Wow, look at how well these nasty organized crime phishing emails are impersonating GoDaddy.  One of the problems with being recognizable as a brand is you become the phishing target.

Its actually pretty easy to get an app, software, or browser plugin mistakenly classified as a virus or malware.

Family computers (ones shared by several people) can result in this form of mistaken identity.  For example, I’m a founder of a company called We-Care.com which has a browser plugin for IE, Firefox and Chrome.  In addition to the ASPCA and other causes like Clean Water Action distributing the plugins directly, We-Care.com also convinces some software publishers to offer the plugin as an optional… YES OPTIONAL part of their software install.

So, what happens, one family member sees that the We-Care plugin, costs nothing, generates revenue for a cause (example) and is a great way to give back, FREE.  But because the We-Care software announces every time a cause it being supported other family members get freaked out and think the computer got infected.

When you’ve got millions of installs out there, it’s easy for a few people to get mislead.

Ever since upgrading to FF7, I’ve been getting the following wording from Google AdWords:

We have detected that you are using an older web browser. For better performance with the AdWords interface, we recommend using a modern browser such as Firefox 3.5 or later, Chrome, Safari 4 or later, or Internet Explorer 8 or later. Learn more

Funny.

I discovered a great campaign for FiberOne’s Magic Brownies as a result of a conversation on the Oldtimers List and the campaign mentioned the Flaming Pole Festival.  I loved the videos so much, I spent the $8 and fifteen minutes to launch a site.

As most of you are, I’m subscribed to Groupon, LivingSocial and a few other flash sales or daily deal sites. One recent offer from Groupon got me thinking.

Many states have laws for professions that don’t allow any third parties to be involved in transactions with customers, clients or patients.  Depending on the state, the law may cover doctors, dentists, lawyers, real estate agents, or other professionals.

That means no kickbacks, or fee sharing.

Hey, I am no lawyer and of course can’t provide a legal opinion, but my layperson’s opinion is that Groupon may be in violation of
New York Public Health – § 4501 – Medical Referral Service Businesses Prohibited

as is any medical practitioner advertising on Groupon since Groupon takes the money from the customer and keeps some of it.
http://law.onecle.com/new-york/public-health/PBH02811_2811.html

http://www.articlesbase.com/criminal-articles/how-illegal-fee-splitting-may-cost-you-your-new-york-medical-license-771901.html

Spot checks of Groupon, LivingSocial and some other group buying sites seems to indicate that this practice is prevalent with dentists, chiropractors and dermatologists in particular.

Wonder if I’m completely off-base here or if indeed there is a problem that’s slipped under the radar.

Originally, I became aware of the laws because my wife is a psychologist, and I was wondering if she could offer a Groupon-type deal.  Plus, I’m an investor in DiscountCoupons.com and had an interest in this type of arrangement from the offer-network as well.