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June 21, 2006
Sign up for our free trial! (Give us your soulllll...)
Anyone in the game industry is probably familiar with this debate, but I must admit, I've become somewhat thick-skinned on this issue, now being on the business side.
We had a bit of an "open discussion" (read "argument") today about the use of websites such as IGN to host free demos and beta programs. I've always found community folk to be particularly opinionated about this. The issue is whether or not it is a turn-off for people who come to your website to sign up for a free beta, who then get redirected to a third party website where they are encouraged to "sign-up" to download without a wait. Critics might say:
* It's a turn off, what does this website have to do with the beta?
* I don't want to sign up for spam!
* Why can't I download it from the company website for free?
I say, "what's the big deal?" Transmitting a 2GB file isn't FREE. Working with a partner offsets the cost and helps get the word out.
So, quit being a pansy. Either wait in line (download manager anyone?) or better yet, just sign up and opt out already. Sheesh.
Would I like to always provide a direct download without a 3rd party? Well, sure, that would be nice, but unfortunately, not every organization can afford to bear that burden.
So, what do you think, is having to register with a 3rd party to accelerate a free trial download a big turn off for you? Hmm..maybe I need to upgrade my blog so I can do polls again...
Posted by SunSword at June 21, 2006 05:28 PM