Specificlick -good or bad? (repost)
Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:04 am
LOST POSTS FROM FORUM MOVE:
John
I use Firefox as my main browser (why would anyone ever want to use anything else?) and it is set up to block most cookies, fancy irritating ads. etc.
FF tells me that the KG site tries to install 'Specificlick'.
A quick search on Google and I found this:
"Specificlick is a cookie developed by Specific Media Inc. We’re used to cookies, ho, hum, but this is of a specialised kind. It allows advertisers from one site or ad network to follow you around the web wherever you go subsequently, provided they are subscribers to Specific Media Inc.’s services, bombarding you with their own ads all the while. Imagine a nutter following you down the street and round the corner and on to the bus, yelling “Oi, you, MUPPET!” in your ear."
Most users of this site, I suppose, unknowingly get hit by this cookie. Or is this coming from something my computer has picked up elsewhere?
John
Chantal
Firefox hasn't tried to install this on my computer, perhaps KG Admin can shed some light.
John
Thanks Chantal.
Perhaps the problem is at my end. I will run my anti-spyware stuff to see if that gets rid of the problem.
Interested to hear KG admin's advice on this.
John
Chantal
I've asked Jason to take a look although with this upgrade going on it may take a day or two.
KGAdmin
Yeah Specific Media are the company behind the 'filler' adverts you now see on the site (not here - on main site) - They run the top banners (ie Virgin media, O2) and sky banners (large side banners).
Tracking cookies are fairly common these days, but spyware cleaners and antivirus software will normally complain about them, as they are technically tracking your movements.
The cookie will probably contain things like your IP address, browser and OS type, so advertisers can tell what kind of audience their banners are being viewed by - and they can then adjust their spending to match. So if they know lotsa Brits are viewing one site - British companies can advertise there.
As a long time web user (1995) I don't mind these cookies, they contain no personal information - and can be quickly wiped or blocked forever should you actually wish to.
Advertising is a pain, but does bring in some income, and in these climates - it's always useful.
I hope this help
KGAdmin
John
I use Firefox as my main browser (why would anyone ever want to use anything else?) and it is set up to block most cookies, fancy irritating ads. etc.
FF tells me that the KG site tries to install 'Specificlick'.
A quick search on Google and I found this:
"Specificlick is a cookie developed by Specific Media Inc. We’re used to cookies, ho, hum, but this is of a specialised kind. It allows advertisers from one site or ad network to follow you around the web wherever you go subsequently, provided they are subscribers to Specific Media Inc.’s services, bombarding you with their own ads all the while. Imagine a nutter following you down the street and round the corner and on to the bus, yelling “Oi, you, MUPPET!” in your ear."
Most users of this site, I suppose, unknowingly get hit by this cookie. Or is this coming from something my computer has picked up elsewhere?
John
Chantal
Firefox hasn't tried to install this on my computer, perhaps KG Admin can shed some light.
John
Thanks Chantal.
Perhaps the problem is at my end. I will run my anti-spyware stuff to see if that gets rid of the problem.
Interested to hear KG admin's advice on this.
John
Chantal
I've asked Jason to take a look although with this upgrade going on it may take a day or two.
KGAdmin
Yeah Specific Media are the company behind the 'filler' adverts you now see on the site (not here - on main site) - They run the top banners (ie Virgin media, O2) and sky banners (large side banners).
Tracking cookies are fairly common these days, but spyware cleaners and antivirus software will normally complain about them, as they are technically tracking your movements.
The cookie will probably contain things like your IP address, browser and OS type, so advertisers can tell what kind of audience their banners are being viewed by - and they can then adjust their spending to match. So if they know lotsa Brits are viewing one site - British companies can advertise there.
As a long time web user (1995) I don't mind these cookies, they contain no personal information - and can be quickly wiped or blocked forever should you actually wish to.
Advertising is a pain, but does bring in some income, and in these climates - it's always useful.
I hope this help
KGAdmin