Stealware: Kazaa et al Stealing Link Commissions

goombah99 writes "We all heard about spyware, well now Kazaa, Morpheus and LimeWire are sneaking a new type of nastiness onto your computer, software that - without you even knowing it - redirects commissions for online purchases you make from other vendors you make back to them. For example, if you buy a CD from an affiliate of Amazon.com, say some charity, the software fools Amazon into crediting the commission to Morpheus, not the charity! The story quotes a LimeWire Developer who admits 'While I agree that this is really a bit of a scam, it is a way for us to pay salaries while not adversely affecting our users.' The insidious part is the stealware program remains even if you delete the original P2P software. And you supposedly gave your permission when you clicked through the EULA."

Comments

Fer Chrissake, it's FRAUD!

[R2.0]

'While I agree that this is really a bit of a scam, it is a way for us to pay salaries while not adversely affecting our users.'

"While I agree that slapping my wife around isn't very nice, it does get me my dinner on time."

"While I agree that insider trading is against SEC rules, how else am I going to get the 2nd Aston-Martin?"

Whats all the fussin' and a-feudin' about?

[stratjakt]

If it's in an EULA, it must be legal.

I mean for crissakes - EULA is an ACRONYMN!

Just Hold On a Darn Minute Here...

[LordYUK]

people with KaZaA actually buy CD's from Amazon??? Hmm... Who knew?

Humor folks, enjoy it. =)

KaZaa Admits to Stealing Candy from Sick Children

[Saint Aardvark]

New York (AP) -- KaZaa executives, insisting on anonymity, admitted today to sneaking into pediatric wings of at least three hospitals to steal lollipops, Tootsie Rolls, and Mars Bars in an effort to keep programmers on staff and happy.

"We knew it was wrong," said one vice-president, "but we had to keep the free snacks flowing for the programmers, or else we were screwed. We couldn't stop -- they'd all jump ship."

The executives insisted they had done nothing wrong. "Those kids are sick! What the hell are they getting candy for, anyway?" he asked rhetorically. "We left them instant cous-cous and bean soup. They've got it pretty good, if you ask me."

FSF founder and computer guru Richard Stallman was unavailable for comment. "He's out redirecting CDNow affiliate refferals to pay for his movie rental late charges," said an anonymous source close to the programmer.

Shocked!

[cgreuter]

I am shocked--shocked, I say--to hear that Kazaa, a fine purveyor of music-stealing software, would behave in such an unethical manner.

hey, nice idea

[Deton8]

Since this comission theft is apparently legal, I'm going to modify our GL system here at the office to re-code all our product sales as being sold by me, so I get all the commissions. Why should those pesky sales people get any of the money, anyway? If they want money, they should become c++ programmers instead of salesmen.

Re:Kazaa Lite

[BurKaZoiD]

I agree. I don't feel bad about pirating mp3s and stealing from a bloodless record label, but stealing from charity?!? Lines have to be drawn...

Re:Victimless crime?

[yomahz]

"Shoplifting is a victimless crime, like punching someone in the dark."
-- Nelson, The Simpsons

Of course this isn't shoplifting but it's still funny :)