Premature Optimism
On Sunday I published a blog which stated that my pop up problem had been solved. Unfortunately, that optimism has not been rewarded. Despite my best efforts to remove any trace of these programs, I am still getting pop ups (often 4 or 5 at a time) that jump to the top of my work or research.
Google has an information page about how to deal with this kind of Spam.
I have followed all the suggestions on this page up to notifying the FTC.
As over 90% of search engine referrals to Blog Baby have come from searches on the same three programs that I have been documenting I do not think that I am the only one who is ready to sue. I have also been installing a number of Microsoft security updates on a nearly daily basis for the past week or so. Which is just about the length of time that I have been having this severe a problem.
These three different urls are the crux of the problem: Traffic Syndicate, Huntbar, and the aforementioned clocksync program. I have followed the instructions for eliminating them, and in each case the problem returns. These three products are related. Traffic Syndicate has Huntbar as a ‘product’ and clocksync sends a person to Traffic Syndicate as a part in the process of un-installation.
I have been running Spybot and AdAware. When I first ran them they reported that the software had been removed. But it appears that they are missing some key part that lets the software reattach.
I have sent emails to the listed addresses that I have been able to ferret out. When I have gotten a response it has included standard disclaimers stating that I have given permission or implied permission for the software to be loaded onto my machine. In the case of clocksync they sent me a screen cap of a dialog box that they said I clicked on. However, I was never given any option either time that the program installed itself.
These programs have robbed me of hours and hours of productive time in trying to eliminate them. They have resulted in my deleting some of the programs that do the same kinds of thing but in a way that up to now had been a minor annoyance rather than a full blown attack on my sanity.
I am at my wits end. I am preparing to write my letter to the FTC concerning them. I hope that you will join me in reporting your experiences with these unethical companies. Maybe we can make some kind of difference even if it does take me out of the top 100 blogs list.
(Why does it not surprise me that this company is located in Florida? If you live in Florida you might want to call them at 1-561-417-9415. You might also want to call Jeb and let him know that you are not amused. Florida seems to becoming some kind of haven for unethical enterprises.)
