Disable Google Sharing

Hi,
FF 3.6.13
Seamonkey: 2.5
Windows pro and Windows home: both SP_3 and up-to-date
Sorry if this is already here:

Google has suddenly added a blue horizontal bar with: "Click here to start sharing on Google+"
I do not want this! and cannot find out how to <permanently> remove it.
I cannot log in to my Google account b/c it asks for a phone number (I am not giving them anything like that).

I wish they would put their energy into their (IMO <failing>) search programs / techniques instead of trying to be like facebook.

I am sorry if I am being offensive but I have deadlines
Thank you in advance

 

If I'm understanding you correctly, you can try either of these:

1) You can disable +1 functionality by going to your Account Profile and then choosing Account Settings.

You will then see a section for +1 settings, and you can disable.

2) You can block the +1 button with AdBlock.

 

Hi,
Thank you both leushino and TonyT

leushino:

Will try that (and follow what TonyT writes re: the skipping the phone number line)

If all else fails - I don't want more programs but...
Thanks!

***​

TonyT:

I did not see that part - too mad I guess

***​

My other option is to use Yahoo

Does anyone agree that Google's search functionality has declined? (or maybe I have).

I thank you both very much again!

Also IMO these "toys" (Sorry - I realize I'm in the minority and most people like facebook and sharing) should be optional and not require the user to waste others' time (yours) or their time

Thanks!

 

I did a survey, yesterday, and, at the end, it requested my name, which is ok, not an e-mail address, but they wanted a phone number. So, I made one up, using a non-existent three digits with my area code. I don't use Google+, but I use the search engine, so I don't know what is the problem.

 

I stopped using Google's search engine a year ago. I switched over to Bing and have been much happier with the results. I find it more exacting and besides... they reward me for using it! LOL My wife has actually earned to $25 gift cards from Amazon courtesy of Bing. I'm closing in on my first gift card as well.

 

Hi Westside,

I don't <consciously> use Google+ either -
The blue horizonatal bars appeared last night on 2 (only physically networked - not configured) PCs for no reason....
Thanks

Hi leushino,

Thanks for the information - I'll try Bing...

 

Thanks for replying TonyT:

The blue bars had disappeared yesterday? I'd like to think it was because of this thread!


Ops they're back: On Firefox and SeaMonkey... But not on I.E. 7.x.

I didn't mind that part - I do not like it asking whether I meant <something completely unrelated> and having NO option to say "No I did not mean that ".

I am in Canada so I guess I just substitute the ca into the com. I'll give it a try.

I've changed my Firefox home page to "Bing" for now and so far I like it (for my purposes)

I'll try to reset the home page for Google:
(ca instead of com) - in Canada
http://www.google.ca/webhp?complete=0&hl=en

Thank you

 

We all have our personal preferences I suppose. My start page for years has been the customized version of Yahoo (i.e. My Yahoo) as opposed to the generic Yahoo version. As for search engines, over the years I switched from Alta Vista to Google and then to Bing. I just like Bing and besides, as I mentioned earlier they reward you for using their engine. Besides, it's a pretty cool interface. Google, it seems to me, has become an 800 pound gorilla that has a very cavalier attitude about privacy, hence it's battles with a number of European countries over its mapping. I would also add that Bing appears to me to zero in more accurately on my searches and that's also a plus. Bottom line: you'll have to find what works best for you. BTW: I'm still a Canadian citizen although I've lived in the US now for the past 12 years. When I was still in Canada I used Sympatico as my start page. I see they've been taken over by MSN and I just don't care for the MSN page.

 

Hi leushino:

So far I really like Bing a lot!
It find things - intuitively (vs. my experiences with Google).

I agree with Bing's interface - It focuses on searching and not on (IMO) unrelated face book-wanna-be items....
On the *new* Google interface, With the blue sharing bar, there's a "click here to start sharing on Google+" I'm afraid of clicking the thing accidentally.
I don't mind the maps though....

Also with Google I've noticed more and more hits that are repeats, and more and more "false positives" (with the item(s) not even being in the source code of the hits.....) (Seems to be getting worse)

Just the opposite for me: I'm still an American citizen but have lived in Canada (for years longer than in the USA).

I never did use Sympatico (Wasn't that Bell Canada?)

Thanks again for the info about Bing! For my purposes it is far better - intuitive and I've been finding loads of things that Google never did find.

Will update if and when I can safely remove the sharing bar without releasing my S.I.N., S.S.N., birth certificate, alarm code, credit card numbers, etc.


P.S. I really feel this sort of "extra" should be an option which one has to look for vs. getting help on / looking for ways to remove it (JMO)

 

I find it rather funny that so many are getting so bent over Google simply putting up an ad up for themselves. It is their webpage.

 

It's not funny and as far as I can see NO ONE is getting "bent over" this (to use your terminology). Google has a habit of disregarding privacy issues, hence its run-ins with foreign governments. Privacy concerns, especially with 800 pound gorillas, are a very real issue and not to be taken lightly. Furthermore, I don't see that "putting an ad up for themselves" was really the OP's concern.

 

Hi SpywareDr:

so many
? There are 5 people involved in this thread ...

Yes it is their Web site but I'm disappointed that they have <tried to> embellish their page with extras (e.g. social networking) especially since IMO and for my purposes, their search functionality has deteriorated....

I personally am not fond of Web sites like face-book:
I think there are HUGE privacy issue; it sets up a gateway to Id theft etc...

When Google starts using this philosophy - I ask for help in removing the "option" of sharing searches etc.

But as you say, it is their Web site and they can put whatever adware banner on it they choose.
And they can continue putting their resources into enhancing their social networking *skills* instead of their search engine capabilities.

So I've switched to Bing.

All JMO

 

To each their own ... as it should be.