uTorrent Makes New Ads Optional
BitTorrent does an about face on advertising plans.
Last week uTorrent made headlines when it announced plans to introduce sponsored content into users' torrent lists. Specifically, the company said users would soon start seeing a featured torrent at the top of their torrents list. uTorrent said this spot would be used to offer a variety of different types of content and that the site is working towards "bringing [users] offers that are relevant to [them]." However, it seems many weren't happy with the idea of sponsored content polluting their feeds, and now BitTorrent Inc, the parent company of uTorrent, is rushing to appease its users.
At the time of the announcement, TorrentFreak reported on some of the details, writing that users would not be able to switch these 'ads' off. However, the site today quotes BitTorrent CEO Eric Klinker as saying an opt-out method has always been on the cards. Klinker said that considering the backlash from users, they'll be offering an opt-out option from the beginning.
"We've long contemplated an opt-out mechanism for the new offers and advertisements we will be experimenting with. Given all that's been said here, we've decided to release the initial version with an opt-out mechanism. Users should have the choice to opt-out, and we will provide them with ways to do so," said BitTorrent CEO Eric Klinker.
Additionally, Klinker explained that the money raised from this type of advertising would be put towards the development of future technologies.
"Opt-in offer experiences also help us bring new levels of investment; not just to the uTorrent client, but also to future iterations of peer-to-peer technology," he said. "In other words: experiments like this can help prove to the world that there is a legitimate third way in digital distribution."
The sponsored torrents will be used for promoting content from advertisers as well as for important updates and to promote artists. It's not yet clear when uTorrent plans to introduce this new sponsored content.
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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schnitter I had BitTorrent and uTorrent installed to add the "important" to one and the "get later" on the other.Reply
Since both are the same, as soon as I saw BitTorrent throw ads, I downloaded a uTorrent installer before it got infested with ads too and removed BitTorrent.
I have since, copied uTorrent ad-free installer in 4 different locations and will never update as long as ads are there.
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internetlad schnitterI had BitTorrent and uTorrent installed to add the "important" to one and the "get later" on the other.Since both are the same, as soon as I saw BitTorrent throw ads, I downloaded a uTorrent installer before it got infested with ads too and removed BitTorrent.I have since, copied uTorrent ad-free installer in 4 different locations and will never update as long as ads are there.Reply
Yeah, because these guys should all work for free making, testing and debugging this software? Ha ha FUCK EM!
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schnitter internetladYeah, because these guys should all work for free making, testing and debugging this software? Ha ha FUCK EM!Reply
Actually, there is a big Donation button which I have used. So long as ads are there, though, they can make the donation button take up 95% of the program and I won't ever click it again.
p.s. Google, is that you? Justifying Ads, it must be. -
Onus A better way would be to make the ads "opt-in." Maybe have several types available for selection. Explain to people why they might want the ads (e.g. to hear a new artist, or learn of a new utility, etc) and then let them choose; but the default must be no ads.Reply
I might want to hear some new music, or grab a game demo or DLC, but I don't need or want credit offers or restaurant coupons, all my body parts are the right size, and I have no interest in "dating" sites or seeing teens with farm animals. -
Murissokah Users can always opt-out... by choosing a different software. Whenever you try to tell people what is "relevant to them", you lose a lot of business.Reply -
paulemannsen that useless adware for my "convenience" was the last straw i needed to finally delete utorrent. shame, cause i remember times where it was 200kb of pure greatness. qbittorrent is doing fine so far.Reply