazing* in any of the work we ever did.  On top of all of that, there are many MSN chats with the so-called "top executives" of WGC that show we went above and beyond the call of duty.  Especially when it came to providing WGC with programming and code and database expertise in order to clean up their own system AND to assist in the re-vamping designs of a new database system.

We left on our own accord because the promises to us were not kept.  When we were tossed out of our own lobbies, we went in as normal users and advised the people in a few of the CDROM lobbies that the software was being used illegally, at which point our accounts were terminated and we were booted out of our own lobbies.  And we are most certainly not spreading untrue rumors...  we are only standing up for our rights.  We could easily shut down the CDROM lobbies at WGC...  after all, it is our software... we wrote it, we know how to break it...  But to be honest, all we want is for WGC to STOP USING OUR SOFTWARE.

OH YEAH, we should also point out that in effect, WGC never really PAID for the software.  Zydor paid the license fee out of his own pocket, and it is our understanding that he was never re-imbursed...  Why he was never paid back, we do not know...  I am sure there are quite a few "politics" that were going on in the background.  Regardless, WGC can't say that they are out a penny for this... And of course, should evidence be provided that indicates that we are wrong, then of course we will apologize.

If they stop using it, and destroy the program and software as required in the contract... we will happily go on our way and concentrate on making something thats really really *really* cool.  Until then, they are interfering with our developmet of our new system, since we have to devote so much time and attention to getting this matter cleared up.

I must add in closing... huge KUDOS to AwardSpace, who are currently hosting our site.  They did take us down, and after some intensive emails with them, providing them copies of the contracts etc, they decided that we were worth being restored.

For those who want to stay with WGC... and to WGC themselves... more power to you.  We wish you all of the success that you can muster.  But we do stand fast in our demands that you remove our software.  Your licenses have been revoked, and you have been told this on numerous occasions.  Do the right thing, honor your contracts...  its all we ask.

With all due respect...

Pyro, CanEh, Pavcules and Knocker.

(p.s.  the splleing misstakes in wgc's complaint come from a cut and paste of their email, not from us typing it in...)

Take care folks... and watch for a totally new and revamped SlideGamers gaming site coming soon!


Portion of executed agreement for your reference

RECITALS:

A.   WGC is engaged in the business of the Online Internet Gaming Industry providing online games including but not limited to, action, spades, backgammon, hearts and cribbage and other Card and Board based games ("WGC Business").

B.    SG has developed a generic CDROM based Online Internet Gaming program ("SG system") capable of handling many types of existing multiplayer games such as Midtown Madness and FlatOut, and is currently hosting a small selection of games.

C.    WGC and SG desire to work with each other wherein WGC will provide the Internet Support services typical for the SG program system, and will take over the hosting and support services of the SG games within the WGC servers. SG programmers will provide changes to the SG system, where possible, so that the SG program takes on more of the "Look and Feel" of the WGC system, and additionally will provide support for the current selection of CDROM based games hosted by WGC, and WGC will be granted a license to use the SG system for current and future CDROM based games, where those games are capable of being supported within the current functional design of the SG system.

D.    SG programmers will provide additional development services to WGC for a new "Gaming System Concept" such as programming and consultation, based on a new design created by WGC, and this new design may include features required in order to replace the SG system with one that is more custom tailored to the needs of the WGC operations, pursuant and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Source Code License Agreement extract


DEFINITIONS:
For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) "Source Code" shall include computer programming code or any computer instructions necessary to compile the underlying software products defined in section 9.
(b) "Licensee" shall mean any individual or entity that uses or installs the Source Code onto any computer under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, your employer, on whose behalf you are acting in using or installing the Source Code.
(c) "Software License Agreement" shall mean the written instrument governing the relationship between the Manufacturer and Licensee executed concurrently with this Agreement.
(d) "Software" shall mean the particular software products purchased by Licensee from Manufacturer.

TERMS:
1. Grant of License: By completing this Agreement, Manufacturer grants Licensee a nonexclusive, nontransferable, perpetual, worldwide right during the term of this Agreement to use the Source Code for the associated Software that Licensee purchased which is defined in section 9. The Software will be made available upon documentation that full payment or payment arrangements have been received from the Licensee.

2. Licensee Agrees to be Bound by All Terms and Conditions: Licensee agrees to be bound by all terms and conditions of this Agreement.

3. Limitations on Licensee’s Use and Enjoyment: Licensee may not resell, rent, lease or distribute the Source Code; it shall only be distributed as a compiled component of an application. Licensee shall not use the purchased Software for anything other than its intended, legitimate, and legal purpose. Licensee is free to modify the Source Code programs as required to suit the operations of their business.

4. Acknowledgement of Manufacturers Copyright Ownership: Manufacturer maintains ownership of all copyright interests in the Source Code. Licensee acknowledges Manufacturers ownership of all copyright interests, and validity of any and all registrations of the Source Code wither filed or un-filed with any Copyright Office. Licensee agrees not to remove copyright notices from the Source Code in items (1) and (2) in section 9, however may append their Company Information to show a legal usage of their right to modify and recompile the included Source Code. Licensee may modify any compiled visual references within item (3) in section 9 however internal comment references in the Source Code should not be removed.

5. Confidentiality and Proprietary of Software: Licensee agrees and acknowledges that the Source Code is proprietary, valuable, and not generally known in the industry. Licensee agrees that it will maintain, through reasonable means, the confidentiality of the Source Code, and will not disseminate or allow unrestricted access. Licensee shall not distribute the Source Code to anyone other than employees and software developers of Licensee's organization or third party contractors working on behalf of Licensee’s organization with a need to know. Licensee may be held legally responsible for any infringement of intellectual property rights that is caused or encouraged by Licensee's failure to abide by this Agreement.

5. Assignment and Effect: This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon both parties, as well as their employees, employers, agents, parents, subsidiaries, representatives, licensees, and assigns.

6. All Modifications Must be in Writing: There will be no modifications, alterations, or amendments to this Agreement, unless both parties agree in writing.

7. Termination: This Agreement shall terminate if the associated Software Licensee Agreement defined in section 9 is terminated, if the Licensee fails to fully comply with any provision or provisions contained herein, or if the funds are either refunded or not fully received. Upon termination, Licensee's rights to use the Source Code are revoked and Licensee shall destroy all copies or electronic forms of the Source Code including any Source Code used in Licensee's applications within 90 days.