Spyware in the banner ads?

[Grievous Angel]

I keep getting a message while looking through the forums that Spybot has blocked the download of Fastclick. I can't honestly tell you what ad it is, because the ad is kinda screwed up. It has blue sky, green grass and some random red lines in the middle, so I don't know what it's supposed to advertise. I don't know if anyone else is experiencing this, but is it possible to exclude ads from the site that come with spyware?

[Knightshade Dragon]

I will investigate this immediately.  Where did you receive this?  In the forums or on the front page?

[Gedd]

Is fastclick just a tracking cookie or is it actual malware?  I know some folks think they're the same thing, but it would explain what's happening better.  Does Spybot give you any details on it?

Fastclick has an opt-out cookie available...try clicking here and installing the opt-out cookie to see what happens.

[th'FOOL]

it's a tracking cookie.

[Grievous Angel]

Apologies if I had mis-named the problem. I'd never had any problems with any other CG banner before, and Spybot didn't really go into any details. I'll download the opt-out cookie.

[Knightshade Dragon]

Not a problem.  I take this stuff very seriously - if we could run without them I would.  Keep me posted if you see similiar things in the future and thanks for letting us know.

[mytocles]

did you all see the post (above) re:  flashing banner ads?   maybe you could  help spread the word and see if you can get someone to donate a bit to help out.  read the whole thread, and see if you can help somehow.  i think it would be really cool if we could have all gaming ads - no flashing, no spywear, etc......  give a buck or two, or get someone else to!

thanks,

[ChrisGwinn]

It's not spyware because it's not software at all, it's an ad serving company's tracking cooky.