Deceitful Software Awards

[mouser]

Dottech.org has a long essay up about the business of fake software review sites which give out fake "awards" to software for no reason at all, and the practice of software developers putting them on their pages.

I think one thing to add to this discussion is the harm these fake awards do to the *real* software review sites that actually take the time and effort to really review software.  That's why whenever i see one of those software review sites that actually takes the time to evaluate software, take their own screenshots, etc. I think it's worth praising.

Just how persuasive an awards-splattered web page can be was examined back in 2007 by developer Andy Brice. Having authored a distinctive new application, Brice used a submission service to upload it to various Internet software review sites, and then sat back to see what, if any, honors it might harvest. He didn’t have to wait long.

http://dottech.org/headline/15367

[PhilB66]

http://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=9615.0

[Josh]

Shame on mousey for not searching first!

[mouser]

phil linked to a related thread that is not identical; this is more an opinion piece follow up.  shame on josh for not paying attention. 

[Josh]

NO! Shame on you for shaming me for not paying attention after shaming you for posting a redundant link! HAH!

[Stoic Joker]

Shameful behavior aside...

This is a major part of why I've decided to do any future software releases through DC - Good, Bad, or Indifferent the answers are always honest.

[MilesAhead]

I wonder how downloaders would react if there were no stars on the badges("Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!") but just the "spyware free" emblem?  The virus paranoia is so high I think many people want an easy way to stick something on there that says the downloads are not infected.

The other thing that strikes me curious is the preponderance of software reviewers/testers/spyware checkers with names like Mortimer Slotnik(sorry Mortimer if you are really out there. I just made up a name.)  I mean, it should at least be a hot Asian babe named Lotus Knowts or something.

[KynloStephen66515]

Shameful behavior aside...

This is a major part of why I've decided to do any future software releases through DC - Good, Bad, or Indifferent the answers are always honest.

Good thinking batman

[Mark0]

This thread reminded that I had already promised myself to get rid of those "awards" when the previous thread was posted!
So, better late than never, I deleted them! 

[MilesAhead]

The only ones I have left on my site are on the ActiveX page.  Only used by programmers anyway. I could delete 'em, but the graphic breaks up the text.

They have inertia on their side if nothing else.

[housetier]

1) When in doubt, find it out;

This is what we are for To help people "find out". I think we have very high ethical standards here, and strive more for honest criticism than empty awardiness.