Shareware Junk

There's a lot of it about. Whether it is questionable "file utilities" that
duplicate functions of superior programs or so called shareware download
sites that are mere Google farms with broken links and missing graphics, it
seems the shareware world is overwhelmed with "junk".

This is a shame as there are a great many excellent products out there that
offer value for money and who's owners care and offer excellent support to
their customers. But I really do get sick of the ones who masquerade as
something else.

We all know how spyware has damaged the freeware industry and I now fear
junk "download sites" are doing the same to shareware where it has to be
said I've identified in the past (as have others) nasty little surprises
that are in place instead of some honest hard working author's program (and
the author doesn't even know they've done it to him). It is my sincere hope
Google wakes up to download sites in the future and banishes them to where
they belong - oblivion - especially those with Google ads.

Think about it a moment. What purpose do they actually serve - or more
importantly who's purpose?

Not the shareware author (many of whom are shunning that title now and
adopting mISV) - it's the owners of the download sites. They have no
interest in the author - only revenue as reflected by their inevitable and
ugly Google ads. They are "Google Junkies" with no interest in shareware.

Now if they offered real value to authors they'd offer sites that were slick
and competitive - not broken down link farms. Some even have the gall to
claim to be long term players with intellects vast and cool who are in it
for the consumer - or author - depending upon which colour of tee-shirt they
chose this morning. We have had one jerk off advertising in these
newsgroups for some time. Now I like to make sure that information
pertinent to the shareware industry is posted here. Stuff like messages
from the ASP and other organizations - and that shall continue. However I
noticed that one character has been using his newsletter to disseminate his
political views. I mean - hey? For heavens sake - I ran as a candidate for
a Federal election last year but I don't preach my political views. But
yep - he's got his "Kiss My ***" award (speaks volumes about character and
charm) hidden in there amongst the rest of the material (that on closer
inspection offers about as much value as a cold shower in Antarctica). We
shan't see anymore of that nonsense.

It's currently a grave shame - but I think their days are numbered. Google
run a pretty tight ship and it's my sincere hope - but held with
conviction - that these sites will soon disappear - maybe even with those
warnings Google have started doing when sites might contain malware.

Folks - if you are looking for good software Google is your friend. There's
some great stuff out there - a lot of it shareware - really worth searching
for - and you'll find the experience more rewarding via Google than so
called "Download" sites who really are nothing more than "Google Junkies" -
heck somebody should register that domain. ;-)

Scott Kane
Moderator comp.software.shareware.*

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