Bandwidth theft - GoFuckYourself.com

Phill · 01-09-2002, 10:42 AM

Hi all.

I friendly surfer just let me know, that images is posted (loading from my paid hosting) on various bulletin boards on the net. I'm still waiting for my hosting provider to reply - hopefully they will prevent this as I myself do not have access to edit server configurations or uploading a .htaccess.

Now, do you have any experience with this?
This is not only bandwidth theft (which is quite costly, as I pay for every single byte transferred), but also copyright infringement - the pictures are promotional content provided by Adult.com (Cash Tour).

Obviously I e-mailed the offending bulletin board administrators, but I am told that they normally do not care. I also e-mailed the abuse department of the offending poster, but I doubt they care either - as the user isn't posting anything on their servers.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks you all.

------------------
TopBucks: $35-$40 per initial signup. $250 startup bonus!

Martin · 01-09-2002, 10:46 AM

Hey bro. These cock suckers nail everybody. Easy fix.. I found this page to be helpful.. http://www.xxxwebhosting.com/bandwidth_protection.htm

Peace

------------------
Sarcastic-Bastards
TGP/Newbie Form<--Kick Ass Board In Town!

Green Thumbs TGP.Com

Martin · 01-09-2002, 10:48 AM

Once you get good with .htaccess you'll love these guys

------------------
Sarcastic-Bastards
TGP/Newbie Form<--Kick Ass Board In Town!

Green Thumbs TGP.Com

Mango · 01-09-2002, 10:51 AM

You can even use .htaccess to show up your logo or URL image or so, so that you can steal back traffic

------------------
CobaltWeb - High Volume Hosting - $0.70-$0.61 per GB - Plans from $13.99 per Month - No Setup Fee
---The End of Free Hosting---

01-09-2002, 10:52 AM

Seem like you just discovered America !

The only way to avoid that crap is .htaccess,

it should look like this:

Quote:

ErrorDocument 403 http://www.domain.com/
ErrorDocument 404 http://www.domain.com/
ErrorDocument 500 http://www.domain.com/

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !^$
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !^http://domain.com.*$ [NC]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !^http://www.domain.com.*$ [NC]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !^http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.*$ [NC]
RewriteRule .*[Jj][Pp][Gg]$|.*[Gg][Ii][Ff]$ http://www.domain.com/

Hope this helps.

------------------
Vlad's TGP Submission Page
~ A Handjob Is Still The Best Way To Make $$$ ~

01-09-2002, 10:54 AM

Oh and make sure you don't have a newline char at the end !

------------------
Vlad's TGP Submission Page
~ A Handjob Is Still The Best Way To Make $$$ ~

Civic3D · 01-09-2002, 10:54 AM

?????

Best Paying Sponsors: You can Make $$$ Here !!
Topbucks.com $35-40 Per Signup
OffshoreClicks.com - 3c per blind click
Big-Penis.com $26-30 per signup
ICQ : 6544252

shunga · 01-09-2002, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phill:
I myself do not have access to edit server configurations or uploading a .htaccess.

You pay for bandwidth but you're not allowed to upload .htaccess files..? What's the deal?

Phill · 01-09-2002, 01:33 PM

Thanks for all the good replies, it is greatly appreciated.
I just spoke with a supporter from my hosting company, he refused to install anything to prevent this from happenening again. While I argued that anyone could hotlink my images and seriously run my bandwidth bill in the air, he claimed that hotlinking is never using more than 5 GB at most per month.

He wouldn't even spend 5 seconds creating a .htaccess that would stop all of this. I really hate to stick with this lousy host, but they're the only host I know that will charge solely on (a variable) traffic usage.

Example: I used 75 GB in December and paid 75 x $1.1 the 1st January. Let me know if you can offer a similar deal, I have a few domains I'd like to move...

------------------
TopBucks: $35-$40 per initial signup. $250 startup bonus!

erotictrance · 01-09-2002, 02:37 PM

Your hosting company sounds like a real nightmare ... I've never heard of anybody refusing to install such a basic protection feature ... Especially when most do it for a small one time fee ....

HT Access is good, and it cuts down on a lot of casual hotlinking ... but there are hacks that more sophisticated pirates use to bypass it ...

This may be not feasible for you, especially if you have a ton of pics, But you might want to consider pic slicing.

Basically you slice the pic into four smaller html pieces (I'm just using four as an example, you can do more or less than that. The more you slice the pic the harder it is to pirate) ...

That way when they hot link into it ... they're only getting a small piece of the photo ... not the entire image ...

You can pick up a program like Ulead's Photoimpact 6 for less than $50, and it does pic slicing ... among many other things ...

But there is a downside ... slicing can increase the pic's load time on the page by as much as one second per pic ... So, in order for this to work, it really depends on how your site is set up ...

You can either optimize the photo more or perhaps slice only select photos that are more valuable than others ...

It takes a little time getting the hang of slicing ... but once you figure it out ... it's pretty easy ... especially with a pic slicing program ....

But if you're talking tons of pics ... that's a major undertaking ... although it's something to consider while you're building new pages or whatever ...

If you can make it work though .... the pirate boards probably won't want to hot link to you again ... LOL

[This message has been edited by erotictrance (edited 01-09-2002).]

DrGuile · 01-09-2002, 03:46 PM

Maybe there on IIS :P

either way, move... fuck'em...

------------------
Privatefeeds
Free Live Feeds

Shane · 01-09-2002, 05:11 PM

you should post the URLs of the bulletin boards here, so everyone can post their CJ sites on them and get some FREE traffic, and piss off the bb owners at the same time

------------------
STOP GETTING SWINDLED - DEDICATED SERVER! 300 GIG!! $99/MONTH!!

Mark the Pithy · 01-09-2002, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phill:

I just spoke with a supporter from my hosting company, he refused to install anything to prevent this from happenening again. While I argued that anyone could hotlink my images and seriously run my bandwidth bill in the air, he claimed that hotlinking is never using more than 5 GB at most per month.

It's probably your host posting those pics on the bulletin boards. Hey, 5 bucks is 5 bucks...

------------------
(o)Y(º) <--- bad boob job

Scootermuze · 01-09-2002, 07:46 PM

go to http://www.custom-cgi.com/free and download the Ace Bandwidth Protector. It's a script to run your images through and has a set .gif file that is sent whenever someone tries to pull your images. Pretty easy to set up, especially if you have a multi-replace program. You can make the .gif file anything you want.. or send html instead.. you could really mess with the thieves with that..

Just imagine plastering your own big ass add to their pages....

erotictrance · 01-09-2002, 08:33 PM

Great tip Scooter ...

Better than mine in fact ... LOL

Thanks

Houdini · 01-09-2002, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phill:
Example: I used 75 GB in December and paid 75 x $1.1 the 1st January. Let me know if you can offer a similar deal, I have a few domains I'd like to move...

I just set up with isprime.com today. They're offering a special for $0.99 cents a gig. At the rate you're doing, you'd save $7.50-$10.00 a month and from what I've researched they have great support and uptime. Email [email protected] and they'll set you up. I get nothing from this, just want to pass a great deal.

[This message has been edited by Houdini (edited 01-09-2002).]

Theo · 01-09-2002, 11:57 PM

please name the host that doesnt allow you to set up an htaccess. We have to blacklist it

pornjacker · 01-10-2002, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Soul_Rebel:
please name the host that doesnt allow you to set up an htaccess. We have to blacklist it

I totally agree it sux ass

$5 is just $5 but principal is everything.

Post the host so others can avoid it and hopefully get them blacklisted.

Snake Doctor · 01-10-2002, 06:04 AM

Phil that's ri-goddamned-diculous. Either your host misunderstood what you were asking him to do, or you need to run, not walk, all of your sites to another host.

If your server has apache software (and as long as its not a Microsoft server I see no reason that it wouldn't) then you can cut and paste a .htaccess file from anywhere and upload it into your root directory, the host doesn't have to write one for you.
Get a file from the link Martin posted above, save it as .htaccess.txt on your hard drive, then upload it to your server in ascii (sp?) mode, not binary (those should be your only 2 options) once its on the server rename it and remove the .txt from the end and you're good to go.
Having htaccess on your server is like having brakes on your car, its not an expensive option, its standard equipment, and you should never drive without it

------------------
Did somebody say Free Content?

Mark the Pithy · 01-10-2002, 07:52 AM

Don't tell Lenny the puppy died!

------------------
(o)Y(º) <--- bad boob job

Jackmeoff · 01-10-2002, 11:04 AM

Making sure Im doing this right? Sorry Newbie!!

I just replace domain.com with my domain name? what do I replace the xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx with? Just want to make sure Im now fucking it up..

Quote:

Originally posted by Equinox:
Seem like you just discovered America !

The only way to avoid that crap is .htaccess,

it should look like this:

Hope this helps.

01-09-2002, 10:42 AM	#1
Phill Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 322	Bandwidth theft Hi all. I friendly surfer just let me know, that images is posted (loading from my paid hosting) on various bulletin boards on the net. I'm still waiting for my hosting provider to reply - hopefully they will prevent this as I myself do not have access to edit server configurations or uploading a .htaccess. Now, do you have any experience with this? This is not only bandwidth theft (which is quite costly, as I pay for every single byte transferred), but also copyright infringement - the pictures are promotional content provided by Adult.com (Cash Tour). Obviously I e-mailed the offending bulletin board administrators, but I am told that they normally do not care. I also e-mailed the abuse department of the offending poster, but I doubt they care either - as the user isn't posting anything on their servers. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks you all. ------------------ TopBucks: $35-$40 per initial signup. $250 startup bonus!

01-09-2002, 10:46 AM	#2
Martin "Assassins" Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: At home Posts: 17,277	Hey bro. These cock suckers nail everybody. Easy fix.. I found this page to be helpful.. http://www.xxxwebhosting.com/bandwidth_protection.htm Peace ------------------ Sarcastic-Bastards TGP/Newbie Form<--Kick Ass Board In Town! Green Thumbs TGP.Com

01-09-2002, 10:48 AM	#3
Martin "Assassins" Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: At home Posts: 17,277	Once you get good with .htaccess you'll love these guys ------------------ Sarcastic-Bastards TGP/Newbie Form<--Kick Ass Board In Town! Green Thumbs TGP.Com

01-09-2002, 10:51 AM	#4
Mango Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 474	You can even use .htaccess to show up your logo or URL image or so, so that you can steal back traffic ------------------ CobaltWeb - High Volume Hosting - $0.70-$0.61 per GB - Plans from $13.99 per Month - No Setup Fee ---The End of Free Hosting---

01-09-2002, 10:54 AM	#6
X37375787 Guest Posts: n/a	Oh and make sure you don't have a newline char at the end ! ------------------ Vlad's TGP Submission Page ~ A Handjob Is Still The Best Way To Make $$$ ~

01-09-2002, 10:54 AM	#7
Civic3D Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Bkk Posts: 177	????? Best Paying Sponsors: You can Make $$$ Here !! Topbucks.com $35-40 Per Signup OffshoreClicks.com - 3c per blind click Big-Penis.com $26-30 per signup ICQ : 6544252

01-09-2002, 01:33 PM	#9
Phill Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 322	Thanks for all the good replies, it is greatly appreciated. I just spoke with a supporter from my hosting company, he refused to install anything to prevent this from happenening again. While I argued that anyone could hotlink my images and seriously run my bandwidth bill in the air, he claimed that hotlinking is never using more than 5 GB at most per month. He wouldn't even spend 5 seconds creating a .htaccess that would stop all of this. I really hate to stick with this lousy host, but they're the only host I know that will charge solely on (a variable) traffic usage. Example: I used 75 GB in December and paid 75 x $1.1 the 1st January. Let me know if you can offer a similar deal, I have a few domains I'd like to move... ------------------ TopBucks: $35-$40 per initial signup. $250 startup bonus!

01-09-2002, 02:37 PM	#10
erotictrance Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 328	Your hosting company sounds like a real nightmare ... I've never heard of anybody refusing to install such a basic protection feature ... Especially when most do it for a small one time fee .... HT Access is good, and it cuts down on a lot of casual hotlinking ... but there are hacks that more sophisticated pirates use to bypass it ... This may be not feasible for you, especially if you have a ton of pics, But you might want to consider pic slicing. Basically you slice the pic into four smaller html pieces (I'm just using four as an example, you can do more or less than that. The more you slice the pic the harder it is to pirate) ... That way when they hot link into it ... they're only getting a small piece of the photo ... not the entire image ... You can pick up a program like Ulead's Photoimpact 6 for less than $50, and it does pic slicing ... among many other things ... But there is a downside ... slicing can increase the pic's load time on the page by as much as one second per pic ... So, in order for this to work, it really depends on how your site is set up ... You can either optimize the photo more or perhaps slice only select photos that are more valuable than others ... It takes a little time getting the hang of slicing ... but once you figure it out ... it's pretty easy ... especially with a pic slicing program .... But if you're talking tons of pics ... that's a major undertaking ... although it's something to consider while you're building new pages or whatever ... If you can make it work though .... the pirate boards probably won't want to hot link to you again ... LOL [This message has been edited by erotictrance (edited 01-09-2002).]

01-09-2002, 03:46 PM	#11
DrGuile Confirmed User Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,025	Maybe there on IIS :P either way, move... fuck'em... ------------------ Privatefeeds Free Live Feeds

01-09-2002, 05:11 PM	#12
Shane Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 117	you should post the URLs of the bulletin boards here, so everyone can post their CJ sites on them and get some FREE traffic, and piss off the bb owners at the same time ------------------ STOP GETTING SWINDLED - DEDICATED SERVER! 300 GIG!! $99/MONTH!!

01-09-2002, 07:46 PM	#14
Scootermuze Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 4,513	go to http://www.custom-cgi.com/free and download the Ace Bandwidth Protector. It's a script to run your images through and has a set .gif file that is sent whenever someone tries to pull your images. Pretty easy to set up, especially if you have a multi-replace program. You can make the .gif file anything you want.. or send html instead.. you could really mess with the thieves with that.. Just imagine plastering your own big ass add to their pages....

01-09-2002, 08:33 PM	#15
erotictrance Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 328	Great tip Scooter ... Better than mine in fact ... LOL Thanks

01-09-2002, 11:57 PM	#17
Theo HAL 9000 Industry Role: Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 34,515	please name the host that doesnt allow you to set up an htaccess. We have to blacklist it

01-10-2002, 06:04 AM	#19
Snake Doctor I'm Lenny2 Bitch Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: On top of my soapbox Posts: 13,449	Phil that's ri-goddamned-diculous. Either your host misunderstood what you were asking him to do, or you need to run, not walk, all of your sites to another host. If your server has apache software (and as long as its not a Microsoft server I see no reason that it wouldn't) then you can cut and paste a .htaccess file from anywhere and upload it into your root directory, the host doesn't have to write one for you. Get a file from the link Martin posted above, save it as .htaccess.txt on your hard drive, then upload it to your server in ascii (sp?) mode, not binary (those should be your only 2 options) once its on the server rename it and remove the .txt from the end and you're good to go. Having htaccess on your server is like having brakes on your car, its not an expensive option, its standard equipment, and you should never drive without it ------------------ Did somebody say Free Content?

01-10-2002, 07:52 AM	#20
Mark the Pithy Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Upstate New Yawk Posts: 276	Don't tell Lenny the puppy died! ------------------ (o)Y(º) <--- bad boob job