VigLinks

[bootymac]

While browsing the forums from a desktop, I noticed that the forum sometimes inserts VigLinks into certain keywords. For example, a post about floor mats will have the word "floor mats" hyperlinked to an eBay search. It makes it very confusing for readers as it's hard to differentiate hyperlinks originally done by the author versus VigLinks inserted by the forum.

Is it possible to have double underlines for VigLinks?

Edit: How ironic, eBay has been VigLink'd in my post!

[murcod]

Use Firefox with NoScript installed, then only allow the scripts you need to view the page. (I had no idea what you were talking about- but just checked and Vigilinks is blocked.)

[Moto]

Yeah, that is actually the point of viglink. It is a bit of a pain in the butt, but it does help pay server costs.

[bootymac]

I understand the monetary aspect. It's too bad this method compromises user experience

[Moto]

backed off how aggressive it is. we will see if it helps and you and how much it hurts me.

[bootymac]

backed off how aggressive it is. we will see if it helps and you and how much it hurts me.

I didn't find it overly aggressive, but it was a bit of a sneaky tactic by tricking users into clicking them. If the Viglinks were more transparent and differentiated from regular hyperlinks, then it would be fair IMO.

What other options are there to generate some revenue?

[Moto]

There isn't a lot. I don't think it is legal to tweak their code.(nor would it be simple)

I could maybe do a double underline for user generated links but even that isn't overly simple.

unfortunately, I don't have enough time right now to be actively working on the site.

Switching jobs this week and my new forester was bleeding oil this morning so.... yeah I will look at some other options when I have time.

Unfortunately, the purpose of viglink is to be sneaky. I added viglink when my old employer quit paying me full time to make sure that all of the site expense got covered. Once I start having positive income flow again I may back-off the advertising. Viglink kind of sucks anyway.

[SamirD]

I use viglink on my site as well, and it can be a bit sneaky like that, but it's better than the vibrant ads you see on some other car sites (Hoorrrribbbleee!). I've found viglink to be a slight compromise to help recover server costs that doesn't bother my users.