
Kazaa Media Desktop Removed From Download.com
#1
Posted 18 May 2004 - 02:53 AM
Traditionally, Sharman has used Download.com to distribute new versions of KMD. Results from download.com helped to substantiate claims that Kazaa Media Desktop is the most downloaded program ever.
However, users hunting for the latest release of Kazaa at Download.com will be disappointed. Download.com has replaced the KMD download page with a message informing users that the program, at the request of Sharman, can now only be downloaded from the official KMD website.
Speculation quickly circulated that this action was taken as Sharman felt pressure on their business plan. Sharman create revenue streams by including spyware and adware within the main P2P application. This plan is not seen by some as compatible with the Download.com environment. Ad-Aware, which is often considered the antithesis of KMD, as it removes spyware and adware, received publicity for taking the number 1 spot from KMD at download.com. Also, fans of other file sharing applications left comments for potential KMD users, informing them of the extra software bundled with Kazaa.
Others believe that it is all part of Sharman’s attempts to have full control. Something they can not achieve whilst outsourcing.
Upon questioning, Sharman did not deny these theories. Instead, they praise Download.com for being an effective distribution channel. However, as the company and their product portfolio grow, they feel that download.com can not sufficiently consolidate the download figures. Sharman also want “a change in the method by which it records the downloads of its various applications.”
Whether this is sufficient to quash the rumors will be seen at a later date. Sharman has always been on the secretive side regarding their software, and this latest move only heightens one’s curiosity. We have stated in the past it would take a miracle to save FastTrack from the approaching storm of eDonkey2000/Overnet, perhaps they plan to create just that.
Origin of Story
— Antoine de Saint-Exupery
#2
Posted 18 May 2004 - 07:13 AM
Interesting. Were they trying to avoid the comments? They're not trying to save bandwidth, as download.com directly connects to their servers to download the .exe file.
#3
Guest_Ghost_*
Posted 18 May 2004 - 08:12 AM
#4
Posted 19 May 2004 - 03:01 PM
i think there is politics in this for sure.
Putting quotes around posts does not protect you from copy right infringement.</b>
<img src="http://img54.photobu...r_wawadave.gif" border="0" alt="IPB Image" />
#5
Posted 19 May 2004 - 04:17 PM
#6
Guest_Ghost_*
Posted 20 May 2004 - 10:04 AM
Apparently lots of people like crap.Traditionally, Sharman has used Download.com to distribute new versions of KMD. Results from download.com helped to substantiate claims that Kazaa Media Desktop is the most downloaded program ever.
#7
Posted 26 May 2004 - 02:02 AM
#8
Posted 26 May 2004 - 04:20 PM
Not a crappy program, just crap, as is any so called "tool" that enables people to rip off and financially hurt those that work hard to create something, only to watch someone oblivious to that fact dance off with it without truly appreciating everything that went in to it.
So it's gone from download.com, big deal, It won't be missed in the long run.
#10
Guest_Ghost_*
Posted 26 May 2004 - 06:02 PM
With this point of view why don't you just eliminate ALL file sharing programs all together? Even the ones that are clean? People aren't allowed to share thier photos? or their videos they've made? Writing and so on...It is crap.
Not a crappy program, just crap, as is any so called "tool" that enables people to rip off and financially hurt those that work hard to create something, only to watch someone oblivious to that fact dance off with it without truly appreciating everything that went in to it.
So it's gone from download.com, big deal, It won't be missed in the long run.
Oh wait, lets go a step further and destroy every tape recorder on earth. We certainly wouldn't want kids making mix tapes from the songs they record on the radio.
#11
Posted 26 May 2004 - 11:14 PM
I mentioned nothing at all about sharing personal photos, etc. that individuals make and wish to share with others. I'm sorry if that was misunderstood. Shareware and personal creations like that get handed around all the time
What I was addressing is software, etc. that is made with the intention of being sold for income, only to have other people come along and find a way to make copies and pass those around for free while the people that worked hard to make the original receive nothing for their efforts.
Kazaa is just one of many such tools that has enabled people to get their hands on various bits of software, media, etc. without paying the original creators, and in most cases, many of these people aren't even aware that they have "cheated" the original creators in any way (take a look at all the people having charges thrown at them these days for downloading something and not realizing it was wrong to begin with).
Understand, I've personally dealt with having my own ideas and work stolen in the past, so I have little respect for people that find ways to steal ideas and products from others.
But that doesn't stop me from appreciating creations intended to be shared. Like my cheesy avatar here for everyone to see and laugh at (I did that one in Windows paint of all programs, one of these days, I'll change it to something better, heh)
#12
Guest_Ghost_*
Posted 27 May 2004 - 12:55 AM
#13
Posted 27 May 2004 - 03:00 AM
It's not the techmology that need to be blamed. It's the humans that abuse it.
— Antoine de Saint-Exupery
#14
Posted 27 May 2004 - 09:09 AM
It's a shame that so many people are lacking in self control. It would be better if some of that technology were not available to begin with to tempt them, but nothing in life is that easy.

#15
Guest_Ghost_*
Posted 27 May 2004 - 12:29 PM
So are you against technology? Surely the first caveman who created an axe for cutting down trees would have been tempted to misuse it.It would be better if some of that technology were not available to begin with to tempt them, but nothing in life is that easy.
#16
Posted 27 May 2004 - 12:42 PM

Technology helps us in many ways. Men will find ways to abuse it no matter how sophisticated it is. You can kill a man with a rifle, but you can also kill him with a stone.
You can steal with a P2P program, but you can also shoplift from a CD store, or copy from a friend (remember audio tapes?). We cannot stop technological development. It all comes down to education, eventually.
Don't forget that the western culture is that of capitalism - the more you have, the better you are. Children are raised that way, and this is how they see things when they grow up. The gaps between rich and poor are getting larger all the time, so no wonder some will do almost anything to try to "even the score".
I know it sounds a bit philosophical, but it's very real. It's mankind that does the harm, not the internet or the computers.
— Antoine de Saint-Exupery
#17
Posted 27 May 2004 - 05:22 PM
It would be better if some of that technology were not available to begin with to tempt them, but nothing in life is that easy.
Some technology, Ghost, not all. Matters are never just Black or White, always somewhere in the grey between. As for the "caveman," I'm sure the first one to use an axe "misused" it on someone else rather than as a tool.
As for your view Sharklady, I agree that humans are ultimately responsible for the use, and therefore any harm caused through the misuse of some technology. It's not a matter of stopping technology, but encouraging the direction in which it is developed. There will always, as you say, be those that abuse what's available to them, but that does not excuse the rest of us from not making an effort to both encourage the development of helpful (not damaging, whether financial or otherwise) technology, and educating others in its proper use. Not only with technology, but all areas, as well.
You're right though, education is ultimately the most crucial factor.
We cannot afford to overlook that.
#18
Guest_Ghost_*
Posted 27 May 2004 - 06:25 PM
To be honest, it's really all of technology that has the potential to be misused and singling out peer to peer programs would be unfair. At least we agree it's the responsibility of mankind to do what's right.Some technology, Ghost, not all.
As for your view Sharklady, I agree that humans are ultimately responsible for the use, and therefore any harm caused through the misuse of some technology.