About 2/3 (67%) of IncrediMail’s income comes from Google searches and advertisements. So Google is IncrediMail’s lifeblood. But now it seems there are rumblings that Google may soon terminate its contract with Google, maybe as soon as January 31, 2013. (Google has banned IncrediMail before — for six months in 2010).
The speculation is that Google, whose policy is not to deal directly with companies who try to trick users, now may believe that IncrediMail (Perion) is doing just that with it’s IncrediMail email program and the bundled SmileBox (a photo-sharing adware app) and SweetPacks, which began as an instant-messaging application with a variety of emoticons, and has now added a registry scanner, a spelling and grammar checker, games, and a video converter.
Perion’s (IncrediMail’s) CEO Josef Mandelbaum basically called users of IncrediMail “complainers” and inferred they were ignorant (“some people just don’t know how to remove anything from their computer”) and also indicated IncrediMail targets “second-wave users”, i.e. old folks.
IncrediMail is nearly impossible to install; it requires a litany of steps to remove it. It’s confusing for the average computer whether they’re a “second-wave” user or not. And removing IncrediMail does not remove IncrediBar or Smilebox or SweetPacks which have their own crippled uninstallers.
We stopped making stationery for IncrediMail a long time ago. We simply won’t directly or indirectly support a product that tricks users by bundling useless software with it. Further, we won’t support any product which summarily changes the users home page and default search engine without their consent or even their knowledge.
While IncrediMail may not be malware, yet, but it is trickware. It takes advantage of its users, by bundling programs and adding them users’ computers , by being very difficult to remove, by hijacking users’ homepage and preferred search engine, in short — Perion (IncrediMail) targets users who are more likely to be less computer savvy than younger computer users.
The excerpts below are taking from an article by Vince Martin writing for the Seeking Alpha investor Web site. His article is based on a segment which appeared recently on Bloomberg TV called “The Disconcerting Story Behind Perion’s Success”.
“…Mandelbaum (Perion’s CEO) dismissed user complaints, telling the Bloomberg correspondent Johnson that “some people just don’t know how to remove anything from their computer and that some people are just complainers.” But those dismissals seem somewhat disingenuous. While the label of “malware” appears far too severe for Perion products, it also seems the company makes it difficult for users to remove all aspects of its software. Reviews at CNet’s Download.com show a number of complaints about the difficulty in removing all aspects of Smilebox even after using the program’s “Uninstall” feature. Multiple reviewers also noted difficulty in canceling during the company’s free trial period and thus facing a $39.95 annual fee.
The difficulty in un-installing Smilebox appears to have been built into IncrediMail’s version 2. Multiple reviewers at CNet and BetaNews commented that the uninstalling issues simply had not occurred while using IncrediMail’s initial version. Indeed, even the link on the bottom of the IncrediMail home page shows a litany of steps needed to remove not only the IncrediMail program, but the IncrediBar toolbar, and to keep the software from setting the company’s MyStart as the default search provider. (It was precisely those resets to which Google referred back in 2009 when announcing policy changes for search partners.) Meanwhile, the customer support contact options are significantly limited; the “chat” feature is simply an automated “FAQ”-based system, while direct phone contacts are unavailable. Direct contacts with technical support appear limited to posts in the user forums and follow-up private messages through the site…
…In short, Mandelbaum’s effort to blame ignorant and/or difficult customers seems insincere. The company itself in filings and press releases consistently trumpets the fact that it targets “second wave adopters,” or as Bloomberg’s Johnson somewhat dismissively called them, “old folk.” They are precisely the demographic who would have trouble removing an extension from Google Chrome or deleting a .bin file in Windows Explorer. And yet, both IncrediMail and Smilebox appear to force their customers into these series of steps for a simple uninstall…”
Please take the time to read the entire article online. It will open your eyes to how some company perceive their customers and how company’s turn trickery into fortune at the user’s expense.
We stopped making stationery for IncrediMail a long time ago; maybe now you can see why we did. We won’t lend even tacit support to a company like this or a product like IncrediMail.
Unfortunately, too many don’t seem to care whether their product is good for the consumer or not, just so long as their advertising “creations” full of lies and deceptions are successful. Too many of us have become complacent “sheep” which makes us easily duped, or at least not suspicious enough. The tool of advertising is what drives our economy, I think. I haven’t seen advertising in years that did NOT insult my intelligence or make me ask many, many questions. Apparently, there are enough people who believe that crap, without finding out if it’s true or not, or even question it, that it keeps these lieing, deceptive creeps laughing all the way to the bank. It also gives some credence to the way some companies view their customers…as “blooming idiots”. Yet, we just keep accepting it over and over again.
As long as everything is “great for Wall Street”, discerning people are kicked to the curb. Anyone who discovers they actually have been duped or what was sold to them was a crock and then complains, they are called a “whiner”. As soon as investors like you and me also give a damn about the ethics and transparency of a company we chose to invest in, things could change for the consumers. Personally, I don’t think that will happen, even though most investors are also consumers like you and me and should know better. As for me? I am a totally insulted consumer and don’t understand how ANY person could be involved with some of these companies and at the same time pretend to be an honest caring person when they go home at night or to church on Sunday. These same people are also raising children to think and behave as they do. I think that’s scary.
I’m a old person (75) and have used Incredimail for a number of years and love it,ive never had a problem uninstalling it and on 2 occasions it changed my start page because i didnt untick the option when reinstalling, not their fault,mine!They have never forced or fooled me into anything,their support has been great also when needed.I think its the old story of”you cant please every one”
And this is exactly how IncediMail wants you to feel Insects get drawn into traps by light. People get drawn into badware by baubles. IncrediMail isn’t even a good email client — and you’re not correct about uninstalling. You have to uninstall 3 programs and you have to remove the browser plug ins and even using Revo or Geek, IncrediMail makes over 3000 changes to Windows registry, not all of which are removed. If you want to sacrificed your own privacy for baubles –that’s fine. We just want people to know the truth. IncediMail makes money by tracking your web searches and your Web browsing – and whether or not it’s totally anonymous is not known.
I have used Incredimail ever sense you recommended it, and have a paid version. Any time I had a problem Incredimail sent me a response as how to remove something I don’t want. Now, when updating, I know to not use the automatic install and unclick added things I don’t want. I am almost 70 also and am one of the people others come to for help with their computers.
I am staying with Incredimail because I have too many saved emails to go back to the Windows Mail, etc. I also like having the program on my computer.
Thank you for posting this very enlightening article,Microsoft Security Essentials caught a problem for me and I did what was suggested, two of my email contacts had been saying I had a problem with my server, who I immediately contacted and had them go over all my settings with me, no problem at all at my end…. after reading this article I realised that both these contacts use Incredimail (I do not, and never have)and as of me writing this message, one of them within the last half hour has just complained that she has a problem and ‘something’ has changed her settings….so, I think I know who has the ‘problem’.
You’re right, I’ve never had Incredimail, because you can have the same with Windows Mail and smiley icons in Windows 7. A friend had Incredimail and I have uninstalled the program “Revo Uninstaller”, it was quite easy. otherwise it’s too complicated. Nero also has to remove a complicated program, but as I said with Revo Uniinstaller it goes to uninstall well. All for free.
Best regards,
I agree with Muriel. I have stayed clear of IncrediMail since you said it was no good before. When I get an e-mail with in on it, before I forward it, I remove it. Sometimes, not all of it will be removed. Cloudeight has stayed true to their readers and do no allow any of the gimicks that others do. Go Cloudeight!
Your recent article in issue 574 of Cloud Eight Information Avenue talks about an application called BlueStacks App Player. Although this beta application doesn’t seem to be “trickware” or nearly as bad as IncrediMail, I found that it suffers similar problems in trying to uninstall it. The uninstall process didn’t remove all files or any services that were running — as far as I can tell, it just removed the desktop icon. It even left an entry in the startup program folder. True… it’s a beta version, but I expected a complete uninstall, even at this stage of development. I wonder if there’s a site anywhere that lists applications that do a poor job of uninstalling so users can decide up-front whether they want to install a program or not.
We have not had any problem uninstalling or installing BlueStacks. This is an unfair comparison. BlueStack does not hijack your browser nor does it install spyware/adware/badware. BlueStacks is clearly labeled BETA software; beta=test. IncrediMail has been around more than a decade and it continues to find ways to turn its users computers into billboards and gold mines for its corporate profits. Trouble is, it does it through trickery and not honestly.
Comparing a Beta program like Blue Stacks to a proven manipulator like IncrediMail is like comparing giraffes to oranges.
I use Blue stacks it is a very easy program to get along with it does nothing I don’t tell it to do . I enjoy it and there are some free aps to get . I have windows seven and no problems yet, have had it a couple of weeks now . Look forward to keeping it if I can.
I for one do like Incredimail. I have used it since they had first started up. Yes, you have to be VERY CAREFULL when you install or upgrade it. They do in fact try to take over your PC. I have only the e-mail program on my PC absolutely no add-on’s of theirs nor their tool bar. Never did nor ever will. I read everything on all programs that I install on my PC and un ck everything. They are no different them most programs now a day. They all have crap added and want you to install. Just like Java, you have to un ck the box to install that crazy “ASK” add on. That is why you have to read before installing. That goes with all programs you install on your PC’s. I have a great virus scanner (Kaspersky on a couple of my PC’s and the free Avast on 3 others) & I use Malwarebytes Pro. I have never had a problem.
i love incredimail…the only email service that is not boring…you know of any other that has interesting letters,ecards, animations or sounds so wonderfully put together as incredimail…if you do, please let me know…and i do the free version…but alot of servers won’t let you use it…bommer….
…but alot of servers won’t let you use it…bommer…. Gee, I wonder why that is? Do you suppose their security people know something you aren’t even aware of? A perfectly safe program I’m sure wouldn’t be banned by any server owner that’s trying to keep things secure and safe for others who use their servers.
Just curious…truly curious. Are the recipients of your creative Incredimail letters, ecards. animations, and sounds
able to read, see, and hear them the same as you intended them to?
I mean, there are so many different (mostly web-based) email platforms which receive
the text just fine, but lack the ability in different ways to process all the other stuff.
and send it, in tact, to the intended recipient. If your receipients can’t even “receive” it the way you want them to, then what’s so great about Incredimail’s ability to allow you to create them? YOU are the only one that sees them.
I too have been using incredimail for over a year and have no problem. When I went to Windows 7 and lost Windows Mail I was at a loss. Incredimail comes closest to Windows Mail and I can pick up all of my messages from my gmail (4) and comcast (3)accounts through the program at one time. I don’t have the extra programs installed and as stated, I was sure to uncheck boxes for things I didn’t want installed.If there was another email client that would allow me to get all of my email I would change but as of now I have no problems
I have Incredimail since 2001 and never had a problem, never had spam or virusses or malware.. as far as IM goes I’m on the 3th build since I’ve started to use it as I always have the motto “If it ain’t broke.. leave it alone” so I don’t update each time they roll out a “better” build
Please tell me how to completely uninstall IM2 from Windows7
64 bit
Use a program like Geek Uninstaller (free version) or Revo Uninstaller (free version) to remove programs — IncrediMail included. Don’t forget to remove IncrediBar, SmileBox, and SweetPacks too. And remember to go into your browsers add-ons and disable IncrediMail’s add-ons like IncrediBar, Smilebox, SweetPacks, and also remove the IncrediMail start page and its search from your browser’s list of search engines too.
IncrediMail makes a lot of changes to your registry (several thousand) which Geek or Revo will do a good job of removing some of, but not all of. The rest will remain as orphans, but shouldn’t cause any problems. If you wish you can use a good registry cleaner (like Registry Commander) to remove the orphaned registry keys leftover from your installation of IncrediMail.
Seeing these comments about IncrediMail, brings me to something I just discovered on my computer. PhotoMailMaker. I’ve also found it’s made by IncrediMail. I’ve never installed IM on this computer and am confused how the Photo part was installed. (I do know that one of my contacts does use IM.) Could this possibly be how I got the PhotoMailMaker? I recall some time ago she sent me an email with personal photos at the top.
What would be the best way to uninstall this software. I have not tried anything yet.
You also know that this site is tracking you too. I had a warning come up and I blocked this site from tracking me. I have the paid version of Incredimail for 8 years now. I think the free version works the best. Recently it is acting the worst I have seen. I do not know if I will keep it. The fun is creating the stationary and expressing yourself through it. It is also awesome to see what others can create too. It is addictive. I would need a 12 step program HAHA
I have used IncrediMail for years…never had a problem with it at all. I have refused to upgrade to the IM2 because that is not the program I purchased. I do believe that anything you download, adds programs which you don’t really want. It asked you if you want to add the Ask or change your home page and if you click NO, it still tries to install it. Geez – even programs that you purchase has its little quirks, just depends on what you want. Before it was malware, not its deemed not be be malware, its trickery. Geeez people, pay your moneys and take your chances. If you want to use IncrediMail go for it, as I love the program and its not boring at all. And if Comcast allows me to use it, it cannot be all that bad, right? They don’t support it but what program do they support. IE sucks but how many people use it? Just another way to keep the uproar going! Have a great day, just had to add my 2 cents worth into this.
According to a company news release, Google just made the horrible mistake of renewing their contract with these evildoers.
I just spent a couple of hours removing one of their so-called products, “Sweetpacks”, from a friend’s computer. Prior to this, the friend had suffered loss of time and work amounting to days over a period of MONTHS, due to involuntary redirection of browser searches by the unconscionable garbage produced by this trashheap masquerading as a reputable company.
The uninstall directions on their web site DO NOT WORK. Removal of their abominable and stinking excrement required use of adwcleaner, malwarebytes pro, and hand resetting of all browser defaults including their unauthorized alteration of Chrome, Firefox AND Internet Explorer. A final scan using Hitmanpro and another by CCleaner were also needed. A total waste of three hours of expensive professional time.
In my opinion, the president of a company which could make such an annoyance and which could potentially waste the time of millions of people for no purpose except their enrichment, is an example of human waste.
The company should be sued by a mass action law suit and if I had my way, people who make software like this would be in jail for a very long time and forced to assist victims of similar scammy programs during their incarceration.
I am absolutely appalled that Google renewed a contact with these scumbags and I urge everyone to write Google and strenuously object to it.
If you have any doubt about this, Google “Sweetpacks” and “malware” (no quotes) to learn what it is about.
We could not have said it any better ourselves. We totally agree with you. A few years ago, under different ownership, IncrediMail really did make an attempt to clean up the program and we, at that time, worked with them and recommended them. But that was then and this is now. Since then they’ve changed hands at least twice and the current owners seem to be out to infect computers and increase profits at the expense of tens of thousands, maybe even millions of unsuspecting users who only see the pretty emails and are blind to all the garbage being installed on their computer – EVEN WITH THE PAID VERSION. In other words, people are paying to have their computers infected all the garbage installed by both the free and the paid versions of IncrediMail. It’s a shame.
I found bought FREE animations, Clip Art and basically everything INCREDIMAIL has stolen and charged and actually lead people to think they designed everything, after many years of disputes about them removing items, not to mention the fact that Hotmail doesn’t get sound from them built in, yahoo doesn’t get the background and it’s not fully compatible with many online email programs, their excuse is, they say it’s due to how people have their computers set up, I insisted we ALL install windows very much the same way as each other so that ongoing 14yrs dispute and no updates for a number of years now, I wish to share publicly their hostile response with everyone when I stated in 14yrs they’d still not fixed the damn problems of confliction’s, in Hotmail you cant even find the sound file attached or built in, and as stated plain white backgrounds on yahoo, given their both web based, what the hell is that to do with how people set up windows when every installation from Microsoft is the same World Wide, it’s not incredible mail, it’s more a program of outlook express that only the users gets to see & hear all the put together items like sounds, animations and backgrounds plus clip art ALL Stolen of cause and you can buy everything that requires nothing cost wise or penalties to use given its FREE items if you buy: THEY EVEN GAVE ME GOLD MEMBERSHIP SO’S I DONT TELL ANYONE. STILL 14YRS STILL PROGRAM PROBLEMS, INSTAD OF NORMAL WASTEFUL STUPID ADVICE JUST TO GET RID OF YOU, THEY SENT THIS REPLY WHICH TO ME SAYS EXACKLY WHAT OUTFIT THEY REALLY ARE. I HOPE GOOGLE ETC DO GO AHEAD BECAUSE THIS MESSAG WAS THE MOST TWO BIT COWBOY HOSTILITY I’VE EVER COME ACROSS BUT AS PER ONLINE, HE REFUSED TO SAY IT TO MY FACE AND REMAINED HIDDEN BEHIND A SCREEN LIKE A COWARD. YOU decide if its professional. 2 bit cowboys setup Like CEO of amazon and others. One big corrupt circle except with amazon they refuse to pay tax in the UK and soon their going to be dealt with. But incredimail is unreal the way they spoke but that Americans who betrayed the crown, in bred and so arrogant I can see why no one likes them thinking their so big yet always come running for support. COWARDS. Message from them:….
Yechiel (Incredimail Support Center)
Dec 30 09:56
Hello Al,
Thank you very much for your response.
I’m sorry, but we cannot provide a refund 14 years after purchase.
Having read your message, I can only suggest that you take your pills or seek a psychiatrist who will provide you with some.
Best regards,
Yechiel Racer
Customer Support
We pulled our recommendation of Incredimail several years ago when the company changed hands. We have warned people about that company many times since. Let your post be another warning.
…and GOOGLE doesn’t try to trick people into buying things, gather our info to send us related ads and use its clients for other ways to make itself money?
Google is a search engine, not something you download. Google is not installed on your computer running constantly in the background, displaying ads, tracking your email, gathering data from within your computer. There are other search engines like Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, etc. None of them install on your compute; if you choose to use Google or any search engine that tracks your data (most do, including Bing and Yahoo) that is your choice. You can use DuckDuckGo and several other who promise not to collect your search information. And you have a choice to use another email client besides IncrediMail which borders on being malware and many consider a PUP.
Lets all be totally honest here INCREDIMAIL IS TOTALLY and INCREDIBLY the crappiest choice to make