I’m currently having computer slowdown trying to navigate between Straight Dope pages, and I didn’t use to have this problem before the ads. I don’t have this problem with any other website except Ebay. How can I eliminate the display of these ads to avoid computer slowdown?
What web browser do you use?
We’ve had ads for years … nothing new. That has not changed.
So why is it a problem for you now? Needs more investigation/information.
Okay, it’s just my computer then.
It’s not just you. I’ve been having the same issue in recent days.
I’m using Firefox. The issue, from what I can see, seems to be related to embedded video in some ads which are now popping up. It’s not happening every single time, as not every ad-supported page has video on it. But, when it happens, it completely locks up Firefox, to the point where I get a message at the top of the toolbar, saying “Firefox (Not Responding)”, for upwards of 20 or 30 seconds at a time.
And, as with GreenElf, I’m not seeing this issue with any other web site. It’s just the SDMB.
Maybe it’s a subtle ploy to get me to re-up as a paid subscriber. 
That did the trick. You’re my hero! 