Recently we've seen a rash of counterfeit devices appearing from suppliers, mainly overseas. ECF's stance on counterfeit merchandise is that it will not be allowed on the forum, we do not approve of such practices. Some may not agree with our ideas on this and state that it's not fair to disallow such devices. We would say, let yourself design and build something and have someone steal your hard work and sell your idea for 3 times less. It's one thing to clone a device and make it similar but counterfeiting is a despicable manner in which to do business and we despise the practice. At this time I would like to explain this in a little more detail.
Definitions of our ideology:
Unacceptable
Counterfeit - An exact replica of original device. This would include, logos and/or any markings in which the original device contains.
Acceptable
Clone - This is a device that may appear similar, with similar functionality, but does not contain any of the same markings.
From here out, no counterfeit device will be allowed to be sold/traded/wanted in the ECF Classifieds nor will these devices be considered for a CO-OP.
Clone devices are acceptable. As long as the device is totally absent of any markings contained by the original device, these devices will be allowed. You must disclose the fact it is a clone in your ad, preferably in the title as well as the description. Clone or counterfeit devices sold or traded on the forum that are knowingly misrepresented as the original device will result in revocation of Verified Member and also risk ban from the forum entirely.
Any current ads in the Classifieds concerning a counterfeit item or any CO-OP discussion concerning a counterfeit device should be closed immediately. Any ad or discussion still open September 1st will be handled according to the new rules.
So consider this your warning. DO NOT sell/trade/want any counterfeit device in the Classifieds, your thread will be closed and repercussions may follow.
Any CO-OP discussions concerning a counterfeit device will be closed with a warning. CO-OPs for counterfeit devices will never be approved, so there is point in a discussion.
This isn't ECF telling you what you can and can't buy, we are just saying you won't do it here.
The following is now added to the Classified rules.
Items being sold should not be misrepresented at any time. This includes listing a counterfeit product as the authentic product. Members found knowingly misrepresenting a cloned device as authentic WILL lose their Verified Member status and may risk being banned from ECF.
The following was added to the CO-OP rules.
Counterfeit items will not be discussed nor CO-OPed. Any discussion found concerning a counterfeit item will be closed with a warning. Counterfeit CO-OP request will be disapproved always.