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ROBERTSUNRUS · 10-09-2013, 09:09 PM

Hi, I noticed my posts have little blue links added that I had nothing to do with. With my pointer on these blue links, I get "Shopping Link Added By SkimWords" . What's going on? Are my posts turning into advertising for someone; Where's my cut?

overlander63 · 10-09-2013, 09:21 PM

I made a post a few minute ago, and a link for an ebay auction showed ip in it. This creates a problem, people will think I am promoting or trying to sell something through my posts.

Jim & Susan · 10-09-2013, 09:30 PM

Yup, same here. Was trying to find a way to tactfully bring this up (thanks Bob). I understand Andy has to turn a profit here, but please keep these types of links for the non-members. I publicize the vendors I use extensively, don't want to link those that I don't to my posts.

Just my humble opinion.

Jim

RickDavis · 10-10-2013, 04:54 AM

I use firefox with adblocker plus add on and had not seen any of these links.
I turned off add blocker and still don't see them. Maybe they are already gone
A google search for skimword will turn up some info on what it is all about.
I believe this approach to advertising would create a lot of ill will . I know I don't want any links added to my posts that I did not put there.
I understand the need for advertising but had no idea there was so much of it until I turned adblocker off

overlander63 · 10-10-2013, 05:05 AM

The irony... I was complaining about a link to a certain auction site in another post, and lo and behold, one of those links showed up in the complaining post. It makes me look like a hypocrite.
I guess anyone that doesn't like this new "feature" can use the contact us link at the bottom of the page, like I just did, and let somebody know.

ROBERT CROSS · 10-10-2013, 05:09 AM

I haven't noticed it....yet.

Where in the post does it appear?

Bob

Gringo · 10-10-2013, 05:19 AM

I haven't seen it at all. But if my posts start getting modified by someone and their changes portrayed as my own, I am definitely out of here.

r carl · 10-10-2013, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gringo

I haven't seen it at all. But if my posts start getting modified by someone and their changes portrayed as my own, I am definitely out of here.

Good to see you Byron, been awhile. Yes, modifying posts is going toooo far!

overlander63 · 10-10-2013, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I haven't noticed it....yet.

Where in the post does it appear?

Bob

I was on my iPad, using Safari. It's not showing up now on my regular Mac, using Firefox.

lonewolf1977 · 10-10-2013, 07:24 AM

I haven't seen this at all. Use IE at work. Firefox at home.

**jcanavera** · 10-10-2013, 08:48 AM

From what I can see it comes from an add-on extension that is tied to your browser. I run a Mac with three different browsers and didn't notice it. I also have Windows PC that I fire up every once in a while and don't see anything with Windows IE. So it looks like you can cure this if you can find the add-on and delete it, or if you have an ad blocking feature on your browser. Here's a link that might give you some additional info.

Seeing Unwanted Text Enhance Ads? - wafflesatnoon.com

Jack

RangerJay · 10-10-2013, 09:14 AM

I don't see any links in any Airforums threads.

A lot of ads are now tailored to your own use of the internet. In addition to ad blocking and other measures it may also be helpful to consider a program like "Do Not Track Me" - I have had this installed for probably a year or more now and receive very few unwanted ads - in fact I don't remember the last one - and I often get blank spaces where I assume some type of ad was supposed to be.

Jay

andreasduess · 10-10-2013, 09:33 AM

They might have just tested this. Another forum I post on tested this system several years ago and had to discontinue it after a week or so because users hated it so much.

RickDavis · 10-10-2013, 09:44 AM

A search turned up a number of threads on different forums where this has been tried.
It seemed to be universally disliked and most seem to have dropped it

mistral blue · 10-10-2013, 01:26 PM

Is there a way that members can opt-out of these automatically generated links?

eubank · 10-10-2013, 03:33 PM

We're looking into this, but meanwhile you can avoid them (and more) by using an adblocker on your browser.

Lynn

Jim & Susan · 10-10-2013, 05:44 PM

Naw, they're still here. Check his one out if you like: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f226...ml#post1363035. You should see "window curtains" highlighted.

Respectfully to the Moderators, this is just wrong. I don't want to give the impression that I endorse this business (whatever they are selling, I refuse to click the link mostly because I'm concerned about malware and the like).

Second point is that the burden shouldn't be on me to block this kind of stuff. I've been hanging around here for 9 years now because it's filled with a fun, interesting and knowledgeable bunch of folks to hang out with. I don't really want to spend a bunch of time fiddling with browser add-ons to keep it that way.

Lastly, I want to say again for effect, I promote the legitimate vendors that are part of this site often. I've had fabulous service from all of them (nearly every time, I might add, no complaints). I can't recall a single instance that I've clicked on any advertiser that wasn't directly related to Airstreams or camping.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim

RickDavis · 10-10-2013, 05:55 PM

I don't see it with the ad blocker either on or off on Firefox
Also tried it with IE, both logged in and not logged in.
Don't know what to make of that
What I read leaves me with the impression that it is software on the web site not malware on an individuals computer.

Frank's Trailer Works · 10-10-2013, 06:02 PM

I just read this thread... 6 times the blue highlighted word appears. I for one do not care for this either. Now put one in for my company and my opinion might just change.