Take a look at this page for example:
So what are the bad sides or disadvantages of this download leecher sites ?
1) No credit given in most of the cases as cnet never links to original authors site for the download. They only expect users to download software from one of their mirrors. Cnet is bad with this and softonic mentions - original developers site is not trusted. funny and laughable business ethics.
2) Misguiding credits - as i said earlier, softonic says original authors download link is not reliable but their own download manager is reliable.
3) Download manager - this download manager is like spyware that shows ads and the offers during program install. it expects you to install software from their sponsors. this is similar to digsby and some other toolbars which get installed during such offers. You do get chance to opt out of it but they force it on you till the last click.
4) Traffic leak and leeching original author- if you eve create free software for the sake of donations for others to use, youll realize how bad it feels when someone says your own site is less reliable and may contain virus but those who distribute your software are reliable. shady business tactics.
Do you need download manager ? hell no. why? because it is packed with ads and adware software which is forced on you during software download and installation. Virus free ? do you think google deskop is full of viruses if downloaded from official google website ? if not, then why you possibly believe softonic or any site telling you to download from them ? As a consumer who you trust, original software developer or some snakeoil leech site salespage ? if you think such download leecher sites are right to manipulate free software and authors right any way they want, then i have no argument.
What do you think ? are these sites bad or we're bad for writing free softwares, themes or service ? should we let them do leeching business like this on software ?



