KB notification diversion

[TimothyEllis]

I've not been to KB in a long time, but what Tobias is discussing there has for the first time since I left, made me read, and finally click the Notify button.

First email notification of a new post, and clicking the link brings up something I've not seen before.

Thunderbird identified the actual link being different from the text link.

The actual link embedded under the text goes somewhere totally different, and I assume is solely for mining data. And presumably, because I didn't try it, then redirects you to the actual link so fast you're not supposed to notice it.

Fortunately, the message from Thunderbird also gives the option to bypass the hidden link and go direct to the actual link.

But it's another indication of how toxic the people who now run Kboards are.

[Maggie Ann]

I've not been to KB in a long time, but what Tobias is discussing there has for the first time since I left, made me read, and finally click the Notify button.

First email notification of a new post, and clicking the link brings up something I've not seen before.

Thunderbird identified the actual link being different from the text link.

The actual link embedded under the text goes somewhere totally different, and I assume is solely for mining data. And presumably, because I didn't try it, then redirects you to the actual link so fast you're not supposed to notice it.

Fortunately, the message from Thunderbird also gives the option to bypass the hidden link and go direct to the actual link.

But it's another indication of how toxic the people who now run Kboards are.

That is so sad. I joined KB in August, 2008 when Leslie was trolling the Amazon boards to bring in members. (No, Leslie was definitely not a troll.) Everyone knew everyone and Harvey posted all the time. Kindle watch was one of our favorite passtimes. 

Oh, well, everything changes. At least we have you to thank for this safe haven, Tim.

[Bill Hiatt]

Very unfortunate. For the most part, I also stay away from KBoards now. I have from time to time wondered if we overreacted. Now I know for sure we didn't.

[Post-Crisis D]

I'm not sure that necessarily indicates anything nefarious.  I know that if I send a message from my mailing list provider and include a link, the text link in the eMail and the actual link don't match because it first goes through the mailing list provider's site to a special URL that records the click so I know how many clicks I get on a link and who clicked it.

I don't know about thread notifications on KB, but in checking my old eMails, I see in their blog notifications, they switched from using direct links to redirect links in November of 2016.

[LeonardDHilleyII]

Very unfortunate. For the most part, I also stay away from KBoards now. I have from time to time wondered if we overreacted. Now I know for sure we didn't.

I agree. Great covers, BTW!

[Jessica]

KBoards is full of trackers, scripts and ads. A redirect in a notification might be of lesser concern, honestly.