29 replies to this topic

[James (Jim) Hillier]

Hey Mike - In this world full of happy coincidences, I do believe you and I have been discussing this matter on two fronts. Did you not post something similar over on the Daves Computer Tips blog?

I am connected with only the two sites, FreewareBB and Daves Computer Tips. You happen to frequent both - a happy coincidence indeed!!

Just a couple of points from your replies mate:

The vast majority of primary downloads are already available via other freeware download sites who do not emulate CNET's practice...except for the CNET exclusives of course.

We are not complaining about it - we are condemning it. Our reports are of a cautionary nature, and broadening awareness is a proactive response.

Cheers and beers...Jim

[mikec]

Well my occasional file browsing these days is not what it once was indeed. Back in the day, I was just a single man in college living on warm beer and cold pizza, when I was part of many "WildCat and PCBoard BBS's" we made available 1000's of files to the public. Never taking advantage of advertising and keeping freeware free.

I have been downloading from CNET from their beginning. I have grown quite frustrated of their practices, as well as the other big sites. For me the annoyance has been just that, I have tolerated the bundled toolbars, coupon finders, etc... for a long time. By the time I get around them I have the software I needed for my self, my Wife and my Daughter but it is increasingly annoying to do. Source Forge and a few others who would never think of such things (we all have OpenOffice and I have even removed the MS products) don't always have what I seek. That said, I am glad to find these 2 sites that are new to me just this week. I have been looking around and am finding more and more in the library here. I will add what I can, but am finding many that I have already carved out of the front-ends like CNET's.

We all have a soapbox that we stand on when others try to take advantage of the public. Especially when it is a place once trusted. I am glad to see there are still clean libraries. It is refreshing to find people who still believe in making computing more practical and comfortable for the end user.

Life is about finding the good in us all....

[James (Jim) Hillier]

Couldn't agree more with you mate. The term 'Freeware' has undergone a metamorphosis over the years, it sure doesn't mean what it once did and the 'spirit' behind the original concept seems to have diminished somewhat. Clean, unadulterated freeware is getting more and more difficult to find. No-one can really begrudge developers trying to make ends meet and provided they bundle extras in a completely overt and transparent manner, I for one, have no problem with it. It's those who employ sneaky, underhanded tactics which raise the hackles and with whom I take particular exception.

Cheers Mike...Jim

[LeKanaw]

Used to dwld from CNet for a long time, but one little irritant after the other, have moved on. Specially when it appeared most «reviews» were: "We recommend this software"! How is that even possible ??!!
Was still going there for the users comments, as some recommend better alternatives ...
But now w this installer crap, it's just a no-go-zone !

Now I mostly use Softpedia, bc they always make it clear if there is anything bundled w the prog, detail all the restrictions, plus the changelogs are up to date, the reviews are detailed, there are screenshots, etc. It all does help decide if the sw is what I'm looking for or not beforehand

Just finished reading all the DC thread that someone kindly posted the link above
I knew abt BrotherSoft & Softonic, never go there, but learned that Tucows went to the dark side too
Noticed that FreewareBB is not mentioned prominently on the «good alternative sites» list, even though Marko posted on that thread. And Softpedia is only mentioned in passing!!?, not really «recommended»
Why? What am I missing? Thought Softpedia was considered one of the good guys
Could someone enlighten me? TIA
Peace

N.B.: Funny story abt Softonic - Long time ago, I used to go there bc they have information & reviews from different countries, since I speak several languages, it was interesting to see the review from the Brazil editor contradicting the one from Spain & saying smtg different from the English & French ones. Reading them all gave me a better idea who was fibbing

»»Do hope ppl here do not mind my off topic funny stories ...

Edited by LeKanaw, 15 October 2011 - 11:10 AM.

[marko]

When a download site has more "editor" reviews and "recommendations" than user comments it always makes me suspicious. All download sites rely heavily on backlinks from other sites, its the No.1 method for any download site to do well, and although we too need backlinks we would rather gain them naturally rather than encourage developers to give us a backlink because we "recommend" their software. That way, we remain impartial and independant, unlike most other sites.

When backlinks alone dont work, as we've seen, they revert to a more direct method such as wrapping downloads with their own installers which can include toolbars, etc ... those sites are motivated purely by making money, and will do so using any method available to keep profits up - again, when it gets to that point its time to question the advantage to the end user?!!

[Claw]

If you wait awhile Ashampoo will likely give it away. A friend got his that way,,he also has now switched to getting his freeware from FreewareBB.com just because I'm a member. I hope to bring in more.

[Wolf]

Well, I'm subscribed to CNET's "items on your watch list".
When I receive mails on new updates of software on my watchlist, I will download them from other sites, preferably from FreewareBB .
Wolf

[Claw]

That's the way to go Wolf,clean, safe downloads without all the CNET crap.

[C0ldf1re]

There's food for thought! I never quite realised that about CNET. But I do see the point that the public cannot expect professional service for free, without it being paid for by advertising. Unpaid hobbyists can only do so much.

Whatever happened to that nice Mr Obama's idea about making the US government run on open source software? Perhaps Uncle Sam will start a state-run free download site at public expense. The US government should know how to do things properly.

[Claw]

Got that right,, goverment are pros at doing things at the publics expense. Truthfully it's as simple as this: "opt-out". that's it,,if you must bundle your software with crap,,at least include an "opt-out" box. It's that damn easy !!!!