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FTC Shuts Down 'Pop-Up Trapping' Sites
Masem writes: "The FTC today ordered the shutdown of 5,500 sites owned by John Zuccarini, all of them the so-called 'typo' sites that common mis-entered URLs for popular sites (such as Annakurnikova.com); when the user visits these sites, their back button behavior in most popular browsers is modified as to open multiple pop-ups featuring ads for adult entertainment and gambling sites when pressed, and uses other technology to basically 'trap' the browser until the entire application has to be closed. While some sites are still operating, the FTC is going to take this matter to court, which may decide exactly how much control a web site can take over the end browser using JavaScript and ActiveX. CNet has the full story." Le Marteau contributes a link to the same story at the Washington Post.
Seems like a good idea that has the ability to become something really big. Being able to power your PDA, mp3 player, etc all without any batteries does seem kinda cool. A few questions though. Wonder if the 'battery' would be cold to the touch? Would it be appliable to the skin, or under the skin? How far up can this be scaled? I saw the plans for the 3.0v version, how about 9.5?
I wonder if this would be considered as terrorism in Ashcroft's proposed law?
I wish I could figure out how to disable buttons with javascript. See I'm a Neomail user. It's a great webmail app. It has its own set of navigation buttons (images with links) to navigate the site with. Using the Back, Forward, Reload, and other common buttons breaks the session, forcing the user to see an error and login again. Instead of directing the user straight to the neomail.pl script, I wrote a simple HTML page with news, help, etc.. on it and POST to that script. Much easier to work with and change. I need to find some way to spawn a new window (or change the existing parent) to either disable the buttons or disable that entire button bar. Any ideas? Kudos to the FTC for their actions. I wouldn't mind having his source though. ;)
And I can't say that I really approve. Don't want this to happen? Disable javascript and active scripting (or just type in the right address). Don't want a browser where it's on by default? By your computer from a manufacturer who makes "safe" PCs. Oh, they aren't allowed to alter the settings before selling it to you by the browser maker? Thank stars for the antitrust... oh, never mind, just bomb Florida and string up anyone who thinks "market failure" is when stocks decline.
I actually think this represents the worst sort of judicial overreaching.
Expanding a vast wasteland since 1996.
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/10/cupcake.htmtarget=_ top
What's with you fucking idiots trying to put "target=" in your URL's!? It has never worked, and if I want a new goddamn window, I'll make my own!
It doesn't mean much now, it's built for the future.
Not all porn sites pay per impression. Gamma Entertainment, a company that runs several large porn sites, will pay you either $25 per sign-up (through text, banner, or pop-up links) or five cents per banner click. If your pop-up ad is annoying, nobody will intentionally click on it and sign up, and you won't get paid. They won't pay you for banner impressions at all, probably because they recieved a large number of complaints that webmasters were claiming pop-up ads as impressions.
I'm sorry this sounds like an ad. I don't work for them and if I was trying to make money from this post, I'd have created a referral-kickback link.
The shareholder is always right.