SuperAntiSpyware: One minor annoyance

I didn't say the product was unacceptable, but I am agreeing with the OP and those subsequent posters who assert that the splash screen is a 'minor annoyance'. It's fairly clear from the posts on this thread that this particular issue for whatever reason, rational or not, is a bit of a sore spot with some but not all SAS users here, and I would expect elsewhere as well.

As for my opinions, they are admittedly only that and I don't claim otherwise. SAS on the other hand has not presented any facts either, merely unsubstantiated claims of unquantified facts about branding and product awareness. As the saying goes, that which is gratuitously asserted may be gratuitously denied. Please note that I am not calling into question anyone's integrity, only that no verifiable facts have been presented on either side.

Just to remind you, I did say early on that (in my opinion also) I thought SAS was a good AS application and that I did appreciate the free version being made available to all.

I would be willing to purchase the full version of SAS if I thought it provided for the price sufficiently incremental protection for my computer over Spy Sweeper, which I do pay for. In my opinion, while SAS is a quality AS app, it does not. I run a fairly clean system and rarely get any sort of malware that I know of. Accordingly, at this point in time I am going to go with the free version that SAS generously offers. Should I become dissatisfied with SS, then I will certainly revisit SAS as a first-line replacement AS app. If SAS wants to get petulant and discontinue the free version, I do not in my opinion, feel that I would lose much in terms of protection over my existing setup. As for the splash screen, I can live with it, and have done so for some time; should I wish to, I could uninstall SAS at any point with no financial loss (it's free, after all) and negligible risk to my machine. Such are my options.

 

Last question, then I will drop the topic. I have already accomplished my mission of getting feedback to the developer.

However, I would like clarification on one last point. If the splash screen is all about branding the product, then why allow the customers that buy the paid version to turn it off? Won't the splash screen on their computers brand the product just as well as the splash screen on the free users screen?

What changes in terms of branding the product once a user buys a license? Nothing changes. If it were ENTIRELY about branding the product, then there would be no option to turn off the splash screen in either version.

 

The ratio of free to paid users is obviously huge - when a user pays for a product they should have full control of the options in the product, in my opinion. Many users in fact leave the splash screen active in the Professional edition, we see this in our diagnostics when we help users.

 

Well, our success (in my opinion) in bringing the product to industry awareness is certainly a substantianed and qualified claim. I think that alone speaks volumes - at least that is what I measure our success by - it's not all about money in my book. If you care to have a marketing discussion, I would be happy to show and share facts about branding, brand recognition, positioning, etc. regarding our product and others - I have launched and brought many companies to both widespread recognition and financial success in my 25 years in the industry - branding and product positioning are key elements in making a product (not just software) stand out in a crowded market. How many anti-spyware applications are there? Dozens if not hundreds. Does SUPERAntiSpyware standout? I guess time will tell.....

I do respect and appreciate everyone's opinion, and their suggestions about the splash screen, and other product features and also appreciate users of this forum taking the time to share their thoughts and participate in these discussions (and keeping them friendly)

I certainly will continue to work hard to produce a quality product and promote our product in the industry.

 

ROFL

ejr: c'mon.

....what...mumble.... what.. bumble.. drivel..confusion...head spinning..losing balance..... hheellppp mmmeee

I am finding this thread just a tad incredible to say the least.

Nick: demonstrating remarkable patience here: IMO: dont respond any further, you dont need to justify this, and it's not as if you will alter any of the "convictions" held by the unhappy posters.

I for one will not be cross with you if you dont respond.


Disclaimer, paid up user of SAS with splash screen DISABLED
That's the only reason I paid Nick, couldn't put upwith the blackmail any more LOL
Ditched SS because of crappy bloat and endless unresolved issues.

 

It's not justifying I think. It's explaining and I think it's pretty clear right now, so it has had it's purpose.

 

I think that statement alone speaks volumes.

It is indeed a "crowded" market even when after your product is reached the top so to speak, it takes a herculean effort to keep it there and attract more of the same following IMO.

 

You are 100% correct - no one stays on top "forever" - my primary concern is not if we are #1, #2, #3, etc. - our goal is to keep the product current, updated and stay on top of the new threats that are around the corner - I can assure you that some of the new threats and threat samples we are seeing are going to really cause users grief and cause anti-spyware vendors grief trying to keep up with them. Many of these samples seem to have no particular purpose except to try and stay rooted in the system - we are doing our best to create technology to be able to detect and remove these items.

 

Thankyou
Splash screens in free versions: pfft
Getting the bad guys dat try and root your system

Keep going Nick.
Regards.

 

I have never seen so much "stink" raised about a little splash screen on a product that is so effective. It just floors me. .

The developer wants to put a brand name up that lasts all of 3 seconds.

Paid or unpaid what is the big deal.

It is free!! And it keeps your system free of malware what more could you ask for for free.

 

Why the attitude?

If you look to the original post, it was titled "One MINOR annoyance..." with the operative word being MINOR. You would think that I assaulted the developer with your response. I was merely providing consumer feedback and seeking further understanding from his responses that didn't quite make sense to me.

SAS has been praised in nearly every post in this thread. I think we are all pretty much in agreement that it is a very good product with a development team that really cares. So I am curious as to why you would encourage the developer to end the exchange? It was clearly a respectful exchange of information and opionions. What is wrong with that?

 

Nick is there any chance of redesigning the splash screen to make the artwork more professional. I mean the sys tray bug (at least thats what I think it is) is not an issue, but the splash screen is IMO cheap and cheesy. I understand that the object which seems to be wearing shades of some sort is supposed to be a spy, representing spyware, but IMO that one ghastly image (spy,shades etc) should be removed or redesigned. Just text would look more professional.

Excellent product by the way (never tried the free version, went straight for the full version). Keep up the good work.

 

Yea, a redesign of the splash screen...that might be a good idea...sure but not a big deal. Focus on the important stuff like effectiveness.

They can redesign GUI and splash screen or what ever on Adaware all the noon day long and you still got nothing...sorry I don't know what made me say that... Money not well spent maybe....

 

LOL. Here's another topic to keep this thread alive. C'mon guys, jump on it...

 

For starters an "o" too many in opinions, but what's really wrong with it is that it's free software and some people don't like other people making comments on something that's free. If you don't like something in free software don't use it and if you do use it don't mention it ! It's free! Remember that!

*getting really tired of people who call other people nit-pickers while actually nit-picking themselves

 

We may update graphics in the future, but again, we have had little to no complaints about the UI, graphics, etc. (with the exception of a few forums) - I think most people are concerned with the effectivness of the software in the fight against spyware - and that is where my primary concern lies as well.

 

Yup, could be something in the food supply...

 

QFT x2

 

Totally agree with you regarding the priorities of development. Also there is nothing wrong with the GUI. Its one of the better ones. Look, I have no problem with any aspect of SAS. In fact, with the exception of my NSX (The Japanese can work miracles on V6 engines), its the best thing I purchased this year. It does exactly what I bought it to do. Never had any issues with SAS, and hopefuly never will.

But none of this changes the fact that the spash screen is rubbish.

 

As we all know by now, everyone has and is entitled to their opinion. Maybe you could design something better and forward it to the SAS GUI team.

 

ha, ha..
I will not reject ur offer. Two issues here,

1- DeskTop icon, splashscreen and infact all the GUI needs some real art work, don,t mean to change the actual GUI, just the look of it. I know Nink will not agree though.

2- Why everytime PCworld, PCMag etc are just testing SS, SD etc, I never saw them including SAS, AVG AS in their spyware tests. I think they might be paid by those campanies. Too bad!!

 

http://i11.tinypic.com/345jx35.jpg

 

I can definitely say that I did not decide to try SAS because of seeing the splash screen. If the developers think it helps marketing then so be it.

Al

 

The design of SAS ( bright yellow and the icon with the man behind the red stopsign in particular) gives it a cheap look. SAS is far better than the look suggests. Maybe it sells better, because people like bright colors..who knows, but I would for sure give SAS a look which suits the program better.