Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

An undesired blue square appears beside my comments at NYTs which they claim is caused outside their system. YaHoo? Is that you?

  • 12 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 14 views
  • Last reply by abbadabba

more options

I cannot determine how this blue square came to be staring at my comments, but it's creeping me out. I think it's an avatar tracker, but who put it on to me? I prefer to remain as naked as Ms. Liberty. Can you help me? NYTs emailed back it is not their square.

I cannot determine how this blue square came to be staring at my comments, but it's creeping me out. I think it's an avatar tracker, but who put it on to me? I prefer to remain as naked as Ms. Liberty. Can you help me? NYTs emailed back it is not their square.

Chosen solution

NYTs already told me they aren't responsible for this. But I am satisfied I will never be rid of it and appreciate so much your effort to help. I feel like I wasted your time. Sorry. I guess I'm tattooed in blue and have no clue why or who. But you are a swell guy for trying to figure it out.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (12)

more options

Could you give a link to a page where you see this problem? Also can you load the link in another browser and see whether the squares appear there as well, or some other content appears there, or nothing appears there in other browsers?

more options

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem.

  • Switch to the DEFAULT theme: "3-bar" menu button/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance
  • Do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Safe Mode start window
more options

It began me on my journey, but it did not result in eliminating what I assume is a default avatar that I have picked up somehow. The second answer I received advanced the hunt, but still no relief.

Thanks you for the guidance.

more options

This is my first time with you folks, and I think I came off like an icehole. Very sorry, Jscher2000 and cor-el. Nice avatars, I'm not opposed, just prefer I was the composer.

The information was very helpful, but I assumed the checks yes or no meant problem solved. Sorry. Both of you were very helpful.

When I use google's search engine I do NOT see a blue square beside me at the NYTs.

When I started FireFox in safe mode, the blue square remained, so I tried restarting FireFox and installed AdblockUltimate (awesome!) Still there, the blue square. It's bringing me down like an ad for anti-depressants. Is YaHoo messing with the positivity continuum?

Gotta admit, Blue Kitty nailed me. I can live with that.

more options

Oops, I guess I meant "refresh" firefox which you said to do NOT. Sorry again cor-el. Did I lose some data you needed?

more options

I can't picture this... Could you give a link to a page where you see this problem? Or you could upload a screen shot. This article has tips on that: How do I create a screenshot of my problem? Please cut out or blur any sensitive information in the image before attaching it to your reply.

more options

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/21/business/media/the-mutual-dependence-of-trump-and-the-news-media.html?target=comments&hp=&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&modref=HPCommentsRefer&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT_nav=top-news&_r=0&login=email

I just got posted at NYTs at this story under "Abby" in "Tucson" with the big blue square that is not my idea. Hate to make you look for it, but it's not a thick one yet.

Thanks ever so much.

more options

OMG, it's GONE!!!

Did you fix it or did I stumble there or did its cookie timer finally wear out or did they get on to me getting you on to them?

All I know is you are wonderful for caring. I hope it stays gone. Thank you so much.

more options

It's BACK and you can see both a non-avatar version earlier in the comments while the newer posts are blue squared again. So there it is, both happening in the same site on the same story. I hope this isn't boring you to death. I'm gonna quit and feed my family, so forgive me if I'm not responsive. I really do appreciate you helping understand what's going not right.

more options

Finally, since this is driving me crazy, I think it is now only showing itself when I enter test into the comment box and in the pre-screening box before posting. So, is it an avatar that is not posting or is something ghosting? Sorry to be so paranoid.

more options

I don't see squares, but I'm not logged into the site. Since you mention it appears only on newer posts, it could be a feature personalized to you showing what has been added since your last visit to the page. This kind of feature is included with some forum software, for example.

more options

Chosen Solution

NYTs already told me they aren't responsible for this. But I am satisfied I will never be rid of it and appreciate so much your effort to help. I feel like I wasted your time. Sorry. I guess I'm tattooed in blue and have no clue why or who. But you are a swell guy for trying to figure it out.