So, you know how you run anti-spyware applications to get rid of nefarious pop-up ads spawned by rogue code that has infected your system? Well, it turns out you will soon be able to rid yourself of spyware — for free — if you agree to accept pop-up ads. This is the result of a deal between contextual ad player WhenU, which delivers its ads through a network of desktop software apps, and Aluria Software, the same company that partners with America Online for anti-spyware offerings. It’s all part of WhenU’s aggressive PR offensive.
The whole arrangement seems ironic on some levels. Here’s a spyware scanning (and killing) program that’s supported by adware. As you probably know, many people don’t draw a line between the two.
Though this may be perceived as a strange partnership, especially by some anti-spyware crusaders, if Aluria really feels like WhenU is “squeaky clean” — and its president, Rick Carlson, assures me it does — then why not let consumers have the application for free, if they’re willing to view ads? Just so they understand what they’re getting into. The software isn’t available yet, so it’s unclear exactly how they’ll disclose the ad support.
Meanwhile, I contacted “spyware hunter” Ben Edelman, who has spoken out loudly against WhenU in the past. He’s been discussed here and here. What did he have to say? A very mysterious “no comment.”
“I have no comment as to this release, or as to any other matter pertaining to WhenU,” he wrote. When I probed, he replied, “I’m sorry, but I have no comment as to the reason why I have no comment on any matter pertaining to WhenU. I look forward to speaking with you on other matters.” Hmmm…
UPDATE: Just to be clear, the WhenU page I link to above lets you download the free initial scanner. If you find things on your hard drive that are questionable, however, you can either buy the full Aluria software now, or wait until later (it says November 15) to get the free, ad-supported version from WhenU.