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lycos_syndication
Joined: Nov 13, 2007
# Posts: 7
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Posted: 2007-Nov-19 16:33
I wanted to start this thread with a quick clarification of spyware vs. adware. Spyware is malicious code used to steal banking info, personal password info, etc.. Adware is as ad program providing search results, pops or some other form of advertising medium.
Now spyware is absolutely horrible and made by the criminals of the internet, adware installed in a way where there is no user intent or value is equally as bad, however when a user is electing to receive something in return via an opt-in ad supported program both parties win.
Since realistically most tier two ad networks are built around affiliate networks and adware, the conversion rate is low right? Yes and no. Lets be honest, adware ads, just based on the sheer numbers, do convert. Its the hot-link search engines out of China most tier two monetize that drag down conversions and facilitate click fraud. As an advertiser would you feel adverse to providing ads to a network you know is driven by an opt in (no funny business) toolbar or side search product?
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SportsGuy
Staff
Joined: Aug 30, 2002
# Posts: 3603
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Posted: 2007-Nov-19 17:00
As someone who's purchased ad space and been shown on adware-style networks/programs...and as the person who had to deal with the hate e-mail from our users, I personally feel adware is to be avoided.
Additionally, the stats at the time showed that the users who came to our sites through this medium stayed less than 3 seconds on the sites, so they were basically useless to us, taking no action what-so-ever.
Obviously results would vary depending on the program and other factors, but when users start blaming the site for installing something they didn't really want, we'll it's bad news for the website in the end.
Now, saying the everything is clearly spelled out in the user agreement that the user had to OK to start the install and the users knew what they were getting is a bit like saying bait and switch ad tactics should be legalized, IMO.
Users DO NOT read he agreements - they are simply interested in the program they're trying to download, etc. By "adding" things into the package, and basically interfering with the users normal Internet session, I can easily see where users rank adware right next to spyware.
Anyone recall Gator? Remember what happened to them...and how they went so far to distance themselves from that name after all the lawsuits?
As an advertiser would you feel adverse to providing ads to a network you know is driven by an opt in (no funny business) toolbar or side search product?
Yep - been there,done that, got the hate mail from users who blames us for what ended up on their PCs...sorry, but that was my experience. Not saying all programs should be avoided, but folks really should dig deep and perform due diligence before joining any advertising program.
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lycos_syndication
Joined: Nov 13, 2007
# Posts: 7
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Posted: 2007-Nov-19 20:37
Agreed. There certainly are some pretty nasty bugs distributed via nasty methods (drive-by, bait and switch, 3rd party installers etc.), but these programs are generally run by underground internet companies w/ "remote home offices" in B.C., Panama or Russia (cool web search). Gator was the very first adware on the net and completely distributed via active x peer to peer. When illegal file sharing ruled the net Kazaa provided Claria (formerly Gator) with all of their installs. Claria still does a nominal amount of downloads (toolbar, e-wallet, etc..)as does Zango (formerly 180 solutions and hotbar). The difference between the wild west days of Active X and now are all the lawsuits, opt-in or out options for the user and Truste compliance. Zango was recently exonerated by the supreme court for their install practices.
Yes I agree, most times people do not fully read the eula disclosure when presented in a download, but thats not the type of install I am referring to. I am talking about a completely opt in install of a toolbar. The user can still have the screen saver, stock ticker or whatever they are choosing to download and elect not to have the toolbar installed. Additionally, I am talking about cpc ads in the search results provided by the toolbar or a side search product, not a CPV or eCPM ad in a pop up. I think adware that does 1000 pops a day and kills users is an absolute Joke. The idiots that write that stuff and distribute it could care less about user experience and how relative the results a user gets are. I am trying to build a quality network of converting traffic for my cpc advertisers. Obviously it is in my best interest to have a toolbar that appeals to an end user, or they wont use the searchbox in the toolbar and I wont make a dime. I would like to see things come full circle. Spyware and invasive adware is going the way of the dodo, but clean opt in or out ad programs by major companies (ASK.com) are picking up steam.
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flyingrose
Staff
Joined: Oct 30, 2003
# Posts: 3361
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Posted: 2007-Nov-20 03:05
I would never use or recommend any Adware program to anyone. Intention is critical and any intent to deceive (regardless of how extensive the fine print) shows a marked lack of integrity.
Advertising which allows interested buyers to locate legitimate businesses is good. I work diligently online to increase acceptance of that type of advertising.
I strongly advise advertisers against using any disreputable tactics and publicly oppose burdening Internet users with yet another annoying gimmick.
Time is the most valuable asset any of us has; stealing it from us will become less and less tolerated. Any entity desiring to stay in business would do well to learn that now rather than later.
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