deep linking policy (was Re: Osborne Computer 4 (Vixen) prototype?)

[Sridhar Ayengar]

Eric Smith wrote:
> Dave Dunfield wrote:
>> I was wondering if you could explain to me what is not clear about
>> this request, which is posted (bolded) at both the top and bottom
>> of my disk images page:
> 
> The problem is the usage model of the web.  Just because something 
> happens to be on a page, at the top or bottom (or both), doesn't mean 
> that anyone is going to bother to read it.
> 
> Your URL randomization scheme is a (somewhat) reasonable way to prevent 
> deep linking.  Expecting people not to do so simply out of respect for a 
> statement on a web page that they may or may not have actually read is 
> doomed to failure.

Dave,

You can always have your web server software check the referring URL for 
all of your downloadable files to make sure that people are clicking 
through your website.  Not foolproof, but it'll work the vast majority 
of the time.

Peace...  Sridhar