rc3.org Rafe Colburn on software development (and other topics)

Disclaimer: I know the Tynt guys.

I was amazed by this service when I first saw it. I went through “that’s impossible!” to “wow, that’s really cool”.

I’m not sure which users Gruber is talking about. Probably the really smart RSS reading ones who cut and paste to write blog posts and such like.

The vast majority of “regular users” cut and paste and send stuff around via email. The URL doesn’t bug them (they don’t even realize it’s there), and it’s actually HELPFUL to the receivers — they can click on the link and get back to where the quote actually came from.

It’s not about SEO at all, since the majority of those cut and pastes go into email.

Also: have you run the service yourself, on your own site? Because it sure is interesting to see what the regular users are doing.

Posted by Boris Mann on 28 May 2010 @ 1pm

I have not run it on my site and I do think that’s a valid counterargument.

Posted by Rafe on 28 May 2010 @ 1pm

I’ve noticed the annoying trend of sites using Javascript to intercept and change the Ctrl-C or Cmd-C key and also the right click button behavior which both interfere with how I normally use the browser.

I think the solution is to allow certain key events to be presented only to the browser itself, not into the Javascript event stream (maybe on a per-site basis like you can do with cookies).

Posted by John on 28 May 2010 @ 2pm

@John: Most browsers let you block redefinition of the right-click menu.

In Firefox, go to: Tools > Content > Javascript > Advanced

Posted by Leo Petr on 28 May 2010 @ 2pm

Notifying the server that you copied the text is borderline at best. I’m going to go with “wrong”, despite how interesting it might be to site owners.

Posted by Howard Berkey on 28 May 2010 @ 9pm

Link?

Posted by Adam on 30 May 2010 @ 11am

Added. That’s two posts in a row where I left out a link. I need an editor, or more sleep, or something.

Posted by Rafe on 30 May 2010 @ 11am