Hot link MSM policy

[harbl_the_cat]

I think it's time GOC reconsider instituting a hot link policy like CGN's.

Reason:

When someone hotlinks to an MSM website, if someone clicks it, the directing URL (a page from GOC) is tracked by the host of that site (unless the site is setup to suppress it - is it?)

For example, with the "3 mounties dead" post, all the links to MSM agencies, when someone clicks on them, will tell NatPo, CBC, CTV, etc. analysts at those agencies receive the directing URL:

"http://wwx.gunownersofcanada.ca/showthread.php?14415-3-mounties-dead-and-1-on-life-support-not-expected-to-make-it"

In essence, it paints a clear target for "investigative journalists" from these news agencies to "investigate" what goes on here. While they can find us out through other means - why make their jobs easier, especially knowing how anti most of them are?

I try to do my part by writing massively long posts which no journalist will read /sarc.

Seriously though - I don't think it's a big hassle to just butcher the URL to an MSM story and for someone to copy/paste it into their own browser (Except maybe for mobile users).

[TV-PressPass]

You could also use bitly or a similar redirect or link shortner.

Maybe not bitly, as stats for those are public-facing :S

[pitw]

If you are scared of what you are doing you could always quit doing it.

[Waterloomike]

Harbl, is there some reason you think that we should care that they know?

[lone-wolf]

I think you might be giving journalists more credit than they deserve? Would they even have access to such info? Seems like a website admin thing.

[awndray]

The journalists might not know they have access to that information, but all it takes is for one smart cookie to call their webmaster.

[webster]

The journalists might not know they have access to that information, but all it takes is for one smart cookie to call their webmaster.

And if they are lurking, we just told them how to do it.

[Malus]

Nothing is secret anymore. Searches, links, whatever. If you're afraid of who is gonna read it, then I suggest not to post things that might incriminate yourself. The newspaper lackeys have young social media kids doing all the research for them and they know how to find stuff. If you don't think this forum is monitored already in some shape or form, then you're living in a fantasy.......