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BitTorrent Tries To Appease Users By Making Torrent Ads Optional

Posted by timothy on from the readers-have-long-memories dept.

hypnosec writes "BitTorrent has backtracked on their stance that uTorrent ads cannot be 'turned off,' following a user revolt. They announced that users can opt-out of sponsored torrents if they don't wish to see them. Last weekend BitTorrent announced it would make uTorrent ad-enabled and that it would have a 'sponsored torrents' feature which couldn't be disabled. As one would have imagined, this didn't go over well with many users, and they let out their anger on the uTorrent forums. 'You seriously think that uTorrent is going to survive now? The Admin/Devs are seriously deluded. Pure greed has turned your once loved app into a bloated and buggy cash cow,' said one user."

8 of 215 comments (clear)

  1. Kickstarter by Ginger+Unicorn · · Score: 5, Insightful

    A better approach would be to set up a Kickstarter campaign outlining all the work that needs to be done and who needs to be paid for their efforts, and how much money it will take to support this for 6 months or 12 months or something. They would sail past their reqested amount long before the deadline. Vaguely similar to the humble bundle approach in a way.

    They could make a big deal out of how this approach means they avoid needing advertising sponsors.

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    (1.21 gigawatts) / (88 miles per hour) = 30 757 874 newtons
    1. Re:Kickstarter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The typical torrent user gets their content there because it's a more convenient, higher quality product, as well as free. IE, to avoid unskippable ads, DRM virus-infested always-on games, and the ability to use on any device they want with a minimum of bullshit. Torrent users also spend more on legal content than non-torrent users; not sure where you're getting your FUD.

      Not saying the price isn't part of the selling point, but when the only legal alternatives are ten years behind on quality and convenience how can you honestly expect people to pay more for it?

    2. Re:Kickstarter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Torrent users also spend more on legal content than non-torrent users;

      Legal fees and settlements don't count.

  2. Re:LOL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Or use any of the multitude of other clients.

  3. I Completely Agree With the Outrage! by Revotron · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It's not like BitTorrent is a widely-known standardized protocol with a handful of existing open-source clients...

    ...Oh. Wait.

  4. free = you are the product being sold by hierophanta · · Score: 5, Insightful

    nowadays "free" all too often means you are the product being sold.

    1. Re:free = you are the product being sold by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 5, Insightful

      "its free, stop complaining".

      no. because I am not paying cash money for something does NOT mean its free.

      "hey, I just have to give my email and fill out this survey and I get $10!"

      its also not free.

      people, please learn what you give up for so-called 'free things'.

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      "It is now safe to switch off your computer."
  5. Re:Or pay for... by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 5, Funny

    Next you'll be killing babies

    or puppies:

    # rm -f puppylinux.iso

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    "It is now safe to switch off your computer."