Pop-up blocking = thievery?
I just came across this site, Anti-Leech. They offer some sort of a thing, apparently java script -based, that detects if the user is using an ad-blocker or a pop-up blocker. If yes, the page refuses to load at all and gives you this message instead:
Quote:
We have determined that you use ad blocking software. This site is provided for free and depend on an income from these ads. By blocking them, you make it impossible for us to continue keeping this website online for free. Therefore, you will not be able to access this website again until you uninstall or de-activate your ad blocking software.
So I thought I'd
1) ask your opinions on this
2) point the ones who might consider this as a good thing to the site
3) set this as a challenge for you: build a Proxomitron script that bypasses Anti-Leech. ;)
I personally didn't have too much time to investigate the script (it's New Year's Eve, after all) but I will do it some time next year.
Anti-Leech.com also seems to offer a download link protector, html-code protector, image protector and an e-mail link protector (against spam-bots).
Edit/Add: [glowpurple]Happy New Year![/glowpurple]
The Customer is Always Right
I think businesses are walking a fine line when they start implementing measures such as this. Sure, the businesses do have the right restrict access to pop-up blockers, but customers also have the right to say "we're not gonna put up with this."
In my opinion, the businesses that have a problem with pop-up blockers need to take a serious look at their business plan. If a company is SO DEPENDANT on pop-up revenue to pay their bills, they are just asking for trouble. If a fast food restaurant said that "You have to read all the ads we painted on the windows before we'll let you see the menu", you'd laugh in their faces.
Legitimate businesses that have solid business plans do not have any problems with this. The people complaining are those "free sites" (informational, charitable, tutorial, etc.). Maybe it's the capitalist in me, maybe it's the Darwinist... but I say this is a prime example of "Survival of the Fittest". If the cause/knowledge that the free site is supporting/promoting can't solicit enough support from the viewers, the site goes away. If there is enough of a following to provide the support/resources needed to keep the site afloat, hooray!... the cause/site has proven to be worthy.
Bottom line is that I think these are just consumers standing up for their rights.