29 replies to this topic

[James (Jim) Hillier]

To discover why you should you beware downloading from CNET Download.com, read the recently published article on Daves Computer Tips Blog...here is an excerpt:

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We have recently been discussing the pros and cons of bundling extras with downloaded software, and freeware in particular. Nobody appreciates this somewhat nefarious practice but CNET Download.com has taken it to a whole new level!

It doesn’t matter what you download from Download.com, it will come down with additional material in tow....................

Read the article in full HERE.

[marko]

This is absolutely appalling Jim, really it is ... they are abusing the fact they have so many people downloading from them, cashing in, selling out, call it what you want, but I've had my eye on D.com for quite some time now, one of the reasons I actually started freewarebb was because of download sites like d.com - hopefully downloaders will see sense and use their feet to show their dissapointment

[PCRacer]

I have already deleted their button-download images and links from my website.  

I was never informed that they were wrapping their marketing promotions over my installshields and software applications.  

They will never see me again on their website!!!  

[marko]

Good on you Henk, hopefully more developers will follow suit

[James (Jim) Hillier]

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This is absolutely appalling Jim, really it is...

I agree 100% mate, as I'm sure any right thinking person would.

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hopefully downloaders will see sense and use their feet to show their disappointment

Too right mate, downloaders have the numbers and numbers means power. If enough people follow suit CNET will get the message, whether or not they would recover from the damage is another matter.

And I reiterate your praise for Henk: Good on you indeed Henk!! Much kudos.

[jazee]

What really annoys me is how a lot of people will hang on to every word from download.com regardless of what they do.   This will be the same, no matter what download.com do they will always have their band of merry followers who are convinved they are the best download site and have the downloaders interests at heart - I've seen download.com PROMOTE downloads which have viruses in them

[James (Jim) Hillier]

Agree 100% jazee. Download.com prove that size really does matter.

I've also seen them promote and host infected downloads. They have also, for many years, formed associations with certain software developers/products which create serious conflicts of interest and lead them to produce biased reviews and articles.

One security related product in particular recently went through a protracted rough patch, and during that time, when every other reviewer on the planet was roundly criticizing the software, CNET continued to sing its praises. Lets' face it, who in their right mind is going to bite the hand that feeds them!!

[marko]

You know it's been a while since I visited tucows as well, but I was looking for an updated copy of MP3 Tag Cool after the developers site had been adandoned, a quick google of "MP3 Tag Cool" and tucows were first on the list - imagine my surprise then when the file downloaded as "TucowsDLM_Mp3TagCoolSetup.exe" and then .....






Yep, even they're at it now, integrated installers for their downloads!!!

What is going on with this lot???

[PCRacer]

The software economy must be worse than we thought.  

All these freeware must be taking its toll on the software companies.  

I saw somewhere that Ashampoo is now selling their office software for $5, it used to be between $60-$79.

The consumers/public are voting with their mice i guess.