Talk:Belkin

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Alleged GPL Licence Violation
"Belkin have been accused of violating the GPL by distributing Linux in binary form in some of their wireless devices yet refusing to provide the source code under the terms of the GPL.

"Some users have claimed that they have discovered their Belkin device is was running uCLinux, an embedded version of Linux. When they contacted the company, they were allegedly informed they would have to pay a fee to obtain the source code. As the GPL requires the provision of source code when requested, this is considered to be a violation."


 * The citation for this in the Links section does not appear to meet WP:CITE and WP:V Bige1977 17:28, 19 January 2006 (UTC)
 * It seems now they have source code at http://web.belkin.com/support/gpl.asp, I have to say I had a Belkin router, and it sucked, worst router ever. -- Frap 20:00, 7 May 2007 (UTC)

Noncomplient
First, an apology: I am a fledgling wikipedian and not entirely versed in matters of protocol. This article does contradict itself, so that's the template i added.

This page currently includes what amounts to a message-board-style "explanation" from a "belkin employee" which may have some valuable information in it. I'm not doubting Ux dave's word that he's an employee, but issues of contributor identity aren't issues we want to get involved with. No original information, correct?

If we could find a press release or something to the effect that the "highjacking" was the result of a bug, etc. we could post that and clean up the section, but i don't think we can call this an encyclopedic writing at this point. We need a balanced article, not an article with a company line as addendum.

Any Belkin employees about? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.116.46.182 (talk • contribs) 00:27, 17 April 2006 (UTC)


 * With the press release gone, is it still contradictory?

Ccool2ax 21:56, 19 April 2006 (UTC)

A mess
This article is a mess. I wanted to learn about Belkin, but somehow I heard about some jumbling of a joypad and some router mistake. I can't clean this up, but I'll tag it for cleanup. Ccool2ax 13:24, 17 April 2006 (UTC)


 * A message from the same Belkin employee: I would be happy to ask the press relations person to send an official note / press release. But to whom should it be sent? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.166.232.210 (talk • contribs) 23:22, 18 April 2006 (UTC)


 * It should be sent to a reputable source (e.g. Slashdot, etc), where it will then be added to the WIkipedia article and cited. I have nothing against Belkin, I'm just trying to make the article more cleaned up and verifiable. See WP:V for more information. Ccool2ax 21:52, 19 April 2006 (UTC)


 * Whoever cleaned up the page (im too lazy to check), nice job! Is there some sort of award I can present you? 66.82.9.76 14:16, 23 April 2006 (UTC)

Trademark Violation
Belkin has started using the trademark "CableFree" to describe some wireless products. "CableFree" is a trademark of CableFree Solutions Limited which is a long-established vendor of wireless networking equipment. CableFree has made representation to Belkin with a formal complaint and "cease and desist" request, but no response has been received to date. Please do not use the term "CableFree" without referring to it's rightful owner, CableFree Solutions Ltd. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.113.5.205 (talk • contribs) 15:13, 2 October 2006 UTC


 * Sir, it is not illegal to refer to products that violate trademark by their proper name. Until Belkin changes the name, the name shall stay as CableFree. -- Chris chat edits essays  18:40, 23 October 2006 (UTC)

Where did it go?
Where did Belkin go? 128.158.145.51 14:28, 3 July 2007 (UTC)


 * This is ridiculous, we need an article on Belkin. Drutt 13:11, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

hi — Preceding unsigned comment added by 210.213.138.220 (talk) 09:55, 26 March 2014 (UTC)

Request for Edit
Hi, my name is Melody Chalaban, PR Manager at Belkin. I’m inquiring to see if an editor can edit and add to the Belkin Wikipedia entry. I’m hoping we can see more factual information about Belkin in terms of company history, background, product range, awards, and community work. Also, Belkin has evolved a lot since the last time the background was written, so I think the entry deserves an update to reflect the changes. Also, somebody in this discussion thread (above) states that “this article is a mess. I wanted to learn about Belkin…”  So, I’m seeing a need for the entry to be updated with more information that tells what kind of business Belkin is and what we offer to our customers.

I’ve listed the items below along with 3rd party sources. (I hope I did this correctly! Please let me know if I've inserted the references incorrectly, and I can do redo them.)

Company Background


 * Updated Belkin info - http://www.belkin.com/pressroom/about/?sid=36


 * Belkin will be moving from Compton, CA to new headquarters in Playa Vista, CA in February 2010

Key People


 * Chet Pipkin: Founder and Chairman of the Board


 * Mark Reynoso: CEO and President

Product Range


 * Networking: wireless routers


 * iPhone and iPod accessories (cases, FM transmitters, chargers)


 * Notebook and netbook accessories (cases, cushions, cooling pads, power adapters)


 * Data center accessories: racks & enclosures, KVM switches


 * Cables: AV, USB, computer


 * Surge protectors, including Energy-Saving “Conserve”


 * USB Hubs and other connectivity peripherals

**Note: Belkin no longer makes uninterruptible power supply devices (UPSes)**

Product List


 * N1 Vision Wireless Router


 * Gigabit Powerline Networking Adapters


 * N+ Wireless Router


 * TuneBase


 * CushTop


 * Conserve Surge Protector


 * TuneStudio


 * n52te SpeedPad

Awards


 * CES Innovations Awards


 * “Best of” in Multi-Room Audio/Video Category: FlyWire


 * “Best of” in Portable Media Accessories Category: TuneStudio


 * “Best of” in Video Category: Nostromo n52


 * IDSA Awards Ranking – Belkin ranked in top list of corporations


 * IDEA / BusinessWeek Award: GOLD - Belkin OmniView SoHo Series KVM 2002


 * IDEA Award: BRONZE – Belkin Powerline AV+


 * Multiple IF Design Awards, including Gold for the Compact Surge and Silver for Media Readers


 * 2008: TuneStudio, SportCommand


 * 2007: Clamp-On Surge Protector, Compact Surge Protector, Conceal Surge Protector, Flip KVM


 * 2006: TuneBase and TuneBaseFM, MediaPilot


 * 2005: USB 7-Port Hub, PureAV Home Theater Power Consoles, PureAV Home Theater Power Conditioner


 * 2003: USB Media Reader Writer


 * In 2009, Belkin places in the Top 50 of all company rankings for the number of IF awards won.


 * Business 2.0 Bottom Line Design Awards 2005 – Belkin PureAV Power Console


 * PCMA Design Awards: Belkin TuneStudio, Flip KVM, CushTop, PocketTop, C-Clip Cable Manager


 * iLounge Accessory Maker of the Year Award 2007


 * iLounge Car Accessory of the Year Award 2007: TuneBase FM


 * iLounge FM Transmitter of the Year Award 2006: TuneFM

Community work


 * ASAP (Advanced Surveillance and Protection Plan) program headed by the LA County Sheriff’s Department in cooperation with Belkin


 * Everybody Wins


 * Support of Susan G. Komen For The Cure breast cancer movement through sales of pink ribbon iPod cases. $350,000 raised to date.


 * OLPC holiday donation

Mchalaban (talk) 16:02, 5 October 2009 (UTC)mchalaban


 * Looks good. You should jump in and add the information, making sure that the tone doesn't get too promotional. A factual presentation is best. Binksternet (talk) 20:03, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 2 external links on Belkin. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20120603172858/http://www.cesweb.org/awards/innovations/2009honorees.asp to http://cesweb.org/awards/innovations/2009honorees.asp
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20120617102329/http://www.ifdesign.de/ranking_tabellen_e to http://www.ifdesign.de/ranking_tabellen_e

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Suggestion for rewording
Hi there. Maybe a different set of words should be used to describe those individuals who were critical of Belkin's 2003 wireless router episode. Currently, the article describes them as "technically literate" which can be construed in 1 of 2 ways: 1) a skilled or technical understanding of the relevant devices (suggestion: technologically literate), or 2) able to read. The latter comes across as a sarcastic criticism of the complainants. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 104.139.114.186 (talk) 03:29, 16 December 2018 (UTC)

Request Edit for Unfactual Information
Information to be removed: Steve Bellow Explanation of issue: In the history section: Steve Bellow was not a founder of Belkin. Chet Pipkin is the sole founder of Belkin and Steve Bellow was an employee, not a partner. References supporting change: https://www.dailybreeze.com/2011/08/08/south-bays-chet-pipkin-may-be-the-most-famous-tech-mogul-to-come-from-hawthorne/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by 208.185.216.4 (talk) 00:32, 25 November 2020 (UTC)
 * Hi, I have declined this edit request. Although the Techonomy source doesn't mention Bellow I was unable to read the LA Business Journal source because it was behind a paywall, so cannot confirm if the source supports the change. A Google search provided some evidence that he was a founder from somewhat reliable sources and no evidence that Pipkin was the sole founder. Therefore, I will choose to keep Bellow's name unless a reliable source can verify that Bellow was not a founder or the LA Business Journal article does not verify Bellow as a founder. I have closed this edit request ticket. Z1720 (talk) 15:09, 25 November 2020 (UTC)

Hi Z1720,

Thank you for your quick response regarding the Belkin company history factual information edit request. I and other users do not hit a paywall when visiting the LA Business Journal article citation currently cited and used on Wikipedia for establishing the founder information. Could you try visiting the page in an incognito window? This LA Business Journal article in fact does not list Steve Bellow as a founder in any way - nor are there any highly credible news / PR articles that list him as a founder either.

I've uploaded screenshots of the LA Business Journal article as well as a copy of the public notice of the official corporation filing back in 1983 that was printed in the Daily Breeze which can be found here: [external links to copyvios removed] see WP:LINKVIO Risker (talk) 04:06, 1 December 2020 (UTC)

'''Additional citations establishing Chet Pipkin as the founder and not listing Steve Bellow in that capacity can be found here: ''' - https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/belkin-international - https://www.forbes.com/sites/luisakroll/2013/01/25/chet-pipkin-the-wealthiest-tech-entrepreneur-youve-never-heard-of/?sh=57924eba61fb - https://www.msnbc.com/your-business/watch/chet-pipkin-the-founder-of-belkin-on-his-company-s-growth-1027568707789 - https://www.ft.com/content/ef31354e-bdfe-11e8-94b2-17176fbf93f5 - https://www.wsj.com/articles/hey-ceos-have-you-hugged-the-uncertainty-monster-lately-11568433606 - https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/05/12/belkin-which-makes-iphone-cables-and-routers-now-doing-ventilators/3109324001/ - Note: Steve Bellow lists himself as a part of Belkin since 'near inception' on his own professional history outline on his Company's website, and not as a founder, found here: http://www.thebellowgroup.com/team.html

Let me know what ways we can best remedy this situation, as the information that Steve Bellow is a founder is in fact unfactual. 208.185.216.4 (talk) 18:53, 30 November 2020 (UTC)
 * Hi 208.185.216.4, I got the message on my talk page and saw your message here. This is a tricky situation because it is difficult to prove a negative, or in other words, how do we verify that Bellow is not a founder? It's very unlikely that an article is going to say, "Belkin was not founded by Steve Bellow." However, Wikipedia has a verify policy that states a fact should be included if we can find a reliable source that states that information. After looking at sources, I can only find one possible article from a WP:RS, located here that described Bellow's involvement with the company when it was founded. I was able to access the article using the WayBack Machine.
 * The article says that Pipkin founded the company. It also says Pipkin manufactured cables with his friend Steve Bellow and his father, and explains the origin of the company name. I cannot find a better WP:RS that says Bellow co-founded the company. Therefore, I have changed the text in this article to reflect the information in this source, and I am closing this ticket.
 * To IP 208.185.216.4, are you connected to this company, perhaps as an employee or someone who knows Bellow or Pipkin? Editors, including IP editors, have to declare their conflict of interest, and the templates we use depend upon if you are a paid employee or not. Please post your response below. Z1720 (talk) 01:04, 1 December 2020 (UTC)



Yes, I am a paid employee at Belkin. I thought I originally opened this request using the conflict of interest template - which is noted on this talk page / as a "conflict of interest editing request" on my end. If I didn't open this or note that properly with the right template, I apologize. If you can please point me in the right direction for future editing requests I'd appreciate it. I am still new to this. Thank you for your help. 208.185.216.4 (talk) 02:12, 1 December 2020 (UTC)
 * Hi, you did the right thing by using the request edit template. I only asked because users are required to have the nature of their conflict of interest on the talk page, and I wanted to put the correct template at the top of this page (which I have added.) I hope you will read/have read Conflict of interest to ensure you comply with Wikipedia policy. Everyone was new to Wikipedia at one point, so don't be afraid of asking questions at our WP:HELPDESK. Thanks for using this template and happy editing! Z1720 (talk) 03:13, 1 December 2020 (UTC)

I use to work for Belkin back in the 90s and I was told directly by Chet himself that the company name was a play of letters from his own and Steve's surname. Steve was employee #2 with his younger brother Dwayne following soon after he quit college to make more money when Belkin started to make larger inroads into mass retailers and VARs. I of course have no physical proof of this but in the subsequent years there have been multiple interviews with Chet and he's always been identified as the founder and full owner until he sold the company to Foxconn.47.154.83.239 (talk) 19:23, 17 January 2021 (UTC)