Dogfather
Premium
join:2007-12-26
Laguna Hills, CA | Tough
Users CHOOSE to run Google toolbar just as they would choose to run AV software, script blockers or ad blockers.
IOW, this isn't Google's doing or an ISP's doing.
This is a CHOICE by the user. |
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Sabre
Di relung hatiku bernyanyi bidadari
join:2005-05-17
 ·Comcast
| This is entirely true.
However, bear in mind that the Google toolbar comes pre-checked with a LOT of common software. While forced opt-out software is indeed a choice, it's the kind of loaded choice that often seems like foistware.
Is it a choice? Yes, but it often doesn't feel that way.
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With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Save American Soccer - Stop the MLS! |
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Dogfather
Premium
join:2007-12-26
Laguna Hills, CA | Still the user's call.
If the USER doesn't like it, the USER can uninstall it. |
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Sabre
Di relung hatiku bernyanyi bidadari
join:2005-05-17
·Comcast
| Absolutely. I can't disagree with you at all on that. I merely don't like the precedent of opt-outs in general (I'd rather see it as opt-in). Legally, certainly Google isn't doing anything wrong, though I think it's a bit touchy ethically. (And in their defence, they're better at advertising its presence in a bundle than a lot of other companies are.) |
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Dogfather
Premium
join:2007-12-26
Laguna Hills, CA | Me neither, especially when they're hidden like we saw with Real Players selections. Real Networks would have a sliding window and the visible components were all unchecked but if you slid down you would find all the spam components checked. |
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swhx7
Premium
join:2006-07-23
Elbonia
·RoadRunner Cable
| reply to Dogfather
Having 404's replaced isn't a choice on the part of the user unless the toolbar tells the user that's what it's going to do. If the user doesn't realize that the site's own 404 is being intercepted and suppressed, then Google is interfering in the user's communications in a deceptive way. |
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GOLFnSUN
Enjoy the sun
Premium
join:2002-03-03
Avalon, NJ
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
·Comcast
| reply to Dogfather
said by Dogfather  :Still the user's call. If the USER doesn't like it, the USER can uninstall it. I agree, it is a choice to uninstall it. But there is a problem. Google is now, BY DEFAULT, being installed somewhat sneakily(just like scumware companies do) with other products.
And I find it very amusing that others are defending this practice. The very same people who did and would be screaming bloody murder when Verizon or Comcast did the same exact thing.
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Internet News
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en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA | reply to Dogfather
I personally dislike that style as well.
While not illegal, somewhat misleading by design.
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Canada = Hollywood North |
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darbacour
join:2005-04-13
Los Angeles, CA
 ·AT&T DSL Service
 ·Vonage
·RoadRunner Cable
| reply to Sabre
said by Sabre :This is entirely true. However, bear in mind that the Google toolbar comes pre-checked with a LOT of common software. While forced opt-out software is indeed a choice, it's the kind of loaded choice that often seems like foistware. Is it a choice? Yes, but it often doesn't feel that way. Absolutely TRUE.
A few years ago, I had a CrapCast tech accidentally install the Google toolbar when he updated my Java to run a speed-test at DSL Reports.
Damn I was hot until I realized Java updates always come with the wonderful offer of a stupid Google toolbar pre-checked and being a CrapCast tech I couldn't possibly expect him to be smart enough to uncheck it. |
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S_engineer
join:2007-05-16
Chicago, IL
·Comcast
| reply to GOLFnSUN
Does anybody remember the stink over Webroots decision to declassify 180 solutions as adware or malware?
Now does everyone see how this practice has become more prevelant on the web, even with the "Internet defenders" like google.
Take it even further TK, why is this in anyway acceptable when the NSA eavsdropping is not?
Malware and click stream data mining is ok as long as it's for marketing purposes, but use it to try and prevent disaster and look out!
Priorities people.
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"There is no such thing as public opinion. There is only published opinion."....Winston Churchill
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openbox9
join:2004-01-26
Alexandria, VA | reply to GOLFnSUN
You should realize that the Zealots around here believe that Google can do no wrong. Obviously this effort is Google's attempt to save the Internet, one tool bar at a time. |
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