A call to reject software bundles (e.g. browser toolbars)

As a developer AND a user, I get frustrated with some trends in the shareware software industry. One particular gripe is in the bundling of toolbars, and I've mentioned it before. I must have accidentally installed Yahoo Toolbar at least 5 times during this PC's history, lol. I mean, come on... Sure, you can opt out, but most people just click through an install, perhaps not even noticing what else was installed.

After a while, you end up with so much crap installed that the PC runs sluggishly, especially for those Internet Explorer users for whom most add-ons are written for. Now you see the reason for Google's initial reluctance to allow any plug-ins with their Chrome browser.

I feel if you are downloading a program you have the *singular* intention to install that *specific* software, not anything else. I don't care how much they would pay, I will always and forever refuse bundling my software with free toolbars on ideological grounds. I will literally go out of business first.

I call all software developers to follow my lead here. It is not worth it. Please, no more freaking toolbars, browser add-ons, or other bundles! Your users will appreciate it. Take my advice for what you will - if you need convincing, I probably stand no chance of convincing you ;o.

I am certainly not perfect myself. After all, my software has a 'nag' screen. I don't mean to sound holier than thou. I simply mean that bundles are deceptive in nature and end up hurting the end user. The number one rule should always be "do no harm".