The typical method of adware distribution involves bundling the software with other prorgrams, skins, screensavers, games etc. through the use of a click-wrap license agreement.
Although they may be technically permission based, many times the process is completed without the end user's knowledge.
This, along with the fact that many users have unwittingly downloaded spyware that hijacks their homepage, changes the default search engine and collects and transmits personal info - while serving those annoying popup ads - has created an environment where everyone from users to legislators are calling for action to stop the insanity.
Sometimes i think people just don't get it.
I don't know, maybe it's because i spent 20 years working in a regular, good 'ol fashioned brick 'n mortar retail store.
you know, the kind where you have a couple of thousand people a day coming in to buy things, look around, talk to you, complain, ...
When you face those people every day for 20 years, talking with them, trying to engage them and develop a relationship with them, you learn a few things. Like; people want respect. they want privacy. they want relevance. they want choices. they want information. they want a fair deal.
they know you're making a profit, but it's okay because you're straight with them.
If you do that, they will appreciate the honesty and reciprocate. Their reciprocation may be that they accept things about the product/service/store that may not be exactly in line with ALL of their preferences.
Like maybe agreeing to look at some advertising as they shop.
I think - at least to some degree - that the adware situation is not entirely different. If a download was based on permission, notice and consent, privacy, relevance, NON-INTRUSION, preferences and value - i don't think people would have a problem with viewing some relevant, targeted ads.
Why don't the spyware people get that?
The adware program i'm developing will be based on those principles, and adhere to all industry guidelines (Google adware guidelines) while still providing advertisers a method of serving targeted, rich media ads to users.
It targets by keyword or url, serves the ad in a non-intrusive manner by creating "previously unavailable real estate" on the user's browser, and guarantees page 1 SERP.
While i think the potential for this technology is far greater, the market for popup ads alone is in the neighborhood of 500 million annually, depending on which report you read.
I'm betting that publishers, advertisers and end users would be more than happy to find - and use - an ad serving technology that could replace popups with something better.
wanna bet?