I used to love CNET. I’d go to their site for all sorts of news, information, and resources. I wasn’t on their site daily or even monthly but when I was researching a topic, I would visit their site because I trusted them as a resource. But not any more. Over the past 6 years or so I’ve only gone there because my favorite password program Robofom, uses them as their download site. What I’ve noticed is that CNET allows, and some say promotes, Adware, Malware and the like. I won’t disagree – in fact they’re right.
Quick! Which button do you choose?
Take a look at these screen shots. The first one is the screen I was led to when I was notified of an update for Roboform:
At first glance it’s hard to tell which button to choose isn’t it. An unsuspecting or hurried user might very well download and install a copy of RegClean Pro instead of Roboform. So even when I figure out the right button to use, the next screen isn’t much better.
It’s over between us.
I’m pretty transparent and I expect the same of others. Especially online resources that position themselves as trustworthy. I’m pretty savvy about most things online but even I’ve fallen for these misleading ads and I suspect thousands of others have too. I used to trust CNET but that’s long gone. And what’s worse, is my trust in Roboform is shaken because of their relationship with CNET. The circles you hang with do matter.