Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: zfactor on June 03, 2010, 01:49:32 AM
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why on earth do i have A NEW AD!!!! in my PAID avast internet security?? from iyogi?? this is ridiculous how do i make this go away. if i continue to get adds in paid versions i will look elsewhere one of the reasons i PAY for my av's, i do see they provide free support for 30 days but they are in fact trying to sell you their services...i called the number to see
please respond avast...
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Ads in the paid version...?? :(
asyn
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I, thankfully, have no such ad on my AIS.
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i only got it after a update tonight
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Whats your virus definition number?
I'm at 100602-1.
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same one here... so why do i have the garbage.. im very upset im seeing ads
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Cannot say I blame you there. I would also be upset. And will be, if this lands on my AIS.
Paid software should not carry ads.
Especially 3rd party ads.
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No AD'S in mine.
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just uninstalled with the removal tool. cleaned leftovers, reinstalled, avast updated and within maybe 3 seconds the add popped up again. im VERY UPSET. anyone from avast listening?? its on all 12 of our pc's with avast is PAID !!!!!! yes i have 12 pc's with 3 year subscriptions on all of them, for the money i spent with avast this is extremely annoying
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Ads?
Isn't it free support from a reseller? ???
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free for 30 days, i called and ALL THEY DO is try to upsell you on paid services, they offer service to protect all you other computers WITHOUT AVAST as well as other electronics etc...
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free for 30 days, i called and ALL THEY DO is try to upsell you on paid services, they offer service to protect all you other computers WITHOUT AVAST as well as other electronics etc...
Unacceptable in the pro version.
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I would find that unacceptable even in the free program to get ads for 3rd party stuff. No problem with an ad trying to promote the paid products of Avast Software, or I would be blocking avastUI in my firewall.
Though in the AIS I think that the avastUI connects for other things other than loading the ad in the free version (as Logos has mentioned before).
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I would find that unacceptable even in the free program to get ads for 3rd party stuff. No problem with an ad trying to promote the paid products of Avast Software.
+1
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Sounds like something McAfee or Symantec would try and do.
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No AD'S in mine.
Me neither (PRO)
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so how the heck do i get rid of this garbage?? is there even a way??? if i can not get rid of ads im gone and will find another av
EDIT WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO ADD 127.0.0.1 program.avast.com TO MY HOST FILE TO GET RID OF THIS CRAP???
btw this is their web site... http://www.iyogi.net/virus-removal.html
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No ads here either (yet..).
When I first saw zfactor's post at Wilders, I thought he'd posted in Sanskrit! (see image)
The problem with this kind of promotion is that it's not targeted.
I too am using AIS commercially. I don't need 3rd party support - I am the support.
I wouldn't really have a problem if an ad like this appeared but I fully understand that some people do/would,
and that makes any such 'scattergun' marketing tool unwise and unacceptable.
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Hello folks. Many of you know me, if you don't I am the Avast CEO. Thanks for all the feedback and reactions. This is a trial of providing free phone support to paid users. It is a short term trial to gauge the usefulness of the support and the community reaction.Please do give us your comments. We have noticed lately that we have more and more new users that need help in installation, removing viruses, etc. And we did not have the capability of providing telephone support for them. It is not an advertisement or a way of us making money.
The business model is that iYogi handles calls from avast customers for free--to help them with installation, product issues, removing viruses, etc. After helping the customer, iYogi does offer to sell the customer a service contract for complete PC and home electronics support.
Please feel free to give me any feedback you have--positive and negative. The more detailed the better. you can leave it here on the forum or email me directly to steckler at avast.com. Thanks much
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Hello folks. Many of you know me, if you don't I am the Avast CEO. Thanks for all the feedback and reactions. This is a trial of providing free phone support to paid users. It is a short term trial to gauge the usefulness of the support and the community reaction.Please do give us your comments. We have noticed lately that we have more and more new users that need help in installation, removing viruses, etc. And we did not have the capability of providing telephone support for them. It is not an advertisement or a way of us making money. Please feel free to give me any feedback you have--positive and negative. The more detailed the better. you can leave it here on the forum or email me directly to steckler at avast.com. Thanks much
Hi steckler (Boss) ;D
This may be helpful and is worth considering, even with the ad. If the above was implemented would all paid users have access or would it just be to selected countries.
I have not received any ads yet.
Cheers :)
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Hi crofty59
I am also in Australia and receiving the iyogi ads on my summary, current status page.
We don't need things like this when we pay good money for a program which is supposed to be advert free.
Tezzer :o
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Hi crofty59
I am also in Australia and receiving the iyogi ads on my summary, current status page.
We don't need things like this when we pay good money for a program which is supposed to be advert free.
Tezzer :o
Hi Tezzer
Cheers at least now i know Australia is on the list.
crofty59 :)
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i DO NOT WANT ADS! if this is your direction ill be switching i PAID for a av to not have ads or i would use the free version with a firewall.. this is VERY dissapointing to me
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According to Avast's CEO this Ad is only a trial and is for FREE PHONE SUPPORT for paid versions os Avast, i really don't think this is a problem but that's just my opinion ::)
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I am very disappointed with avast right now....
It sounds all nice with the "free" phone support
thing, (that really is not free if you have to listen to a sales pitch),
and it seems they can take time to INSERT a freakin ad into the updates
yet they cannot INSERT a freakin fix to some of the problems people are having.
Now, I have been very patient...but even my patience has limits.
If the techs at avast are reading this...you guys need to get on the damn stick
and start servicing the public. I do not mind helping when I can, but YOU need
to participate.
My two cents.... >:(
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Hello folks. Many of you know me, if you don't I am the Avast CEO. Thanks for all the feedback and reactions. This is a trial of providing free phone support to paid users. It is a short term trial to gauge the usefulness of the support and the community reaction.Please do give us your comments. We have noticed lately that we have more and more new users that need help in installation, removing viruses, etc. And we did not have the capability of providing telephone support for them. It is not an advertisement or a way of us making money.
The business model is that iYogi handles calls from avast customers for free--to help them with installation, product issues, removing viruses, etc. After helping the customer, iYogi does offer to sell the customer a service contract for complete PC and home electronics support.
Please feel free to give me any feedback you have--positive and negative. The more detailed the better. you can leave it here on the forum or email me directly to steckler at avast.com. Thanks much
Feedback.
"It is not an advertisement or a way of us making money".
No?? If Avast wants to safe money by outsourcing, and by doing so, making more revenue in the end, fine. But if that means at the expense that I have to look at an avertisement every time I open the GUI, its goodbye from this paid multiple license user. If I wanted a avertisement I good have taken the free version.
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I just found out when opening Avast UI, was gonna start a new thread, not needed obviously >>> I deeply disagree with the procedure >>> that's adware, sponsorware, whatever you wanna call it, no such thing should be present on the pro/AIS versions. Absolutely unacceptable guys.
>>> blocking Avast UI should get rid of that, no problem for the "free" version, but that's an issue on AIS as network utilities need avastUI to connect...
and here's a link to the sponsor's site:
http://www.iyogi.net/
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+ see what's advertised, see how the girl is supposed to look like in AvastUI, and how she really is on iYogi's site, I'm really disappointed ;D
ps: the UI pic is really trying to fool the user :D >>> malwaretising this is ;D
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adding, on a more serious note, if that's the answer Avast can give to address the lack of support issue for paying and non-paying customers through ticket submission, that's a bit pathetic ::) ...people requesting support need to get it from Avast, from Avast technicians, and no one else, period. If you can't provide it say the software, paid as non-paid, has no support, but don't be misleading by orientating users to a third party solution selling services. That's obnoxious.
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+ see what's advertised, see how the girl is supposed to look like in AvastUI, and how she really is on iYogi's site, I'm really disappointed ;D
ps: the UI pic is really trying to fool the user :D >>> malwaretising this is ;D
How exactly is it trying to fool the user?
By having the face of someone who has written a testimonial?
I think rather than discuss the ad, which we know is not popular, I'd say time is better spent discussing the idea of the support being provided by another company...and how you would feel about that.
Just my thoughts...
-Scott-
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Just my thoughts...
-Scott-
try to think harder, I posted 3 times above your post, and the second post, the one you're quoting, was a joke, but you missed that, right? ;D
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Well, no one really knows with you... ::)
At least you were serious with the last post for a change...and my thoughts were about the last part of my post, not my reference to your post...
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Well, no one really knows with you... ::)
At least you were serious with the last post for a change...and my thoughts were about the last part of my post, not my reference to your post...
what are you talking about...read, and then talk...if you got something to say ::)
ps: again, you failed to understand what was obviousuly a joke, and you're trying to justify it by a ridiculous "Well, no one really knows with you... ::) " ...
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How exactly is it trying to fool the user?
By having the face of someone who has written a testimonial?
I think rather than discuss the ad, which we know is not popular, I'd say time is better spent discussing the idea of the support being provided by another company...and how you would feel about that.
Just my thoughts...
-Scott-
The idea of OUTSOURCING services for products that claim to have manufacturing support, NO MATTER WHAT THE PRODUCT is misleading, bad business practice, bad for employment, which in turn is bad for whatever economy that business is in.
I am sorry if my opinion seems harsh..but I AM THE PRODUCT of OUTSOURCING. I watched as job sectors that I had been working in for 20 freakin years disappeared because it was cheaper to outsource in a country that had NO worker rights protections in place. The end result was a horrible shift in customer service that NO ONE likes, but because it is so wide spread, people now have to put up with POOR service because that is their only choice.
Avast, if that is the direction you intend to go, I will have NO PROBLEM removing this software from my system.
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Gee, I was just thinking about upgrading to the 'paid' version with Firewall or IS. Not now.
Just my opinion, but I think using ads IS NOT the way to go. I know from dealing with McAfee years ago it was a mistake they made which cost them the loss of many customers. ::)
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....not even mentioning that support provided to those in need might be even worse. All these "PC support" "companies" are just there to grab your bucks...they know nothing about computers, they most likely know nothing about Avast products, they will try to teach you how to enter your credit card number if you wanna know more about how to install/uninstall a product, any product ;D
You wanted some feed back on this new initiative? you got it. I haven't decided what I was gonna do yet...with Avast5 IS.
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I just switched from Kaspersky IS less than a week. Fortunately at this moment there is no ad yet in my country and zfactor did bring out this noise hopefully can stop steckler from implementing this idea. If avast! sincere in asking opinion, why not a sticky poll getting feedback before implementing this idea ?
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I just switched from Kaspersky IS less than a week. Fortunately at this moment there is no ad yet in my country and zfactor did bring out this noise hopefully can stop steckler from implementing this idea. If avast! sincere in asking opinion, why not a sticky poll getting feedback before implementing this idea ?
Great question. Answer simple:
They are NOT interested in feedback since they have ALREADY
implemented the outsourced service.
But you are correct...why did they not ask first???????
I am guessing they did not think it important enough.
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I have no problem with Avast serving ads for their own products from their own servers via the AvastUI. Third party spamming (possibly from third party servers) should be a non-starter, especially from a security company with the excellent reputation.
Does the ads use Adobe Flash, which would add another security issue? Serving third party ads using Flash is not the same as Flash being used to display the graphs, etc. generated within Avast itself.
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i also would have no issues if this was a ACTUAL avast ad though i would not prefer that. i paid a LOT of money out to avast (12 pc's for 3 years each) and i LOVE this program and i hope i do not have to switch to another av. i would be very sad to leave avast but i do not support this type of thing. i did not mean to step on toes bringing this out and making it known i was simply a very concerned avast user that loves the program and the type of things avast stood for. please do not implement this as you can see people do not want ads... not in the paid version. offer this to your free users which make up most of your base anyway... or as i said allow us to get rid of it which i would gladly do as long as i dont have to see this everytime i open avast
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Would implimenting ADBLOCK delete the AD on an individual basis?
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Would implimenting ADBLOCK delete the AD on an individual basis?
::) ;D Avast is not a browser, no extensions yet ;D >>> you can either use the hosts file or block the connection with a firewall.
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But you are correct...why did they not ask first???????
Cause it would be stupid.
Asking "do you want to have a banner in the program"... is pointless, you'd all answer "no" without thinking (i.e. without giving very useful opinion), so why waste the time?
The real question is - does it help a significant number of users (especially those who need help - and maybe are unfamiliar with the forum, for example) - enough to justify the ad? Does this support provide useful / professional help to the users? It will certainly be tested by us as well - but it can't be done unless it's running for real, because that would hardly be a real-life test if they knew it's only us who could be calling.
Is it helpful to have a toll-free number to call for support? There wasn't any before, and there probably won't be any if this is stopped.
Is it helpful to have a phone support in different timezone (or rather 24/7) than just the usual working hours in Europe?
The particular look of the info page is certainly a question as well.
Etc. etc.
I'm not saying I like it particularly either, but there are things to be considered... I find the "Oh God, there's an AD there... it's evil!" approach a bit shalow. (On the other hand, if it reflects the opinion of most/many, it certainly should be considered, I'm not suggesting to ignore it.)
[Just my personal opinion]
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OOPS, NOW I have the ad. ??? ??? ???
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sucks doesnt it
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@igor
I respect your opinion, and you do bring up
valid points.
Personally, I do not want THIRD PARTY support.
The objection of the ad is just the tip of the complaint.
If I call for support, I DO NOT WANT a sales person trying to sell
services to me..that is NOT why I called. If I call, it is to get support
for a program that is not behaving correctly on my system, either my fault or not.
You are correct, had they asked the PAID customers if they minded a banner in the program,
the answer would have been a resounding NO.
To me, the action taken is underhanded, and something that is NOT expected from a security software company.
But like you, this is just my opinion.
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I guess I'm lucky that all of my customers have netclient versions of avast, and we're still STUCK on 4.8. No ads for me!
*Edit*
I guess I should add that if you have the network version of avast, you wouldn't need to call someone for support anyway, since your IT admin (me) or your consultant (also me) would be the person fixing it.
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Would implimenting ADBLOCK delete the AD on an individual basis?
::) ;D Avast is not a browser, no extensions yet ;D >>> you can either use the hosts file or block the connection with a firewall.
Arghh! Sorry not thinking, grasping at straws. :P
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Where is the ad? I just forced an update and still can't find it. I would expect to find it under the "help center" tab on the status page, where it is mostly invisible to experienced users, and would have no objection to it there, but no such luck. Making it a "push" ad for paid users shouldn't be done, though.
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Well they are hardly likely to push this ad to avast free users as they haven't paid for the product and any that do use iYogi, would presumably be part of what Avast paid iYogi to support. So presumably would be based on the Pro/AIS users getting free support from iYogi.
I feel to have put it in the avastUI summary (as it is in the free version) this will always be perceived as an ad and many people who have paid for the product could have done so to avoid ads and nags, etc.
The difficult thing is how to notify the Pro/AIS user base that this support is available to them and for me that is where the old iNews notifications would have been better for this. A headline 'New Product Support service available for Pro/AIS users' or words to that effect and a link to an avast page with more detailed information.
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Well they are hardly likely to push this ad to avast free users as they haven't paid for the product and any that do use iYogi, would presumably be part of what Avast paid iYogi to support. So presumably would be based on the Pro/AIS users getting free support from iYogi.
I feel to have put it in the avastUI summary (as it is in the free version) this will always be perceived as an ad and many people who have paid for the product could have done so to avoid ads and nags, etc.
The difficult thing is how to notify the Pro/AIS user base that this support is available to them and for me that is where the old iNews notifications would have been better for this. A headline 'New Product Support service available for Pro/AIS users' or words to that effect and a link to an avast page with more detailed information.
Heh, wouldn't that be somethin'
"I had these ads in avast, so I figured that I would pay for the software to get rid of them, and they're still there! please HELP!!"
Can't wait to see that question.
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Just to put in my twopennyworth of feedback:
I have the ad. I don't have any real problem with it - provided it doesn't impact negatively on this forum.
I have used other AV's support helplines in the past, and the support provided always seems to come down to "reinstall". Beyond that they seem useless.
The support this forum provides is far better informed. It is sometimes a bit haphazard in provision - but let's face it, nobody gets paid for helping here, and they are providing a service that avast technical doesn't seem adequately resourced to be able to provide in quantity (the quality of support from the avast team if they can get around to your problem appears excellent from my limited experience).
My guess is that if this Ad puts one avast evangelist off from providing further support via the forum the nett effect for users will be negative. I hope I'm wrong.
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Guys, I'm afraid there's a bit of understanding here.
A few things to explain:
- this is a test to find out the public opinion about the service. Most of the posts in this thread do serve this purpose (--> the opinion so far is mostly negative). But it looks to me that the opinions expressed in this thread are really related to the banner (I wouldn't really call it an "ad", but whatever) and not the actual service. Most people have just dismissed the service saying "it's useless" (or generally, "a 3rd party can't provide a quality service"), but have you actually tested it? So far, we have done a few calls to test it, and the results are not bad. And it would definitely improve over time, as the support engineers get more seasoned. We will continue testing it, and if you feel like it, please do so as well - again, this is just a [time-limited] test.
- outsourcing of support call centers is a reality, and whatever you may think of it, it does make sense. The thing is, very few companies' core business is running a call center, really. This is why most companies today use outsourcing (even though it's "hidden"). You may not realize it, but most of the traffic on support isn't really generated by people with tough problems (such as some of the ones discussed here on the forum). On the contrary, many people just call with relatively simple questions, and all they need is get a good and polite answer. And this is what it's about.
- that said, we're (of course) still running our own support staff. I admit that there are currently some issues that need to be addressed, but saying that our support sucks (in general) is very unfair. People who come here and complain about poor support only represent a tip of the iceberg -- you don't see the authors of the hundreds of tickets that get resolved every day here.
- I agree that the current design of the banner is very unfortunate. We will be changing it shortly. Here's the wireframe of the new box that will be displayed instead. I don't think anyone will have an issue with it (well I hope) - but of course, feel free to comment.
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as i have said whatever banner they use is fine but i dont even want the new one you posted since i would never use it. i also had a freind call and they were very pushy to him and he said she almost was getting rude with him when he didnt want to BUY YES BUY the extended plan or other...i am also going to have my mom and wife call also later today to see how they fare with this company. but so far myself and him have both had VERY pushy sales tactics and i dont need that...
if you can simply provide a check box under main settings to turn this off personally i think that would fix the issue for most if not all users i would be okay with that. i dont see how hard that would be to do and think it would allow you to do what you want for the basic user base and then people like myself who do not want this at all can simply turn it off. otherwise ill leave the entry in my host file which i should not have to do.
re-read the new box... it clearly states they WILL OFFER YOU a chance to BUY a package for support. and trust me they do.
another thing maybe that could work is having it countdown like a trial so after 30 days of the banner make it go away since they are only offering 30 days of use anyway...
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Having a check box in the program settings is something we could definitely do (and most likely will do), but it will require a program update. So please wait till the next program update.
And hey, zfactor, I forgot to say sorry, this really wasn't meant bad...
BTW
another thing maybe that could work is having it countdown like a trial so after 30 days of the banner make it go away since they are only offering 30 days of use anyway...
This is exactly how it works. This is also why the new banner doesn't say anything about the 30 days - it will just disappear.
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I bought AIS knowing that its not made by Symantec, the company that seems to have so much money they use it for spare toilet paper. Avast!'s primary product being free, you guys can't just throw $$$ at a problem till it goes away (problem in this case being solid 24 hour toll-free support).
Whats lacking with this, for me, is choice. A simple yes/no. Especially since its 3rd party.
A better option for me would have been either an additional $5 or $10 for my license in return for this. Or, ideally, a paid support option, as this would let free users sign up, if they so desire.
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that sounds better imo. as long as you give users a way to make their own decision i think most will find that acceptable. i also didnt mean anything bad by this thread i was just a bit shocked and upset to have ads now and i was wondering what ad would come next
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+ see what's advertised, see how the girl is supposed to look like in AvastUI, and how she really is on iYogi's site, I'm really disappointed ;D
lol...!! ;D 8)
asyn
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Vlk,
I still think you should move all that under the Help Center tab where it won't bother the users who don't think they need help and don't want to keep looking at the announcement. And still should be readily accessible to those who do need help, since that is who the tab is for.
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This is exactly how it works. This is also why the new banner doesn't say anything about the 30 days - it will just disappear.
That's much better now, in my opinion.
First the look is not that ad-like anymore and you also get other options for support.
Second I can easier explain things to users if this should pop up in the german versions...
asyn
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Personaly I agree with Ed that this banner/ad doesn't belong on the " Summary " page. I suggest to make a seperate " Support " tab for this on the " Maintenance " page.
Greetz, Red.
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I second that. :)
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I 'third' that... ;D
asyn
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I don't care >>> sorted it by downgrading to "pro", blocked "AvastUI" from a firewall as it's not needed at all in "pro" >>> did the trick the unwanted "message" is gone ;)
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I don't care >>> sorted it by downgrading to "pro", blocked "AvastUI" from a firewall as it's not needed at all in "pro" >>> did the trick the unwanted "message" is gone ;)
Sure you can block it, even in the free version, but one would need a 3rd party firewall.
I guess most AIS users don't run that, as the already have the avast firewall.
And downgrading might work for some of us, but certainly most users wouldn't like to downgrade just to get rid of an 'ad'...
asyn
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Where is the ad? I just forced an update and still can't find it. I would expect to find it under the "help center" tab on the status page, where it is mostly invisible to experienced users, and would have no objection to it there, but no such luck. Making it a "push" ad for paid users shouldn't be done, though.
I just got it for the first time this morning, Ed. You may get it later. Note the time stamp on mine--about 7:30.
Nice to see you.
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No problem on the Free nor Pro version for me.
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I hate ads. This is why I paid for this program. I still have time to get my money back, so PLEASE rethink what you have done.
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No problem on the Free nor Pro version for me.
??? What do you mean, YoKenny..??
asyn
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I don't care >>> sorted it by downgrading to "pro", blocked "AvastUI" from a firewall as it's not needed at all in "pro" >>> did the trick the unwanted "message" is gone ;)
Sure you can block it, even in the free version, but one would need a 3rd party firewall.
I guess most AIS users don't run that, as the already have the avast firewall.
And downgrading might work for some of us, but certainly most users wouldn't like to downgrade just to get rid of an 'ad'...
asyn
considering how good the firewall has been so far, that's no big loss ;D
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No problem on the Free nor Pro version for me.
??? What do you mean, YoKenny..??asyn
I mean no problem for me.
kein problem. :)
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considering how good the firewall has been so far, that's no big loss ;D
Unfortunately that's true, but hopefully just for now...
asyn
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I mean no problem for me.
kein problem. :)
Thanks for the translation.. ;D
But I don't get the meaning of your attached image...
Is it somehow related to this topic..??
asyn
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I mean no problem for me.
kein problem. :)
Thanks for the translation.. ;D
But I don't get the meaning of your attached image...
Is it somehow related to this topic..??
asyn
I see you are stuck here. :)
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Hello again.....Let me try from the beginning. In fact, as so many of you have rightfully pointed out, we (that is me) should have run all this past you earlier. What we are trying to do is to provide more avenues of support for our paid and even eventually free users. Right now users get help in three ways: 1) from the forum via all of you; 2) from our trouble ticketing system; and 3) from family and friends. And then of course, our resellers also help customers but primarily small business customers.
The forum is an excellent way getting help but it tends to be used by more knowledgeable users (for example, my mother could probably not figure out how to post a question on the forum). Questions asked on the forum also tend to be a lot more difficult than the normal question. Second, we do have a trouble ticketing system. Unfortunately though even in the best of times, the turnaround can be a day or more and it is not possible to "hold the user's hand". Third, many (if not most) users do get support from someone they personally know and trust.
So, if we assume that not everyone has a trusted expert personally available, our users can get help from the forum and from the trouble ticketing system. Unfortunately, neither of these are comfortable for a novice user to use. Neither provide instantaneous help and neither allows remote control of a user computer to fix a problem immediately.
As Ondrej has pointed out, the problems you see here on the forum are actually quite a bit more complex than what most of our users see. When we look at the top-10 problems that we get into our tech support via the trouble ticketing system, maybe only two are actually technical problems.
This has also been borne out by the first 12 hours of calls to iYogi. They received 128 calls. Out of the 128 calls, I count less than 10 that are actual technical issues. Half the calls were just on how to install the product. In most of these cases the user just wanted iYogi to install the product for them--they did not even try to install it themselves. Most of the rest of the calls were just questions on how to configure the product, turn off the firewall, etc. 20% the callers took the post-service survey and just over 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with the service.
I realize that the people here on the forum do not need this kind of help. But lots of our users do want this type of help. 80% of our users are computer novices or average users. Those of us here on the forum tend to be the other 20%. We have to try creative ways of supporting these other 80%.
Now I do absolutely agree that the banner in the program was terrible. It has been fixed. Ondrej showed the new wireframe. The actual new screen is now complete and it will be rolled out Friday morning. Until then we have turned off the in-program banner.
This is still just a short term trial--we want to make sure that the users like the service and that they are not abused by the service. It is also only available in English and thus should only even be seen by users in UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
And of course, further comments are more than welcome.
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Mr steckler :)
What do think of my suggestion of implementing this in the Avast! :
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=60375.msg509450#msg509450
Greetz, Red.
P.S. Please can you change you user name AND status ( Admin or Mod ) , so that the forum users KNOW you are the the CEO. Just a friendly advise ;)
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1. This has also been borne out by the first 12 hours of calls to iYogi. They received 128 calls. Out of the 128 calls, I count less than 10 that are actual technical issues. Half the calls were just on how to install the product. In most of these cases the user just wanted iYogi to install the product for them--they did not even try to install it themselves. Most of the rest of the calls were just questions on how to configure the product, turn off the firewall, etc. 20% the callers took the post-service survey and just over 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with the service.
2. I realize that the people here on the forum do not need this kind of help. But lots of our users do want this type of help. 80% of our users are computer novices or average users. Those of us here on the forum tend to be the other 20%. We have to try creative ways of supporting these other 80%.
3. Now I do absolutely agree that the banner in the program was terrible. It has been fixed. Ondrej showed the new wireframe. The actual new screen is now complete and it will be rolled out Friday morning. Until then we have turned off the in-program banner.
4. This is still just a short term trial--we want to make sure that the users like the service and that they are not abused by the service. It is also only available in English and thus should only even be seen by users in UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
1. 50% of the users want them to install it...?? How do they know about iYogi without installing...???
2. I guess it's rather somewhat like 95% to 5% or even lower. ;)
3. As already said in a prior post: It's much better now...!!
4. All users I support right now are German-speaking, so it won't bother them now, nevertheless if this is just a short term trial, I'll be highly interested in the outcome..!! So please keep us informed..!!!!
asyn
Edit: Removed a suggestion that already has been followed....! Sorry.
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1. 50% of the users want them to install it...?? How do they know about iYogi without installing...???
excellent point Asyn ;D
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In most of these cases the user just wanted iYogi to install the product for them--they did not even try to install it themselves.
I don't use the pro version so I don't understand this bit. If the banner is shown on the GUI, then how did the people who wanted iYogi to install it for them know to call iYogi, didn't they install it first? Have these people bought the pro version in a box with the information printed on it, or did they all get the IYogi number off a friend? I don't quite understand, chicken and egg thing?
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AAhh point already made ;)
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1. 50% of the users want them to install it...?? How do they know about iYogi without installing...???
excellent point Asyn ;D
It just caught my eye... ;)
asyn
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1. 50% of the users want them to install it...?? How do they know about iYogi without installing...???
The in-product banner was just one of the ways the service was advertised.
It was also being displayed during the check out process, for example (when the user purchased the product) - and that's where the setup-related calls were probably coming from.
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Vlk,
I still think you should move all that under the Help Center tab where it won't bother the users who don't think they need help and don't want to keep looking at the announcement. And still should be readily accessible to those who do need help, since that is who the tab is for.
Yes, absolutely, this is still the plan (if the service proves to be useful), but this couldn't be done without a program update, so we decided to implement it as it is.
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I guess after 82 posts we got our answer. ;D
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1. 50% of the users want them to install it...?? How do they know about iYogi without installing...???
The in-product banner was just one of the ways the service was advertised.
It was also being displayed during the check out process, for example (when the user purchased the product) - and that's where the setup-related calls were probably coming from.
Probably... ;)
As the testing phase seems only to affect the english versions I neighter can confirm nor deny it.
asyn
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well it depends. if i have no way of turning this garbage off ill look elsewhere. as i stated with a way to turn it off well i guess i can accept that. so we will see. this was a bad move all around imo...
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It should be relatively easy to stop it as many have hinted, if it is imported into the avastUi, that must be connecting to achieve that, are you getting the drift ;)
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Igor rose valid points (#42).
Vlk too. I think the new way to display the info in the GUI (#52) is much better than the original one.
But I think it could be written only the telephone support and a button. Further information could be displayed further, not static in the GUI.
The telephone support idea seems ok.
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??? ???
Not meaning to stir the pot,
but I did not see the third party sales being addressed.
If I have to call for support, the last thing I want is someone from
half way across the planet trying to SELL me a bill of goods.
Users of avast, novice or not, want support, not a used car salesman.
I guess I find this a bit distressing. Software support is NOT a new thing.
There are several working models to chose from. You should not have to
re-invent the wheel.
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The business model is that iYogi handles calls from avast customers for free--to help them with installation, product issues, removing viruses, etc. After helping the customer, iYogi does offer to sell the customer a service contract for complete PC and home electronics support.
Please feel free to give me any feedback you have--positive and negative. The more detailed the better. you can leave it here on the forum or email me directly to steckler at avast.com. Thanks much
I am adding this to the back end as a reminder of what was discussed earlier.
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Knowing it will be gone makes this not as bad.
Seems more geared toward new subscribers, getting the 30day support out the gate, but instituted across the board even to current subscribers made it more alarming.
Can't deny that this is the type of light support a huge percentage of the user base is looking for either.
3rd party help isn't always bad.........is it? ;)
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If I have to call for support, the last thing I want is someone from half way across the planet trying to SELL me a bill of goods. Users of avast, novice or not, want support, not a used car salesman.
+1
I guess I find this a bit distressing. Software support is NOT a new thing. There are several working models to chose from. You should not have to re-invent the wheel.
Any suggestions to address this?
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If I have to call for support, the last thing I want is someone from half way across the planet trying to SELL me a bill of goods. Users of avast, novice or not, want support, not a used car salesman.
+1
I guess I find this a bit distressing. Software support is NOT a new thing. There are several working models to chose from. You should not have to re-invent the wheel.
Any suggestions to address this?
a suggestion? yes >>> that Avast would have two technicians, ie Avast Technicians, constantly monitoring the forums, moderating, answering etc...
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a suggestion? yes >>> that Avast would have two technicians, ie Avast Technicians, constantly monitoring the forums, moderating, answering etc...
This is not the point. You must read and understand the situation as posted by Vince and Vlk. The problem is how to support people that does not know how to enter into a forum to ask for help. The point is telephone support. Constructive solutions. Innovation. The forum is not the solution for this particular issue.
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a suggestion? yes >>> that Avast would have two technicians, ie Avast Technicians, constantly monitoring the forums, moderating, answering etc...
This is not the point. You must read and understand the situation as posted by Vince and Vlk. The problem is how to support people that does not know how to enter into a forum to ask for help. The point is telephone support. Constructive solutions. Innovation. The forum is not the solution for this particular issue.
I knew you were gonna say this but I just don't agree about reducing the issue to what happened with ticket submissions, and would rather consider the forums as the first platform of support for everyone, from noobs to advanced users, may be with new sections for basic help etc...
As to your advice, thanks, but I read the posts ::)
Adding: it's too easy to just let go, let the forums in the hand of just users, and have the Avast guys intervene only during beta testing phases. The third party solution offered by Avast is still another way to escape the issue. See what Microsoft finally did with Technet forums, see what Google is doing with Chrome/Gmail etc... forums...there's a lot Avast could learn from these experiences. The original software provider must be present on all fronts, period, even to address non-technical issues posted by noobs...could be also done with canned messages, a wiki, an IRC etc...and certainly not by redirecting people to a company that will do its best to sell them their crap (even if the so called "support" remains "free" beyond the 30 days trial period initially announced).
Avast also needs to have, as I mentioned in another thread earlier, people paid to respond to requests sent through mail tickets, people paid and people with required skills, and not the girl typing letters and doing the photocopies answering the phone : "Hello, welcome to Avast!" >>> "bye, and have a nice day :) "
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I just don't agree about reducing the issue to what happened with ticket submissions, and would rather consider the forums as the first platform of support for everyone, from noobs to advanced users, may be with new sections for basic help etc...
I'm not reducing the forum importance or miss considering it. Just that telephone support requires a solution.
let the forums in the hand of just users
It's already there... ::)
and have the Avast guys intervene only during beta testing phases.
They're here. This is already achieved. ::)
The third party solution offered by Avast is still another way to escape the issue.
The issue is telephone support. The one who is escaping from it is you not them.
See what Microsoft finally did with Technet forums, see what Google is doing with Chrome/Gmail etc... forums...there's a lot Avast could learn from these experiences. The original software provider must be present on all fronts
Did you ever get support from Microsoft? Support, really?
And Google, could you ever talk to them?
Lucky you.
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sorry Tech but you won't achieve anything by truncating bits of my post, your whole post makes no freakin' sense, it's completely irrelevant, you're posting one of your canned answers, as usual :D
>>> "reinstall Avast! from "the" scratch" >>> would be time you edit it and remove that "the"...or pick up an English course one of these days ;D I mean you're a pretty limited guy, don't give me lessons ::) ...you just keep reacting to that thread where I reported your CTM disaster, you know, the one you forgot to mention ;D
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The forum certainly cannot be a solution for everyone, that's pretty naive; if some users are unable to install the program (I mean, download the installer and run it), they would hardly be able to register & post on the forum.
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The forum certainly cannot be a solution for everyone, that's pretty naive; if some users are unable to install the program (I mean, download the installer and run it), they would hardly be able to register & post on the forum.
what's pretty naive ??? ::) you mean those same noobs/kids etc... already using hotmail and facebook wouldn't be able to register here? you're kidding?
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Logos, you always overreacts...
I'm not English native. I'll correct the post as you've suggested. I acknowledge my errors and faults.
Your criticism is not constructive. You're not pointing the solution and any constructive solution.
The telephone is not for kids with computer skills, but for mothers and grandmothers, people that aren't used to computers.
What the hell does CTM have anything related to this?
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I just found out when opening Avast UI, was gonna start a new thread, not needed obviously >>> I deeply disagree with the procedure >>> that's adware, sponsorware, whatever you wanna call it, no such thing should be present on the pro/AIS versions. Absolutely unacceptable guys.
>>> blocking Avast UI should get rid of that, no problem for the "free" version, but that's an issue on AIS as network utilities need avastUI to connect...
and here's a link to the sponsor's site:
http://www.iyogi.net/
Rated Yellow by WOT. Web of Trust. (Caution) Is this the image you want to present, Avast? At least if small ads might be needed from time to time, they should at best lead to safe sites!!!!
Jack
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No, I'm not kidding.
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WOT is the last trustable source I would add to my computer...
It's silly or worse, it's stupid, because it misses infected sites and block other ones.
Users' opinions couldn't rule the security world. It's a place for technicals.
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The Opera fraud/malware protection thinks the iyogi site is fine.
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No, I'm not kidding.
doesn't really matter...
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Ok...let's reel this in a bit.
We are not here to argue with each other, but rather our willingness to help others, and learn new tricks ourselves. Casting insults at each other certainly will not help anyone.
Now, back to the topic at hand...
It was asked of me if I had any suggestions..
Yes I do.
#1. Learn from other companies. There are other companies out there that are world wide distributors. They have phone support, that phone support was trained by their technicians, and when the phone support cannot help the issue, it is then turned over to tech support IN HOUSE. This form of support ensures that the chain of support remains unbroken, and that the customer has a satisfying experience and thus would tend to recommend the company to others.
This is one of the MOST used models and in fact has great success rates. The phone support is a paid contract by the COMPANY and its' operation is seamless to the customer. That means the customer feels as if they are talking with the company, and NOT a third party salesman.
When you degrade the customer to a third party, the customer feels abandoned by the company, is not likely to recommend the company, and in fact is not likely to SPEND any more money with the company. What I have just written here is normally offered in seminars that companies PAY for.
In order to make money, you must continuously invest money, invest in the company, invest in the customer. Your returns will be far greater than your investment. I offer this to avast for free.
I hope they read it.
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PapaSmurf, we're talking about a company with 100+ million users...
I would like to know how many phone calls they will have and how many internal technicians they would need to hire to attend the demand.
And you're thinking in English support. How would the company hold the other languages indoors?
And how can you economically manage this offering to the free users?
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We are not here to argue with each other, but rather our willingness to help others, and learn new tricks ourselves. Casting insults at each other certainly will not help anyone.
+1 8)
asyn
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PapaSmurf, we're talking about a company with 100+ million users...
I would like to know how many phone calls they will have and how many internal technicians they would need to hire to attend the demand.
And you're thinking in English support. How would the company hold the other languages indoors?
And how can you economically manage this offering to the free users?
I am talking all support, and they are NOT the only world-wide company with support.
It is important to remember that Avast is just ONE of the HUNDREDS, possibly THOUSANDS of software development companies world-wide. If they do not get it...someone else will.
To clarify, iNTEL corp has phone support..WORLD WIDE..located in INDIA. Services the whole planet.
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I am talking all support, and they are NOT the only world-wide company with support.
Ok. You're right.
But the point is the telephone support.
avast has a great support: forum, FAQ, email tickets, help files, manuals (where are they?). We're side by side with the staff and developers.
How to solve the telephone support for non-technical people?
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I am talking all support, and they are NOT the only world-wide company with support.
Ok. You're right.
But the point is the telephone support.
avast has a great support: forum, FAQ, email tickets, help files, manuals (where are they?). We're side by side with the staff and developers.
How to solve the telephone support for non-technical people?
I do not know how many ways I can say the same thing, so I offer this hypothetical situation for you:
Lets say that Avast wanted to have phone support in Brazil.
Lets say that they came into the forum, and found someone like you...someone who seems technical, someone who helps now for FREE....
Lets say that one of the Avast reps sent you a message, with a toll free number to call, and offered to train you, and PAY you to help with phone support in Brazil.......as you can see, it is NOT a hard concept.
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When you degrade the customer to a third party, the customer feels abandoned by the company, is not likely to recommend the company, and in fact is not likely to SPEND any more money with the company.
this ;) +1
...I mean let's get serious...with the numbers...opposing the 100 million users argument is not...serious...compare that to Windows & Google...users...and how many of those supposed to be 100M are on the paid version...especially since the release of Avast5 "free", where "antivirus-wise" there's nothing missing...My guess (not a guess...it's a certitude) is that Avast just can't afford providing support, paying people just to do that, they just don't have the bucks for that...that's more than obvious. How Avast does survive with such commercial policies is a mystery to me. We know how AVG does it (>>> Intel participation), we know nothing about Avast, as they surely don't make their bread and butter from paying customers, that's impossible. I think at least 80% of Avast users are running the free version...was already the case with 4.*, and Avast 5 might have increased this percentage.
I mean that's also too easy to move the debate to the "useless sort of call" area, ie people who don't know how to install etc...we've seen on the forums day after day people reporting serious issues, complaining about the lack of support, while Mr Tech was mentioning them in a thread in the Evangelist Corner section (unfortunately I'm not supposed to link it here, so I won't ::) ) >>> the thread is 6 pages long now, mentioning people who came to the forum to complain that they wouldn't get any feedback from the main web site after submitting tickets. And many of them had serious issues, with the web shield, with the email scanner, with the firewall etc...This is how it all started and why this discussion exists today, and not because of a herd of lost noobs.
The fairy tale that we're told is the same again: "those reporting are a minority if compared to the billions not posting, assuming those billions either don't have problems or get appropriate support" ::) ;D
edit: adding something that I already said in other threads, a majority of users (among those with issues they can't solve) is switching silently to other AV solutions, it's as simple as that. You'll just never hear of them.
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compare that to Windows & Google...users
Do both company have phone support? Reliable? Working?
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compare that to Windows & Google...users
Do both company have phone support? Reliable? Working?
They actually have locations worldwide offering service and support.
And as far as the numbers go, to make money, you need to invest money.
No one said the business was easy..hell if it was I would be a CEO of papasmurf enterprises.
But I do know this..If you want to sell your goods...you better CONNECT with your customers.
As soon as one of those AV companies figure that out...I will BUY their package.
I AM NOT A BUTTON CLIK. I am a person. I expect to be treated as such.
This is such a simple concept, I am not even sure why it is a discussion.
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I just cooked my lunch on this thread...... ;D
I suggested this forum twice to friends, one with a virus problem, one with an Avast! conflict.
Both returned to me.....unsatisfied. Why? They are unfamiliar with forums. They have no technical knowledge. Trying here they are told to "post your system specs"......their answer? "Whats a spec?"
Thing is, they don't actually want an answer. Why? They feel they should be able to enjoy all the benefits of owning a PC without having to learn anything about it or any software running. I can't give any concrete number but a large majority of Avast! users likely fall into this category.
In short, they want to be a "clickable button" ;)
Reading back, 2 questions: This is only hosted in the pay versions of Avast!? y/n?
Is the phone support, therefore, only for the pay versions?
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the new "Ad" is now up if you have not noticed. imo this ad still sucks. and while it still says you have 30 days IT STILL SAYS THEY WILL TRY TO SELL ME SOMETHING!! that needs to go (along with the whole ad imo)
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Thing is, they don't actually want an answer. Why? They feel they should be able to enjoy all the benefits of owning a PC without having to learn anything about it or any software running. I can't give any concrete number but a large majority of Avast! users likely fall into this category.
In short, they want to be a "clickable button" ;)
Reading back, 2 questions: This is only hosted in the pay versions of Avast!? y/n?
Is the phone support, therefore, only for the pay versions?
I would say that they do NOT want to be a button clik..what they WANT is a human being to walk them thru it as easily as possible. That means a connection, a real connection to a real person.
You are correct, they get instantly overwhelmed by a forum, and do not know how to even navigate it.
Again, if you wish to sell the product...you must connect with the customer. But do not connect with your customer thru a sales person trying to sell them something else.
And if the live phone support was a perk of the paid version, that would be fine. As long as it is AVAST support, and not some run of the mill sales shop.
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And if the live phone support was a perk of the paid version, that would be fine. As long as it is AVAST support, and not some run of the mill sales shop.
And if that is not financially feasible? Drop the idea of phone support altogether?
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And if the live phone support was a perk of the paid version, that would be fine. As long as it is AVAST support, and not some run of the mill sales shop.
And if that is not financially feasible? Drop the idea of phone support altogether?
No one said the business was easy..hell if it was I would be a CEO of papasmurf enterprises.
But I do know this..If you want to sell your goods...you better CONNECT with your customers.
As I stated earlier, to be successful, they cannot afford NOT too.
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Perhaps. An altruistic viewpoint, befitting PapaSmurf ;D
I'll offer a more cynical, Gargamel-like view.
Perhaps that is the line of thinking/marketing that will lead Avast! away from offering a free product at all.
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Perhaps. An altruistic viewpoint, befitting PapaSmurf ;D
I'll offer a more cynical, Gargamel-like view.
Perhaps that is the line of thinking/marketing that will lead Avast! away from offering a free product at all.
Perhaps,
Maybe it will lead them to offer a 2 month trial product, enough time for a customer to become comfortable with the product, and then purchase the product.
I do not think your view is cynical at all.
I am suggesting that avast start thinking outside of Prague, and even outside of Europe.
If you want to be worldwide, you need to think and act like you are world wide.
They depend on users way too much to defend their product, to troubleshoot their problems.
It is time for them to participate.
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Logos, you always overreacts...
+1
But Logos maybe only 30 ???
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Logos, you always overreacts...
+1
But Logos maybe only 30 ???
funny as I always imagined you old, very old...in the regressing phase you know, like it unfortunately happens...often...to old...very old...people :(
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Before releasing its alway nice to try instead to rush. So that how avast! did. Why blame them. If you dont like it its your opinion and they respect it. Maybe there someone else will like it and find it very very usefull. So stop fighting its wont help very much. If you got suggestion then go ahead and post. :o
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Logos you should calm down and stop overreacting as Tech mentioned.
Edit: I don't mean to offend you, just pointing something out.
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To treat avast! like you all did by reacting to this new thing in the paid versions dont really help alot avast!. I would just thank them and if im not happy with it then i would give suggestion. But as now i use the free so i cant really see how that ad look like so i cannot give any suggestion ;)
So before posting try minding of what you say and see if its will give only problem or any other negative comment you give to them.
Its really hard to handle a business where users alway demote the Team that try to doing their best. Seriously i find you savage.
Sorry avast! if im being hard in some word but well they need to know that its absurd to start to cry at you.
If you think to make a such security product very perfect like avast! or any others. Then go ahead and i say good luck !
Mr.Agent
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Logos you need to calm down and stop overreacting as Tech mentioned.
thanks for the advice, but I'll judge this myself ::)
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To treat avast! like you all did by reacting to this new thing in the paid versions dont really help alot avast!. I would just thank them and if im not happy with it then i would give suggestion. But as now i use the free so i cant really see how that ad look like so i cannot give any suggestion ;)
So before posting try minding of what you say and see if its will give only problem or any other negative comment you give to them.
Its really hard to handle a business where users alway demote the Team that try to doing their best. Seriously i find you savage.
Sorry avast! if im being hard in some word but well they need to know that its absurd to start to cry at you.
If you think to make a such security product very perfect like avast! or any others. Then go ahead and i say good luck !
Mr.Agent
I agree. The posters were a bit harsh.
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Logos you need to calm down and stop overreacting as Tech mentioned.
thanks for the advice, but I'll judge this myself ::)
I guess the judge knows all and is Logos is an Omnipotents
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Omnipotents
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and you're being a j**k, once again...you know what Kenny Yo, just f***k off ::)
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Seem some like to act no very proper for their age... >:(
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Seem some like to act no very proper for their age... >:(
You are right, no wonder we still have wars on the earth ???
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Edit : Removed.
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Vlk,
I still think you should move all that under the Help Center tab where it won't bother the users who don't think they need help and don't want to keep looking at the announcement. And still should be readily accessible to those who do need help, since that is who the tab is for.
Yes,
That information should be in the Help Center only if it has to be there, NOT in the main GUI of the program window when first opened. Also note:
If you can simply provide a check box under main settings to turn this off personally i think that would fix the issue for most if not all users i would be okay with that.
I would support both of these changes in the next program upgrade.
Jack
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I am talking all support, and they are NOT the only world-wide company with support.
Ok. You're right.
But the point is the telephone support.
avast has a great support: forum, FAQ, email tickets, help files, manuals (where are they?). We're side by side with the staff and developers.
How to solve the telephone support for non-technical people?
This is certainly true. Avast has very good technical support in the forums. The support tickets used to be good, but I remember submitting two bug reports/assistant requests when 5.0 first came out and never got an answer to my ticket. Even worse, the ticket had been removed!
But, you guys helped me on the forum, so the good and bad balanced out. When I had 4.8, ticket responses were much better and consistent. When 5.0 came out, I just thought the tech team was so busy debugging, that they didn't have time to answer the ticket questions!
It should be noted that there certainly are NOT many other computer companies, let alone companies that provide a forum where you can communicate directly with support staff. Even getting to automated voice-mail in other non-existent support circles is a challenge.
While not perfect, Avast is way better than many competitors for its support.
Jack
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Well, it has been a hard decision, but I am afraid that I have decided to separate
myself from avast.
I can no longer be apart of childish bickering.
The posts that I made in this forum were done trying to help.
It seems that all that was done is create political upheaval.
I am currently testing competitor software. Good luck to everyone here.
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So papa you mean you uninstall avast! ? Did i understand correctly...
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I have neither the time nor the patience to read through this 10 page thread, but I would like to state my disappointment in having an ad in my paid aIS.
I'm hoping this decision will be reviewed very carefully.
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The posts that I made in this forum were done trying to help.
And I am sure some of them did help!
I am currently testing competitor software. Good luck to everyone here.
Good luck to you also, and welcome back, if you will return from the dark side sometime ;D
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I have neither the time nor the patience to read through this 10 page thread, but I would like to state my disappointment in having an ad in my paid aIS.
I'm hoping this decision will be reviewed very carefully.
It's not an ad. It's a support (help) offer.
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NO THIRD PARTY SUPPORT or ADS IN MY PAID VERSION.
Nobody wants it. It's not an ad. It's a support offer.
As far as running a company I think he could very well and sad to say it takes someone from Symantec to screw up a good thing. Thus why I have not used or recommended Norton home products for well over 7 years.
Vince is NOT making anything Symantec-like here. On contrary.
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Well, it has been a hard decision, but I am afraid that I have decided to separate
myself from avast.
I can no longer be apart of childish bickering.
The posts that I made in this forum were done trying to help.
It seems that all that was done is create political upheaval.
I am currently testing competitor software. Good luck to everyone here.
I don't really think PapaSmurf and other people complaining and don't fully understand it was only a trial and it not an AD it only a support offer or what every being added like Third party support, let them choose their own path way nobody at Avast cannot make people choose which anti-virus software works better if they like Avast that great and if you don't like they don't have to used the product.
There no restrict rule here saying choose avast we are the best.
I'm sure you can what I'm trying to say you cannot make Avast to choose whatever you want and how you like to run the Avast software......Why you are not the CEO, Director, Manager, Marketing Manager, Engineers, etc etc, Avast do have their own right to run the company, business and their softwares. As clearly written by the CEO and Vlk it was only a TRIAL not an AD it only a support offer.
Vlk doesn't have a problem by adding a small add-on tool to turn off the Marketing AD etc etc in the paid version, IF he does go ahead as plan for the next up version problem is solved yeeeeaaaaaaaah and it done.
If I get a s**t loads (sorry) of marketing AD in the Avast free version it doesn't bother me at all, Avast do have their own right to run a business, marketing, support etc etc and clearly not you please wake up yourself.
Sorry if I had upset anybody reading this
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if it was just for the first 30 days and that was all it was advertising i would be (well prob) more okay with it. but its advertising a third party SUBSCRIPTION that they want you to pay for. and out of 4 people that called them to test it 3 were practically bullied and one was just sorta pushed while that was not as bad they still were pretty pushy my sister said.
i have blocked it in the avast firewall for now its the avast ui choice btw as mentioned prior and that seems to work great and i dont see any problems with it updating or anything. all functions seems to be fine. why the ui needs to call out imo is beyond me. i can understand if there was some real time virus monitor showing things like what some av's have.
either way if they do fix it (hopefully soon) with a help tab or button to turn it off ill accept that no problem. i have not yet removed avast and im trying to wait patiently i just hate that thing in there.
and why is it that the newer ad i only received in SOME of my 12 installs. where the original one i had in ALL of them???? just curious there
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You guys keep bringing up the same complaints, that avast technicians should offer support and not third parties, that you don't want ads. Well Vince and Vlk already addressed that. Most of the time people need help with NON-TECHNICAL issues/issues that can be easily solved, like installing. You don't need to know everything about the product to help with that. The "ad" is fixed, it is no longer a banner, and there is even going to be a check box to turn it off!
While I don't really approve of this idea, I don't disapprove of it either, as long as the Avast Team continues their excellent work for these great products. ;)
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It's not an ad. It's a support (help) offer.
This is an ad/offer (same thing) for paid technical support.
They are marketing to their PAID customers.
It is an ad.
They are advertising this technical support.
Really bad move.
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1. Well, it has been a hard decision, but I am afraid that I have decided to separate
myself from avast.
2. I can no longer be apart of childish bickering.
3. The posts that I made in this forum were done trying to help.
1. Sorry about that... :( Isn't that a step a little bit too extreme..?
2. I tend to ignore the bickering..! ;)
3. Yes. Sure. You tried and did help, so why do you give up because of a little discussion..??
asyn
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I'm on avast pro. no ads here. never have ever seen any.
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1. Well, it has been a hard decision, but I am afraid that I have decided to separate
myself from avast.
2. I can no longer be apart of childish bickering.
3. The posts that I made in this forum were done trying to help.
1. Sorry about that... :( Isn't that a step a little bit too extreme..?
2. I tend to ignore the bickering..! ;)
3. Yes. Sure. You tried and did help, so why do you give up because of a little discussion..??
asyn
There are people that are offended by anything ::)
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I'm on avast pro. no ads here. never have ever seen any.
+1
Not even on my Windows 7 system. ;)
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There are people that are offended by anything ::)
It seems so, or did I miss something..??
Anyways, I hope he returns to read the comment, maybe he will change his mind, as even a smurf can't be this thin-skinned... ;)
asyn
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There are people that are offended by anything ::)
It seems so, or did I miss something..??
Anyways, I hope he returns to read the comment, maybe he will change his mind, as even a smurf can't be this thin-skinned... ;)
asyn
Don't think it is anything to do with being thin skinned.
He has just had enough with how a discussion, just seems to get to insulting crap instead of sticking to the subject.
Cheers
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if you are using avast internet security you can open it and go to firewall and then to application rules, then look for alwil the one called simply "avast! antivirus" (first one listed under alwil) change it to block and the ad goes away and the program still runs fine it updates and all i could not find anything that didnt work this way.
if you are using a different firewall look for the avastui and block it to stop the ads...
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the problem in AIS is that if you block that you lose network utilities >>> geolocation and trace route tools. In pro and free it doesn't matter obviously, as nothing there needs AvastUI to connect except the ad.
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hmm i had not tried that yet ill test that out thanks
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Don't think it is anything to do with being thin skinned.
He has just had enough with how a discussion, just seems to get to insulting crap instead of sticking to the subject.
I also don't like this kind of discussions (the insulting ones), but I guess we all have to deal with it on an open forum, not heavily moderated...
asyn
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Try BUYING the one of the PAID products only to be greeted with an ADvertisement all of a sudden in your PAID product and then maybe you'd feel different. ;)
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Ok guys/girls by all those comments i judge you all enought knowledge to repair a infected pc or get your own help ? For the persons who paid their product avast! give them the posibility to refer to their support partner or via his great support from his self.
So its a bonus that avast! give to his customer that dont know nothing about security or what ever ! I find them really generous for us. Seriously if you think that all of our familys or the world that know alot about computer then go in street and ask to a guy/girl if he know alot in security.
aliv @ They will be greeted by avast! and iYogi for the support offer. If i had to be a customer that dont know anything else on computer and i need help and dont know where to go then i will refer to my Support banner instead of searching to any other forum without know that avast! got a support forum,center,phone. So in meaning its show that avast! want to be generous and help you in any case that you will fear. Its show them that they are happy that you did buy their product and they are ready to HELP !
Point Final !
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Then put the 1-800 number at the bottom of the About page.
"Need assistance?
1-800..."
An AD on the first page though?
Unacceptable.
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We call this a Support Banner no AD. And if you think that all customer will think to browse the UI for find where they can get assistance. Then absoluty no. Some will do but some maybe no. So if avast! put that banner then its could help them alot instead of searching in the web or product.
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Support Banner = Advertisement (for a PAID "service").
It's only free for 30 days, after that you have to PAY.
This is called marketing and aggressive marketing at that.
It's not a public service that AVAST Software is performing here, ok?
It's a sales pitch.
A marketing tool.
An advertisement.
Saying it's a Support Banner and not an Ad well..
..that's like saying a Terrorist is a Freedom Fighter.
Suppose it all depends on your perspective.
Put a "Need assistance? Call 1-800...." unobtrusively on the first page, sure, but a straight up ad complete with picture and such is a little overboard, ya think??
Yes, it was toned down some and the picture removed but it's still an AD.
You can put all the lipstick you want on this pig but fact remains it's still a pig.
Regards.
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Ok so you mean that an ad that you call is a paid service then its not true there can be some free ad. That ad that you think is a paid service is for help the customer to learn more about our product and get further help if needed in any case. I never know that an ad is like this ? Its help customer ? Ok... Ad is for advertise for any costly service or product........etc. But now its not the goal of avast! they do make a banner for that the customers get maximum of help and now the customers that dont need it is pitching more them. So if you dont need it then its ok but your no alone in the world so stop thinking that your alone and think that the world know everything.
avast! is maybe actually thinking of a idea for the 30 days trial. We need to wait for that further respond. I cant say nothing else without i see an answer from them.
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That ad that you think is a paid service is for help the customer to learn more about our product and get further help if needed in any case
"To learn more about our product and get further help if needed" for a PRICE.
It's not a FREE service.
This is not in any way some charitable offering by AVAST Software.
It's not a public service as you're saying, in so many words.
It is an ADvertisement to SELL this outsourced third-party technical support and to place this AD in PAID customers' products all of a sudden is completely out of line.
If it were there before I purchased aIS I more than likely would've been put off and would've went with a competing security solution.
The fact that it's there now, after I purchased the product, is even more distasteful.
Sorry that you don't see things the same way!
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avast! is maybe actually thinking of a idea for the 30 days trial. We need to wait for that further respond. I cant say nothing else without i see an answer from them.
I know its not a free but if they decide to change the 30 days to unlimited its could be nice but we need to say that the phone help is from iYogi so i dont think iYogi will want that its be free.
We need to know an answer so i dont know when steckler or any team member will come to announce that respond... So let wait.
I can say im on your side that the phone support is a bit pitching. But in another way i would rather like 30 days trial instead of 0 day...
On another way i like alot that service offer in the paid product seriously so in this way im not on your side i guess. But read again i mentioned something that is about this.
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@ ALIV
I suggest that you look back through this long topic for the responses about it by Avast Software members as the 30 days relates to the trial that avast software is making of iyogi, if the support provided by them is up to their requirements. Then avast software would have a longer contract with iyogi and support would be provided, persumably for paid avast users for the duration of their avast application license period.
So no 30 days and you have to pay, it is 30 days in which avast will evaluate the service provided by iyogi. Then if acceptable it will be for a longer contract term for iyogi to provide support.
If you also check back in the topic you will see I'm against it being displayed in this way as no matter what happens and any amount of explaining by avast software people will consider it an ad, as you have and the greatest majority of respondents in this topic.
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Nice post David i like it !
Its would indeed be a good move from avast! good job.
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Im wondering for iYogi if he got something again the person who is prank call. Because we dont know maybe some 1 will call just for fun so if yes then awesome !
As like we say its a support no a prank call service....
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If the advertisement is not removed within a reasonable amount of time I intend to capitalize on the money back guarantee and move onward and upward.
Shame too because I couldn't have been more satisfied with the aIS product.
One thing I do believe is that for every vocal opponent such as myself there are at least 10x that who are equally as outraged but choose to remain silent for whatever reason.
If there were a poll though I'm sure the majority would not care as much as the outraged and outspoken ones.
Maybe the lipstick makes the pig look pretty to them or they don't mind their toes being stepped on, I'm not real sure, but I don't do pork well and I certainly won't pay for it.
I'm done addressing this particular issue on this particular forum.
I have said my peace.
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So if you dont need it then its ok but your no alone in the world so stop thinking that your alone and think that the world know everything.
Its strange but does a support service is dangerous ? Its seem like you all fear to get killed by the support for what they offer.
Also when there no alot support you all say avast! should improve this and now you all say you dont want it. Im really confused seriously.
Then if you dont need it so dont take care of the service banner its wont kill/decrease your protection wow.
They just ask a minimum of honest from the customer for if they want help then to contact avast!...
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So if you dont need it then its ok but your no alone in the world so stop thinking that your alone and think that the world know everything.
Its strange but does a support service is dangerous ? Its seem like you all fear to get killed by the support for what they offer.
Also when there no alot support you all say avast! should improve this and now you all say you dont want it. Im really confused seriously.
Then if you dont need it so dont take care of the service banner its wont kill/decrease your protection wow.
They just ask a minimum of honest from the customer for if they want help then to contact avast!...
100% agree, just ignore it, that's all. This banner won't bite you anyway...
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It's only free for 30 days, after that you have to PAY.
You do not read the CEO's posts. It's not a 30 day service, but a contract between avast and them which takes 30 days.
It's insane to discuss without rationality...
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A suggestion,
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Vlk,
I still think you should move all that under the Help Center tab where it won't bother the users who don't think they need help and don't want to keep looking at the announcement. And still should be readily accessible to those who do need help, since that is who the tab is for.
Yes, absolutely, this is still the plan (if the service proves to be useful), but this couldn't be done without a program update, so we decided to implement it as it is.
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1. Well, it has been a hard decision, but I am afraid that I have decided to separate
myself from avast.
2. I can no longer be apart of childish bickering.
3. The posts that I made in this forum were done trying to help.
1. Sorry about that... :( Isn't that a step a little bit too extreme..?
2. I tend to ignore the bickering..! ;)
3. Yes. Sure. You tried and did help, so why do you give up because of a little discussion..??
asyn
In answer to #3, I prefer productive conversations with adults. There seem to be children who have managed to worm their way into the discussion. If you simply scan thru this thread, I am certain you can pick them out. In any event, it was easy enough to simply change my security footprint, and place a comparable virus scanner in place of avast. This thread proves my point. If you want customers, you must CONNECT with customers. It is the #1 rule in sales. The #2 rule in sales is "Don't let someone else run your sales". For me, the discussion is over, I have moved on.
Good luck.
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For me, the discussion is over, I have moved on.
Good luck.
I see. So, also good luck to you, PapaSmurf...!!
asyn
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so much fuss for nothing ::)