I accidentally replied off list

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Sam Gleske
Date: Fri, Aug 16, 2013 at 9:56 AM
Subject: Re: [Gimp-user] Gimp 2.8.6 Windows - Queries new Plug-ins at every startup
To: physoc

On Fri, Aug 16, 2013 at 9:17 AM, physoc wrote:

I downloaded GIMP today (16 August) and run Win 7 (64-bit). I've been unable to get it to start because it crashes when 'querying plugins' in the 'Startup' routine. If I close the GIMP window and try again it skips across the previous plugin .exe but then hangs at the next one. After ten-minutes of closing/ running/ hanging.....etc., I gave-up! Free software is fine if it works, if it doesn't it's just a few deleted bits in the Recycle Bin....

OK, problem identified and fixed. My problem was with ZONE ALARM firewall settings. It required GIMP access to be set manually to allow internet access.
This maybe what is causing the problem with others. Check any firewall settings.

If that's the case I think you should discuss it with gimp-developer list. If there truly are programs "phoning home" in the plugins I don't believe that is either necessary nor a desired behaviour. Even if is what is intended it should not bring down the whole program so I would consider that a bug.