Ask dotTechies: Anyone experiencing freebies overload?
December 9, 2010 59
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Since dotTech went back into action three weeks ago, there have been a lot of freebies posted. The reason for this is multi-fold, but one of the biggest reasons is I am focusing more of my time on finding and posting about freebies than other aspects of dotTech. Why? Over the two years of dotTech’s life span (yes, we are two years old now) I have noticed freebies are the most preferred type of posts. In other words, more people read freebie articles than any other ones (aside from maybe GOTD reviews).
Now I am no psychologist or psychiatrist but I believe this has to do with the human psyche and how we find shareware products available for free more attractive than always-free products (i.e. freeware)… even if a freeware product is top-quality and the freebie is terrible. Whatever the reason behind it, fact is fact: People like knowing about freebies. However, what is the limit? Is there a saturation point? Will dotTechies always desire freebies or is there a point where everyone will experience “freebies overload”? I don’t know about everyone else, but I sure am interested in finding out the answer to this question. So, please share with us your viewpoint on this matter by casting your vote in the poll below and posting your opinion in the comments!
[poll id="20"]
About the author: Ashraf View all posts by Ashraf
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Hi Ashraf, glad to see you back on line. There are some freebies that I have gotten from this site that I use daily, thanks. But I think the free giveaway of shareware products serve two purposes: 1. If the software is great then you will continue to use it and 2: the software company that provides the apps gets a new customer who will likely purchase an upgrade.
Anyway, glad to see you back, now on with the freebies!!!!
I get more benefit from your in-depth reviews than from a ton of freebies that may not do anything for me.
Ashraf,
I discovered DotTech because of your solid reviews of software being given away on GOTD. It is that kind of info that made dotTech stand out for me. I’d rather have one good review or comparison than be advised of 10 freebies. My personal opinion of course.
In any case, thank you very much for all you do for us.
@Jim Van Damme:
Jim, not sure if you know about this or not, but you might want to visit “Gizmo’s” at http://www.techsupportalert.com ..as it is the kind of site you referred to in your post above.
I hope Ashraf doesn’t mind me passing this on to you..as I think what they have to offer..although apparently the same..is in fact very different in the way they and this site approach the subject of reviews and articles in general.
@ Ashraf: Obviously, if this post is in any way out of order, then please feel free to delete or edit it..whichever you deem fit.
Dan
Okay, I admit it I’m a Freebie Junkie!
There was a time when I used to download almost anything and paid the price (i.e. malware, spamware etc. and occasionally a virus) That was back in the mid 90′s.
These days I’m more discriminating in what freebies I download and use.
I appreciate Ashraf’s reviews, as well as those who comment both here and on GOTD as these help me to make an informed decision as to whether it will be useful to me or not, or whether the program is good or not.
Keep up the good work.
Ashraf: I have a sense that comments are meaningless; the site should be a reflection of what you want to do and what you have as an objective. Not a single personal opinion ought to change an iota of what you do unless it has sparked a change within you. If you believe your “life” is best spent sitting in front of a computer, or outside smelling the roses, then your audience is just background noise and you ought to pursue what makes your life worthwhile. Best wishes,
“Now I am no psychologist or psychiatrist”
Of course you’re not!! It’s nearly impossible anyways… not possible. :)
@Gene Healy: I SO concur with this. I don’t bother with GOTD anymore until I’ve checked Ashraf’s unbiased opinion! I’m also an Open Source addict and would love to get Ashraf’s comparison of OS with freebies too (see #21 above). More work for Ashraf – sorry!
Hi Ashraf,
Thanks,not bad for freebies.your question is meaning less.
What. freebie overload? NO WAY, I just installed a new 500GB hard drive to keep up with your great freebee’s Ashraf. I discovered your site through giveawayoftheday.com and have been here every day since then. Got a little worried when you weren’t on line for a while, I thought “oh great ,I find a good site and it disappears” but you came back.(good) your reviews are VERY helpful, straight up,no crap or trying to sell us the software just honesty. for that I thank you.
The software you offer is mostly outstanding. some of it does go over my head some times but then I have the fun of learning how to use it. Your never to old to learn new tricks.
Keep up the good work and try to sleep every now and then. That way you can keep your comments “sharp”. I find them humorous with a hint of sarcasm. very enjoyable and give me a good chuckle.
Thanks
I think that what I would like to see is different categories and then freebies announced “under” that category.
i am currently looking for the best DVD ripper so I would love to see all the rippers there in one place – each rated 1 through 10.
just saying…
@Neil Berman: “I have 6 back-up programs because they were all free and each one sounded like it did something the others didn’t do. But they take up space and the files they generate in their intended operation take up a LOT of space. ( Anybody have an opinion as to what to get rid of when I have Paragon, Ocster, Genie Timeline, GFI backup- Home edition, Double-Safety and Acronis. )”
Some of the programs you listed are for backing up data, files, and settings while others are for cloning (imaging a drive or partition), and I think you want to distinguish between them.
For backing up, I use GFI’s predecessor, Titan (GotD), because it can deal with long filenames automatically, whereas GFI wants you to make some decisions (not a problem if you don’t have long filenames). Each can also back up email, email and OS settings, and other parameters, something that some other ‘back up’ programs do not. For cloning, I use Paragon (from GotD), though if I had Acronis, I might use it instead. I do a back up at the beginning of each month, and I do a clone in the middle of each month.
Bottom line: decide want *you* need or want to do, and then see if the software you already have, or are looking at, meets your criteria.
Greetings Ashraf,
Short note…thanks to you and your mates for all of the work you now do. The reviews are invaluable, takes out the guesswork on programs. Offers are plentiful and eclectic, your audience is smart and entertaining, and your site is well maintained. If there is one to many video converter programs …the delete key is easy enough…right?
cheers,
lucien
To Ashraf: I completely agree with #28 Gene Healy when says:
“I’d rather have one good review or comparison than be advised of 10 freebies. My personal opinion of course. In any case, thank you very much for all you do for us.”
THERE IS A LOT OF FREEBIES OUT THERE, BUT ONLY A FEW ARE WORTH THE TROUBLE. I BELIEVE, EVEN ITS NOT THE INTEREST OF THE MAJORITY (I BELIEVE), OTHER ASPECTS OF THE WEBSITE ARE AS IMPORTANT
@Philippe: Sorry Phillipe, but you contradict yourself. Adding a description (even “very short”, will eat into Ashraf’s life even further.
If he is willing to write an article, then I’m willing to check out the article.
Well done Ashraf, but don’t burn yourself out!
@Neil Berman: Neil what i would do is use each one and pick the one easiest for you to use and understand, and are there time restrictions. As for which one between Paragon, Ocster, Genie Timeline, GFI backup- Home edition, Double-Safety and Acronis. Have you ever used them all to see ?
As you said bloat, so pick one and dump the others, you are the one that needs to be happy.
This is the thing I do, when I make myself a cup of coffee… I sit back.. relaxing every fiber in my body. Im opening the website.. AND GOIN INSANE IN ALL THAT FREEBIE STUFF – I cant live without the daily/weekly dosis :P – So keep it commin ^^
/Cheers
Even though freebies are always welcome, your reviews help people make an informed decision about a software. I think that a balance between freebies, reviews and your sanity(health) is appropriate. Personally, I do not care where the freebie is from or language. Technology knows no boundaries. Those developers from around the world are just as passionate about their software just as those in the English speaking countries. One has to be careful where they download from, regardless of country or language.
With that said, Bring on the Freebies!
@Rob.C:
I just snagged a 1TB drive on sale. Yeah, Bring on the Freebies!
Perhaps one day, Photoshop will be offered here… I guess it would be a 5-minute-download-period only, no server would be able to handle the traffic.. :)
Ashraf – Thank you for all your hard work.
I like FREE! Keep it up.
BUT (there is always a but or is it a butt) anyway – I wish there was a way you could rate them.
I understand for the companies to keep giving the free software they want an even chance of getting the product/word out with out being told that xyz is better in the review.
SO – Keep up the good work.
Happy Holidays to you and yours. :-)
There was a time when I downloaded and installed almost every freebie I came across, which resulted in me having a myriad of video converters, system utilities and backup programs installed. When I bought a new hard drive last year and made the move to Windows 7, I realized just how cluttered my system was with redundant software, most of which I never even used.
These days I still take advantage of a good freebie, but only if it’s something that I have an immediate use for, and only if I don’t already have something of similar functionality installed. However, more often than not I opt for Open Source progs, which often do the job as well or better than a paid app.
I enjoy seeing the freebies even if I don’t use them all, but it would also be nice to see some of the excellent free apps out there get a mention now and then too.
In any case, much appreciation to Ashraf for his hard work maintaining this site!
You should, of course, get a life, but I’m sure not going to push it ;-)
Your reviews are the best part of the site. I certainly don’t have the time to do those write-ups, and can’t imagine that you do either, but the reviews are what make this site uniquely useful. It reminds me of the prehistoric reviews in PC Mag and PC World before they (or so it seems) sold out.
The freebie info is great, but I don’t see the point of spending time dwelling on software that you know is really poor, or where there are known great freeware/open source solutions and the new offer doesn’t deliver a special advantage. Just mention this and give your opinion. The capsule reviews are still better than nothing.
In short, keep the freebies coming, but devote your time to the added value.
Who does not like a decent freebie? Even more so if it has been researched as well as what Ashraf does!!
I do not bother with GOTD anymore!
When Ashraf does a review, I take a good look at what is on offer, if I can use it I download it.
Anyone of my friends who might be looking for software etc, are always told to go and check out “Dotech” 1st.
Many thanks for all the time and effort that you spend doing the research.
On a personal note……….Ashraf go out and get some fresh air you deserve it!!