Specifically

“Dear webmaster,

While working for link building SEO process we have submitted our website XXXXXXXXX into your website to get links. Now we would like to remove our website links from your website therefore request you to please remove all the links to our website XXXXXXXXX.

We have received an instruction from Google Webmaster to get the link removed, therefore we are requesting you to please remove it on high priority basis. We will be thankful to you for such a great help.”

Now.. considering this is a legitimate, long-established directory link they submitted way back in October 2008… do you really think it is NOW a problem? And something that warranted Google’s attention?

I don’t think so.

More than likely it is some recent, dubious link-building they may have engaged in, such as spam blog commenting, spinning articles/links, paid links on blog networks, etc. which has triggered the Google Webmaster letter…

This is a typical over-reaction (hence the “pandemonia”) that is going to waste an enormous amount of time (both theirs, mine and other directory owners) as they pander to the rather vague request actually received from Google.

If this is you… then I would strongly suggest you research this situation a little more BEFORE you waste any further time pursuing the removal of legitimate links to your site

So that’s last Saturday night (yeah… don’t ask why I am checking emails then.)

And then 12 hours later on Sunday morning my usage is sitting at 12.97GB!

I’m staring down the barrel of an excess data charge of at around $500!!! (See RED bits in image below)

Telstra Excess Data Usage

Considering that just a couple of days ago (on 3rd May), my total usage was only around 3.5GB for the whole month.

Apart from the obligatory “WTF?” moment… the questions are

• What caused this to happen?
  
• What can I do about the “excess” bill – if anything?

Well… “something” was chewing up the bandwidth on my laptop at an alarming rate. So much so, that the small wireless modem I have was over heating bigtime… and shutting down often (see GREEN entries in image above)

Eventually, it was found that Pando Media Booster was the culprit. So it… and possibly something else called “Windows Media Finder”… were removed from the PC, and network traffic returned to zero.

But what IS this software? How did it get on the computer?

Pando Media Booster “comes” with the LOTR (Lord of the Rings) DEFAULT download.

It is designed to “accellerate” the download of such large media files by “sharing” it across multiple locations – i.e. the computers of all the silly buggers who downloaded LOTR and similar games etc., who did NOT realise what was happening!!!

And I reckon that makes it Malware (defined by Wikipedia) which is:

“software or code specifically designed to exploit a computer, or the data it contains, without consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software… Sometimes, malware is disguised as genuine software, and may come from an official company website.“

There’s a pretty good case that Pando IS a prime example of this type of software, because NOWHERE does the main/default download link on the LOTR home page mention Pando… you just click to download, and then “next, next, next” etc to install – as you would normally do!

Maybe “somewhere” in there is a “next” button which they could argue you ticked to “allow” Pando to be installed… But there is NO OBVIOUS WARNING of the dangers of using it, or leaving it activated… even if you go digging into the support forums.

Well…

Here’s MY WARNING!!!

By leaving Pando active on your computer AFTER installing LOTR (or any other game publishers or media distributors that use it)… you make your computer and internet connection available to “share” those files with other people wanting to download the same game.

I’ve seen some online reports that Pando was chewing upwards of 10GB of data a day without anyone’s explicit consent being provided.

So a big “Thank You” to Warner Bros, LOTR, Pando and whomever else is involved in that for allowing such a thing to happen!!!

Good onya blokes! NOT!

Telstra’s Reaction?

Now the fun starts…

At their current excess rate for my “business” plan of 10c per MB – or $100+ per GB – I am facing a bill of around $500.

When I asked this weekend if there was anything I could do about it, because as far as I am concerned, Pando is “malware” and was something that was going on behind the scenes so it was NOT MY FAULT i.e. I did NOT deliberately go out and download heaps of stuff for me and then whinge because I went over my limit.

I was promptly reminded that it is my PC and that I am responsible for ensuring that it remains clear of malware etc infections, and if I don’t then, well… stiff! (my words – not theirs… but that’s essentially the reaction of the billing lady I spoke to… who only wanted to convert me to a bigher plan).

They said I should have email notifications turned on (I do) so that I receive earlier “warnings” at 80% usage. But I never did receive that one, presumably because the whole thing went over 100% within the time frame their system allows for such notices to go out.

It Begs The Questions…

1. Why are we in Australia STILL in the dark ages with regards to excess data charges at ridiculously high rates? Surely we should be past that in 2012?

2. I am vigilant at protecting my PC from 99.9% of malware etc infections… however in this case where one so-called “legitimate” program caused the problem… why do I have to pay for the damage it caused?

3. What action can I take against LOTR, Pando or whoever else is involved, for providing this software without due warning of the effects it may have on your computer and internet connection? Answer? There is basically NONE other than to warn people about it through this post and social media etc.

I will be appealing this charge, so will keep you updated on any progress related to it. If Telstra are not forthcoming, it will end up with the TIO.

Obviously I’m not a happy boy today…

But what would I have felt like discovering this on a MONDAY morning, when Pando could have run rampant the whole weekend?

I can only imagine the excess data charges with another potential 15GB added.

For those that can’t do the math – that’s only a $2,000 bill

Yikes!

As part of our standard manual review policy which applies to all new sites submitted… we went looking to check on who they say they are – to ensure they were a legitimate AUSTRALIAN website.

Well with NO contact details on their site, we investigated the domain name WHOIS record to discover they are based in INDIA. Wonderful!

They also have NO Australian commercial finance licence info shown on their site, nor do they publish their interest rates.

I would strongly suggest you do NOT do business with http://www.faxlessloansaustralia.com

Regards
Stephen Spry

I’ve been trying to find info on the ‘net about this event to see what’s been going on… and have compiled this list of links to help people from South Eastern Queensland, Gold Coast and all the way down the NSW North Coast find, accurate information about the current state of affairs regarding flooding and road closures in their local area.

Detailed weather conditions for your Suburb

Willy Weather

Weather Warnings Summary

Queensland – NSW

Weather Radar

Brisbane – Grafton – Newcastle

River Heights

SE Qld (Maryborough to Gold Coast)
Northern NSW
Mid North Coast NSW

Road Conditions Northern NSW

Local Roads Northern NSW
(previous site is more comprehensive than this one…)
RTA Live Traffic (Major Roads)
Queensland Road Closures

Local Media

Best for coverage is ABC Local Radio
Along with…
Tweed Border Mail
ABC North Coast NSW
Gold Coast Bulletin: Gold Coast – Tweed Coast

Also search Twitter for updates on current situation (try search by suburb to determine #tag being used for current weather event).

State Emergency Services

NSW SES – QLD SES

And, apart from my annual cull of literally hundreds of now dead or useless listings, I have been fiddling somewhat with the multitude of Australian websites and related information I already have available.

That means, after moving lots of listings around, I’ve created several new categories to show… including

• Cleaning Services and Supplies,
  
• Home Loans,
  
• Insurance,
  
• Pest Control Services,
  
• Removals and Storage,
  
• Restaurants & Catering and
  
• Rubbish Removal.

It’s just the start of making our category pages even more useful for our visitors, and for business SEO purposes… so expect many more new categories to come over the new few weeks!

And if there isn’t one there that you’d like – then leave a comment below with your suggestion!

I’ve also just completed adding some totally new features to the business listings… (see the image to the right)

You’ll now see

1. A new “Follow Me” option where you can include links to your RSS Feed, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube and Google+ pages…
   
2. All listings now have a thumbnail image to preview each website…
   
3. And if you have a YouTube video, you can now include that on your listing! Just be very careful you include ONLY the information asked for!

Is there anything else you think could be included on these listing pages to make them even more betterer??? Please let me know in the comments below.

I do hope these changes will make Come On Aussie even more useful for everyone involved.

Oh… and Merry Christmas to you all!

Cheers
Stephen Spry

This year will be different!

This year Australians can give the gift of genuine concern for other Aussies. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Aussie hands. Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people.

Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in cheap overseas produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from their local Aussie hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Aussie owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down your money on a cheap flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or his trees trimmed, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen lunches in January at the local sandwich shop. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Australians with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the Aussie working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mum? Mum would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. Maybe a remedial massage or a facial would be more your mum’s thing.

Maybe your computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW you can find some young guy who is struggling to get his computer repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewellery, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at a local theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Small wineries, owned by Australian families, could use a sale or two!

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand cheap christmas lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, delivery man, your courier driver or the dog or house sitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining Australian pockets so that China can build another glittering city.

Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging Australian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Aussies, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

THIS is the new Australian Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion groups — Call it into a talk back radio show — send it to the editor of your local paper and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that part of what Christmas is about?

I received this just today by email – I don’t claim authorship nor copyright to it, and the original source is unknown. But it certainly is doing the rounds of various discussion groups, websites and emails.

And I feel it is worth doing something about by publishing it here!

Seasons Greetings!
Stephen Spry

Well after eleven years on the mid north coast of NSW, I recently decided it was time to pick up stumps and head further north – closer to the NSW/Queensland border, to an area which offers just a “little” bit more in the way of opportunity and lifestyle.

So now we’re in the Tweed Heads, Coolangatta, Gold Coast region… free from fixed line ADSL/broadband by using Telstra’s Ultimate Wireless Internet package… and looking forward to an exciting future!

Already the batteries are recharging… and the ideas are flowing… So expect a lot more shortly!

If your business is based in the area, then give me a call! I would love to meet you personally!

And seeing it’s almost here… and the shops have their Christmas decorations up… then I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas, and a successful and profitable New Year!

Cheers
Stephen Spry
(Click for my new contact details)

I’ve finally moved all sections of the site to a new layout, bringing the look and feel up to date for the current decade The last layout had it’s roots in 2002, and I was firmly of the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.

However the design was getting a bit tired, so after extensive testing on one small part of the site, I’ve now essentially modernised the look and feel of the entire site. And I’m hoping it will help make things work and look a lot better for our visitors and users.

Oh.. and by the way… just in case you were wondering – we’re now usingWordPress as the CMS for newer parts of the site (specifically this blog/stories section) with a couple of plugins that allow us to access all our original data and routines.

I hope you like the way it’s all panning out!

Please let me know by leaving your comments below.

Cheers
Stephen Spry

We’ve had to tighten up the “rules” about what can and can’t be submitted, and wish to advise that we do seriously and manually look at every single website submitted to our great australian website directory!

So… if you submit:

• NON-AUSTRALIAN websites,
• Sites that are nothing more than “doorway” pages to other (client?) websites (i.e. obviously built just for SEO purposes),
• MULTIPLE domains/subdomains submitted for plumber-brisbane, or brisbane-plumber etc (again SEO pages only),
• Sites which contain very little USEFUL content stuffed with advertising (i.e. “made for adsense” sites),
• Sites which are not complete (i.e obviously still under construction),
• Listings submitted with FAKE or INCORRECT/INCOMPLETE CONTACT DETAILS, or
• Sites about GAMBLING and CASINOS etc.

Then you WILL find your submission REJECTED without any notice!

If your site does not offer my users any real value… then I don’t want to “recommend” it to them and risk losing them in the future because “all they find here is crap”.

Also… we are totally in favour of 100% transparency on the web if you are legitimate about doing business online.

So… If we cannot easily verify the contact details provided, or if they look at all suspicious or designed to mislead, your listing will be removed!

And again, with all the noise about scams and security etc online… I would like to think that only legitimate businesses are using my services. Again, I can’t risk my reputation by permitting the “dodgy brothers” to do business here  :)

So if your submission is unexpectedly removed, chances are it did not pass this process due to one of the reasons stated above.

Please don’t waste your time (or ours) by submitting sites which do not qualify!

If you do the right thing, we apologize for sounding so abrupt… but these jokers are affecting the quality of our user experience with their spam, and it’s time to do something very OBVIOUS about it…

And that includes going back through previous submissions and removing sites which do not measure up – which, while it will be a tedious job to get through, will be worthwhile in the end.

Cheers
Stephen Spry

So here’s my impromptu plea for any Facebook users out there reading this to please, please, please go visit my new fan page and click the LIKE button at the top of the page when you get there.

And then I can shrink this annoyingly long address to something a lot more user friendly…

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Come-On-Aussie/227097497326655

I only plan to post something there several times a week, so it won’t become too much of a burden for you

Thanks for your help!

Cheers
Stephen Spry