Google engine: "forbidden": Blocked website classified as weapons

[Mad Mac]

My daughter was in Kohl's and reported to me by text:

"So I just accepted Kohl's wifi ... So I tried your link again [to the calendar contest], and it comes up 'blocked website' classified as weapons."

And then:

"I can't pull up the website at all now. Google engine: "forbidden"."

Anyone else run into this sort of thing?

[anycal]

This forum, as well as BF, is classified as 'weapons' by most web filtering providers, and is blocked by most organizations. I actually manage this service for our company.

[Mad Mac]

I need to get out more.

Okay. That's understandable. It was Kohl's wifi, their dime.
Keeping their employees flying straight and level.
Customers are free to take their device somewhere else.

[yablanowitz]

Yep, their wifi, their rules. Sounds like a good reason to not shop there (not that I ever have).

[Jazz]

Yes, it's happened to me a few places.

[this_is_nascar]

Most hospitals implement this as well. That's another reason I like Tapatalk, as it allows you to browse these type groups, in these types of environments.

Hint, hint......

[kaukol]

Sounds familiar, "Blocked category - Weapons" and all that stuff.
Similar automatic security software is blocking Spyderco website at my workplace where I was used to check the forums (on lunch break, or occassional spare moment of cource). For many years I was working around that by using alternative domain name byrd.cn, which is not blocked. Sadly, after last update to Spyderco website it doesn't work anymore - byrd.cn is automatically redirected to spyderco.com.

[Mad Mac]

My daughter turned off the wifi on her cell phone
and used Verizon to access the link while she was in the store.

[Cheddarnut]

Stripping peoples freedoms to browse consumer products, 'dangerous' or not, negatively impacts sales of blocked companies- if monsanto was one of these companies they would sue for lost revenue. Spyderco should sue. In all seriousness, what does blocking these sites do? Is it to make the companies blocking them look socially conscious to other conservative wankers? It smacks of politics, i can smell it...

[anycal]

Don't hate the messenger...

First, suing? Doubtful. These are private companies and they can allow access to their Internet service as they choose.

There are a lot of reasons for this, but three main ones,
- Security - blocking malicious websites, file sharing sites (data loss prevention, IP), etc.
- Liability - don't want your users accessing questionable sites which can be traced back to you. Child pornography, terrorist something or another, BitTorrent, etc.
- Bandwidth - utilization control. Bandwidth costs $$ and is not unlimited.

In terms of sites like this one being categorized as 'weapons'. It is a broad brush categorization based on lot of factors. At the end of the day, sites can be re-categorized. Again, up to the organization providing access to their Internet service. Not about freedom. It is about running a business.


To clarify, this isn't an Internet Service Provider filtering access. This is about businesses providing Internet access and choosing what to allow.

[bearfacedkiller]

My mind should be blocked from the internet... It is my weapon of choice.

Seriously though, this is basic corporate CYA. Standard procedure these days.

[JD Spydo]

Most hospitals implement this as well. That's another reason I like Tapatalk, as it allows you to browse these type groups, in these types of environments.

Hint, hint......

Back in May I was having surgery on my shoulder and when I tried to chime in on the Spyderco Forum the hospital's internet service wouldn't allow me to access this website as well as a few others I frequent.

I could see maybe a reason why a school of very young kids might be blocked from accessing knife, gun, archery and survival type forums but I don't see any valid reason whatsoever why a law abiding adult should be restricted from accessing legitimate websites on the internet. It's definitely something we need to literally raise **** over before this ridiculous censorship gains momentum.

[qazy]

Normal stuff, nothing to see here. Nothing to do with freedom etc.
Private entity provide you a free access to something and they have implemented restrictions that they deem reasonable.
If you do not agree or want a change brig your case to the companie's customer care.
Alternatively you can stop using it.

[Fresh Eddie Fresh]

The free internet is a courtesy provided by Kohl's, not a right. They are not an internet cafe, they are a store that offers it as a service... I think it is funny people threatening to boycott the store or saying people should sue them... it would be like getting mad if a place has free coffee and you want tea.

The easiest thing for them to do would be to simply stop offering free WiFi if enough people complain about it.

[mastiff]

The problem I have is that if I wanted to look up some truly weird despicable stuff (stuff that 99% of the population finds revolting and vomit inducing) most places will let you do that. I'd be willing to bet dollars to donuts that I would be forwarded right to an ISIS site without a hitch while a US cutlery or firearms manufacturer is considered dangerous. I'll be crossing Kohl's off of my list of companies I do business with, as will my entire family. The only way to keep these types in check is to assault their wallets, it's the only way they learn. Look at how Kellog's is doing if you want an example of this.

I'll also be telling all the guys I work with, my boss, and the owner about this. They'll be more than happy to avoid the place like the plague. And right before school shopping. My grandpa always said "Stupid is expensive". I have no problem with companies going out of business that want to play nanny. This is how you start the whole-You can't have a soda bigger than 12oz!- thing. Kmart has died a slow miserable death because of bad business choices, but also because they caved to the whole "Everything that can be a weapon shouldn't be sold there" bunch of ninnies. No guns, no ammo, no knives. Walmart didn't so why did they? Social Justice Idiocy, listening to those types killed Kmart's business.

I stop in at the hunting, gun, knife, and ammo counter every time I go to WM and almost always buy something. I used to do the same at Kmart. Kmart is now persona non grata as is Kohls now. Too bad, I've bought a lot of stuff from them over the years from jeans to diamond ear rings for my wife. If Kohl's is the type of company that thinks a knife forum is too scary then maybe they should move to the UK, plenty of yellow bellied freedom haters there. I'm sure Kohl's would feel more at home! See you later guys as I've got some texts to send

[qazy]

You are tough man.
Just don't forget to complain to the store customer service and lettig them know the reason. Otherwise, I am afraid, your boycot will be in vain.

[Mad Mac]

“You can please some of the people all of the time,
you can please all of the people some of the time,
but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.
John Lydgate of Bury (c. 1370 – c. 1451)

[Doc Dan]

Just write to the corporation and tell them you will not shop there any longer, and why. Tell them you will spread this to every person you know. If they catch enough flack they will change their policy. It is as simple as that.

[Mora2013]

Frankly, I think it's mostly to block their own kohl's employees from wasting too much time surfing the web for random topics not associated with work.

[mastiff]

I already sent them the info about why my family and friends will be boycotting their stores. Go to their main site, at the bottom is a contact us, and then at the bottom of the next page is a blue highlighted section that has store feedback. You'll be taken to a little window to voice your concerns. I'm old enough to have learned that sitting back and letting people walk on you is only nice if you're trying to be a doormat. You have to stand up for yourself and your beliefs because chances are others won't.

Unfortunately the weirdos and cry-babies have learned to screech loudest so us regular folks have to get off our keisters and voice our opinions too. I wish I could go back to the old days when neighbors let people alone and didn't try to control every facet of your life. The squeakiest wheels have been getting more than their fair share of oil, time to let them dry out a little