Pricelessware

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Pricelessware is freeware selected annually as the best of the best by the readers of the newsgroup alt.comp.freeware since 1999.

Pricelessware was the brainchild of Son of Spy, one of alt.comp.freeware's regular contributors and champion of forgotten freeware. Initially designed as a FAQ of sorts for the most requested programs, the list highlighted the best 1 or 2 programs in various categories, but was never intended as an exhaustive list of the best available freeware.

The first selection was made in December of 1999 and was initially called the "Big List". The idea was to have a stickie page that could be used by newbies as a first-stop resource or by members of the newsgroup when recommending programs.

The term pricelessware was coined by Tiger®, another regular of the alt.comp.freeware newsgroup at the time of creation, with the idea of setting apart the freeware selected for this list.

Initially hosted on Son of Spy's own site, Pricelessware evolved from a simple list to a more complete listing which included program descriptions and home page links. It found a permanent home in the summer of 2001.

There are no adware or spyware programs included on the Pricelessware list.

Pricelessware programs are chosen by a vote conducted in November-December of every year in the newsgroup alt.comp.freeware. While the exact procedures vary from year to year, the first criteria is to recognise the best freeware programs, not attempt to find a program to fit every conceivable category. Programs must be nominated and seconded before they are included on the ballot. In the true spirit of Usenet, nominations and votes are open to any person who wishes to be a part of the process.

Programs are also added and/or removed throughout the year, in a formal mid-year review or when events warrant it, such as a change of freeware status or a new program introduction.

The site's current address is http://www.pricelesswarehome.org. As of Tuesday, April 25th 2006, the original site (www.pricelessware.org) had not been updated since September 2004.