Web sites find members don't keep secrets

Article Abstract:

Many Web sites that charge for access are finding it difficult to stop password sharing or reselling, a practice that costs revenue and can cause systems to crash. While Web sites gain most of their revenue from advertising, charging for access is a valuable way to make a profit. Password piracy seems to be widespread, and it is nearly impossible to stop with current technology. One solution is limits on the number of times a site can be accessed with a password in one day. Web servers could be configured to demand additional information from the user, but this requires more expensive equipment and additional hassle for paying subscribers. The most effective method has been to add content features that discourage password sharing, such as additional per-use charges and free giveaways or special features for registered members. Site managers also note that unauthorized users, while they do not pay subscription rates, do enlarge the audience for advertising.

Services, Network security software, Internet/Web Technology, Web Site/Web Page Development

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'Framing' muddies issue of content ownership; technology lets sites alter presentation of others' Web pages

Article Abstract:

Framing, a formatting technique supported by Internet browsers, is being used by some sites to display content from other sites while keeping their own information and advertisements on screen. The method often results in covering the banners in the framed sites where advertisements are conventionally located. The sites providing framed links are often small startups that provide easy links to more established sites. TotalNews, a media site featuring over 1,000 links to prominent publishers such as CNN Interactive, frame virtually all of their links. The larger companies are threatening legal action, but the Internet lacks established legal precedents on such issues. The frames technology was developed by Netscape, and supported in Netscape Navigator 2.0 and subsequent versions, as well as in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Most commercial Web sites make use of frames, and code is available to prevent framing.

Innovations, Software, Technology application

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Cranky consumers devise Web sites to air complaints

Article Abstract:

Consumers are increasingly using customized Web sites to broadcast their purchasing complaints. In fact, these online complaints have prompted the Yahoo! Web directory to create a separate consumer opinion category featuring sites that target over 80 companies. Advantages of online complaints include global circulation that is both inexpensive and instantaneous. These complaints, however, are often libelous, unfair and made by consumers who are impossible to please. While chronic complainers often provoke responses, they can also attract unwarranted attention. Internet consumer Jerry Stormer, for example, credits his Web site, named Phil and Jerry's Compaq Presario Experience, with persuading Compaq to give him a full refund on the computer he purchased in Oct 1996. Despite the refund, Stormer continues to detail his dissatisfaction with Compaq on a site that has attracted over 1,000 visitors to date.

Usage, Internet, Internet/Web technology, Consumer complaints

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