My goals for Confessions of a freeware junkie:
I know there are a lot of other freeware sites out there, and I also know that some go over the software in a very thorough manner (I link to a few of them on my site - Freeware Genius being my favorite). With that being said, I like to take a slightly different approach to software that I review, using experience, insight, and a little humor to help you determine if the program I'm reviewing is right for you.
My end goal for 'CFJ' is not to be the end-all be-all best freeware blog on the Internet, but to give you, the reader, an opinion that you can take with you when you try the software out for yourself (or perhaps when you read other blogs about a program I reviewed). That is why I will always support other freeware sites, and will sometimes refer you to them if need be so you can make an informed decision.
Just because a program is free doesn't mean that you should use it...A free piece of junk is still a piece of junk. :)
About how the blog entries work:
When I post about software, it is free to use, whether that be for home, commercial use, or both. Never will I knowingly review a piece of software that has adware/spyware or other embedded feature. Similarly, I will not review time-limited software or shareware, with exception to some circumstances when the limited version only allows you to connect to a lesser number of resources (technically perhaps becoming a complete solution for some small offices). For example, a few of Paessler's products fill this niche.
I try to list the major features and surprises that I find with each program, often quoting the original author's website if necessary. I will also offer up what I see as 'likes' and 'dislikes' (things maybe didn't work as expected or could be improved upon). Sometimes I will give you some creative scenarios that weren't really intended by the author. Finally, I will try to list a few free alternate titles that you might be interested in, if the reviewed title isn't quite your fancy.
I also try to email each author of the software I review so they are aware of the press they are getting from a small-time blogger like me.
Occasionally, I might (but haven't yet - - wondering if I should nix this?) review a gadget or piece of hardware...obviously, you can't really get hardware for free these days, so...
Bonus for RSS feed subscribers!
I also have my shared del.icio.us bookmarks syndicated with my Feedburner RSS feed. What this means is that as I go on about my day and find interesting sites, services, or software (all being free), you get to see them too (denoted by "[del.icio.us]" at the end of the subject)! These might be items of interest for me, but I just didn't have the time to fully evaluate as of yet.
Summary
I created this blog initially as a way to keep track of the great software I would find and refer my friends to it (and also to remind myself). This obviously took off into a slightly bigger (not necessarily newer) direction. But, the end-result is still the same: Keep track of all this great free stuff!
I love freeware, when I say 'freeware junkie' I mean it. As such, I'm always on the hunt for something better, and if I find something I like, I think that others can definitely benefit from it.
I know there are a lot of other freeware sites out there, and I also know that some go over the software in a very thorough manner (I link to a few of them on my site - Freeware Genius being my favorite). With that being said, I like to take a slightly different approach to software that I review, using experience, insight, and a little humor to help you determine if the program I'm reviewing is right for you.
My end goal for 'CFJ' is not to be the end-all be-all best freeware blog on the Internet, but to give you, the reader, an opinion that you can take with you when you try the software out for yourself (or perhaps when you read other blogs about a program I reviewed). That is why I will always support other freeware sites, and will sometimes refer you to them if need be so you can make an informed decision.
Just because a program is free doesn't mean that you should use it...A free piece of junk is still a piece of junk. :)
About how the blog entries work:
When I post about software, it is free to use, whether that be for home, commercial use, or both. Never will I knowingly review a piece of software that has adware/spyware or other embedded feature. Similarly, I will not review time-limited software or shareware, with exception to some circumstances when the limited version only allows you to connect to a lesser number of resources (technically perhaps becoming a complete solution for some small offices). For example, a few of Paessler's products fill this niche.
I try to list the major features and surprises that I find with each program, often quoting the original author's website if necessary. I will also offer up what I see as 'likes' and 'dislikes' (things maybe didn't work as expected or could be improved upon). Sometimes I will give you some creative scenarios that weren't really intended by the author. Finally, I will try to list a few free alternate titles that you might be interested in, if the reviewed title isn't quite your fancy.
I also try to email each author of the software I review so they are aware of the press they are getting from a small-time blogger like me.
Occasionally, I might (but haven't yet - - wondering if I should nix this?) review a gadget or piece of hardware...obviously, you can't really get hardware for free these days, so...
Bonus for RSS feed subscribers!
I also have my shared del.icio.us bookmarks syndicated with my Feedburner RSS feed. What this means is that as I go on about my day and find interesting sites, services, or software (all being free), you get to see them too (denoted by "[del.icio.us]" at the end of the subject)! These might be items of interest for me, but I just didn't have the time to fully evaluate as of yet.
Summary
I created this blog initially as a way to keep track of the great software I would find and refer my friends to it (and also to remind myself). This obviously took off into a slightly bigger (not necessarily newer) direction. But, the end-result is still the same: Keep track of all this great free stuff!
I love freeware, when I say 'freeware junkie' I mean it. As such, I'm always on the hunt for something better, and if I find something I like, I think that others can definitely benefit from it.
5 comments:
Thanks for submitting your 10 Questions to BlogsWeLuv. Sorry it has taken me a few days to make it over here to look around. I like what you're doing with the blog! :)
I'll let you know when we post your questions! Have a wonderful evening!
Hey, its Rel from AppAholic. You have no contact us so I guess this will have to do.
Please can you update the link on your site to www.appaholic.co.uk
cheers
Rel
@Rel
OK - I changed the link, it should be good to go.
Thanks for reminding me! I knew that you had changed it, but didn't even think about switching it, what with the holidays and all...
Best regards,
Rob
Hey Rob,
Just wanted to let you know that PacketTrap's free-forever network management software, pt360, is out there and ready for your readers to download! Would love to give you a live demo if you've got 10 minutes. We think we fit your 'bill' - help people do their jobs, low cost (free), and although every vendor says their product is simple, we're setting a new bar. Oh, and open source applications can be integrated - which people are doing to leverage our snazzy interface. Please let me know. Thanks! Anna
Stumbled a cross a site you may like - basically just another freeware site, but it seems like a good one, it's at consilium-usa.com.
That's it, would've emailed it but there's no contact info here.
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