Anyone else dislike the 'fake product box' images on websites?

You know, you go to say... a forum software site and you end up seeing the main image, which happens to be a photoshop edited box with the company logo and a screenshot of their product on it.

Like on vB SEO's website. I just don't like it when these sites have some image of their product as if it's something you can buy off a shop shelf... possibly because it's the biggest online product website cliche I can imagine.

 

The first time I saw something like that I thought it was cute marketing. The second time, not so much. Now it's just page clutter and I tend to look through it.

 

I am actually keen on them myself, it makes the software look good as if it does come in a box and that will of course help with sales especially if the buyer was totally unaware it was just digital goods.

I think their appearance is quite smart but yeah theyre very common these days and everyone uses them.

 

I just put a few finishing touches on a website that is built around not 1 fake software box, but three of them! I think opinions as admins might not be the same as regular internet surfers. A product box immediately denotes something that can be purchased, "supported" perhaps and "returnable" even if that is note the case.

 

I object to the ones that look unrealistic or poorly shaded. I suppose I shouldn't care either way as I hardly ever buy software in an actual physical box anymore; it just looks sloppy.

 

I dont think it matters what they use but is more of how the website displays the actual content.