Anyone else see these on PC Mech?

[Stryker]

Hi all,
Just recently, I started seeing these little mouse-over ads in PC Mech (picture attached). Does anyone know if these are generated by PC Mech or are they some stupid adware on my machine. I've tried running Adaware and Spybot S&D but they are still there. It seems the page in the browser (IE6) finishes loading and a few seconds later (i guess the page is being analized) all of the underlined links appear.

If it is adware or something, has anyone else had it and how do I wipe it out. If it's PC Mech... with all due respect to a fantastic forum... WHY??????

It's pretty annoying when I run the mouse across the screen and a wave of popups start flying everywhere.

Thanks,
Stryker

[Stryker]

Originally Posted by Stryker Just recently, I started seeing these little mouse-over ads in PC Mech (picture attached).

Sorry, here's the picture...

[SonicVanguard]

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=111206

Yet another reason I'm happy using FireFox or Mozilla. Personally, I don't want to read an add when I'm reading these forums. I know PCMech needs to make money, but if that's the case, just tell me to do some click throughs - don't put the ads in-line on the forums.

Just my two cents.

Dave.

[Stryker]

You think it's an IE thing? I read a huge article a couple issues ago in MaximumPC magazine about FireFox/Mozilla. Thought it sounded pretty cool, I just haven't bothered yet. Maybe I'll give it a shot if IE is the cause of my advertizing mayhem.

[Confused]

I run XP with SP2 and IE6. I don't get that with adds. I do get that box when I slowly move my cursor over thread entries in each catagory.

I find that good as I can get a preview of the content without opening the thread.

Correction: I do see what you are taling about. There are underlined links in the thread msg. that if I move my cursor over the add box pops up.
Chas

[wolfie]

i get it too, lot of sites have this now, hate it. too many things popping up now when you run your mouse over it. i know you have to do things to pay for the site, but i would pay so i wouldnt get those adds

[HAL9000]

I run AdSubtract... what ads

[Redfallon]

I don't see any of the ads like you posted, but today I got a pop-up while on pcmech, it floated across the screen, said something about being the millionth customer or something, *and* I'm using firefox and scan weekly with adaware/spybot! only other tabs open in firefox were my personal webpage/forums (which have no ads) and google home page!

[doctorgonzo]

Firefox won't completely stop the "featured links." I get them on other sites, but I haven't seen them on PCMech yet.

[Propain]

Originally Posted by HAL9000 I run AdSubtract... what ads

you dont wanna download this great browser but you download this app to remove ads?

[Stryker]

Originally Posted by Propain you dont wanna download this great browser but you download this app to remove ads?

Downloading a new app to remove ads is very different than getting used to a whole new browser.

[nubbler]

I get them too, they are ads that the owners put on the site, up to now they just had it in the articles and reviews etc. but now they also have them on the forums. Doesn't bother me though.

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

Just in case you have not seen one, here is the pop up ad I am getting, although I have the pop up blocker in firefox running, and the single window (puts new windows into tabbs) running. I find them quite annoying.

(Sorry the image is quite large, I did it in paint and so I couldn't set compression and stuff when saving.)

[ric449]

Well, I guess PC Mech needs the cash. I'm sure it takes quite a lot of cash to keep the servers running, internet connection paid for, etc. I would rather see ads than have to pay to use the mech.

[HAL9000]

Originally Posted by Propain you dont wanna download this great browser but you download this app to remove ads?

Why do I want a different browser that won't work for Windows Update, gives me screwy page views for sites that are basically catered to IE, etc. Running AdSubtract gives me far more control and power than running the different browser does not to mention taking up FAR less hard drive space.

[aym]

Originally Posted by doctorgonzo Firefox won't completely stop the "featured links." I get them on other sites, but I haven't seen them on PCMech yet.

Interesting, I tried several sites that use this and it didn't work with Firefox, would you please post some links?

Anyway, the source is vibrantmedia.com, blocking everything from it using Adblock should fix the problem.

[Hi Ho]

Anyway, the source is vibrantmedia.com, blocking everything from it using Adblock should fix the problem.

Thanks! I just added that to the content filter in Maxthon and it fixed the problem! No more 2+ second pauses every time I load a page. It got rid of the ones at Anandtech too.

[mairving]

Wow, they are even showing up in my signature now.

[glc]

I don't have IE6 installed so I can't check it - but isn't there an advanced option to turn off smart tag display?

[mairving]

Originally Posted by glc I don't have IE6 installed so I can't check it - but isn't there an advanced option to turn off smart tag display?

They aren't IE smart tags. They are done via javascript that searches for the following words and gives the smart tag simulation;

setup program,atx power supply,registry entry,batch file,software,outlook express,ip address,gigabyte,virus,download,knowledge base,microsoft,asus

and about 200 or so other ones.

[mairving]

Interesting when I displayed the full list of keywords it caused IE to crash. Too much to process I suppose. I had to edit in Firefox.

[doctorgonzo]

Originally Posted by aym_7 Interesting, I tried several sites that use this and it didn't work with Firefox, would you please post some links?

I've seen them on Tom's Hardware, but when I checked today I wasn't getting any.

[Stryker]

Yeah, I get strange randomized behavior from them too. Words that are linked right now will not be linked next time I load the page. Also, on the same page right now, the words Power Supply are highlighted in one spot but not in another. Looks like it's completely random.

It's a little annoying but as was said before, I guess PC Mech has to make money too. How about an option to disable them... I would never click on one anyway so there is no sense having them displayed. Although I suppose then everyone would just disable them right? If that's the case, why are they there in the first place if nobody clicks on them.

[Hi Ho]

I've seen them on Tom's Hardware, but when I checked today I wasn't getting any.

They are there for me. Does anyone know what provider they are so I can block those too?

[comquter]

Those ads dont bother me. It is a free website, and if i have to deal with some words being a different color, and underlined, that is ok with me.