DPS Parser - ToS Violation?

[CianaIezuborn]

http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...1&tag=users_en

2.5 Data Mining. You may not intercept, mine or otherwise collect information from the Game using unauthorized third party software.

So by the reading of that, yes it's in breach of ToS. As is any non-endorsed fansite that has an item database, as is entering item information into a spreadsheet for personal use, as is emailing a friend the stats on that item you just got. Streaming to twitch or recording to YouTube would also be a breach unless they've officially endorsed either services.

Sounds ridiculous? It is, it's overly general by design, as are most ToS. As a result you will probably not receive an answer on this.

What most all ToS can be broken down to is this:
1. We can stop your service at any time for any reason we choose without giving you a refund for past services received and possibly future services purchased.
2. If you take us to court, our ToS will likely fall apart and you will receive a full to partial refund that which will most definitely be less than your cost of litigation.
3. Even if you receive a refund, you will no longer be receiving services from us.

[WildSnipe]

http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...1&tag=users_en

So by the reading of that, yes it's in breach of ToS.

Simply not true. If you're not collecting the data from the .exe files, RAM, network traffic, or anywhere else that the game is running, then you're not collecting the information from THE GAME. Parsing a log file is perfectly legal. It's a text document stored on your drive. It's not data mining. That's like saying it's illegal to take pictures of your game even though they built in a hot key for that very purpose.

[Orwellian]

http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...1&tag=users_en


What most all ToS can be broken down to is this:
1. We can stop your service at any time for any reason we choose without giving you a refund for past services received and possibly future services purchased.
2. If you take us to court, our ToS will likely fall apart and you will receive a full to partial refund that which will most definitely be less than your cost of litigation.
3. Even if you receive a refund, you will no longer be receiving services from us.

This gentleperson understands the deep mysteries of the world. I would also add "written, and signed contracts" to that category. Judges roll their eyes and invalidate consumer contracts somewhat regularly due to being unreasonable, confusing, or just plain stupid. See the case of the guy who took ATT to small claims over the unlimited data issue.