Vonage Getting Sober?
On my previous entry on Vonage and spyware…
At any rate just as Chris Boyd’s recent revealing of the Zango Tango on MySpace, Ben’s findings have now shot-up to the front page of Digg. This story will get all kudzu like yet again. I would be surprised if Vonage does not respond.
Vonage the message is “here is your brand on spyware and spam deals…here is your brand after security researchers call it to the attention of the people.”. Which will be more cost effective in the long run? We will have to wait and see…that is if you have the luxury of a long run…
The story did that “kudzu thing”.
Early AM hours: The word spreading around a few industry insiders is that Vonage was pulling a bunch of their online ads and are now “evaluating” their effectiveness.
The Ben Edelman Effect, not to be confused with the whole Ben Stiller Circle of Trust thing. Different Bens.
ADDENDUM: Dave Taylor gives his own interesting perspective on the research.
Vonage replies courtesy Russell Shaw at ZDNET.
Update: through spokesperson Brooke Schulz, Vonage denies these charges.
“Vonage has investigated every case of spyware that has been brought to its attention and terminated the relationship immediately with the entities in question who we find are in fact using spyware,” Schulz said. “We believe Mr. Edelman’s claims that this is a significant problem with our advertising are unfounded. Vonage takes this issue seriously and is committed to having good policing policies in place to prevent our brand from being sullied by unscrupulous spyware operators.”
ADDENDUM 2: Jeff Molander with an interesting retort to Dave Taylor. Dave Taylor Accuses Ben Edelman of Distorting Facts
