Re-read my post – I said it WASN’T from here. And yes, I did have my computer destroyed by malware.
I don’t mind ads per se. Simple print ads sparsely placed on the screen can easily be overlooked. What I don’t like is obtrusive ads, like popups or popunders, or self-starting video/audio ads, which we do get from time to time even though we aren’t supposed to. Or malware infested ads which we have gotten, and apparently there’s nothing the board can do to prevent.
And I totally have the right to complain about the ads even though I don’t buy a membership. It’s not just me - I use an adblocker. But I wonder what viewers discovering the site from some other link or a google search will think, and I feel it sends the wrong message. I know if I came across a page like that, I wouldn’t feel like hanging around.
Wait, the board is a victim because it chooses to display popunder ads? The board is a victim because it chooses to use skeevy ad providers? The board is a victim because it uses viglink, which changes links, and even though it’s against the rules for members to change quotes, apparently it’s acceptable for an ad provider to change member’s actual posts? Methinks you have a weird definition of “victim”.
I don’t think it’s immoral to participate in a board without paying when the board does not require payment to participate. The board tried it - I didn’t participate when it was pay to post. I don’t think it’s immoral to use an ad blocker to avoid obtrusive and malware infested ads, or any ads. I don’t think I’m stealing to read and post on a message board without paying for it. I don’t subscribe to newspapers but I will read their articles when they’re not locked behind a “subscribe here” banner. There’s plenty of content on the web offered up for free. This board is one of them.
I do think a website is morally inferior when they elect bad ad practices. They’re free to try to monetize how they see fit, I’m free to participate how I see fit, including not paying and using an adblocker. Welcome to the 21st century.
I have no idea what this is supposed to mean.
I paid my dues, I’m using FireFox, and I’m still getting that thing where the Dope freezes up while I’m typing.
Yeah, which is what I thought would happen.
There’s never a good justification for ads ruining a browsing or visiting experience – ever.
If SD thinks that there is ever such a justification, I suggest that they like step into the 21st century. If you want people to tolerate a 5 or 15 second advertisement, then there’s no problem. You can also charge a fee for special content that only ‘members’ can get. But coercing people into paying to avoid annoying ad content? Dude…get real. Ain’t happening. Not the only game in town. Sorry.
I like posting on this site. But I certainly don’t feel I have to.
But, I have no problem at all when I use Explorer.