Not only legal and according to ToS , but quite smart and effective. The toolbar lacks functionality , but it's easy to develop another one . Imagine a site like DP promoting such a toolbar . What would it mean ? That some users will use a toolbar with some integrated DP functionality (like reply notifiers , msg receive notifiers , rep alerts , etc...) , and when searching, it will be similar to google's AdSense search (legit service with quite good CPC btw) , with DP's adsense ID. * If someone has a good loyal user base, develops a good toolbar, and promotes it correctly, this could really bring in some additional cash . * OR you could just build an average toolbar and promote it insanely in order to get as many users as you can.
Yeah is not easy to confess people to install this tool bar but if can add some usefull stuff beside the search then maybe people will install.
The toolbar has more than one way for you to benefit from (AdSense search , clickbank,and eBay..)but has NO benefit for the user ??? so why should anyone install it?? However if some important site with ENOUGH members ADD features that introduce a benefit to the user (as you said, msg receive notifiers for example) it might then interest some users...but asd it is now??? not likely???
Still can't see any violation !!! it is the very same search bar you put in your website , yet it is in your visitors browser now ...The very same thing Google does when you install its toolbar....if this tool bar has some user's benefits (as Google's does) it would be the very same concept ..!!! In anyway, since you have already reported on him lets wait for the Big G word.
DP should look into this if they havent already. if its not a violation we the loyal members of this forum should use it and support DP.
with all due respect to the established members here at DP who see nothing wrong with this...he's hacked the code...what part of that doesn't violate the TOS?
This is what Google had to say Hi, Thanks for passing along your findings about cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180059189553. When I visited the URL, I found that the listing was no longer available. If you have further concerns about listings or would like to report other issues, please feel free to email our specialists directly at - this will help us investigate more efficiently. __________________ This leads me to conclude that this person is a memeber of DP who removed the item temporarily to avoid an ass-kickin from the big G So, for the time being, whomever you are, ( I know you're reading this ) I will not take further action.......for now. I may however , in the very near future. Chalk it up to "my next bad day" So do the right thing, remove that nasty program an stop exploiting a valued program to many many people freakin asshat Kind Regards D_
I don't think this is illegal. People always get confused: if anything is considered illegal by google it doesn't mean it's illegal in the real life.
Even though the product isn't mine, I must say that his product is mighty clever , and can greatly benefit sites such as DP or any other site with a big loyal user base for that matter . You sure you understand the function of the product he was selling ?
I think it's a pretty good idea, dunno if it is or isn't against TOS though. Everyone keeps saying "but omg, why would anyone install this?!!" Seems everyone forgets people are morons. If someone will install a 180Toolbar, what makes you think they won't install this?
Personally I like his auction for how his girlfriend can make you rich. http://cgi.ebay.com/My-Girlfriend-K...QQihZ008QQcategoryZ102486QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
First of all, the listing still there so I don't know how Google can say is not there. Second, he is using Google Trademark to promote his product. The auction still available and going to end in 20 hours and 14 minutes. If you plan to write Google again about it, do not post it here. All the best.