I’m very lucky to have what might be considered a cult following for WinPatrol. It’s essential since we don’t advertise and depend on word of mouth to let people know they should download WinPatrol and upgrade to WinPatrol PLUS. The few people who upgrade to PLUS allow us to continue giving away a free version.
One of the positive elements of our software is that we’ve never included 3rd party crap software like toolbars in our setup program. I consider this an insult to our users and while I could make a lot of money it’s just wrong. Many of you have read about my constant battle with Ask.com(IAC) who thinks WinPatrol should include a custom version of their search toolbar.
Read: Would you like Toolbar with your Software Order?
I continue to get requests from companies who say they want to do business with me. They don’t take no for an answer and don’t realize one of the main reasons to have WinPatrol is to remove their junk software which sneaks on to computers. It’s bad enough when software like MP3 players or Image editors install software you didn’t ask for but when security vendors push unnecessary additions it’s bad news. Still, once a day I get an offer to be rich by including their software.
There are some online good guys who keep track of unacceptable installs and document the bad guys. One of the best sites is known as the “Calendar of Updates”. COU also lets users know when there’s a new version available of their favorite legitimate software.
Recently we lost one of the founders of Calendar of Updates. Donna Buenaventura consistently won a “Most Valuable Professional” award from Microsoft and helped thousands of computer users asking nothing in return. Donna also introduced me to the “Installers Hall of Shame”. A quick look at this list shows you just how many vendors are more interested in profit than keeping you as a customer.
Donna Buenaventura was certainly one of good guys who won’t be forgotten. Donna may not have been wealthy when she passed but she was rich with love from the folks she helped. I hope to be as lucky when my time comes.
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