Top Story by Iambic Software

[benjie]

A few of you may be aware that Iambic Software has released a "free" RSS reader called "Top Story." The application license makes no mention that it is supported by adware and no indication is given that when uninstalled, files are left on the device. The license indicates that advertisements may be received; however, it does not state that the application is supported by adware and that they are looking at "residual" benefits to it being on the device. As a note, Iambic does not consider it unethical to do this without obtaining permission or providing notice.

Ben

[mcapehart]

Anyone reading this that has concerns, please see here.

[benjie]

Michael, thank you for addressing this issue. In response, it is to everyone's advantage to be up front. Nothing I came across mentioned it was "adware," that files would stay on the device, et cetera. Files that stay on the device upon uninstall is an issue as there are devices in the world of Palm that do not have RAM to spare, as evidenced by the 600 and especially the 650. Granted the files remaining in RAM upon deletion do not cause any problems UNLESS one is already running with little if any RAM to spare.

Ethics - be up front - everyone wins. Spyware/adware placed without approval is just plain wrong. Michael, I am very sure if you installed an application on your device that had adware without your knowledge, you would be concerned.

Ben

Below is the text of the link Michael posted:

Hi,

since we spotted someone out there on blogs / news sites posting negative comments about TopStory and specifically in regards to:

1. us not mentioning that the product is Ad-supported

2. some of the files it installs remaining on the device upon uninstall

We are going to do something proactive and address what above here.

In regards to 1, the ad-supported part is clearly explained in at least 3 specific areas:

- in the End User License Agreement available for review when downloading the application
- in the End User License Agreement included in the user manual
- in the End User License Agreement the user has to acknowledge (the dialog with the "I Agree" "I Disagree" buttons) appearing the first time the application is started on the device.

In regards to point 2, we are aware of a few files left over upon uninstall, and we are working on addressing the issue. Not that they cause any problem if left around, but if you wish to remove them upon having uninstalled TopStory, here you go:

- Palm OS: using filez or similar file browsing app, go in the file list, sort by creator, and delete everything with creator "Soma".
- Windows Mobile: using the file browser, visit the folder \windows\ and delete the files named "SomaLibrary" and "SomaDatabase"

Regards,

- Adriano

Anyone reading this that has concerns, please see here.