Update

I must apologize for 'losing it' when I found, despite my moral objections to toolbar bundles, my primary mirror had done this for me -- and was profiting off my free users. It is even more insulting when you consider I pay CNET $9 a month per listing, to keep my software mirrored and ... well, actually I'm not sure what I pay that for.

One of the sad things is how this will further hurt proliferation of Process Lasso. By directing new users to CNET, I was increasing the download count there. I wouldn't care much about CNET, but in their close cooperation with Microsoft, their downloads are used as the basis for the little known Windows MarketPlace... a software store for Windows that never really caught on, except maybe in the mobile space, for the few people who have Windows Mobile phones. Still, I prefer to be listed there, and have the 'standing' that comes with having a Download.com listing.

Anyway, it seems the general consensus of users is that they don't mind toolbar bundles. It has become a norm. I'm still not doing it, but the fact is that it is the norm. I believe this should change, for the good of the entire industry.

An ethical software framework should be developed, outlining what should and should not be done. It should ban deceptive practices. It should mandate clean uninstalls. There is nobody to enforce this though, and this is hardly the only area of our society that is rife with ethical violations.

In the meantime, despite my whining, my primary objective must be improving my software. Towards that end, I do have a new and more polished RegMerge on the way, along with another update to Process Lasso (may be a week on it though). I have definite plans, and know what I need to do.

Wish me luck ;). As always, I thank all those who use my software, and especially those who like it enough to buy a license. Even if you haven't bought a license, you are still a friend to me, and do be sure to put those annoying trolls in their place when you see them on reviews ;p. I've gotten to where I just can't read reviews anymore, I take them too personally. The last time I did read them though there were the typical trollish comments you'd expect on the internet. I am confident no matter what anyone does, no matter how perfect, there will always be critics... so, I don't let it bother me much.