Top Cow Launches Darkness, Witchblade Search Tools
In a press release issued this week, Top Cow announced the debut of a pair of Google-powered search engines themed around two of their most popular properties, The Darkness and Witchblade titles.
With each normal, everyday Web search conducted on one of these Top Cow-branded search engines, users gain a chance to earn Swag Bucks, which are digital dollars that can be redeemed for Top Cow comic books and other prizes at the Witchblade and The Darkness Swag Stores, including iPhones, plasma TVs, digital cameras and game systems like the Sony PSP and Nintendo Wii.
One of the most interesting aspects of the promotion, in my humble opinion, was this note:
In addition, Witchblade and The Darkness toolbars are available to download for Internet Explorer and Firefox Web browsers so that users can utilize the search engines more readily. The toolbars also feature quick links to Top Cow’s MySpace page, message boards, news blog, online store and more. There are no pop-up windows, no spyware, and no adware — guaranteed.
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No spyware and adware? Color me intrigued — but before I install anything, I’d love to hear about other users’ experiences. Anyone willing to give it a shot?
Yes, I work for Top Cow but no, I'm not just saying this. I installed The Darkness search engine and not once have I been deluged by any intrusive pop-up ads or anything like that, except for when you get a message on the browser window itself that tells you you've won a Swag Buck! Even after that, you can just click on a button to continue on to your search and the Buck gets added to your account! I've won five so far. Papa needs a brand-new TV!
Mel! Thanks for commenting on the spyware/adware implications of the search tools. Maybe I'll start earning myself some "swag bucks" now…Great to see you on ComicMix, by the way! Don't be a stranger.