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How to Copy and Select Text from Snopes.com

Started by qdideas · 7 months ago

I really like Snopes. I really do. However, they use a stupid javascript command to prevent people from selecting and copying the text on their web pages. Here is how to defeat their defenses.

Now, I really despise people that steal tech-recipes material by copying and pasting into their ... Continue reading »

17 comments

  • RickyF

    7 months ago

    You can also add the JSView Firefox add-on and then click on the JS icon in the right-side of the status bar to turn off the JavaScript on any page.
    reply
  • AlanB

    7 months ago

    Neither the JS code from the article nor JSView seem to do anything for me.
    reply
  • Mosh

    7 months ago

    I was going to say something similar - NoScript for Firefox does the trick for me. Just ensure that scripts aren't allowed for Snopes.com and it works a treat.
    reply
  • AlanB

    7 months ago

    NoScript is the only thing that actually works. If you read the scripts on the Snopes site you will understand why.
    reply
  • Art

    7 months ago

    Great tip - Snopes has always been difficult to copy - if you have Vista, the Snipping Tool will do just fine, too. I find the Snipping Tool invaluable.
    reply
  • CW

    7 months ago

    Not working for me in Camino.
    Works in Safari. Does anyone know why this doesn't work in Camino?
    reply
  • SteveS

    7 months ago

    I don't get it - you despise those who steal from you... "Now, I really despise people that steal tech-recipes material by copying and pasting into their websites" yet you have no problem showing others how to steal from Snopes? Doesn't really matter if people aren't copying that content to be used as their own to profit from, you're bypassing their site which could affect them negatively should they decide to want to allow advertising on it someday.

    "Breaking part of the web browsing experience just to make a buck"? Where are they making a buck here? I don't see any advertising on their site, and even if there were, I'd say they've got every right to cover their hosting costs and make a few bucks on the side if possible.

    I'd agree that most javascripts to block copying are pretty silly, but can't fault them for doing this especially with people so eager to copy their content.
    reply
  • Lynne

    7 months ago

    Yep, I tried JSView and the browser entry...but had to go to use the NoScript Firefox add-on to get it to work as well.
    reply
  • Prakash

    6 months ago

    I tried what you recommended. It did not work in Firefox 3.0.4

    There is a simpler method. Juct convert the page to a pdf doc. Then cut and paste from there.
    reply
  • Don

    5 months ago

    USE A BOOKMARKLET
    In Google Chrome of Windows XP I created a new page on the bookmark bar (right click on the bar) named "Void Script". Then I added the script in place of a URL. When on a page thats is blocked I just click on the bookmarkelt.

    GREAT WITH GOOGLE NOTES
    When researching a topic, Google Notes is great--like a bookmark with sampled text and images added. But it requires highlighting the text & images. Now I can use it on more sites
    reply
  • joyce Routman

    4 months ago

    how can I send information to SNOPES when I don't have a proper address???
    reply
  • Sean

    3 months ago

    Thanks! This works great in IE but not in Firefox. This is definitely poor form for snopes. Not allowing people to copy article text just results in people spending time figuring out how to work around the problem rather than causing them to only send a link. Besides, I like to include key paragraphs from snopes (in addition to the link) when I reply to the ridiculous chain emails I get so as to summarize the info for the people who clearly don't do much reading and reasoning on their own.
    reply
  • Grimpen

    1 month ago

    It is bad form. I have a standard sort of format when I respond to people who send me these Urban Legends and whatnot. I offer a link to my primary or most representative source for refuting the claim, and then usually a little snippet of text for those too lazy to follow the link. Basically Snopes breaks my ability to quote them, which makes it more likely I'll go with a Wikipedia link and quote, so why do they do it?
    reply
  • maxappet1te

    1 month ago

    firefox 3.0.8

    I only ctrl + a ; copy + paste then edit

    no problems with snopes, don't know about others

    - maxappet1te
    reply
  • adoxa

    1 month ago

    Tried your advice many times (in Firefox) and it does not help one iota. What am I doing wrong??

    I use this in the browser as suggested. Snopes will not budge.
    javascript:void(document.onselectstart=null)
    reply
  • Kelly

    1 week ago

    Excellent tip! But the onselectstart event is only supported in IE. For Firefox or other "A-Grade" browsers, use onmousedown like this:

    javascript:void(document.onmousedown=null)

    Probably should update the original post to reflect, since it seems like I wasn't the only person who tried the instructions and found they didn't work. Haven't you heard? IE is an endangered species!
    reply
  • Kelly

    1 week ago

    Also, you can drag this URL into your link bar or make a bookmark with this location, to quickly perform this action on any (snopes) page. Probably will also work with pages that disable right-clicking, so it may be a useful "bookmarklet" ... thanks again!
    reply

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