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DannyW · 03-12-2003, 03:50 AM

Hi,

Just using the .htaccess user agent to block spider programs is no guarantee of preventing more sophisticated products. When we developed the "PicSniffer Adult Browser" (which was a much more sophisticated automatic browser and viewer) we simply set the agent string so it would look like an IE browser, and we could get at any agent or hotlink protected content. They won't get into password or script protected sites though.

We presented PicSniffer to the adult community, then dumped it before going to market - principally because the adult market made it clear they wouldn't market it, secondly because if it had been as successful as we hoped it would have done real damage especially to video gallery owners. (It was mostly the first reason, but I also didn't want to be a complete asshole if I could avoid it!).

Without strong marketing from within the adult community, these software products won't gain a foothold. That's your best defence. Trying to block them with simple .htaccess agent protection, or referrer protection, is a waste of time if they are even vaguely cheeky about things like agent strings.

So, concentrate your efforts on commercial barriers against these products, not simple technical ones.

Just for the record, we're now working on software solutions that benefit the industry AND the surfer, and we've got the mofo of all inventions coming out in a month or two that will wipe out any such leeching systems while bringing fresh new money into the industry.

Danny

03-12-2003, 03:50 AM
DannyW Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 117	Hi, Just using the .htaccess user agent to block spider programs is no guarantee of preventing more sophisticated products. When we developed the "PicSniffer Adult Browser" (which was a much more sophisticated automatic browser and viewer) we simply set the agent string so it would look like an IE browser, and we could get at any agent or hotlink protected content. They won't get into password or script protected sites though. We presented PicSniffer to the adult community, then dumped it before going to market - principally because the adult market made it clear they wouldn't market it, secondly because if it had been as successful as we hoped it would have done real damage especially to video gallery owners. (It was mostly the first reason, but I also didn't want to be a complete asshole if I could avoid it!). Without strong marketing from within the adult community, these software products won't gain a foothold. That's your best defence. Trying to block them with simple .htaccess agent protection, or referrer protection, is a waste of time if they are even vaguely cheeky about things like agent strings. So, concentrate your efforts on commercial barriers against these products, not simple technical ones. Just for the record, we're now working on software solutions that benefit the industry AND the surfer, and we've got the mofo of all inventions coming out in a month or two that will wipe out any such leeching systems while bringing fresh new money into the industry. Danny __________________ SIG TOO BIG! Maximum 120x60 button and no more than 3 text lines of DEFAULT SIZE and COLOR. Unless your sig is for a GFY top banner sponsor, then you may use a 624x80 instead of a 120x60.