Author Topic: Unlocker punishes you for not installing toolbar. (Read 37291 times)

Deozaan · « **on:** January 19, 2011, 06:34 PM »

I recently was having trouble renaming a file because Windows said it was in use when it wasn't, so I downloaded Unlocker which I've used before and has been recommended multiple times here on DC.

The installer asked me if I wanted to download the Bing toolbar, and when I unchecked the box it disabled the "next" button and started a 30 second countdown timer before it would let me continue the installation.

I cancelled the installation and used LockHunter instead.

scancode · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2011, 06:50 PM »

It didn't for me

I've always wanted to be punished by a software application!

timns · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:38 PM »

It didn't for me I've always wanted to be punished by a software application!
-scancode (January 19, 2011, 06:50 PM)

Now there's gotta be an idea for a new NANY app in THAT comment!

Eóin · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:53 PM »

Yeah, perhaps a bit cynical.

But also come on, developer makes an app in his free time and includes the bing toolbar in the hopes of getting some revenue. Then you get angry when he asks you to wait 30 seconds after opting not to support him. There is a definite hint of the "entitled" generation here

mouser · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:17 PM »

yeah i have to say, i think having to wait 30 seconds doesn't seem like an unreasonable thing. it's a bit similar to the DC approach to license keys. i do not like these bundled toolbars and wouldn't include them with my apps, but i can imagine putting a 30second delay in an installer for non-donators and asking people to consider donating.

scancode · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:20 PM »

And would you remove the ability to unzip for non-donators too then?

Deozaan · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:21 PM »

Yeah, perhaps a bit cynical.

But also come on, developer makes an app in his free time and includes the bing toolbar in the hopes of getting some revenue. Then you get angry when he asks you to wait 30 seconds after opting not to support him. There is a definite hint of the "entitled" generation here
-Eóin (January 19, 2011, 08:53 PM)

I was probably already bombarded with ads and had to wait 30+ seconds before I could even download the installer. Then when I decide I don't want the malware toolbar on my PC I have to wait longer? I don't think it's EVER a good idea to force people to wait to install your program once they get their hands on it.

Who knows? Maybe I would have liked it so much that I'd have made a donation to him. But because of that stupid trick I'm never going to use it again and I'm definitely not going to recommend it to anyone else.

It didn't for me I've always wanted to be punished by a software application!
-scancode (January 19, 2011, 06:50 PM)

Not sure why it didn't for you. I got it from Cnet. Here's a screenshot of the countdown timer:

Unlocker Crap.png

Deozaan · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:24 PM »

yeah i have to say, i think having to wait 30 seconds doesn't seem like an unreasonable thing. it's a bit similar to the DC approach to license keys. i do not like these bundled toolbars and wouldn't include them with my apps, but i can imagine putting a 30second delay in an installer for non-donators and asking people to consider donating.
-mouser (January 19, 2011, 09:17 PM)

I would much rather look at a 30 second countdown timer that says "If you like this software, please take the next 30 seconds to consider donating to this project." than to be punished for choosing not to install bundled malware.

cranioscopical · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:27 PM »

It didn't for me I've always wanted to be punished by a software application!
-scancode (January 19, 2011, 06:50 PM)

Now there's gotta be an idea for a new NANY app in THAT comment!
-timns (January 19, 2011, 08:38 PM)

Perhaps you could whip up something for us…

timns · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:27 PM »

I was probably already bombarded with ads and had to wait 30+ seconds before I could even download the installer.
-Deozaan (January 19, 2011, 09:21 PM)

But didn't you know that:

Unlocker punishes you for not installing toolbar.

$:-\$

Deozaan · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:28 PM »

It didn't for me I've always wanted to be punished by a software application!
-scancode (January 19, 2011, 06:50 PM)

Now there's gotta be an idea for a new NANY app in THAT comment!
-timns (January 19, 2011, 08:38 PM)

Perhaps you could whip up something for us…
-cranioscopical (January 19, 2011, 09:27 PM)

I was probably already bombarded with ads and had to wait 30+ seconds before I could even download the installer.
-Deozaan (January 19, 2011, 09:21 PM)

But didn't you know that:
-timns (January 19, 2011, 09:27 PM)

Finish your sentence! The suspense is torture!

EDIT: What the? No graphics appeared when I made this reply until after I posted...

I could have sworn the quoted text didn't even include the attachment stuff...

$:-\$ So I've edited to make it look like what it was when I posted.

timns · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:30 PM »

I was probably already bombarded with ads and had to wait 30+ seconds before I could even download the installer.
-Deozaan (January 19, 2011, 09:21 PM)

But didn't you know that: (see attachment in previous post)
$:-\$
-timns (January 19, 2011, 09:27 PM)

Finish your sentence! The suspense is torture!
-Deozaan (January 19, 2011, 09:28 PM)

Haha! Sorry, I posted then realised I hadn't added the graphic

scancode · « **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:46 PM »

Update: after a little REing, I found it uses GetLocaleInfoA to detect if you're in GBR or USA and if so installs the bing bar, doing a 30 sec countdown with the delay.dll NSIS plugin, if not, just offers QuickStores with no delay whatsoever.

Grr.

cyberdiva · « **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2011, 10:03 PM »

i do not like these bundled toolbars and wouldn't include them with my apps, but i can imagine putting a 30second delay in an installer for non-donators and asking people to consider donating.
-mouser (January 19, 2011, 09:17 PM)

To be honest, I think imposing a 30-second delay when the person hasn't even installed the software may wind up alienating a potential donor who resents being penalized. After all, the person probably has no idea yet whether s/he will like the software. It's OK to ask the person to consider donating, but imposing an obstacle during the installation process seems to me to be potentially counterproductive. I say this as someone who has happily donated for software I really like, but I do so only after I've had a chance to use it and see how terrific it is.

mouser · « **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2011, 10:20 PM »

just to clarify -- i am not going to be adding any delay -- i was just mentioning that the principle of it didn't bother me.

as far as alientating potential donors, it absolutely will do that with some percentage of users and make them refuse to use it at all.

but then the exact same thing could be said (and is said and is true) about the license keys.

there is no perfect solution that makes everyone happy -- it just does not exist. everything is a compromise if you are trying to find a way to raise money from your software without simply making it a pay-to-use product (and of course that brings with it it's own set of challenges).

having said that, i do tend to agree with cyberdiva that you are better off as an author in letting the user easily and safely use your software before bothering them. so putting the delay in the installer is not a great start to their experience.

Bamse · « **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2011, 12:15 AM »

I think it is a nice touch from Unlocker that they list extra "Promotional features" in changelog. Most do not, almost seems like they would not want you do take too much notice - just click, click

Unless installation is set up to trick users into clicking wrong buttons or make them dizzy with too many unrelated windows, information of process should take away most annoyances. He does not highlight it that much, not like Registrybooster crap, and may be it will vanish after next update since no longer news but under the circumstances which is 2011 internet and almost everything goes, it is better than nothing. These sometimes sneaky marketing add-ons should be part of license policy for program. Should be mentioned right next do download link. Then anyone know what to expect and cannot claim X program secretly hijacked search box in browser or other evils.

Notice how he melts Registrybooster in to download section http://cedrick.collo...r/unlocker/#download almost as part of his site. Old trick and a hint of how he look at marketing towards users and what to expect

30 sec timer is just his way of annoying you in his defeat. Still think it is good he give a little mention of promotional features.

4wd · « **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2011, 05:20 AM »

Update: after a little REing, I found it uses GetLocaleInfoA to detect if you're in GBR or USA and if so installs the bing bar, doing a 30 sec countdown with the delay.dll NSIS plugin, if not, just offers QuickStores with no delay whatsoever.
-scancode (January 19, 2011, 09:46 PM)

Wow! So there's a benefit to living below the equator....cool!

scancode · « **Reply #17 on:** January 20, 2011, 06:04 AM »

GRR, I fail. "No delay whatsoever" should become "1 second delay" >.>

J-Mac · « **Reply #18 on:** January 20, 2011, 11:24 PM »

As to the comment that a 30 second wait isn't unreasonable, I say Bullshit! I donated to him! I don’t want to see such crap and so I do indeed donate to every free software developer whose app I use. Granted there are a lot I have tried and didn't continue to use - they get nothing. But I do use some freeware and I always donate if requested. And I have donated in cases when it was NOT requested!

mouser, I don’t know what you mean regarding the approach to license keys here at DC. I never used any DC software until after I donated - to be honest I didn't think you could even do that! Maybe you couldn't do that back when I registered; or else I just missed it.

Anyway, if he wants to develop software, then just do it!

If donations aren't cutting it then start charging for his work - I certainly don’t have a problem with that. But when it is given freely I am very appreciative and I show it how I can. But if installing crapware or adware is how he wants to be recompensed then it isn't really offered "free" anymore. My opinion, anyway. I think it is ExifViewer that has no distinction between their paid and free versions other than a 45 second start delay if the program is not registered. Annoying? Yes. But not very. It would have annoyed me more if he had packaged Ebay crap and especially a toolbar - of any kind - with the program. Either make it truly free (read: donation-based), or don’t. But once they insist on adding crap I stop using it.

Thanks!

Jim

scancode · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:27 AM »

So a 45 seconds delay at every startup is more reasonable than a 30 seconds delay once at install time?

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #20 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:47 AM »

So a 45 seconds delay at every startup is more reasonable than a 30 seconds delay once at install time?
-scancode (January 21, 2011, 08:27 AM)

It does sound awfully bad when you put it that way doesn't it ... Unless of course you're being forced to watch a 30 sec tampon commercial ... Then it's a perfectly reasonable time to breakout the flamethrower.

scancode · « **Reply #21 on:** January 21, 2011, 09:37 AM »

In order to unlock the content of this post you must watch the following:

J-Mac · « **Reply #22 on:** January 21, 2011, 11:53 AM »

It's the reason, not the wait!

My opinion...

Jim

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #23 on:** January 21, 2011, 01:16 PM »

It's the reason, not the wait!

My opinion...

Jim
-J-Mac (January 21, 2011, 11:53 AM)

Standing on the principal of the thing ... I'm ok with that. (...was just trying to have a bit of fun earlier)

J-Mac · « **Reply #24 on:** January 21, 2011, 01:22 PM »

Oh, no harm, no foul!

As thick-skinned as I need to be... (Shoot, I grew up Irish surrounded by miles of Italian neighborhoods in South Philadelphia.) Plus I really don’t mind getting kicked around for principles. Do it all the time!

Jim