A Google security flaw (which has been fixed) allowed malicious websites to automatically subscribe readers to RSS feeds using Google Reader. The way it worked was an iframe was loaded on a page that would automatically load a page adding users to a blogger’s feed count.
The trick (hack?) mentioned above is a blatant attempt to game the feed counters that are so prevalent on many sites. It can also be interpreted as an attempt to lure advertisers in since a high feed count might be a good indication that a site is doing well.
A large side-effect of adding all of these readers as feed subscribers is that the readers had no choice in the matter. All a reader had to do was go to a website. If many websites had participated in this technique, a reader would suddenly be overwhelmed with new feeds and no idea how they had gotten there.
Michael from Copyblogger wrote how it is never a good idea to force readers into anything. I am against forcing readers to have advertisements blasted in their face, and also forcing readers to unknowingly subscribe to content.
I’d like some feedback on this if any of you have time to comment. What are some of the ways you’ve been “tricked” to click on an ad, subscribe to a feed, or stay longer on a website? Are there any benefits at all for tricking readers to do a task?
Tricking users is not OK, but I think you knew that already
The question really is about motivation. Having a lot of readers is flattering if they really like what you read, but if you tricked them into subscribing then it is meaningless; it is an empty victory, like cheating at Patience.
Wow, that’s not nice. I don’t think it is right to trick readers. They’ll have no respect for that tricky blogger later on down the road when they figure it out.
I don’t remember having been tricked into clicking on an ad but I probably have been at some point..
Snoskred – has a new home at -
http://www.snoskred.org/
Snoskred,
I’ve clicked on a few ads I didn’t intend on clicking on because they were disguised as legitimate links. Not too fond of that. I’ve also watched a video or two I wish I hadn’t, but that’s a different story
Andrew,
Cheating at Patience? I suppose I’m lost on that one. Tricking readers might lead to short-term gain, but I don’t see any long-term benefits.