Qksrv questions.

[Sidecutter]

Alright, I have to ask. What is Qksrv and why does it seem to be attached to almost every link on these boards? It seems entirely unnecessary. Links are also posted without it being involved, and they work fine.

Meanwhile, for those of us who keep guard on our systems though software that helps prevent known disreputable or likely disreputable sites being opened, the links fail, and we have to either find all the garbage character substitutions that replace slashes and fix them, along with removing the qksrv portion of the links, or we have to manually remove the qksrv portion to see the URL.

So what gives? Why is this clearly questionable site being used, and what good does it even do?

[Twin Twist]

Tech forum anyone?

[Valkysas]

it's evidence of spyware on the link-poster's computer.

http://www.spywareremove.com/removeQksrv.html

[DevilzFan]

Qksrv sucks. Seems every ebay link goes to it.

[Nevermore]

it's evidence of spyware on the link-poster's computer.

http://www.spywareremove.com/removeQksrv.html

In this case, no. It's in the board software. I doubt everyone on this board who posts en eBay link (because that's where those qksrv links show up) has been infected with spyware. Especially since the same links turn out normal on other boards when posted by the same people.

As far as I know, it's some kind of tracker implemented in the board software in order to make eBay links serve as "sponsor links".

[Fairy Princess]

It sucks since I have QKSRV blocked i have to bitch edit the links to just the ebay part...

[Super_Megatron]

Nevermore is correct, it's Ebay tracking software.

[Lance Halberd]

Is it necessary for TFW to utilize it, or is that delving into "Questions that are Not Asked" territory?

[Drake]

I just usually remove all the qksrv stuff up until the ebay http:// part and it works 90% of the time.

[Super_Megatron]

Is it necessary for TFW to utilize it, or is that delving into "Questions that are Not Asked" territory?
It is necessary, because it helps us pay a small part of our increasing hosting bill. If people are having problems using it it's likely you have spyware on your PC and your HOSTS file is filled with garbage.

[Lance Halberd]

Hmmmm. I'm spyware free, and my HOSTS file just blocks the usual advertisement trackers.

I'll just keep doing the cut+paste+edit method then.

[Tony_Bacala]

it is ebays tracking ping site. Goes there, tracks you went there, cookies you, and then sends you to the ebay page.

This is done so that if you bid on said item, TFW2005 gets credit for sending you there and gains a small comission.

What problems do you have that make you not want to just click and spend the time cut/copy/pasting? Just curious.

Later!

[Lance Halberd]

I really wouldn't call it a problem; more of a 'thing'. I have a thing about tracking cookies and URL redirects when using my home PC's. Like how some guys have a thing about female doctors; they won't be seen by one because it makes them feel uncomfortable.

Now, I understand that TFW gets a small commission if someone bids on an item they saw via a qksrv.net link on TFW, and I realize that every little bit helps when you run the largest and by far the most popular Transformers fansite on the Internet, but is the check from Commission Junction really that sizeable as to make an impact? If it is, then hell, I'll start bidding on eBay items featured here!

As for why qksrv.net is blocked by my company's IT department, that's their own thing, and I don't feel like submitting a work ticket just to ask why.

[Tony_Bacala]

The ebay stuff does help here for sure. Sizable in relation to the overall cost of the server, no. But without it things would be even more difficult. So support your fellow board members when they post their auctions! :)

Another good way to support the site, use the launch pad

http://www.tfw2005.com/ebay/

[Sidecutter]

It is necessary, because it helps us pay a small part of our increasing hosting bill. If people are having problems using it it's likely you have spyware on your PC and your HOSTS file is filled with garbage.

Actually, the problems are far more likely to come from protective software that keeps your PC from being directed to links that are either not what they seem, or have URLs that are known to be assiciated with sites or other entitites that have used them for inappropriate or seriously questionable practices. Qksrv is redirecting you and dropping a cookie, and this is a practice that is often used by inappropriate software, adware, malware, trojans, and scammers to dupe users or take advantage of them almost invisibly. As a result, most good protective software will stop it cold purely based on it's attempt to do that. And hallelujah for that kind of capability.

It does get seriously annoying to have to edit almost every single link I click on these boards, though. And sometimes, the links are corrupted in their formatting by qksrv, with various standard URL pieces replaced by other symbols, making it nearly impossible to edit.