I’ve noticed twice in the last couple of days that when I clicked a link on the SDMB, it seemed to go through a link tracking service or other before resolving to the URL.
I suspect that this may something to do with my broadband provider (Virgin Media) as the interim URL begins with a “v” (it has happened too fast for me to note the full domain name), and because when I viewed source on the SDMB page, the link appeared as-seen when it resolved.
Although, this itself seems a bit odd since I have changed my DNS settings to the Google DNS servers at 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 - unless there’s some sort of ISP override happening.
I’m also doing a full scan with Malwarebytes and Avast just in case there’s some kind of tracking malware on my computer.
But just on the offchance that this is in fact a ‘feature’ of the SDMB, I thought I’d ask. Is it?
And if it isn’t, does anyone have any theories (I am also entertaining the possibility that it’s a hallucination as I don’t seem to be able to replicate the behaviour now). Does an ISP DNS override of this sort even exist? I’m not using my ISP’s connection software or anything.
I have no objection to the practice, by the way. In fact I think I even suggested something in the past like an Amazon affiliate account for the SDMB that would append the account ID to any Amazon links, thus generating revenue.
Also, here’s the Viglink opt out button. It won’t stop the redirect, but it’s legally required to not count you.
I’d expect NoScript or YesScript to completely block them, but I notice that mine does not list a viglink script as existing on these pages. So my guess is that a member shouldn’t see them.
My bad. It’s because I’m using Adblock. That’s why I became a member, so I wouldn’t’ feel bad about not shutting off adblock. I’m guessing there is a technical reason why they can’t disable it for members.