Looking at log info on competitor's site

Possible?

[mrclark]

I'm wondering, is it possible to look at the file access.log (or equiv) on somebody else's website without having FTP details?

My guess would be an unfortunate 'no' but hey, who knows. Can only ask.

Steve

[Skier]

Have a look at the code on your competitors home page. Amazing how many sites have their stats access and passwords out in the open. Many stats reports are indexed by Google. Try searching www.domain name/stats etc.
More discussion here..

[webmasterworld.com...]

[good2go]

You can see visitor behavior (not from Log files) using HitWise. It's pricey, but info you can't see anywhere else. Samples data from 25 million surfers.

[Receptional]

Hitwise rules, but you really need a LOT of money.

There is always Alexa ranking comparisons and there is a site out there that estimates traffic to any site that you ask it. I think it is using an Alexa algo, but they won't say...

Go searching on the web - and before anyone posts the URL, remember the WebmasterWorld Terms of service ...

[mrclark]

I'm not sure you get what I mean ...

The reason why I wish to look at the access.log details is because I wish to know where my competitor's traffic is coming from - so I can go to the sites in question and get my site listed etc.

Steve

[Warren]

Yep. I think - without putting words in anyone's mouths - that we all knew what you meant.

Some people haven't secured their logs and you can get access to their logs.

Hitwise will also provide this information but it will cost you a lot of money.

[level80]

Try entering link:<your competitors site> in Google and you will get a list of links to your site. The same thing applies in alltheweb.com and a few other search engines.