Issue with external links

[Atomicrox]

This might be old news but I just noticed LPF is using a script that changes any external links to include a redirect.

Take the link to ebay on this post for example. It's supposed to be

http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidsLogin&item=331151132764&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2564

but gets replaced with

http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=&site=laserpointerforums.com&xs=1&isjs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FRGB-200mw-Stage-Light-Laser-Module-High-Power-White-Laser-Compact-Design-TTL-%2F331151132764&xguid=&xuuid=&xsessid=&xcreo=0&xed=0&sref=http%3A%2F%2Flaserpointerforums.com%2Ff39%2Fwtb-rgb-laser-modules-project-98119.html&xtz=180

At first I thought it was a virus on my computer but I tested with a fresh virtual machine and it still happens.

It happens in a very tricky manner, because it won't show up on mouse over. It will be replaced when you click the link or right-click and copy.

I'm not sure why this was added but IMHO it's bad practice. I'd really appreciate if you guys removed this or at least explained why it's needed.

 

[DTR]

Yea been a headache for me as I post and copy links a lot.

 

[c0ldshadow]

Hi Guys,

This is non-malicious and related to an affiliate ad network. As with other ad networks on the site, LPF depends on ads to cover the cost of web hosting and other business expenses.

Best Regards,

-Avery