As I was reading Google’s TOS for their Search API service, I have formed an opinion that LeapFish is indeed in violation of at least one of the terms. I am seriously considering a petition or an open letter to Schmidt, Page and Brin and to draw their attention to LeapFish.

@herOpsycho

There is nothing wrong that LeapFish uses Google’s result. That’s why Google offers the service through their APIs. I also see no harm for some one perusing current AdWords advertisers, I do however object to the methods employed in doing so. Even if you set a side harassment approach described by TechCrunch. LeapFish is less then honest about their traffic stats, the search volume pertaining to keywords they sell. If they decided to release the directly measured traffic stats that would probably shut the half of their critics. As far as search volume per keyword goes, I am afraid they may not have those stats themselves…. So all we have is the service like Alexa or Compete to guesstimate LeapFish’s traffic. Neither of each is beneficial to LeapFish, especially in light of the claim that “thousands” of advertisers are using their system. They simple do not have enough visitors and page views to justify their prices- unless of course their sponsored ads get a whooping 80% click-through rate, which is highly unlikely. Numbers do not lie. And since we have no stats or data from LeapFish itself relying on not so accurate stats from Alexa or Compete really does not help LeapFish.

Wow, this comment along would have made for a good post.

Thank you both for stopping by and sorry for not answering both of your comments right away.

Every time some one criticizes them, they are up in arms…. If they think it is tough now lets wait until they try contact Aaron Wall's or Mike's (the guy from Grey Howl Blog) clients.

I am not sure if you read his entire "rumour rebuttal" post, but I think if he aspires to be a CEO in the likes of Steve Jobs that post will actually turn to hunt him…. Some of the rumours I learned from his post and made me say "hmmmm" … Some rumours are better left unchallenged or you are in danger of giving them more credibility.

This has nothing to do with LeapFish. It doesn't take much to do a search and see the sheer number of attacks you have brought upon Ben, from consecutive blogs posts that attack Ben for the last several months, the consistent badgering of LeapFish prospects on Twitter, the immense number of hateful comments all over the Internet on other blogs working to destroy Ben. Also, the mountain of erroneous information that you post but do not correct once informed, the rumor mongering and comments to as many high level journalists/bloggers, and the several emails you have personally sent to me about removing comments that actually point out your intention and agenda. Vlad, if that is blogging and if that is a blogger, then the web is in need of an overhaul. But I can tell you that intelligent people can see right through what you are doing.

I highly suggest you read about Yellow Journalism and the immense problems facing the web and hard working business people online. The hard workers that are continuing to dig, create value and get better even in this economy.

Regarding the Reply.com voicemail, we all know Ben was all but 23 at the time and people make mistakes when under the kinds of pressure created by the situation such as the one in that voicemail. It’s that simple. If you ever actually met Ben, you would understand the work ethic and integrity of this individual, regardless of what a "blogger" or "others" might want to force onto you.

You are continuing to badger, incite, bring up old information and even post about things that happened many years ago. People have moved on Vlad, why haven't you? The past is done; we learn and then move on. Instead of working to tear people down, I suggest you find a way to create value and help people out during this tough economic period.

This is my one and only response to this post.

You can read about the rumors by visiting benbehrouzi.org

Mark Kithcart

I thought you promised not to comment on my blog again. I will help you out with it.
Say hello to Ron from me.