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Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors

From "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk>
Newsgroups alt.computer.workshop, uk.comp.sys.mac
Subject Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors
Date 2025-07-25 20:18 +0100
Message-ID <mei3jcFpn1aU1@mid.individual.net> (permalink)
References <meevgqF8lp9U1@mid.individual.net> <megq4pFila5U1@mid.individual.net> <6883bef1$5$22$882e4bbb@reader.netnews.com> <mehv5hFovapU1@mid.individual.net> <6883c78a$3$10362$882e4bbb@reader.netnews.com>

Cross-posted to 2 groups.

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On 25/07/2025 19:06, Brock McNuggets wrote:
> On Jul 25, 2025 at 11:02:23 AM MST, ""David B."" wrote
> <mehv5hFovapU1@mid.individual.net>:
> 
>> On 25/07/2025 18:29, Brock McNuggets asked yet MORE questions!
>>
>> Hi Brock,
>>
>> Thanks again for engaging politely — I really do appreciate it. Let me
>> try to clarify a few things:
>>
>>       "What questions? Please be specific."
>>
>> Certainly. The questions I asked John Daniel directly (via the contact
>> details provided for EtreCheck support) were strictly technical and
>> focused on:
>>
>>       Clarification of what data EtreCheck collects and where it is
>> stored or transmitted.
>>
>>       The purpose and function of specific background processes launched
>> by the app.
>>
>>       The reasons for observed outbound connections made by EtreCheck
>> when run in offline mode.
>>
>>       Why EtreCheck triggered false positives in several independent
>> malware and telemetry monitoring tools.
> 
> If these were a bunch of emails I can see where it is a bit much, but overall
> those are not of concern.
>>
>> None of those were answered — not even with a simple acknowledgment. I
>> sent polite follow-ups and eventually asked via a public forum whether
>> others had received support. At that point, John vanished from LinkedIn,
>> and some of my posts disappeared from public view (as did others
>> questioning similar things).
>>
>>       "You have also repeatedly insinuated that it is malware..."
>>
>> I do understand that concern. Let me be clear: I’ve never declared
>> EtreCheck to be malware.
> 
> You have repeatedly insinuated.
> 
>> What I have said is that, given the opacity
>> surrounding its operation and the developer's refusal to answer
>> straightforward queries, it raises red flags. That’s a risk-based
>> statement, not a claim of confirmed malicious intent. As someone with a
>> long history of dealing with systems security, I view tools that evade
>> transparency with extra caution.
> 
> What "long history of dealing with systems security"?
>>
>>       "What makes you think you are entitled to know ANYTHING about his
>> background or qualifications?"
>>
>> Fair question. My answer: I’m not entitled to anything beyond what he
>> voluntarily offers. But if someone wants to sell a product that alters
>> or scans system-level components — especially on macOS — and markets
>> that tool on the basis of authority or credibility, then it’s perfectly
>> valid to ask: What qualifies this person to give diagnostics or
>> remediation advice? If someone benefits commercially from trust, then
>> transparency helps support that trust.
> 
> If you do not like the response simply do not use the product and, please, let
> it go. The obsession you have here is unhealthy for you.
>>
>>       "When you focus on him as a person... that makes it personal."
>>
>> I get that distinction, and I accept that the line can blur. My aim has
>> never been to dig into private matters or launch ad hominem attacks —
>> far from it. I’ve raised questions only in relation to the product and
>> the support structure around it.
> 
> No: you also asked about his personal life.
> 
>> If a person is presenting themselves as
>> a software authority but declines to engage in support or basic identity
>> verification, then yes — some personal accountability becomes relevant.
> 
> Not really... but if you need it and are not getting it then let it go and
> just do not use the product.
>>
>> As for Snit — again, let me reiterate — I consider him a friend. We
>> disagree sometimes, as all friends do, but I’d never treat him as an
>> enemy. I hope he knows that.
> 
> I do. And I hope you know I feel the same way.

Hi Brock,

I appreciate your continued honesty and the fact that we can disagree 
without descending into hostility — that’s rare and valuable in online 
discussions, especially here.

Just to clarify one last time: I’ve never contacted John Daniel about 
his personal life. I’ve only raised concerns relevant to the software 
he’s selling and supporting — or failing to. The questions I asked were 
rooted in technical transparency, not curiosity about his private affairs.

As for my background, I’ve worked with system-level troubleshooting and 
OS-level tooling — both professionally and personally — for many 
decades. I’ve seen well-meaning software go rogue due to neglect, poor 
coding, or inadequate vetting. That’s why I raise concerns when tools 
gain implicit trust in communities while the person behind them avoids 
scrutiny or questions.

That said, I do hear your point — and I’ll leave it there for now. If 
others find this discussion helpful or concerning, they’re welcome to 
weigh in. Otherwise, I’m happy to let it rest.

And Michael — thank you. I’m glad we’re clear. 😊

-- 
Warm regards,
David B.

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Thread

Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-24 17:47 +0100
  Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 17:14 +0000
    Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-24 18:30 +0100
      Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors pothead <pothead@snakebite.com> - 2025-07-24 21:25 +0000
        Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-24 23:41 +0100
          Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors pothead <pothead@snakebite.com> - 2025-07-24 22:46 +0000
            Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 22:58 +0000
              Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors % <pursent100@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 16:11 -0700
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My E xperience on MacRumors % <pursent100@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 16:17 -0700
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My E  xperience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My E  xperience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 23:33 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My E xperience on MacRumors % <pursent100@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 18:01 -0700
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My E xperience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My E xperience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 23:13 +0000
        Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 22:59 +0000
      Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Tyrone <none@none.none> - 2025-07-24 22:47 +0000
        Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-25 00:09 +0100
          Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 23:13 +0000
        Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors T i m <eternal@spaced.me.uk> - 2025-07-25 05:22 +0100
          Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-25 08:14 +0100
      Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-24 23:11 +0000
        Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-25 08:30 +0100
          Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 17:29 +0000
            Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-25 19:02 +0100
              Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 18:06 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-25 20:18 +0100
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 21:10 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors % <pursent100@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 13:13 -0700
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My E xperience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My E xperience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 21:07 +0000
            Re: Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions  Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors) "Tegenaria" <TegenariaArach@incogni.net> - 2025-07-25 19:34 +0000
              Re: Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 21:07 +0000
              Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions  Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors) pothead <pothead@snakebite.com> - 2025-07-25 21:11 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 21:30 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors) "Tegenaria" <TegenariaArach@incogni.net> - 2025-07-25 21:37 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 23:28 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors) pothead <pothead@snakebite.com> - 2025-07-26 22:34 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-27 01:16 +0000
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors Jörg Lorenz <hugybear@gmx.net> - 2025-07-30 09:20 +0200
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-07-30 09:05 +0100
                Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors (was: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My  Experience on MacRumors) Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-07-30 15:52 +0000
      Re: Asking Questions Isn’t a Crime – My Experience on MacRumors Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> - 2025-07-25 21:09 +0000

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