Sunday: 09.January.2005

Adware semantics

In reference to the post from 06.jan.2004, about the new software (Answer.com) from the folks at GuruNet, which claim "no adware" yet present an ad-supported model, here's their 'answer'.

••• continued •••

Hi there, Sorry for the delay on that question. Generally, ad-ware implies intrusive pop-ups and pop-unders, and other interruptive techniques for getting ads in peoples' face. It's in the same class as spyware. Here are the definitions from Answers on the topic:

1. (AD vertisement WARE) Software that periodically pops up ads in a user's computer. Adware is considered "spyware" and is installed without the user's knowledge. It typically displays targeted ads based on words searched for on the Web or derived from the user's surfing habits that have been periodically sent in the background to a spyware's Web server. See pop-up and spyware.

2. (AD supported soft WARE) Software that is given away for free because it contains advertising messages. See adserver . The less common, but literal, meaning is software that is based on ads.
I do agree with you that we fall into the second definition, but as we do state that we are now being supported by targeted, yet unobtrusive ads. We believe that most people are much more concerned with the first type of disruptive and interfering ads, and so we advertise that we do not use that type of marketing techniques.

Additionally, I have forwarded your concern to the webmaster, to take your comments under consideration as we continuously edit our site. Again, feel free to keep the questions coming! Mimi
RAD response:

There's nothing wrong with the ad-supported model being used by many sites, such as yours and Google. But I do feel it's deceptive to claim "no adware" by resorting to semantics. I would remove the questionable claim and proudly state that you're able to offer valuable software free of charge by employing a proven ad-supported model.





Posted by Rad at January 9, 2005 06:55 PM

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