AOL to offer popup blocking

[Matt 26z]

I haven't read GFY in a few days, so maybe this was already mentioned. But, I signed up for AOL's beta testing a long time ago (even though I don't actually test anything) just to see what new and exciting things they'd be releasing soon. Today I got this....

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Curious testers,

As the AOL version 8.0 GM Refresh test ends, the Beta Team wants to put your beta skills to the test. Web Pop-Up Controls is a new Beta test designed specifically for those of you who like to browse the Internet. These controls are designed to work as you surf the Web within AOL and prevent many Pop-Ups and Pop-Unders from interrupting your browsing experience. Unlike many similar available products, AOL's Web Pop-Up Controls are designed to suppress unwanted Pop-Ups, but will not interfere with your use of the many secure sites out there that utilize screens that look like Pop-Ups as part of their log-in or user experience.

This test is as simple as it sounds: Go to Keyword: Beta and click the link for the Web Pop-Up Controls test, download the software, then browse all your favorite Web sites virtually pop-up free. The Beta area contains the testing instructions and answers to questions.

Remember: You can, as a beta tester have multiple copies of Beta software installed on your systems. Everyone currently involved with the GM Refresh test should also download the software and put their Web browsing experience to the test.

Please be sure to report any problems you encounter by filing a Bug Report from the Web Pop-Up Control test area.

Thank you for your valuable testing efforts. We know you will enjoy testing this great new feature!

- Your Beta Team

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I for one love the idea of ISP's helping to take out popups. Now that AOL and Earthlink are doing it/going to be doing it, then everyone else will have to also. Even from a business end it'll be better for most of us. Surfers on such ISP's won't have to worry about getting stuck in popup hell if they click a link. I'd think that could create more active surfers.

[juicybucks]

it sounds it little like censorship to me !
I hate this sort of crap, the next thing you know is that AOL will sign up for every porn program and replace your linkcode with theirs..... from every AOL user automatically regardless of sites visited.. .... how would that make you feel ?

This companies are fucking evil and will bully their way around the net claiming to be the saviours of surfers. I say they should fuck off and stick to just providing the service they claim to.

To AOL

[juicybucks]

hmm, that sounded a little harsh reading it back , but anyway, they are all the same IMHO... AOL, msn, and Telstra (the largest assholes)

[Libertine]

The problem is that popups the way they are now can be considered more as an exploit than a feature in javascript, just like the automatic bookmark-changing thingies. It does things on your system without you wanting those things done, and that's problematic.

[juicybucks]

Originally posted by punkworld
The problem is that popups the way they are now can be considered more as an exploit than a feature in javascript, just like the automatic bookmark-changing thingies. It does things on your system without you wanting those things done, and that's problematic.

c'mon... I can see what you're saying , but why don't you go to aol.com now and see that AOL have a pop on exit, it's like the pot calling the kettle black

[stocktrader23]

Originally posted by juicybucks


c'mon... I can see what you're saying , but why don't you go to aol.com now and see that AOL have a pop on exit, it's like the pot calling the kettle black

Yea somehow I doubt their popup blocker is going to block the popups on aol. Not to mention the swarm of ads aol sends unless you set it not to.

[dav555add]

Last summer, I went to Europe for vacation, and had to sign up for AOL in order to get access number to surf the net all over Europe. I did not want to spend hours looking for an ISP offering access in the 7 countries I visited.
Well now, I wonder why anyone in their right mind would ever use AOL.
What a pile of shit.
First, it's expensive. Second, the spam the crap out of you, of course they want to block pop ups, they want to make sure you only get theirs. Third, they are a bunch of ass raping thiefing mother fuckers, they forget to mention that when you connect in foreign countries they charge you an average of $2 to $20!!! extra per hour of internet surfing!!!!!

So I have one thing to say to AOL.

[SquarePants]

Didn't they invent the pop-up?

[foolio]

Originally posted by SquarePants
Didn't they invent the pop-up?

lol, you would think so. When you sign on yuo get like what? 3 or 4 of their pop ups? And they have a new one that slowly expands across your screen - so when you go to click to close it it has already gotten bigger..

damm aol