General Discussions

**Learning Newbie** · 07-06-2007, 01:54 PM

This has been bugging me, and I wonder if I'm the only one?

Free almost never means free. And I don't mean like when you download something but don't get the code (free beer vs free speech). Free means the first 30 days are free, then they automatically sign you up for a $99 a month subscription that you have to jump through flaming hoops to cancel. Free means programs loaded up with spyware. Free means generally lousy content between a million ads.

I saw a splog, and I mean the kind that no one could possibly say isn't spam, with a tag cloud. Wouldn't you know "free" is the biggest tag? Free means "I'm trying to get over on you."

I wonder if other people see this, and if it annoys anyone else?

**ADAM Web Design** · 07-06-2007, 02:19 PM

I look at it like this: spammers are vested-interest losers with no redeeming qualities, and therefore there is nothing that they can say, including the word "Free", that's worth really getting annoyed over.

Of course, screwing with them is always an acceptable alternative. Not that we know anyone who does that.

**Learning Newbie** · 07-06-2007, 02:25 PM

Word to Sesameze Streezy?

You're right it's probably not worth getting upset over. But I wonder if I'm the only one who sees a "free" anything, and stops and wonders "Why's it free?" Sometimes it's because a person loves to write, or make software, or music, or whatever, and just want to share. But more and more lately it seems like some loser like you said thinks they can make money if they lure people in with something that doesn't cost anything up front, but has some kind of back door.

**ADAM Web Design** · 07-06-2007, 02:34 PM

Well...I used to wonder why things were free. Now I just assume there's a catch until it's clearly indicated otherwise. I'm immune to it now, I guess.

**Republikin** · 07-06-2007, 02:49 PM

I agree, I have gotten quite immune to the word free as well.

**EGS** · 07-06-2007, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Republikin

I agree, I have gotten quite immune to the word free as well.

Ditto.

**TechLemming** · 07-07-2007, 04:46 AM

Yeah, it is annoying, and the chance of me staying on a page offering something free reduces considerably, especially if it's a typical sales page. I can see those a mile away.

**ForrestCroce** · 07-07-2007, 05:12 AM

This is a shame. I've got a bit of software on my site, free downloads, no cost, no ads, no spyware, no strings of any kind. It almost sounds like they'd have more users if I charged a nominal fee. But I just really don't want to, at least for the stuff I've published thus far and some of what I'm working on.

Since it sounds like pretty much everyone either ignores freeware or free anything, and some people see it as a scam warning, how do I get people to take me seriously about no strings if the code has trade secrets I don't want to give up?

**psylocke** · 08:18 AM

ofcourse if you experienced it you'll think twice if you want some free downloadable software or etc.. you'll doubt it.. doesn't mean that they won't believe in "free" anymore.

**goheadtry** · 07-07-2007, 03:57 PM

I voted "Eh, whatever." because if it's like a candy bowl at stand ETC. it's free but when I think about a computer: No unless it is from someone that you know.

But when it all boils down most companies that give free drawings etc have a tiny contract on the bottom of the free ticket ETC.

Mostly saying that you will have a chance of getting this free but we will sell your information etc.

**ForrestCroce** · 07-07-2007, 04:06 PM

Again, I don't want to hijack this thread, but I've got a little bit of free software that I wrote on my web site. It pulls in traffic, and some of the people go on to look at my photos ... which I don't sell prints of. I don't collect any personal info, I don't have any malware embedded in the apps. I just wrote them to help me with repetitive tasks, and figured since the work is done I might as well share them, get a little bit of of raffic and linkbait for it.

So ... what can I do to not come off like a used car salesman? The page has a link to the zip file, no form, and no fine text. One of my apps asks for your usernames and passwords, but only because it's an FTP client, and wants to have that info on record so every time you upload a file it doesn't have to pester you.

I'm not really gaining anything except some general goodwill and maybe some links, so it's no skin off my back if people don't download the software. But I don't want to seem like I've got my hands in a cookie jar I shouldn't.