I just posted the following comment:

Why do people continue to distrust Zango? Because Zango's continued actions deserve distrust. Four specific examples:

1) Zango continues to run "fake user interface" ads that are disguised to look like Windows message boxes. Example: http://www.benedelman.org/spywar...ations/ 2.html#1 . These ads continue to this day.

2) Zango continues to install its software without unavoidable, prominent disclosure of material terms. Example. Zango's settlement with the FTC requires improved disclosure. To my surprise, Zango claims the FTC settlement doesn't require such disclosure for "heritage Hotbar products". But the FTC settlement's plain language specifically applies to "any software program" Zango installs or downloads -- offering no "Hotbar exception." Quotes, citations, and further analysis.

3) Zango continues to defraud online advertisers, including by showing pop-ups that claim affiliate commissions Zango did nothing to earn. Last spring I wrote up a few examples. It's easy to find many more. Indeed, my Automated Spyware Tester catches dozens of such examples per month.

4) Zango touts its video offerings, which include widespread videos infringing on copyrights held by others. Zango has no proper basis to hold these videos in its library, or to use them as bait to attract users to install Zango's software.

This is all in the present, not the past. And these scams -- fake user interfaces, ineffective installation disclosures that fall short of settlement obligations, defrauding advertisers, and infringing others' copyrights -- are good reasons for users to "distrust" Zango (or worse!)
Ben Edelman | Homepage | 05.02.08 - 11:07 am | #

Ken has once again shown his ignorance and arrogance, both of which ought to have their own Wikipedia pages.
TeMerc | Homepage | 05.02.08 - 11:14 am | #

Hey, this isn't about Zango, but how did my FF settings get reset and how did I lose all my bookmarks?
Mark | 05.02.08 - 3:51 pm | #

Ben, it doesn't look as though they posted your most-excellent comment.
The Dean | 05.02.08 - 6:55 pm | #

Dean: I agree. In fact, they posted no comments after 10:54am. I'll write to Larry Seltzer and see what's going on.
Ben Edelman | Homepage | 05.02.08 - 6:56 pm | #

Didn't post mine either... :-(
alex eckelberry | 05.02.08 - 7:57 pm | #

Ben, I justed posted my comment and your post is up now.
MicroBell | 05.02.08 - 7:59 pm | #

Spam!
Baz | 05.05.08 - 5:11 am | #

I know we have documented evidence from the likes of Ben Edelman regarding Zango's practices, but isn't it about time the authorities scrutinised the company in full detail and did something about it? Surely it has got to come to halt with so much evidence available about their nefarious dealings.
TonyW | 05.06.08 - 2:09 pm | #