IE Tab/Internet Explorer Tab Chrome Extension Review

I've been using the IE tab extension for sites that are only formatted to be compatible with IE/FireFox and this particular one is to display web pages within chrome. I don't come across very many sites that have pages where it's necessary but it's good to know that I have the possibility there if I need it and don't need to go searching around while I'm in the middle of something just to read this 1 page or whatever. The only places it's been used by myself is on those consumer opinion surveys. No problems with the actual survey sites themselves but some of their customers business site uses a questionnaire that is not compatible with the chrome browser.

IE Tab has a few options that I think are important to the success of an extension such as this one that has been "A top 10 extension since 2009" which is stated under IT TAB if you look in your settings->tools->extensions->.

• Auto URL's-automatically uses your IE Tab which is obviously important so your not having to click on the little icon every time the sites you want to use for commonly are used.
• Auto URL Exceptions-These takes precedence over the Auto URL. Even if you have the same site matching on both lists, anything that is an exception will not trigger the IE Tab
• Your able to choose which IE to use but by default it will emulates whatever IE exists on your computer.

General options for how to open pop ups, do you want a search box and lastly do you want link enhancement are also available if you choose to opt in.

Overall I think the extension works great for what it's used for. It's been around long enough that it's dependable and trustworthy, you don't have to worry about hundreds of bugs and reporting a bunch of problems etc etc. 

The one thing that I have a problem with is the link enhancement. Personally, I had no idea what it was to begin with and it stayed checked for months that way. There is one of those little question mark circles above it where you can click and your brought to a page that explains everything. 

Click Here for LINK ENHANCEMENT page that explains EVERYTHING

Basically, link enhancement is where affiliate ad code is added to any link that does not have it already. By doing this the creators are part of a larger group of people who share in revenue profits for any items purchased. It's done blindly so it's not your information at risk that bothers me particularly. I understand that ppl need money to work, especially on projects that are free(free as far as money however, obviously there are other gains by the creation of a great product).  Name recognition, added value to future products etc. Also, it's not as though a person is able to write the code and then just be done with it because of the constant evolution of browsers and technology they are constantly developing updates and tweaking things which take time and as they always say..."time is money". 


I don't think this developer was doing anything malicious and in the explanation page it actually says that it's a common practice but maybe that's what bothers me the most...if it's a common practice and the majority are doing it then how is it I'm just hearing about it now for the first time. So, I have been working my butt off trying to make sure I write quality and helpful posts and if I don't take the time to put an affiliate link from google, amazon, or wherever else BANG now anyone who happens to click on my post and ends up seeing something they like either in an ad or even something I talk about someone else is actually getting paid...and I'm not seeing even a penny of it? 


Just doesn't make sense to me. I do want to say that I never would have been able to really get into this right now if not for the fact that IE Tab options give a link where that full page is dedicated to an explanation that is both very clear and thorough. Again, all in all, no I don't think its a huge deal but I'm just the kind of person who was brought up to be honest, sometimes maybe even a little to honest to a fault but there are always grey areas.


I'd really love to hear what you guys think about all of this? Did you know this was happening and I was just in the dark or is this something that is just recently coming to light? Feel free to leave comments, they are always appreciated and responded to!

Causes.com Website Review

Causes.com main page link

My first thought when I stumbled across a “friends”(I use that term lightly since the inception of Facebook after seeing ppl with friends hitting 6-7 digits.) CAUSES PAGE was a mix of amazement and skepticism. After digging a little deeper through the about page, how it works, and seemingly endless possibilities and uses I'm left with the same thoughts.

I find that fact incredibly sad. What an amazingly great, wonderful, creative idea. Sometimes I really just sit back in amazement at the sheer numbers of talented, ambitious, hard-working.....and the list of superlatives goes on and on and on to describe the ppl out there.

Now, how pitiful is it, that as quickly as my mind goes from there to worrying just how many evil ppl across the world are exploiting something so great, and turning into some shady story of loss all the while hiding a shameless grin behind a computer screen. Sitting in a posh hotel with friends, “creating” page after page, cause after cause, banking on the kindness of strangers. Just waiting for someone like myself who tries to find non-profits, charities, or a need that isn't publicized nationally, something that really means or says something to me at that moment.

As quickly as I make the decision to give the little that I'm able, they bang out 4 more “stories” each and before my money is even in their pocket, a few other good Samaritans hop online and so it continues....and endless loop of caring, research, giving, research, caring, research, just hoping that you made the right decision this time, that your part, went and actually did some bit of good to put a smile on someone's face, somewhere out there.....this time.

Now, Speaking about CAUSES.COM SPECIFICALLY; regardless of the possible dishonest, greedy, scumbaggish, loser, good-for-nothing assholes that can turn anything that involves money into something evil, CAUSES.COM has both great intentions and a great set-up which has been integrated with facebook to allow for “spreading the word” along with “liking” quickly and easily....if that's where you want to do your “spreading of the word”

It's my understanding that users are able to set up “causes” as anything from a well known charity to gather money and make a donation in honor of a loved one, local business in need, struggling, etc or even a friend or neighbor that has fallen on hard times. A broad spectrum of possibilities exist which is part of what really makes this such a great tool with seemingly endless possibilities and uses many different ppl, types of businesses, charities, non-profits, and organizations. 

If you just take the time to browse through one of the hundreds and thousands of categories you will see just how creative and unique users have become. The best part though, at least for me, is reading the stories and touching summaries some have written as to why giving to this particular organization is meaningful or important to them personally. Whether it's in honor of a loved one who fought through and overcame cancer, spreading the word about helping get funding for Alzheimer's research, continuing development of knowledge in regards to aids or supporting organizations helping our veterans reintegrate into society, find gainful employment, or even something as simple as getting housing located close enough to the soldiers home that they can get the care they need.

These are sometimes things that are forgotten because we just figure it's OBVIOUSLY TAKEN CARE OF, I MEAN, HOW COULD YOU LEAVE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE COMING BACK FROM SOMETIMES YEARS LIVING IN A WAR ZONE TO FIGURE ALL THIS OUT FOR THEMSELVES?? Well, guess what? It's not taken care of. There are services that help, but there isn't someone waiting at the airport with a list of all the services they will need and new cell phone with minutes and a taxi driver ready to start getting them situated. I know it may seem like I'm making light of it but this is just one example of thousands of charities out there that need funding, need volunteers, etc from everyone.

Obviously I got a little off topic of the website review at the end here but it's a message that is very important to me personally and it's something I think everyone, that means whether your rich and don't have a care in the world or getting assistance like food and housing from the state, needs to really think about every once in a while. Just because you don't have the extra income to give away $500 to buy some stupid brick at your sons school doesn't mean you can't do something meaningful in your own way. Pick one morning every month or every other month and spend a few hours helping give out food or collect food for your local shelter or food pantry. Take your kids with you if they are old enough, that's the kind of values and traits that can be instilled in your kids for the rest of their lives.

 Just imagine how it would feel 20 years from now when you read in the paper about a local school doing a food drive for the church and see your son is running it with your grand kids. It didn't cost you a penny but you probably helped 15-20 families that didn't know where they were going to be eating or if they were going to be eating when they woke up. Now that's something to smile about.

Spread the word, it's worth it.