How to Lose a Software Sale

I’ve finally decided that I’m going to start monkeying around with the next version of the .NET Framework.  Since this is what I do for a living, I guess I should get on with learning how to use the next big thing.  To help keep my machine stable, I decided I was going to evaluate both Microsoft’s Virtual PC and VMWare’s Workstation 4 and use one for installing all of the .NET 2.0 beta stuff.  That way I could keep my current install stable and not worry about the beta code messing anything up.

I downloaded the eval version of Virtual PC with no problem.  Then I went to the VMWare site and found the page for Workstation 4.  When I clicked the “Try Now” button I was met with a long form for contact information.  This is kinda cheezy, but I’ve done this before.  I was starting to fill it out when I read this disclaimer above the form….

“If you download an evaluation copy of this product or request an evaluation license for this product you are consenting to receive e-mail advertisements and marketing materials from VMware and you are consenting to have VMware share your contact information, and other information you provide to VMware, with third party distributors and resellers who may contact you and send advertisements and marketing materials to you via e-mail. If you do not want to give your consent to receive this e-mail, then do not participate in this evaluation program.”

What a bunch of assholes.  They are basically saying, “Hi, potential customer.  For the privilege of trying out our product, we are going to spam the shit out of you and give your personal information to whoever we feel like, regardless of whether you want to buy our product or not.  If you don’t want us to do this stuff, then don’t buy our product.  PS - FU.”

I guess I know which product I’ll be using.  That certainly saved me some time.  Go to hell, VMWare.