So, I just got myself a hotlink blocker, after noticing a few websites that have been pirating bandwidth off this site. (I got busy/lazy, and didn’t update, and the old plugin didn’t do enough, I guess.) Should I display this image (which I’m currentl using)?
Or should I get the old goaste.cx JPG and add a caption about how only assholes hotlink?
What do you think?
On the one hand, it’s a punishment to the hootlinker that seems fitting — but on the other hand, I guess it punisher’s that hotlinker’s readers more… especially, for example, in forums where the hotlinker might be long gone. Hmmmmmmm.
I’m setting up my website (again), and instead of causing possible traumas, I’m linking a custom image with “Hotlinking is for losers” and then some Creative Commons info for any hitlinking bastards out there. Some people are really (still!) just ignorant, so I opted for the softer choice of words. :D
don’t do the goaste.cx that is just nasty.
Gord,
I suspect it’s one way to know you’re reaching people…. on some level… Being on blogspot, my bigger concern is getting credit for my work; hotlinkers, scrapers, and their ilk don’t always mention where it was they scraped it from… I’ve actually begun inserting links to myself within my own posts – sort of like how a hip-hop / rapper does his own shoutouts within the song. Seems to be working thus far.
Okay, y’all convinced me to just put a banned hotlink image. I’ve noticed a few scrapers, but I don’t think there’s much one can do about those unless one has an RSS feed… or, as Chris points out, links to oneself! :)