Subject:Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Posted by: earthrisers

Date:6/24/2002 11:31:45 PM

Despite bad experience with them before, and despite warnings on this forum about their practices, I just fell for a "special offer" from Real Networks to purchase their Real One Player software for just $19.95. AFTER you give them your credit card number and AFTER you initiate the purchase, and ONLY if you select the "advanced users" installation option for the downloaded software, after all that, they mention -- BURIED IN THE FINE PRINT OF THE "ACCEPT" gibberish -- that you've actually just purchased a monthly subscription to their "service" and that they'll be billing your credit card every month.
Damn their fraudulent ways!!
I e-mailed them demanding a refund, but I don't know whether they'll process that or whether I'll just have to tell my credit card provider to refuse payment because of fraud.
Just venting here... and warning my fellow Sonic Foundry aficianados against falling into this trap.
Ernie

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: Weka

Date:6/25/2002 12:04:10 AM

Recently a moved 130 clip web site over to Windows Media Player to get free of the sods. I felt so guilty advising visitors to d/l Real to hear clips. It was like asking them to install Klez or something. AND currently we are getting nearly twice as many dls under WMP as were under Real so Na na na na na Real! It is without doubt the most intrusive programme I've ever encountered.

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: yirm

Date:6/25/2002 3:41:17 AM

I think you are right to "say no to Real." Their software and privacy practices are just too invasive. I would sooner do WMP and QT versions. But I'd probably end up delivering MP3s via Flash.

-Jeremy

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: Spirit

Date:6/25/2002 6:09:17 AM

Real is the most revolting Slimeware I've ever encountered. I never touch it.

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:6/25/2002 12:13:50 PM

I totally agree with everyone. I accidentally installed a real player on a machine once, and even after I tried to uninstall it, I had major problems. I hate websites that come up and say "You need real player...blah...blah..blah". I also dislike "Flash" websites that tell me I must install macromedia's flash, to view this page. Down with "Real" and down with "Flash", it's all crapola.

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: Weka

Date:6/25/2002 12:26:43 PM

We found the biggest problem with Real was this. Many of our clients are in remote rural area and access our educational products over the web. School teacher, late middle aged, new to computers, gets "warning, alert, you must upgrade now to Real blah blah". "Hell! Is the computer broken"? Panicked phone call from far-flung area, followed by lengthy counselling session and detailed instructions on how to disable all the "background" stuff. (This can be done if you can be bothered). This was a hell of a time-waster. Still, good as a spleen-venter!
Cheers
Weka

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:6/25/2002 12:45:26 PM

Ahhhh!!!....I just accidentally clicked on the wrong Link and found myself on the "News and events" page of this Sonic Foundry website. Here's the horrification that I was greated with:

"Sonic Foundry Teams With RealNetworks to Deliver Best-Of-Breed Live And On-Demand Rich Media Streaming"

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: earthrisers

Date:6/25/2002 12:57:14 PM

AAAAAaaaaaaarrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!! Oh, NOOoooooo...

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: Weka

Date:6/25/2002 2:02:42 PM

Goodie, it's FLAM-TIME. Sharpen your teeth Red!

Subject:RE: Real Networks is up to their slimy scams again

Reply by: Jessariah

Date:6/25/2002 6:59:13 PM

Worst thing is, I think Real is a better player -- but I'm with everyone else. Stream from your site in WM. I'll sacrifice a bit of quality (it is, after all, compressed streaming) and go with the "real" free player...