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Downloading a downloader is bad

Jun 5, 2012 4:29AM PDT

I love cnet and download.com , however I think they're doing a big disservice to their own reputation with this relatively recent implementation of having users download a downloader. That's like waiting in line to wait in line (which some amusement parks try to justify on various grounds like efficiency, etc.).

For the average person, it's very frustrating to click on a link to download something and instead of downloading it, what downloads is a program that then fetches the desired piece of downloadable material and THEN downloads it.

Some people might find that more convenient, but many do not. Please give people the CLEAR and OBVIOUS option as to which one they would like to choose when downloading something.

Just my two cents. Other than that, I love the site and keep up the great work everyone. Happy

Discussion is locked

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Odd. I click on the Direct Download and
Jun 10, 2012 10:00AM PDT

Never see that issue.

There are some that don't like the changes and that's well discussed. I hope that you can use the direct download or if you can't find that, use other download sites.

It's like a gas station. Don't like the station? Shop elsewhere.
Bob

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Shovelware
Jun 22, 2012 2:52AM PDT

How else to do you expect Cnet to sneak in all those useless toolbars?

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I found no trickery or sneaks.
Jun 22, 2012 2:57AM PDT

I can use the direct download or opt out later. But even then some folk can't bring themselves to opt out.
Bob

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Java
Jun 22, 2012 3:12AM PDT

I've just updated Java on my Windows system.

The update process offered me the Ask Toolbar which I gracefully declined.

I need Java, but it seems from your comment that I should refuse to have it?

Mark

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For reference:
Jun 22, 2012 3:55AM PDT
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Email traps from Cnet
Jul 9, 2012 9:07AM PDT

Not exactly the same but closly related.
I just had a "News" letter from cnet to enter to win a computer.
I do not normally fall for such but it came from CNET.
Spun the wheel and won! Yay! Yippy! I won!
To recieve my prise had to install a tracking bar.
It wouldn't install. I think it was targeted toward smart phones.
At that point started to exit and each closed window opened anouther. Two of which my Norton flagged as known bad sites.

Thanks alot cnet. I shall have trouble trusting you hence forth.

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So was this an advertisment in the CNET newsletter?
Jul 26, 2012 4:38AM PDT

Or was this a CNET Newsletter that had the sweepstake to win a computer?

I'd like to take a look at the CNET Newsletter that you received. If it is an issue I will bring it up to our Newsletter team for investigation.

Please email me directly by click my username, and on my profile page, click "Email Lee" and I will respond to you, so you can forward me a copy of the newsletter.

Much appreciate it. I do want to get to the bottom of this.

Thank you!
-Lee
CNET Community

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This has been resolved...
Aug 2, 2012 3:22AM PDT