[Kellie aka Ms. B]

I was doing some w3i installs a bit back to see what adware they were distributing these days. I got myself a FreeCause loyalty toolbar. Many folks may know w3i by one of their properties, Freeze.com.

Numerous CPA networks run w3i offers on a pay per install basis (some for over $3/install). Indeed, I originally got the w3i install via a CPA affiliate link.

Of course, I got my loyalty points even though I didn't have an account with site FreeCause made the toolbar for (ie I'd get the prompt and an affiliate redirect without being a member).

Kind of undermines one of the fundamental arguments for loyalty toolbars don't you think?

[Trust]

Knowingly got it, like you had to click something first or got it but didn't intend too?

[Kellie aka Ms. B]

I wasn't looking for security exploits, I was looking for what is being currently installed through w3i. So yeah, I consented to it. And about 4 or 5 other applications to get my free screensaver or whatever it was.

It kind of turns one of the common arguments for loyalty software on it's head. The software becomes a marketing tool for new members when it's bundled.

w3i reports over 100 million installations in 2009, so keeping an eye on what they are bundling goes to installation base, which goes to the impact an app may be having with it's revenue generating behavior.