How many of you actually read the user agreements before clicking I agree?

[HongFire]

When you install any software or game there is always a long long user aggrement page where you have to press "I Agree" otherwise you can't continoue the installation. Most of the words are small and hard to read.. and way too long.

To be honest I never read the aggrements before i clicking aggree. They are just way too long and too small and hard to read..:st:

How about you guys?

[zephyranthez]

well, I don't know if I actually should vote in yes or no....
in my high school days, there is one subject in which I studied about software license and EULA... at that time, my teacher ask us, as a homework, to "make" a EULA [End User License Agreement] by looking at other software's EULA.... so I had no choice but to read PowerDVD's EULA once.... and only ONCE because every software's EULA is mainly the same bullshits :P

[AnimeChickLover]

It really depends on what I'm installing and how long the agreement is
But to be honest i rarely read them because i trust the programs and games I'm installing

[teateatea]

Me? I can never be bothered with Reading such a long agreement. It like, what is the point of it all? I reckon every EULA is similar because i just quickly glance over it. Just to see what the hell it's on about. Otherwise, I never actually read it...

[stukasa]

I just want to know if it's free. :D Other than that, no, not really.

[gugujiao]

Depends on the program basically. If it has been strongly recommended from many sites, people, then I can't be bothered much. However certain programs are worth reading the agreements even if they are long and bothersome.

[Lisa Hayes]

i tend to read on those programs that i am suspicious of (especially when labeled adware).

otherwise, i skim on it.

[orisa]

What are "user agreements"? :p

[Suzuran]

I quickly look over it but cant really say that I'm reading it. Mostly it's always the same. We are not responsible for possible damage etc etc

[Thyran]

I don't. It's the usual legal mumbo jumbo.

And it's there only to fend off the little law suits.
In severe lawsuits, f.e. you have to get half your brain removed, leaving most of you quite frankly nothing, the little piece of paper they call "User Agreement" should hardly matter.

[msea]

I do, the first usual first two words thats found in most agreement pages.

Which is "User Agreement" and I'd just either scroll all the way down quickly to get the Next button to appear or just click on Next if its already clickable.

[Zaris]

It depends on the product. If I got a vacuum cleaner, I'd probably say forget it. But when it comes to playing online games, I want to know every tidbit before they try to cheat me any kind of money whatsoever.

And of course, once I see the same kind of user agreement for the same kind of product (i.e. DVDs), you pretty much end up skipping them eventually.

[darkandshadow]

Not really. It's pretty much the same thing over and over again...although, like Lisa, if it's a program I don't know of, I'll actually read through them, just to make sure I'm not getting more than what I bargained for...

Other than that, yeah. Power Reading.

[ShadowZero1]

I always scan through the agreement to see if there is anything unusual. On a few occasions, I have returned the game because I didn't like the agreement.

Now had they been smart enough to put the agreement on the outside of the packaging instead on burying it inside the packaging, then they could have saved me the trouble of opening up the game and making a copy of the agreement to keep on file before returning the game. ;D
You know if they did that, packaging is going to be a lot bigger and bulkier. Plus even with that bulk, how would they manage to print all that without resorting to microtext (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microtext)?

For the user agreements, I do what Lisa said...

...but sometimes the people who write that stuff up add in silly little comments like "we know no one's going to read this so we're just going to write some random stuff here" or something like that.

[Lisa Hayes]

...but sometimes the people who write that stuff up add in silly little comments like "we know no one's going to read this so we're just going to write some random stuff here" or something like that.
like that one time (i should post this on that random thread) where i skimmed a very short EULA from an unknown software and read the last part.

"You are actually reading this part? Either you have too much free time, or just paranoid. Well, thank you for downloading, and enjoy our product!"

- silly programmers...

[mystvearn]

NO! Unless whatever involves money/assets then only will I read.

[kingx11]

i'm a fast reader

i read the 1st 4 words in the line and skip it to the next line and in about 50 seconds i'm done

so yeah i read it and all of them are the same

[Denamic]

No way. 4 A4 pages of just text, and the text is always full of complicated words and grammar, so that it's hard to read. I'm not gonna read that. It's a waste of an hour you could've spend doing something fun, like picking your nose.

[stigermorgan]

honestly up until now i never read it up to even 20 seconds of that agreements just clicking on next again and again . just sure that i didnt violate too much >.<

[drakemetal]

I NEVER read it .

[DSith]

What I'm doing with all these softwares is against the EULA anyway. So I don't bother.

[Psycho Mantis]

I would say yes,i always read some of the agrements.

[AnimeChickLover]

wow so many proper people reading user agreements ^ ^
maybe i should too
last time when i installed a program it caused my computer to get pop-ups everytime i went on the internet.
when i went back and checked the user agreements it said i had to disbale some program to stop the pop ups. XD

[Xebi]

Not too sure if I should've said yes, I've read the agreements of several
forums (to see wether they were not the same, and if so just see what's new)
like Hongfire, but other than that... game agreements etc are usualy death
logic just as much as everything, and thus I don't bother reading them.

[Odii]

Nope, Niett, Nada, No, Nej, Jo, Ne, Ei, нет, όχι, hayır.


I hope I made myself clear. :rolleyes:

[solarenemy]

Software comes with agreements? Well blow me down! If you don't learn something new everyday.

[DSith]

Software comes with agreements? Well blow me down! If you don't learn something new everyday.

The good ones come with a crack

[Jeroquee]

What I'm doing with all these softwares is against the EULA anyway.Indeed. And the way I obtained them as well.

[kit6990]

well i read about 90% of it then my brain started melting so i just clicked agree.

[krazeyo]

It depends on what kind of software I'm installing, but most of the time no

[nyditch]

For pretty much anything, no. I have heard, however, that there was some readme thing for a program that one person read and got $1000 from the company.

[kyzer]

99%: no, simply i usually use the cracked version of all the software i have, which means i have nothing to do with the user agreement and the company of those software :D

[BradWong]

I'm surprised that some people even voted yes and actually read the EULA...

[Bishounen]

Mostly - NEVER !! :st:

[Berch]

I read only when it's 1 page (0.001% of existing software in the world).

I hope some day companies include an index or a resume. :P

[Treasure]

I think most people never read that (Nor do I). But I think even companies don't expect us to do so. This is a legal question they have to futhfill and a simple page that we have to pass over.
There is no ethics on either side. (Cynically speaking of course)

[blozzee]

I briefly look if this program has any relation that contribute spyware or ad ware...sometimes if it was a free trial, I basically delete it afterwards

[ChaosLoki]

I try to skim through it most of the time to make sure that it's only the game/software/program that's being installed rather than some extra "bonus" that installers like to include into their installations.

[defran]

Ill usually skim through it a little(15 seconds or so) depending on how long it is and click "i agree"

[Tsuchiro]

lol never... i never acutally read the agreements once... they are way too long :/

[OddDoctor]

As Thylan said, they don't really matter much in the only circumstances when you would have thought they might; even if you do get into a software-related lawsuit, there's considerable doubt over whether EULAs can be enforced, so what they actually say won't matter nearly as much as laws and precedents concerning software use. The only point in reading them is to remind yourself of how much evil rent-seeking behavior the software companies are trying to get away with. And sadly succeeding in many cases, of course; EULAs may not be enforceable, but, say, the DMCA is.

[siropantumi]

I'm like ChoasLoki. And I skim the usual "you have no rights, and we have no liabilities" verbiage, but try to look for anything unexpected. Lines like "this package installs third-party marketing software which will connect to the internet for various purposes" are, of course, always buried deep within the EULA where they hope you won't see it.

I rely on watchdog sites to sumarize the evil things software does (whether the EULA technically discloses them or not), such as bundled software, DRM enforcement, and serruptitious internet communication.

[Jhkplaya888]

if i bother to read it has to be a short user agreement or i have to be suspicious of the software :st:

[BobAvenger]

When I first sign up I will usually at least skim the terms of service stuff, but no, I never actually read it all. :grin:

[deadmantiz]

i'm generally ok with the major companies...do give it a skim if its something u get off the internet and see it gives provisions for third-party software installations.

[ribbons]

I skim them all. If something catches my eye, I'll actually read the section. I tend to spend ~3 mintues going through it before I click agree.

upgrades to new versions of an old program I tend not to be as thurogh, as well as for other updates for a program. but I do read what those updates entail before I install them, and will fully read if any added party's product is present.

[dogooder]

Sometimes to read EULA you must click on hyperlink. This shortcut looks like they are already gave up on it 'cause too many people just skip whole text

[Rick]

I just want to know if it's free. :D Other than that, no, not really.

if i bother to read it has to be a short user agreement or i have to be suspicious of the software :st:

Pretty much the same to me. I can't afford to waste my time with such petty details. :st:

[ANBUds]

for some things yes. I read the stuff on contracts, bank accounts, anything that could possibly have to do with money (or that could trick me into spending money). If its jsut something random though, then no.

[Polux]

I'm kinda the same,in trivial things I just fast search if there is anything about money that could screw me.but that dont count as reading,so no

[ShadowRFox]

I only "scan" through it but never read it.

[micky21761]

well i dont read i just do anything i want then after a few mistakes i will be reading just what like happend to me im my beloved thread...

[afarinah]

No. I never read those mumbo jumbo at any agreement statement since most agreement text has the same content file in any installing program or forum unless there iare specific rules then I will read those.

[n4nde]

I have never read the agreement before =_=

Almost all of the games have the pirate version now.... ZZZz

but If the original one, I think I have to read the agreement first =)

[Unicase]

Yea I read it at times but I only read it if I plan to use it for a long time.

[nekonyanko]

Only if i think something may be off, or if it has to do with something that I paid for, or that requires personal info :neko:

[aww]

well it really depends on what I'm installing.
But to be honest i don't really read them because i know what I'm installing.

[DestinyStargazer]

Well I never read it those things with a lot of words. I just scroll down until I finish it
= ω =.

[Dragora]

I just look if there is anything suspicious at first glance otherwise i don't bother.

[memphis]

no, just to lazy to even look at it

[tank419]

I skimp through to see of any shady readings

[abimael]

NEVER
READING IS FOR CHUMPS

[maumastoks]

1 year-old thread...

i never read it. too much to read

[Brave Magnus]

I never read those, I just agree. ^^ Why should I read them? I guess its the same for every forum, besides I'm a good guy and I'll never break the rules.

[arod1]

No I just agree every thing I agree to is usually free so I don't bother reading the user agreement.

[bobuild01]

I always read them, kind of like to know if there is something bundled that I don't want, and if it is uninstallable.

[Ness9411]

>_>.... no..

[Kyokugen Master]

Anti-reading is one of my strongest convictions :D

[Merodia]

honestly, no. most those text the same everytime I try to join any forum lol

[gothicat]

I read the rules of the forums of some sites(I actually read this site, aarinfantasy and some others), but only the ones I have the feeling I'll be a semi-regular, because I have to admit, some times I join sites just to download something and never go there again, so I don't bother in those.

In games though, hell no. Like you said: long, hard to read and boring! Didn't I already do enough by paying for the games, now I have to read some stupid agreement, that's so long it reminds me of those pointless, link infested blogs people are obsessed with making nowadays? The small letters and long text reminds me of blogs and myspace web pages (minus the netspeak) that are clogging the internet. I hate them, and I hate user agreements.

I'll use the program/game I bought with my money the way I want fascists!

[Maleki]

...I dont think i've actually EVER read a EULA <_< That cant be good.

[Maryn]

I sure as hell don't unless its some I'm not familiar with and partly suspicious.

[wingmare]

I skim through the EULA, since most of them have similar things.
Of course, some more sensitive ones, I do read them very carefully before I proceed...

If its a pirate copy, there is not much reason why you want to read it XD

[Karpov]

Never... O.o.

[mintychan]

on a very rare occasion, especially when money is involved, or i really liked the program that i read even the smallest detail of it.

Most people don't even read a single word of the installation/process, and just filling out forms and click next like there's no tomorrow.

Even when some programs embed a timer at the "Next/OK" button, we just press Alt + Tab, look through some H Files for a few moments, then alt + tab back.

[Reisen]

No. I always check the box that says "I agree to dingdongdang dongdingdang~~" and instantly click the "Next." button.

Why should I read it, anyways?

[Arashi Kaze]

Some EULA nowadays are kinda tricky, you can't press next w/o reading. Or, in other words, if you still didn't read the last line of the EULA, the 'Next' button will still be greyed out. Not a big deal though, just slide the scrollbar to bottom and you're good to go. Never read it and probably never will.

[Duo Maxwell]

I only see a check box and the "Next" button.

[Deranged Skillet]

no way. not on the internet anyway.
On actual paper though, best to be more careful.

[FragZero]

I never read them, but most Eula's aren't even legal here ( Belgium ) so no worries :d

[Satelight]

In the past, when there is something important, I'd take a scan around, though not reading always word for word. Now I pretty much assume the "same old same old" and do not read.

so... how am I suppose to vote?

[Colorless]

never in my life =P

[VIXuke]

It depends on what I'm installing... though normally I don't T.T, I don't install some unknown shit, so don't need the long and boring wasting of my time in reading the user agreements... But when I have to, I do read^^, but those times are so rare and in between.

[Ryuhakaninja]

I'm going to say yes to most games and or applications....but as most people are saying it depends on how long it is and what I'm installing. I normally at least skim over the major points of the policy even if I don't want to....

[Bluefire101]

I don't check them at all unless it's something I don't really know yet. I mean if I used software from a company I knew then I'd go ahead and install it without looking at the EULA.

[Goddess Althena]

I honestly don't read user agreements at all cause there is way too much to look at. For games you don't really have to worry much about unless it's an online one where something could cost you a perma ban. However, though not games or software I'll read forum rules and codes of conduct for obvious reasons :p (ie: not to get banned unknowingly) They're generally more straight forward to read through, unlike software where it can get all technical and more difficult to understand, not to mention dry. :D

[Arsenico]

i've never read an user agreement in my life... too toooo toooooo long... and i have no patience :D

[TheShadow]

never even once bother reading it

[Lord Zero]

Nah, always the same S**t... its useless anyway.

[GarotoBH20]

I do not read it.

[Fuchsin]

I've skim-read a few, but no, I never read them, and I don't even skim them anymore.

[speeljesuf]

it's always the same stuff, you may use it but you may not distribute it, you may not post pornograhic thingies on forums, so i never really read it.

i read it once though, and this time, it was quite funny.

According to the maker, if aliens kidnapped me because of his software, he was not the one to blame :D

[Vy Low]

Before I never read through all of them until I saw an episode on Attack Of The Show where someone won money after reading from start to finish ( It turned out that the user agreement that he read had prize money given to those who finished reading it xD ) so now I'm always hopeful and reading user agreements from start to finish who knows I might end up with some free extra cash Lolz xD

[xcaliber9999]

I never read the agreement completely since its very big and long plus most of the things are common

[bobuild01]

The most interesting EULA I read recently was my ISP letting us know they were limiting and investigating "member groups", closing their news readers access, and "searching for and cancelling accounts of p2p users". Real censorship and invasion of privacy for all their users whether they want it or not.

[psychopompos]

in the uk, most eula's arent worth the paper you would need to print them, if you paid cash for the product(thank the sony rootkit for that one, it set a legal precedent).
so i dont care.
if its open source, gpl, beta or freeware you should know what your getting yourself in to.
as much as there is a vast amount of good stuff out there, there is also plenty of crap, and adware/malware supported dross.

[S76]

no never did read any user agreements, majority of it is just common sense, just behave and u should be fine

[kizna007]

I read, just to make sure I don't miss out the warranty and freebies sometimes...

[Lexray]

Rarely read the user agreement and always hoping I'm not signing anything over LoL.

[Makadonska27]

Initially thought hell no. Then considered the question properly and though well yes I do actually scan some. If its something I am unsure of I am a little more diligent but generally its a very rapid skim through on my way down to the next button. :grin:

[fullmetal]

hahah most of the time no, but if a program seem suspicious, i would copy the whole agreement into notepad then do "Find" (ctrl+ f) for words like "spyware" "virus" stuff like those

[annieangel85]

i never do that ^^' its to long to read :P

[Lakshun]

I never read the agreement, I don't have to.
I used to post on gfaqs for 6 years. It's easily the strictest internet board I've ever seen, so I just post anywhere else in the same way and automatically don't violate anything.

[deadlywarrior]

To be honest,i never read them.

[Coolgamer]

I use EULAlyzer Personal to check the agreements for anything shady.

[Otakukaiser]

Reading user agreements is blasphemy against GOD! :ban: -lies just doesn't want to read-

http://exchristian.net/exchristian/SMALL___Blasphemy___Shelly.jpg

[ebattleon]

I actually read the GNU, LGNU licenses once, but other than that no i do not really read them.

[yummypie]

lol i read a few once and i realized they said pretty much exactly the thing this a little thing changed here and there

[solarenemy]

I never read the agreement, I don't have to.
I used to post on gfaqs for 6 years. It's easily the strictest internet board I've ever seen, so I just post anywhere else in the same way and automatically don't violate anything.

Well congrats then because you and the last four posters succeeded in necroing a thread that is nearly a year old since the last post. Which is by the way against one of the rules here. So you all mat want to read them since it seems they differ from the so called strictest forum.

[Tiexandrea]

i scan through them, especially when i download "freeware" stuff.

sometimes you'll find something in it that says "if you install this program, you agree to download and install automatically this adware XYZ and you can't do shit about it", and it's an early warning for me.

also, there are some funny stuff that are included in some of the ULA's i've seen. i don't remember where i've read it, but one game's ULA said "we will not be held responsible if you use this game in the creation of the control programs of intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear bombs and other weapons of mass destruction".

i laughed like hell. couldn't tell if they were serious or trolling.

[sailabc1]

I don't care much, if I'm gonna pirate it there's little point... And as for the adware and stuff, I usually get the warning by reading comments in that torrent. :p


"we will not be held responsible if you use this game in the creation of the control programs of intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear bombs and other weapons of mass destruction".

lol. Which game?

[Tiexandrea]

lol. Which game?

this wasn't the game i initially found this in, but just to give an example, this is what the ULA of iTunes looks like --
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13864&d=1214550126

i think, what they really want to say is --
"we do not allow you to plug in and listen to your iPod when you are working on assembling and/or developing weapons of mass destruction"...

dammit. the only reason i got an iPod and iTunes was to make missiles! gaaah! i have been foiled!

[sailabc1]

I think I'll just attach a hand grenade to my ipod and throw it just for the sake of lulz out of violating that condition... kekekeke :hehehe:

[LuxVertas]

I recently read the one for Signing up to the BETA for Star Wars the Old Republic

but sometines I just Skim...

[Raqib12]

I always assumed administrators pasted auto-generated user agreements with the click of a button.

[animedoll]

..i just click "i agree" sometimes i feel a bit of fear afterward though..

[imbzppl]

imagine one day that an evil company will put something in the user agreement and make us sign our souls(or whatever) to them via check box in software agreements:hehehe:

most of us will be screwed

[LuffyOniiSan]

^ Lol, yeah.

I once read a few for the heck of it, but now I don't. Takes too much time =w=

[Lord Zero]

I never do. That kind of user agreement cant be legally enforced isnt ?