MarketingFix reader Nancy Edwards has "had it up to here" (as it were) with the

Gator Advertising and Information Network (aka GAIN), Gator's spyware and pop-up-ad-generating component that now is woven into various downloadable software utilities. She writes:

I found GAIN software on my new computer (yes, I downloaded free software providing a syncronized clock and calendar to appear in the lower right hand corner of my computer screen - stupid me).

The GAIN software was unanounced, but attached. I use the Internet a lot for business and quickly became swamped with pop-ups.

She goes on to urge other users to report Gator to the FTC, conveniently including their phone number (click MORE for her whole rant). I have mixed feelings about Gator. I have met with their executives several times over the years and I have a certain respect for the business they built and highly efficient targeting and impressive ROI they offer their advertisers. On the other hand, they certainly have done a magnificent job pissing off many of the major publishers in the Internet space, and I myself had really enjoyed the original Gator app as a form filler and password wallet till the volume of pop-ups got to be too much for me, too.

Here's Nancy's whole rant:

I found GAIN software on my new computer (yes, I downloaded free software providing a syncronized clock and calendar to appear in the lower right hand corner of my computer screen - stupid me).

The GAIN software was unanounced, but attached. I use the internet a lot for business and quickly became swamped with pop-ups.

I have reported GAIN to The Federal Trade Commission (phone # 877-382-4357). Please encourage everyone you know who hates POP-Ups to call and file a complaint. The more complaints the sooner they will take action.

Pop-ups are more intrusive than junk mail, or telemarketing. You can't tell them to stop, and you can't control when they attach you.

GAIN provides instructions for removing the time and date software and "in theory" removing pop-ups originating from GAIN. Can't confirm yet it that's working (maybe it's been 3 hours and normally I'd have received at least 10 pop-ups by now). However, the search engine Search Scout still happens when I use Google.

Google will receive my next email. I hope they really do sue Gator Corporation for this invasion. And I hope the FTC files a class action law suit, and those of us who filed complaints receive compensation!

Nancy Edwards

Here is another article for those interested in "Kicking the Gator Software Habit" by Cory Kleinschmidt, webmaster of search info site Traffick.com, who ends his article with a sentiment I second:

I would pay for the Gator software, if they were to remove the spyware, but until they do, I'm kicking the Gator habit and will either memorize my passwords from now on, or write them down and store them in a safe place!