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Morpheus Photo Morpher -> ADWARE!

(64 posts) (21 voices)

Started 17 years ago by Mapi
Latest reply from BuBBy

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Mapi
Member

Hi all. Today I've downloaded the nice Morpheus Photo Morpher. It works well, but after I saw it's a lite version, I was quite like: :(? Why wasn't there a description on GAOTD's website. Alright, accepted.

But then the hell started LOL!
It tried to install the following toolbar: {EF56413F-9398-4DF5-BC88-6FC3B227D5C5}

Like that wasn't enough it installed the following software on my computer: Snap Visual Search (C:\Program Files\Snap Visual Search)

The nice creators of Morpheus Photo Morper are nice today:
It installed a browser-helper-object: {550BE9F6-7447-45D0-B6D3-000FCD06B611}

No, it didn't stop! It asked me to update to the standard or above version!!!! !!! !!!

No interest. As a present back it installed browser-helper-object {8600AC1E-BE58-4FFC-BD5D-F2A8EC38C838}.

Now that is a good way to break my good-day.

Posted 17 years ago #
Anonymous
Unregistered

contains 'snap'.

during installation you can choose not to install it.

Posted 17 years ago #
Mapi
Member

Lee, that's not true.
Check it for yourself.

Posted 17 years ago #
Archangel
Member

I've read a bunch of comments that say even if select not to, it will anyway. A couple of members didn't even see it. I don't know because I didn't install it but its worth checking out.

Posted 17 years ago #
Mapi
Member

Most people (about 95%) will simply clicky trough the installation. Besides that, this is a lite version, build for GiveAwayOfTheDay, making people buy their product instead of testing their product. As for all companies which have been on GiveAwayOfTheDay, I wish them good luck in the future, but a company like this isn't worth that.

Posted 17 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

I've just installed it - you definitely do get the option not to install snap (on the screen immediately following the screen where you refuse to install dealio).

If you "double click" on the "Next" button on the dealio screen - then you won't see the "snap" screen straight afterwards. This might be what has happened to these users who ended up with the "snap" toolbar.

Still it is very irresponsible making the default option to install the adware/spyware.

But I have just installed the program and scanned before and after. I selected "do not install" to both "Dealio" and "Snap" and my PC was as clean afterwards as it was before the install.

Personally, I think this giveaway blows away the claim that there is no adware or spyware in the giveaways. Just because you get a choice to install it or not, doesn't mean it's not there at all.

What if giveaways came with the option to install a virus or not. Would that make them "virus free"?

Posted 17 years ago #
BillW50
Member

Well according to werwölfchen...

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/morpheus-photo-morpher/#comment-48406

DealioKit1-stub-0.exe
SnapVisualSearch41.exe

Are still found on your computer, even if you tell it to not install. [sigh]

Posted 17 years ago #
Hempman
Member

I actually always read the licensing on everything I install. I caught the two screens that want to install the adware. When I read this topic, I did a complete system scan, and did NOT find either of the remnants listed above.

However, the inclusion of this spyware/adware is a violation of the spirit of the GOTD policy that clearly says NOT SPYWARE - NO ADWARE. None means none, not hide it behind an evil opt out process.

Posted 17 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

Well I've just indexed my entire PC and done a search using Locate32 and no trace of anything resembling "Deal", "Snap", or "stub" or "Visual" matching anything even close to filenames like that.

Perhaps I installed mine incorrectly? ;)

Still - I'm pretty disappionted that GOTD has decided to permit Adware/Spyware to be bundled with their giveaways. Allowing users to opt-out of the adware install makes absolutely no difference - the junk is still bundled with the giveaway software.

Posted 17 years ago #
Archangel
Member

Have you advised the site owner/admin of the situation BuBBy? I bet they'll take care of it.

Posted 17 years ago #
Hempman
Member

Please see my message about this program at:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/1299?replies=1

Why was my message regarding this program removed from the comment section fot he program? Too much truth?

Posted 17 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

@Hempman - you think GOTD are trying to cover up the fact that people don't want spyware bundled or that the software is available elsewhere?

I don't think so - read the other comments - everyone is only saying what everyone else is thinking. You haven't got a scoop and subsequent cover up with that info. ;)

Posted 17 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

BTW - I just noticed on the Morpheus site the following:

"Note: The free trial of Morpheus Photo Morpher will let you try all features of each edition."

Sounds like a better deal than even the GOTD lite version. Not that I care anymore.

Posted 17 years ago #
Archangel
Member

BuBBy arn't comments held for moderation on the frontpage? What they have on there site most likely is the same thing here. Just BS.

Posted 17 years ago #
Hempman
Member

BuBBy, I DO think that they are trying to coverup.

I have posted THREE comments in the comment section under the program. The first was identical to the one now at http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/1299

GONE.

The second was simpler, with a link to the above forum comment.

GONE.

I posted a third:

Was my comment removed? It is not showing up. Too much truth?

This is NOT a true GOTD. It is in violation of the GOTD policy of 100% NO SPYWARE/ADWARE.

This version is ALREADY AVAILABLE all over the ‘net. Try any search. I DL three different versions and they are IDENTICAL to this one.

Vote to have this offer UPDATED to fit the description and REMOVE ALL ADWARE, OR REMOVE IT IMEDIATELY:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/1299

Comment by Hempman — June 28th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

There is sits at #70. But check the bottom - it says - "Your comment is awaiting moderation." And, as I type this, there are four other comments that have been allowed.

Yup, GOTD is doing a half- ... serious attempt at a coverup. Otherwise, why only MY comments being trashed, help incommunicado?

Posted 17 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim

@Archangel... Yeah probably. I just downloaded the trial from their site to compare - and it comes with snap and dealio also. I guess they don't care whos pc they infect... anything for a few extra bucks. Just when you think they are doing something helpful or useful for you with their software, they slap you around the back of the head with their spyware toolbars.

If they were car dealers, they would offer to let you take a car for a test drive, and while you are away, they would put your own car up on bricks, steal your wheels, and syphon your petrol tank. All part of the service - and to encourage you to do buy a car from them...

Posted 17 years ago #
BuBBy
Teh adnim
@hempman. Yup, GOTD is doing a half- ... serious attempt at a coverup. Otherwise, why only MY comments being trashed, help incommunicado?

Don't know. I know there is a spam filter that sometimes ditches posts.
http://akismet.com/faq/

I'm curious how you know that only your comments are being trashed? Are you privy to a list of all "trashed posts"? :)

Sorry. Cover up idea is a little too lame. Break out the tinfoil hats if you must, but I don't agree.

1. All of morpheus downloads come with the crap toolbars.

2. Perhaps GOTD were misled - maybe morpheus told GOTD the software was the $29.95 version. Don't know - but GOTD should correct it - according to a price list in the registry, the lite version is $9.95 not $29.95. It is only your assumption that there is some malicious intent on GOTD's behalf. If there was a "coverup", many of the current comments wouldn't be displayed.

3. Software giveaways should be checked a bit more thoroughly before offering - to at least ensure software:
- has no adware, spyware or virus
- is full version of a current product available from website etc. (not necessarily the top or most expensive version - but a version that is the same as a version described on their website
- does not expire - or automated attempt to "upgrade" causing program to revert to "trial" version.
- is compatible with companion products purchased (eg TextAloud giveaway not supporting additional voices subsequently purchased)
Posted 17 years ago #
Fluffyntx
Member

It doesn't matter if there is an option to install or not install the bundled adware. GOTD states that all of its programs are 100% clean, no adware, no spyware. So offering this to the people who "TRUSTED" GoTD's statement to be true, is criminal in my opinion. It's and out and out LIE. The only reason why I have been coming here daily is so I could get free programs that I didnt have to worry were full of crap like this. Bad Idea GoTD. Real Bad.

Posted 17 years ago #
Hempman
Member

BuBBy

@hempman. Yup, GOTD is doing a half- ... serious attempt at a coverup. Otherwise, why only MY comments being trashed, help incommunicado?

Don't know. I know there is a spam filter that sometimes ditches posts.
http://akismet.com/faq/

I'm curious how you know that only your comments are being trashed? Are you privy to a list of all "trashed posts"? :)

___________

You have a point about not know what else is being trashed, and perhaps maybe even the spam filter.

But, why leave a comment with absolutely NO moderation? And, if the spam filter removed the prior posts then why is the last one, which is nearly identical to the first two that were removed, still sitting there with "Your comment is awaiting moderation." for over two hours?

Nope, something going on.

Posted 17 years ago #
Millward
Member

Yup, GOTD is DEFINITELY deleting comments because mine is gone. BTW, comments appear right away. I checked my comment RIGHT after I posted it and it was there. Now, 5-10 minutes later it is gone. Nowhere to be found.

Also, many of you are missing the point here. It does not matter if the program gives you the option to not install the malware/adware. GOTD is supposedly supposed to be adware/spyware/malware free. This terrible breach of trust of GOTD visitors and possible corruption of GOTD vistors' systems could be grounds for a class-action lawsuit.

And lastly, just because you did a scan with whatever program, it does not mean that Morpheus still did not install anything on your system. You can never actually know for sure. Just because you think you have the best security programs in the world, it does not mean that you can be assured 100% that your system is clean and that it will catch every bit of malware ever created.

GOTD should be very careful. I personally have undeniable proof that comments warning about this problem are being removed and I have proof that the program does in fact install malware even if you "opt-out".

Posted 17 years ago #
Swan
Member

Good morning everyone!

I happen to agree with all the comments that reveal that this software is NOT kosher!

I'm surprised in GotD, because according to them (in an old reply somewhere,) they DO test for malware etc., before committing the download to the website.

I don't think they even considered the toolbars as 'sneaky,' as the install procedure was upfront about them by giving you a choice to not to install them. However, I do still agree with everyone else, that they shouldn't have even been included with the download.

While experienced technophiles would have no issues with clicking/unclicking the relevant check box - inexperienced users might include it, thinking, 'Wow! they even include 2 extra pieces of software for FREE!"

My definition of 'fix':

* REMOVE the offending toolbars from the download;

* PROVIDE a FULL version of the software for us to review - what's the point of reviewing trial versions - it does the developers no good anyway;

OR:

Change the GotD premise to say: "While we do mostly provide full programs for our members to review, we will occasionally be offering trial versions."

At least this would be honest.
~ Swan

Posted 17 years ago #
Swan
Member

Hello Hempman ;)

You're not the only one. My reviews are often held over till much later in the day, sometimes last (in my day,) or ignored completely by the moderators(less often.)

There are times when I'll see only 20 entries before me, submit my post, and it's still not there 5 hours later. I keep biting the bullet trying not to complain - but know it happens most often to those members who are not afraid to speak out and more truthful than others. (Some of us do talk privately GOTD!)

These are people like yourself, Belgian Dude, Merril and myself. It seems to me that GotD prefer the quick couple lines for review and not the kind that we put so much thought and energy into - wanting to ensure comprehensive, accurate and honest reviews (especially for inexperienced users.)

Even my friend whiterabbit is becoming disillusioned here.
~ Swan

Posted 17 years ago #
alucard
Member

Just adding my distaste for the bundled adware. When I saw a second License agreement come up I took note and read what was attempting to install, of course I declined. The same with the third agreement. As a result neither Snap nor Dealio were installed. I have verified this. This is alright for now, but it should never have come up.

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

BuBBy, Hempman, and Swan...

I too have had the same experience with moderation(s). My posts have consistently been NOT posted as of late, negative OR positive. So don't feed me a line about filters etcc. and BS. GOTD IS selectively covering up the BS for whatever resason.

As Hempman stated;

But, why leave a comment with absolutely NO moderation? And, if the spam filter removed the prior posts then why is the last one, which is nearly identical to the first two that were removed, still sitting there with "Your comment is awaiting moderation." for over two hours?

Nope, something going on.

I agree! Something is going on here, and I think there's a blacklisting policy here that some are placed on because GOTD AND said developers DON'T want to hear the truth about some of the crapware/beta garbage that gets presented here.

I'll be the first to admit, there have been a couple of my comments that I unloaded on GOTD for BS that were not posted, and I didn't expect them to be, but I know they were read. On the other hand, I've commented as others have with negative AND positive remarks and NONE of my comments are getting posted lately!

And TODAY!, I post a comment, and not only is it NOT posted (at least the last time I looked a few minutes ago), but it didn't even show up as "Your comment is waiting moderation"! Just POOF! Gone!

Now maybepoof/gone is a glitch today. But with the past example of apparently being banned from the comment section I really have to wonder, is it a glitch today? I tend to think not, but I've been wrong before.

Bottom line! I along with others here, would like to know why our comments are not being posted. Even my positive comments aren't being posted!!! So you tell us, what is going on here, and why are our comments being blocked or deleted?!

There IS something going on here, and I think WE deserve an explanation and the equal right to speak our piece along with the others posting here!

I for one would like an answer. GOTD is stepping on thin ice with their practices legally and morally, not to mention their integrity is slowly coming into question.

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Here is a direct quote from the link: http://akismet.com/faq/

<i>When the plugin catches something as spam it saves it in the database for 15 days in case you want to check it out manually and then automattically deletes it. In the unlikely event something gets incorrectly identified as spam you can correct it and it submits the "false positive" back to Akismet for analysis and improvement of our system. If a spam comment happens to get through and you mark it as spam within WordPress, it does the same thing. Akismet becomes more effective the more you use it.</i>

Now this tells me that the questionable is viewed as spam. So if a moderator (or whomever) 'teaches' it to see a certain email address as spam, the filter can be 'trained' to recognize what you want it to and don't. Now if it views these as spam, then thatemail address is effectively banned.tics going on here to selectively eliminate certain comments/commenter's from being posted. There are known regulars here today complaining about the same problem for them as myself. Now certainly there are others that aren't here speaking up today, yet I have noticed a few complaints right on the comment page in the past about not having comments posted, ...and even this seems to have been 'filtered' out as of late.

Weather intentional or not, there IS some unscrupulously questionable tactics practiced here concerning denial of comment postings. If it's not intentional (and I must REALLY question that after todays fiasco) then someone needs to take note and FIX the problem so ALL are treated equally here. Such is NOT the case as evidenced by the comments here today, and there are enough comments in this thread alone! to warrant an investigation into the matter. Glitch, oversight, intentional or otherwise, this stinks of biased one sided commentaries being selected to fit the desired expression and NOT the truth about the software offered, or of GOTD to take it's due share of negative comments when it's busted for breaking promise/policy (such as todays prim example shows).

One little white lie turns into another, and before you know it you have a snowball on your hands that's out of control! This sure is starting to look more and more like that 'snowball out of control'.

Posted 17 years ago #
Archangel
Member

I see many problems by just reading here. Lets try to offer a fix. I have been told that GOTD wants everything done above board (you can read it in this forum) so they should too.

I agree that comments need to be moderated. Sometimes I get out of hand but not a total delete. Filters should be just for language and a couple other things. I seriously don't believe usernames or emails are being used but the fact is, I don't know.

The next thing is about the software. It should be as described as it is offered here on GOTD and tested for virus,trojans and malware. Millward you are kind of incorrect. I have decompiled software from the setup.exe that was posted and have taken a look at it so you actually can see whats going into your pc. If you or anyone else needs this done, you can create a thread in this forum and I'll do it and post the results. The last time was a piece of software that was given to GOTD but wasn't what it was suppose to be but GOTD got with the site and they made it right.

Since joining this forum, I have yet to have a post deleted. Some have been moderated because I didn't know what you could and couldn't do. My fault. So come post here. I wished everyone that came and downloaded software would join.

I don't think any of the mods here are assigned to testing new software thats going to be promoted on this site. He made it clear that he doesn't know whats happening on the frontpage either. My guess is that there is an admin at work here.

Since this matter has been brought to everyones attention by the masses, lets see what GOTD does about it. I have a good guess but then again, I'm not sure. "Hide and watch" is what my mother use to say.

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Archangel; Some good points. I've been hiding and watching (somewhat), and nothings changed, actually gotten worse IMO. But we'll see what GOTD does about things from here on out. I realize life's not perfect, but a pattern IS a pattern. So let's see if GOTD cares enough to address these concerns and clear them up once and for all.

BuBBy; Although it may appear as though my comment(s) above are directed at you, rest assured they are not. I respect your position here and comments/replies. You yourself even commented earlier about the lame practice of the bundled spyware offering today. I (as others here) am very upset about the practices that seem to be going on here and am speaking strait out about them in the hope that someone who can address these concerns see them (or are made aware of them) and will correct whatever is necessary to make all feel treated fairly here at GOTD. Obviously some here aren't feeling equally treated and this needs to be addressed asap.

BigThunder1 just speaks his mind. Some can handle it, others can't. I do try to be diplomatic when necessary, but sometimes one just needs to light TEN fires under someones_(in this case, GOTD) backside before they get the message that somethings wrong.

Posted 17 years ago #
Archangel
Member

Hey there BigThunder1. We both speak our minds. LOL With your fire and all the others, I don't see how this can be ignored and a solution for future giveaways so something like this doesn't happen again. I believe someone here got alittle to comfortable and slowed down on checking the software sent to them.

I was hoping that GOTD would take care of this issue. There are alot of unhappy people right now. I didn't download it but usually check the comments to see whats up. Thats when my ears perked.

I hope that GOTD at least sends them a shxttx email about what they've done and that this site doesn't have a bunch of dummies either.

Posted 17 years ago #
wiz011
Member

As all people here can see, I've not post any comment on GAOTD site during long time. The reason is that several times all of my comments were entirely censored (all of them were serious and well elaborated). Because the GOATD comments are obviously under rarely heavy censorship I decided to give up. So, I do not post software comments nor I'll post any comment in the future.

Posted 17 years ago #
BigThunder1
Member

Hi Archangel,

Somebody's either fallen asleep at the wheel, or they've gotten a death grip on it! Either way, they need to take a good look all the way around. This isn't the first time this has happened and probably won't be the last; ...after all, life's not perfect. But enough is enough! Seems they're shooting themselves in the foot so-to-speak with some contradictions to their own policies. Gotta play fair or ya get thrown outta the sandbox_(Internet in this case).

I used to grab (some) offerings of interest right away, but I got burned one day with a 3 hr headache to cleanup and no longer trusted GOTD to be safe dwnlds. Like you, I now wait till later in the day when all the dust settles to see weather or not it's a worthy dwnld if I'm interested. More and more I find a lot of the offerings are beta at best and just using us as a test site (which I fired a very strong comment to GOTD and was ignored; which is about the time my comments started being ignored), or contrary to the essence of the stated policy/goal of GOTD, have been some limited/crippled trial offerings (such as today).

Overall GOTD is a great site with a fantastic concept. Yet the PTB don't seem too concerned about the complaints as stated here today and the site just comes off as one sided, ...theirs. Oh a few negative comments get through on occasion, but try telling a crapware developer/vendor the real truth about some garbage they're trying to pass off as quality software and see how far you get. Like me you'll be ignored, blacklisted, or filtered. Either way you can't get your 2 cents in, good or bad.

I hope they fire the vendor up as well, and usually it seems GOTD does try to make good on major boo-boo's.

Dummies? You referring to the community (which definitely have some), or the folks behind the scenes here at GOTD? I'll hold my tong about the folks behind the scenes until further down the road if they manage to survive very long. At the rate they're going, as I stated earlier, their integrity is slowly coming into question with the mounting complaints and screw-ups. Time will tell! I hang in here because I DO think it's a great idea and hope all the wrinkles get ironed out (like the posting issue(s)).

Wiz011 is a prime example of what GOTD's actions (or lack thereof) are doing to the community that makes this site what it is. GOTD can think all day long that there's a none stop line of people out there, but once you get a reputation you can't shake it for years, if ever. And the one they are starting to get isn't the one I'd like if this were my baby.

@ Wiz011: Don't let these shortcomings turn you away. I have my limits too, but without voices like ours speaking out, this site will never be all it can be. And that's evident by the things happening now and why they need our input. I speak bluntly sometimes only to get their attention, but I am only one voice. If we all help GOTD to see things from our perspective, then just maybe it will eventually turn into the greatest software offering option to ever hit the Internet! Otherwise, if we just walk away when ignored and hurt, then this site will join the others as a 'flash in the pan' of Internet history and only be a footnote at best to remember. Come on back in and share your views! After all, isn't that what this is all about?! ...to share our views with all parties concerned so that all can make adjustments for the betterment of one another, from developers to end users, and all parties in-between? Think about it. There's power in numbers, and with you out of the picture, that's one less to speak from our side of the fence.

Regards......

Edit by BigThunder1;

I'll be dipped in whatever sauce is handy! It only took 6 hours and I'm going to assume a boatload of bitchin', but my comment was actually posted today!

Will wonders never cease? Let's hope this isn't a fluke. As stated, time will tell. I'm watching you GOTD as are others, and I'm not going away anytime soon.

Thanks for posting my comment up finally.

Posted 17 years ago #

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