Leech Downloader Sites - Download Installer Scams Think before using CNet, Softonic and similar sites

[mahesh2k 0]

I'm sure you're aware of sites like softonic, download.com and few others. Most of the time these downloader sites rank higher than original software site and gets most of the traffic for the download keyword for that software. Take case of screenshot captor software for example. Softonic made subdomain of this software and hosted this free software on their servers. They added one good review with link to original site. But they're doing competitor analysis and dumping and trashing original authors site and software download link injustice as they show ads on their page but hesitate to accept that original authors site is good. They claim that software from softonic is better and virus free but they can't say the same for original author. My question is since when original software writers site becomes less trusted and not virus free but softonic, or cnet download.com or similar sites became better.

Take a look at this page for example:

http://screenshot-captor.en.softonic.com/download

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 ?