SmartFlix a scam?

[Jordan]

Not sure if this is the right spot to put this but anyway, I was bebopin around the web today and came across a site called SmartFlix they offer video's that you won't see at the regular rental stores, all are like training films, has anyone rented their leatherworking tapes? if so were they any good?

[nomi]

There was quite a discussion on these guys on a graphics forum I'm a member of.

The problem with them, is they are not paying for the rights to rent those dvds to others. They are making copies of dvds they purchase, and then "renting" those out.

You'll notice in their "how it works" section they even mention they are going to send you a dvd-r.

The problem with this model, is that the person who authored the videos aren't receiving any form of royalty on the products being rented. Videos rented from your local rental store are especially packaged and marketed for rental. In other words, they cost a lot more to buy, because of the renting aspect.

All depends on how you feel on the issue. Personally I have a hard time supporting a website that tries to go around the authors of the videos.

- Noel

[Jordan]

I suspected as much, and will not utilize any of their products. Although if true I wonder why the genuine authors have not taken legal action. AGI website makes a big deal out of bootleg copies even offers a reward so it seems strange that no mention is made of smartflix.

[cem]

I know one company that makes Computer Graphics training was taking legal action against them but I haven't heard how it went and a quick look on their site shows they are still renting their stuff out so they may of weasled out of it somehow.