To help you do 'something', here are some resources where you can learn much more about this predatory advertising, why it's wrong, and what *you* can do about it:

=> Learn more

http://www.takebacktheweb.com/ http://www.scumware.com http://www.stopscum.com/

http://dmoz.org/Society/Issues/Business/Allegedly_Unethical_Firms /Ezula/ (all 1 word) => Talk to others

http://GeekVillage.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12048 http://GeekVillage.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12175 http://www.ihelpyouservices.com/forums 415/s.html http://sitepointforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32094 http://gethighforums.com/Forum10/HTML/001386.html http://66.33.83.213/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12175 http://slashdot.org/features/01/07/31/2015216.shtml http://www.revenews.com/archives/00000139.html

=> Prevent and/or cure

http://www.takebacktheweb.com/ http://www.searchking.com/ezulakiller/ http://www.whirlywiryweb.com/removesurfplus.htm http://www.ahfb2000.com/ezula/ezula.php

A new script that blocks Surf+ and TopText - http://developerdispatch.com/dispatch/devdis010.html

=> Read news

http://associateprograms.com/search/newsletter173.shtml http://www.msnbc.com/news/618966.asp http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-6897620.html http://searchenginewatch.com/sereport/01/08-toptext.html http://www.revenews.com/archives/00000138.html http://slashdot.org/features/01/07/31/2015216.shtml

"Forget Smart Tags; TopText Is Doing What You Feared" http://searchenginewatch.com/sereport/01/08-toptext.html

=> Sign petition

http://www.PetitionOnline.com optext/

=> Just do something!

http://www.scumware.com

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So there you have it. Predatory advertising in all its gory!

If it all seems too much to absorb just visit one of links above, and try and do your bit to halt this scourge on Internet. Because, until this predatory advertising is stopped or neutralised, you face potential of losing your hard-earned visitors each and every day, with a simple click.

Another current scam floating about web offers you a cut of stolen money from Nigeria that was stolen and they need your help getting money out of country. They of course want a cut of money that they claim will be wired to your personal bank account. You of course are expected to pay them their share up front. The money however never arrives in your bank.

One group sends hundreds of thousands of unsolicited emails to people directing them to web sites promoting Mega$Nets and MegaResource programs. When you visit one of their web sites you can download copies of software program which contains a list of five names and addresses. The software program and web sites direct you to send twenty dollars to each of five people listed in software in order for you to get yourself placed at top of list of names. This is simply a variation of old fashioned chain letter. Actually, there are a lot of chain letters floating about web and all should be avoided.

Another email promises guaranteed Credit Card approval! One group offered Visa cards to credit-challenged "to put you back in mainstream of financial life in high style" at an interest rate of only 4.9%. How? Through magic of using offshore banks in tax haven countries. There is however a $100 processing fee and $25 per month charge regardless of use.

Some people really believe that they have been selected to be in Internet Version of "Who's Who". This one started years ago and was sent to every company executive in country - They will include your listing at no charge - oh, would you like a copy? "Send $98 to us and it will be delivered to your doorstep."

There is no way to adequately cover all scams that permeate web. Before jumping into any of these "make a million while you sleep" plans, use a little "due diligence" and check them out.

If you see any of these "Red Flags", run, don't walk to your nearest delete button . The money you save will be your own.

Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday. Instructions on how to place your ad are in the Newsletter. Subscribe at: http://adv-marketing.com/business/subscribe2.htm