Rating: Manafont.com [OUT OF BUSINESS]

@Vectrex:

I just now changed the link in one of your posts that ended in something like osCsid=defw422r43tWEFm34352. It appears there is an issue with the catalog software they are using that it applies user information based on the session ID, which is part of the URL.

I am trying to get the osCsid to show up on my URL at Manafont now, and it's not appearing. I wonder if they fixed this already?

Ah, OK... thanks.. wasn't aware of that problem... I don't even have an account there... I wonder what user information is in there

What probably happened is that Vectrex posted the link, however he never bought anything (it's a psudorandom, but unique id). But midieval came along, used the linked, maybe bought something/created an account, and the id is now associated with him forever and ever. Now someone else used the same link/sid and they're using midieval's account. [Un]fortunately, MF rely on paypal's info for payment/shipping, and we mostly miss out on the lulz.

However, people can still have fun with that original link if they have it cached...

I'm not sure midieval10 would like that..

Surely as committer of the original sin, you can see the humor in the cascade of events you've caused. :)

Well, it's one thing if it's an honest "mistake" (mine) - which was caused by an imperfect software on Manafonts (original sinner) page... the login should always be required. It's a completely different thing to purposely post ways of using the now corrected error in a way that is causing potential problems for one or more users of this forum. (and someone might do it)

You Sir... have a strange definition of humor.

Gasp, a German who lacks faith in schadenfraude.

On the internets, we are all Germans. Ich bin ein Berliner.

I'm already feeling bad enough for indirectly causing trouble...even if it's not my fault. The post you posted would have certainly crossed a line for me, if I were midieval10. But we are likely on very different pages, when it comes to practical jokes. Maybe I'm a bit touchy when it comes to accusations on flashlight forums (even if it is supposed to be a joke)... but remember the history why BLF exists in the first place...

I don't find agenthex's "jokes" funny at all. He keeps trying to funny, trying to go on and on about a serious matter. I was trying to point out a flaw in the system and all he does is try to exploit it.

It's not your fault, Vectrex, that this happened.

Jebus Chris, absolutely nothing of import happened. At worst, you'd have a gotten a free light, since MF has to mail another one to the other user. The lackluster humor of the original situation was quickly overtaken by that of your overreaction to it. Your fortune in this regard has been that you didn't highlight this in a real den of wolves like somethingawful or god forbid 4chan.

Y so srs?

Just imagine... what would have happened if hundreds had used the link and Manafont weren't so quick and unbureaucratic... and Christmas time is coming ... are you gonna dry those teardrops of children not receiving the cool flashlight they wanted?..

I've been long corrupted by the internets, so I can't tell if anything's meant to be parody or not anymore.

I try to act on the internet the same way, as I would do in real life with people right in front of me... and those jokes of yours might even be funny to some... but those are also the jokes, when things go terribly wrong in a discussion on a forum... misunderstandings , language barrier... actually I had to look up "jest" in the dictionary... try to remember that, if you feel again to pull someone's leg...

On the other hand, net subscribers should also be aware of local customs when heading into rome.

Plus, if I wanted to post a real internet reply, I would've done this:

Please! Think of the kittens!

Like I said , we seem to have a very different kind of humor.... but I think this subject doesn't belong in the "Rating: Manafont.com"-thread... why don't you create a "Rating: Agenthex kind of humor"-thread...

Haaa!

By the way Vectrex, I wasn't trying to label you as the culprit of this security mix-up. It's not your fault or Manafont's, it's just a bad design decision in the online storefront software they installed on their site. I actually linked the first Manafont ad banner to their flashlight section followed by my own osCsid by accident... think of the issues that would have caused. Fortunately they caught the error quickly for me.

I should really figure out how to add a "Country of origin" field under the username on the left side of posts. We need to remember that even among native English speakers our sense of humor differs greatly, and even more so when speaking a second language (or 5th language in the case of all you incredible European linguists). When speaking a learned language, tact is usually the last and hardest thing that you learn to express.

Update on the manafont security issue. They were fast to act on it and gave me a detailed explanation:

Hi midieval10,

Thank you very much for taking the time to report the issue you have experience.

First of all, we are deeply sorry about the issue. I apologize for the inconvenience caused.

After the primilary investigation. We found that the security issue was a result of miscommunication among our IT staff. The "security backhole" got opened by mistake during a short timeframe of system upgrade. The "security blackhole" was fixed right after the system maintenance.

Secondary. I can guranntee the same problem would never happen again. The mainenenace was complete and issue has been properly addressed.

Thirdly, we do not store your PayPal information and we have no access to your PayPal account, therefore no one had a chance to access your PayPal account in this incident.

Let me take this opportunity to give my sincere apology to you, becase your privacy is truely important to us.

-Manafont

They really do care about their customers. I surely will be buying more lights from them in the future!

It's all good Mr.Admin. Thanks for reacting so fast, so more damage can be avoided.

I ordered a Romisen RC-C6 at Manafont 09/09/10 based on Don's review here on BLF. I have the RC-29 from KD which I like very much and was hoping the RC-C6 would be similar but more compact and with a not-so-high mode to expand runtime.

The light arrived 22/09/10 and was in good condition but with two different fresh primary CR123A I got just very dim output (current on tailcap on "high" 150-160 mA).

I contacted Manafont the same day and got an email from Jim the next day. We had some email exchange including me sending some pictures to Jim and after a few days he sent me a personally checked and very thouroughly wrapped and packed new light.

The new light arrived 07/10/10 but showed unfortunately the same problem. I asked Jim about the originally stated battery specification being CR123A which I believe means primary lithium and he answered that he had tested the light actually with a RCR123 Li-Ion battery only, but that he had gotten the CR123A spec from the manufacturer. On my proposal did he change the description immediately to avoid that other customers get in the same situation.

Although the replacement light turned out to have exactly the same issues as the first one I am more than satisfied with the fast and professional service and communication with Manafont/Jim.

(Now I only have to decide if I should do a driver swap or get some RCR123... well, maybe both since I have now two of them)