If you ever wanted to help with something big, but wasn’t sure where to get started here is a good opportunity for you. Weatherbug is looking to start an API so developers can code up some really cool applications and spread the Weatherbug word.
This seems to stem from all the excitement that was generated by Yahoo’s new API last week. I think this is a good move on Weatherbug’s part, but it’s too bad they haven’t already got one of their own out already.
Isn’t Weatherbug addware? Why would any self-respecting developer want to use its API?
I don’t think so especially when their site says ‘Certified spyware free’ and they even show you how to prevent adware or spyware.
Must have it confused with something else.
The free version is adware. The plug version, which is $20 a year, isn’t. Terms of Use states this:
11. ADVERTISING. The Software is provided for your use, as described above, free of charge, and is supported by advertising revenue.Separate, “ad-free” versions of the Software are available to all users subscribing to WeatherBug Plus.
Er, make that Plus, not plug.
Weatherbug is certainly adware, I’m sad to see it promoted here.
I give up.
Adware or not, don’t even *think* of installing that crap on your work PC if you’re on a corporate network… you’ll get a phonecall and a spanking from IT. It makes a fairly ridiculous number of web requests, within a few minutes you’ll be the #1 web user for the day.
the definition of adware that is often tossed around is “programs that serve ads based on where a user surfs”- by that definition, it is not. by the broader definition of ‘any program with ads’- then it is. depends on definitions. until the industry gets is arse in gear and comes up with uniform, worldwide definitions of spyware, adware, malware, etc. the battle continues
That’s the first i’ve heard that one, Ron. The definition I’ve always heard of adware is “software which contains advertisements”
Eudora calls its email software adware if you don’t use the pay version, and it’s a perfectly legit program.
I agree with Ron.
An official consensus has not really been met on what adware or spyware actually is.
Years ago Adware used to represent anything with advertisements. Back in the day when advertisements were visible banners or something of the sort. These days adware can represent programs that track your computer usage without displaying any sort of visible advertisement as such. The old term seems to represent both types of programs these days, which program it represents depends on the context the word is used in. Perhaps we should invent a new word for each of them. Bannerware for visible advertisements and Hiddenware for hidden ones. It’s all too easy.
“An official consensus has not really been met on what adware or spyware actually is.
Years ago Adware used to represent anything with advertisements. Back in the day when advertisements were visible banners or something of the sort. These days adware can represent programs that track your computer usage without displaying any sort of visible advertisement as such.”
ADAM, you hit the nail on the head- which is why our Chief Privacy Officer has been encouraging a STANDARD definition of spyware and adware. SOME folks say “adware is any program with ads” which seems silly since by that definition, adware detectors are going to list AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Hotmail, Realplayer, Weather Channel’s desktop app and WeatherBug and create a “boy who cried wolf” syndrome. Most people aren;t’ going to believe that any of those programs are harming their computer and eventually anything that gets flagged as adware will get ignored.
The definiton many leading spyware/adware detectors use is “programs that serve ads based on user surfing habits”- i.e. what Gator and WhenU do- you go to expedia.com to do a little vacation planning and PRESTO!!!!! you get a pop up for Orbitz.com- gee, wonder how that happened? adware.
WeatherBug does not in any way, shape or form, track user surfing habits. We require a valid US ZIP code to give you your local weather. you don’t even need a valid email address to register, unlike other weather programs. We have a sponsor select system where the user CHOOSES what type of ad they want to see- it is not based on surfing habits. We could care less where you surf- we only need to know your ZIP code so you’re getting weather from your area.
if any of you have questions about WeatherBug, feel free to drop me an email at jay@weatherbug.com or just visit
http://www.weatherbug.com
Sincerely
Jay Hoffman, manager, customer support team, WeatherBug
Yeah ok sure… Weatherbug is not adware but some of the things that can be bundled with it are, they also happen to resist removal. When my users fall for web advertising and clutter there workstations with this stuff, I am the one who has to remove it.
What is with the “Are you sure you want to uninstall this life saving software” line in the uninstaller anyway, why oh why is Weatherbug 5.4 megs, and why does it open more than one TCP/IP port?
Legit or not, I will not work on a computer with Weatherbug instaled unless I am alowed by the owner to remove it and any of the affiliated programs.
The only port WeatherBug accesses is port 80 and as for the 5.4mg, that’s 1/4 of what Realplayer is and I’m sure many machines you work on have that installed (and of course that comes with ads as well). The difference is unlike other weather programs that get their weather once an hour from an airport station, we check every few minutes for updates- so you get live alerts- which is why every year we get customers who heard their tornado warning from WeatherBug minutes before they heard any sirens.
Most people keep it minimized in their system tray about 99% of the time where it consumes (according to TestPros an independent lab in Virginia that tested our current 6.0 version): The bandwidth consumption is:
Foreground first 1 minute: up to 10kb/sec
Foreground after 1 minute or Background: 39bits/sec.
pretty minimal. which is why 7000 schools, dozens of universities, 100 TV station partners and the US Naval Academy, 2 Coast Guard Stations, dozens of emergency management centers and the Dept. of Homeland Security all rely on our weather even tho the govt. has their own weather arm, /The National Weather Service, which ….guess what…..ALSO relies on data from our 8000 live stations.
thanks
Jay Hoffman
customer support, WeatherBug
Regardless, the API does not require you to have anything installed on your PC.. It takes your input and gives you XML output. You can parse it and do what you want. I’m going to make an application that sends alerts to pagers for bad weather. There are lots of services like this, but they are all slow. Usually they send an alert that expired about 20 minutes before!
We have clear definitions, as to what adware, spyware and malware really are. Hiddenware is the new danger out there. If you want clear facts on this subject, visit and read for yourself. I would like to hear about weatherbug – in regards to uninstalling. Do they list their program in the “add/remove program” section of the control panel? And once you remove it, is it really gone- 100%? We research these problems and whould like to hear about your experience with this kind of software.
Thanks,
James
Thats just sad.
i am a current subscriber.i have new computer and need my activation code.
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