Loading Profile...
Unethical framing of links
Why do you persist with unethical framing of links? I'm adding a block now so I'll never again see any posts sent via HootSuite. This will also save me from your self-promotional auto-posts over other people's signatures.
I’m sad
2
people have this problem
I have this problem, too!
Tell me when someone solves it.
The more people who report this problem, the more it gets noticed.
The more people who report this problem, the more it gets noticed.
The company thinks this is not a problem.
Create a customer community for your own organization
Plans starting at $19/month
-
Inappropriate?Mark--
Ow.ly uses a frame to display the social bar, which has a lot of tools that users and publishers like for retweeting a link, sharing the link, etc. Some publishers report a 100% increase in stickiness when using the social bar.
We understand that some users don't like this bar, but we disagree that the bar itself is "unethical" in any way.
I'm also not sure what "self-promotional auto-posts" you're referring to. Can you send a link? I'd be happy to help you out if you can point out what we've done wrong. -
Inappropriate?If the "self-promotional auto posts" you're referring to are the v2.0 upgrade messages, perhaps I can clarify a bit.
The current upgrade process is an opportunity for users to get a sneak preview "early upgrade" to HootSuite 2.0.
If users would like to see the sneak peek, we ask that they send a tweet about HootSuite. However, this is totally optional. Users aren't forced to send anything if they don't want the sneak peek.
In a few weeks, we'll open the new version to everyone--no tweet required. The messages you're seeing are part of a short-term promotion for early adopters and is totally opt-in. -
Inappropriate?I'm now complaining about three things:
(1) HootSuite's SPAM sent without a user's consent when they install or upgrade, using thier signature and including offensive messages. THIS IS SPAM.
(2) Ow.ly's unethical framing -- you are full of CRAP when you claim this is a "service" to users. It is dishonest.
(3) The "automatic registration" with GetSatisfaction (accompanied by an alert saying that I've already registered with GetSatisfaction, when I haven't). This is FRAUD.
I’m Outraged at your unethical behavior
-
Inappropriate?I'm tweeting my contacts who use HootSuite to warn them that I won't see any posts they send using the HootSuite spamming tool, and to urge them to cease using software from your unethical, spammy, and fraudulent company.
http://www.mark-welch-blog.com/consum...
I’m Upset at your bullshit
-
Inappropriate?Jeff, please don't use a "mention" to fraudulently state that you don't know what I'm complaining about. Stop lying.
I’m not surprised that you'd lie.
-
Inappropriate?Hi Mark--
1) Please see my previous comment regarding the upgrade tweets. Again, these are totally optional messages, and we are very clear a tweet will be sent.
Here's a screenshot of the page in question.
I'm not sure what more we could do to get a user's consent to send a tweet.
2) I'm still unclear on what's unethical about the ow.ly social bar. Many users like the way the ow.ly social bar helps them share links.
You're welcome to hide the frame entirely if you like -- click the drop-down to the right of the close box, then check "never show me the ow.ly social bar." The next time you click on ow.ly links, you'll be taken to the target page with no frame.
3) Get Satisfaction is a third-party service we use for HootSuite feedback. We are not affiliated with them in any way, we just use their service.
Any issues you've had registering with them are unrelated to HootSuite. You should report any problems with GetSatisfaction to them here: http://getsatisfaction.com/getsatisfa....
I hope that clarifies things. -
Inappropriate?How can you say it's "totally optional," when you won't let the user install or upgrade without letting it happen?
Framing other people's links with your advertising is unethical.
You're forcing your customers to become "registrants" (without their consent) at GetSatisfaction; it is an affiliated company of yours, and shares your lack of ethics and integrity. My complaints about the "support" service that you TRICKED ME into using to report a complaint, certainly are equally lodged against both entities.
I’m not surprised that you lack any integrity.
-
Inappropriate?To the extent that you can pretend that your customers "authorize" the spamming of your message over their signature, you don't seem to get their permission regarding the wording of the messages sent -- some of which are quite offensive.
I’m sick and tired of dishonest, unethical people playing games.
-
Inappropriate?Wrong and wrong
- 1.0 can be installed without a tweet. 2.0 will eventually be offered for free without a tweet. An early bird trial has been made available to users for a tweet.
- Get Satisfaction has nothing to do with our company other than the fact that we use it to handle support.
I'm sure there will be many ways for you to stay relevant with Twitter.
Good luck.
I’m indifferent
-
Inappropriate?If someone from HootSuite actually wants to discuss these issues with me (instead of pretending to be sincere in online posts and twitter streams), pick up the phone and call me: 925-462-8483. I'm not going to continue to log in here.
I’m exhausted by your BS responses.
-
Inappropriate?Hi Mark--
You're obviously upset.
I'm sorry we seem to be doing things wrong in your eyes, but I'm unable to offer anything beyond the clarifications and explanations I've posted here.
Thanks. -
Inappropriate?OK I don't have the same issues as Mark, but unfortunately, having just signed up to HootSuite and absolutely loving it, I'm unable to continue using it as our site doesn't like the frame and comes up with an error message - therefore it will show this to everyone who clicks on the link from Twitter, thus making HootSuite totally redundant! Its such a shame as this application is otherwise fantastic.
Cheers
Donna
I’m frustrated
1 Comment
Add a comment
This solves the problem
-
Hi Donna,
Send us your url. We'll check it out.
Thanks,
Moni
Hootsuite -
Inappropriate?It is unfortunate that there is a frame, but it's a free service. It would make sense to offer a paid branded frame or unframe the links option if you were to pay either a subscription fee or yearly fee for the service that you're using.
It's still the wild west with Twitter and the apps that interface with it. It's a matter of time before the business man starts a knockin'. They offer a value add of easy social promotion, in return they get ad space on the side. It's not a new thing.
I’m indifferent
-
Inappropriate?Mark, I had the same objections at first. But really, any shortening service is a virtual frame when you think about it. They have the ability to track usage if they care to. Also note that the HootBar and frame can be permanently disabled for each machine with a couple of clicks.
I'm ok with the frame now, except that I strongly think that seeing the original url is absolutely vital.
About the tweet ad: I agree wholeheartedly, and it was a major put-off from HS for me. Contrary to what has been written here, I could not "upgrade" without sending the tweet. Between this and the frame, my initial reaction to HS was not favorable.
I've come to admire the applet, though I have definite improvements I would like to see, small things that would make a major difference.1 Comment Add a comment
This solves the problem
-
Hi Paul--
Just to clarify regarding the upgrade tweet:
This was a limited time promotion for early adopters, to allow users to get early access to v2.0 by sending a tweet about it. You were required to send the tweet to get early access.
After this limited time sneak-preview period was over, we opened things up so that no tweet was required to use the new version. All users now have access to HootSuite 2.0 without having to send any tweets.
Regarding your other point, we are considering having the target URL appear in the frame as well.
EMPLOYEE
EMPLOYEE
