http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r13425114 en Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:51:30 EDT Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:51:30 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13441391 bedelman : Good find! I've updated »www.benedelman.org/spyware/insta···405.html with a new fifth paragraph that may be of interest. Lots of fine print in the logo usage guidelines, and it looks like Hotbar didn't read it all (or in any event didn't care to comply).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13441391 Wed, 18 May 2005 21:24:38 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13431647 anon : »www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpex···logo.asp

It specifically forbids software developers from displaying the logo to make it appear that the software is somehow endorsed by Microsoft, or that the software developer is affiliated with Microsoft. Hotbar strikes out on both.

Reddock]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13431647 Tue, 17 May 2005 18:56:13 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13428663 bedelman : GooglinAbout, can you give a URL for the text you quote? I'd like to link to it from my piece.

In »www.benedelman.org/spyware/insta···405.html , I explain my sense of the meaning of the MS "Certified Partner" logo -- precisely matching what you describe. But I couldn't readiliy find the disclaimer you reference.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13428663 Tue, 17 May 2005 12:51:05 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13426506 GooglinAbout : Regarding RBFA's comment: "Can someone check to see if Hotbar ("official Microsoft Business Partner") ..."

NO NO NO.. Hotbar is NOT a Microsoft Business Partner and there is no where this is even indicated. Hotbar uses the "Microsoft Certified Partner" logo, which ANYONE can use if they are capable of programming software and ask for the cert from Micrsoft. It is clearly stated on Microsoft's Certified Partner site area that they do NOT support sites that display this, as follows:

Disclaimer for a Microsoft Certified Parnter:

The partners listed in the Microsoft Resource Directory are part of the Microsoft Partner Program, however Microsoft does not endorse any of the partners or their software, solutions, services and training listed on this site. Microsoft disclaims any and all liability arising out of your use of the partners, software, solutions, services and training listed on the site. All software, solutions, services and training are provided “as is” and without warranty unless provided by the authoring partner.

Hotbar (and a few other well known adware/spyware programs) "proudly" display this logo hoping to fool people into thinking Microsoft somehow endorses their product. For those that have been following Hotbar and its tactics, you will recall that for years they advertised as an "Update to Outlook" which they are not, and never have been. Recently that was changed to "Update your email" which in my opinion is still misleading since they are not an update at all and the wording is used for one reason... to make people think they need to update since every where you turn you hear.. Update! Stay protected! Keep your computer secure.. Update! Update! What a shame these people are even in business.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13426506 Tue, 17 May 2005 07:06:47 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13425114 damox : If Hotbar is not adware . . . then what the heck is it? I hate Hotbar, and when I see that crap on my friend's systems, I volunteer to remove it for them, along with all the other adware and spyware that is loaded on their computers. I also remove Hotbar at work, just about every time I see it.

"it installs itself via banner ads on kid websites"

Oh yeah, that's really honorable! . . . and they want people to have respect for their crapware? Just the fact that they prey on children makes me hate the company! I think the folks at Hotbar.com are a bunch of scum bags!
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DAMOX Proud to be a member of Team Discovery]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13425114 Mon, 16 May 2005 23:38:50 EDT