Change in policy re ads run on TCS?

I am not used to coming to the main index page of TCS to have a risque pop-up ad flash onto my screen, or to see a rather topheavy, scantily clad woman in an ad along the side of the page!

Has there been a change in what sort of ads TCS is running on the site?

If so, sorry, but I think it's a mistake.

Sounds like you've got some spyware on your computer. Those ads are coming from an imbedded virus-like program that got onto your browser- try searching the net for "spyware blocker"- there are free programs that you can download to help wipe the stuff off.
You also can install a pop-up blocker to help prevent the problem in the future.

I always have the same stuff-nothing like what you are describing!!

The only thing I get is like those "free screensavers" which have women in bikinis but that ad is all over the net so I don't turn a blind eye.

Pat, it sounds like your browser is getting hijacked with either spyware or a trojan. TCS does not have ads like that. Time for a spyware scan and trojan scan if you have one.

Originally Posted by OllyExtra05

Sounds like you've got some spyware on your computer. Those ads are coming from an imbedded virus-like program that got onto your browser- try searching the net for "spyware blocker"- there are free programs that you can download to help wipe the stuff off.
You also can install a pop-up blocker to help prevent the problem in the future.

Click to expand...

Sorry, I don't believe so. I have one of the best real-time virus scanning software systems installed and active and it updates itself multiple times per day as circumstances warrant, and scans twice a week, plus scans all incoming email. My computer is clean.

Originally Posted by Hydroaxe

Pat, it sounds like your browser is getting hijacked with either spyware or a trojan. TCS does not have ads like that. Time for a spyware scan and trojan scan if you have one.

Click to expand...

I am doing a full scan now, but what can I say? It's only happening on TCS.

In addition to my anti-virus and firewall programs, I frequently run Ad-Aware.
It is a free program with a good reputation that has regular updates.
Also, do you have a pop-up blocker turned on?
http://www.spyware-removal.com/

Just to be sure something had not somehow happened, I ran a full scan of my computer - no problems except a few cookies, all of which I viewed one by one to see specificly what they were for. I then also went and used an excellent spyware prgram to do an additional scan...it found no problems.

I then asked my husband, who is the IT manager of a software development company and who has exquisite control of the servers, all computers in use, and unbelievable security measures in place to go to the TCS main page (he is at work)...he had an ad for Hooters on that right hand side...featuring busty young women. He did a refresh and got an ad that featured scantily clad women.

I just went back to that page, since I had verified my machine doesn't have an issue that I can find, and I got the popunder again - it is by b.casalemedia.com

I use Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006, it is realtime and always on, and imo, one of if not the best, on the market.

I hope someone will take me seriously, I feel you have a problem.

Yes, we are back to serving ads through out the site, including pop-unders (not pop-ups). On the forums themselves we only have the sponsor's advertising at the moment, but we might have some changes there as well in the future. Please note that paying members on the forums have the option to turn off advertising completely on the forums themselves.

As to the content of the ads. We pride ourselves on TCS being a family site, and I have no wish to have objectional advertising running on the site. I only setup the ad code yesterday and did put in filters that are supposed to filter out tobacco, alchohol and anything of a semi-adult nature (none of the networks we work with server sexually explicit campaigns, but we prefer to keep even the scantilly clad ladies out of the site ). I know from past experience that these filters don't always work 100%. I keep checking on the ads myself, but it's more than possible that I won't be seeing ads that you are seeing (ads are often geo-targeted).

Please, if you see any objectional ads, do note down the name of the advertiser (just hover your mouse on the ad and write down what shows up in your status bar). This will help me get rid of the offending campaign more quickly.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Thanks Anne, and yes, as I corrected myself in my last post, it was a popunder, not popup (hate 'em both!).

Try changing browsers. I use firefox and since that the amount of spyware and pop ups have greatly reduced. IE seems to let anything through

Dx

I am a paying member so I do not see those ads, but I have a question...
what is a pop-under ad?

Paid membership status effects the forums only. Paying members get served ads on other parts of the site

Pop-unders are windows spawned by your browser, same was as pop-ups are, but they remain under your main windown and you only see them when you close that main window, so less obstrusive in a way.

TCS has become my second home.
Thanks Anne.

Anne I've just PMed you a couple of addresses, rather than put them on the board. This may be one of the ads Pat was seeing.

Originally Posted by xDx

Try changing browsers. I use firefox and since that the amount of spyware and pop ups have greatly reduced. IE seems to let anything through

Dx

Click to expand...

For some reason the ad on the main page seems to bypass the firefox popup/under blocker - however I get a political ad about our new PM asking me to answer a question about him supporting gay rights in return for an iPod!

Not particularly offensive unless you are a Pm trying to convince a country that you are not socially conservative

Is there any way to block the sounds on the adverts, its a little unsettling to have the computer scream 'say something' every time I change page and I use a net phone so often have the volume up

Laureen, once the payment has been verified, one of the Admins will change your user settings. PM Deb25 with any questions.