[wp-hackers] ref parameters and fake url

[Aaron D. Campbell]

I feel like there is a communication problem here. However, as far as I 
can tell (and I looked through the code), WordPress does NOT use the 
'ref' URL parameter. However, some plugins DO use it. For example, 
Firestats will use it as the referrer if it is present. This actually 
surprised me a little, because it opens firestats up to referrer spam. 
Basically, worst case scenario, you could have "recent referrers" linked 
to on your site (using FireStats), and these people could get a link. 
However, you shouldn't be doing this anyway.

In any case, since WordPress doesn't use it, you would be safe to use 
something like .htaccess to correct the URLs and pass a 301. Just keep 
in mind that while WordPress will still work fine, some plugins may not.

Stefano Aglietti wrote:
> On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:43:54 -0400, "Austin Matzko"
> <if.website at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>   
>> What is the problem you are trying to solve?
>> Why would a link like that ever show up in Google search results, and
>> if a link like that were to appear in Google search results, why do
>> you think WordPress could do anything about it?
>>     
>
> Cause if ref parma is used for internal purpose only or refer only to
> local url this fake url shoudl be killed and giving a 301 redirect to
> a clena URL willmake this fake URL disappear.
>
> But i would like to hear somenthing from developper not casual
> users... sorry
>