MacUpdate Bundle: It seemed like a good idea at the time
So this past week, MacUpdate ran a promo bundle with a few semi-useful apps, and Parallels Desktop, for $49. Since I’ve never tried Parallels, I figure it might be worth it and purchased the bundle.
So I ran through the hoops of creating a MacUpdate account, and unchecked the “Sign me up for the newsletter” box that was pre-checked for me (a great UX detail, mind you).
And now 2 days later I find out the following:
- I was signed up for at least one MacUpdate mailing list that I did not opt-in to.
- They retained my billing information and signed me up for “Auto-renew annual Membership w/MacUpdate Desktop”
- MacUpdate created a public profile on MacUpdate.com with my first and last name, age, and gender shared publicly.
Honestly, the second item on that list is the most offensive. Particularly when there’s a FAQ for the bundle that asks “Is there a catch?” with this answer:
Nope, none! You get the same versions of the software as if you paid full price! The same support, update, and upgrade options are available to you as well! No ‘Lite’ versions or anything of the sort.
I’d like to think this whole bit was an April Fools Day joke, but I’m guessing it wasn’t.