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Topic: Adware Tracking Cookies |
Leri Schiller
From:
Belton, Texas
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Posted 1 Jul 2009 8:02 am |
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I noticed that when I do a scan with the Super Antispyware program, there are always a few adware tracking cookies.
Is this really something to worry about? I use a limited account and the browser is Firefox. Thanks.
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1991 Emmons Lashley LeGrande II, D-10, 8x6/Session 400/RV3 |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 1 Jul 2009 10:26 am
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You have nothing to worry about from "tracking" cookies. They are used by every website on Earth that serves any advertising, or records your preferences on those sites.
Cookies are plain ASCII text files that are encrypted by each website you visit, or each ad company that serves text and banner ads on publisher websites. Publishers get paid commissions only if those cookies are accepted (allowed) by a buyer's browser. Sometimes a potential buyer will download a trial program, then sign-up a month later, when the trial ends. If the cookie from the initial visit has been deleted the publisher whose website you got the program through may not be credited for your sale.
Some affiliate programs record the initial visit and keep it on file, in case buyers have deleted session cookies. Some personal websites only continue to exist from the commissions earned from their readers trying or buying products and services advertised on those sites. Ad blockers, cookie deleters and affiliate program script blockers are not our friends.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 1 Jul 2009 1:34 pm
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| Jim Cohen wrote: |
| Wiz Feinberg wrote: |
| Ad blockers, cookie deleters and affiliate program script blockers are not our friends. |
I suppose that depends on who you mean by "our"... |
How true that is! Some people still think that everything on the Internet should be totally free. Thier line of thought is that honest webmasters running information websites or forums don't deserve to make any money for their efforts (except through donations). Such websites only continue to exist as long as the owners can afford to pay for content/code updates, domain renewals and web hosting costs. Sites running affiliate ads have a small opportunity to make a few bucks in commissions on leads and sales. This funds the cost of maintaining their websites and, if they are really lucky, may even help them pay for rent, or food, or gas.
Commercial websites actually have goods for sale and don't need to allow third party ads in order to fund their businesses.
That is why I said that ad blockers are not our friend. They take away any opportunity for an honest website to make any money in commissions, as no ads will be displayed.
Just an honest webmaster's 2 cents opinion.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Leri Schiller
From:
Belton, Texas
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Posted 1 Jul 2009 2:01 pm Cookies
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Thanks Wiz. I appreciate the explanation about tracking cookies. Helps me look at it a little differently.
I'm starting to like cookies even more.
_________________
1991 Emmons Lashley LeGrande II, D-10, 8x6/Session 400/RV3 |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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