4 ms·

Is blocking all JavaScript (including the scripts used to load the ad) with a plugin like NoScript also stealing? What about using a browser that doesn't suppor

by tbirdz 12y ago

Is blocking all JavaScript (including the scripts used to load the ad) with a plugin like NoScript also stealing? What about using a browser that doesn't support JavaScript like netsurf? Or even browsing the web in a text only browser like w3m or elinks? What if the ads only were displayed properly in Chrome, would you be a thief for viewing them in Firefox?

manigandham 12y ago
As with anything, it's never black/white and there are thousands of factors. I'm sure you already know the answer what you asked. But, for exposition: It mainly comes down to your intentions. 1) NoScript is tampering with how a website is presented. If that includes tampering with their ads, then possibly. Definitely so if you're using it for that purpose, like adblockers. 2) If you're using a client that cannot support javascript because that is all that's available to you or all that you are able to use, that might be considered fair but actively doing so to skirt advertisements would be stealing. 3) Not everything will work in every browser, and sure you can take advantage of that. This isn't stealing, it's just how compatibility works. Tying back to the other points, there are sites that use text-only messages as advertisements to still show up for people without javascript/using text-only. Some publishers don't feel this is worth it. That's for them to decide. Yes it might sound subjective but this is no different than going to a store and taking stuff... only there they can stop you before you take it. The internet by its nature is open and accessible, meaning there are very little controls to selectively stop people. For example: there's no easy way for a website to block NoScript users so they have no control. But just because they can stop you doesn't make it right.

4 ms·

Is blocking all JavaScript (including the scripts used to load the ad) with a plugin like NoScript also stealing? What about using a browser that doesn't suppor

by tbirdz 12y ago

manigandham 12y ago
As with anything, it's never black/white and there are thousands of factors. I'm sure you already know the answer what you asked. But, for exposition: It mainly comes down to your intentions. 1) NoScript is tampering with how a website is presented. If that includes tampering with their ads, then possibly. Definitely so if you're using it for that purpose, like adblockers. 2) If you're using a client that cannot support javascript because that is all that's available to you or all that you are able to use, that might be considered fair but actively doing so to skirt advertisements would be stealing. 3) Not everything will work in every browser, and sure you can take advantage of that. This isn't stealing, it's just how compatibility works. Tying back to the other points, there are sites that use text-only messages as advertisements to still show up for people without javascript/using text-only. Some publishers don't feel this is worth it. That's for them to decide. Yes it might sound subjective but this is no different than going to a store and taking stuff... only there they can stop you before you take it. The internet by its nature is open and accessible, meaning there are very little controls to selectively stop people. For example: there's no easy way for a website to block NoScript users so they have no control. But just because they can stop you doesn't make it right.