I use an ad blocker. Period.
I know that many websites operators hate this. A lot. Some sites will ban you if they find out you're using an ad blocker. The HUGE increase in various ad blockers is getting a lot of press lately, so I figured I would explain why I like ad blockers - and, just maybe, change a mind or two out there.
1.) Limited data plans: Many cell phone providers (and some home internet providers) only provide for limited data. They limit your data by one of two ways - first, they may only allow you to use X amount of data before you have to pay more money. Let me assure you, I will NOT pay money to look at your ads. Second, they may cut your speeds (or cut you off completely) if you reach certain data thresholds. Granted, those thresholds aren't likely to be anything most users (myself included) will hit, but why risk having to deal with it?
2.) Tracking: I use an ad block program that removes all those annoying social media buttons. I'm not a huge Facebook or Twitter user and I *don't* like the idea of anyone following me everywhere I go on the internet. I mean, we all get up in arms when the government does it - but we're supposed to just sit there and be happy when Facebook follows us around everywhere? Bullshit. Remove those damned social media trackers from your website, then we'll talk. Oh, wait, you can't do that because it'll hurt your internet rankings. Pretty awesome scheme that these companies have. They build an empire based on advertising, track users so they can better target their advertisements, then blacklist any sites that don't want to play along with their tracking schemes.
3.) Types of ads: You know, back when there used to just be banner ads, things weren't too bad. Then, there was animated ads. Then, ads with sound. Now, full video ads. Damn advertisers have figured out an exploit that will force your iOS or Android device to launch the store and bring you to specific download pages (oh, and it still hasn't been fixed!). This is complete bullshit. Keep it up with annoying ads and I'll keep using an ad blocker.
4.) Content of ads: I'm no prude, but I had checked into my Facebook account on my phone the other day (using the browser, not the battery-sucking, life draining app) and what am I greeted with? A Budwiser ad that consists of a close up photo of a woman's breasts next to a bottle of beer. This is while I'm out to lunch with my boss. How awesome does this look? I don't need this **** and the ad blocker keeps me from having to deal with it. Then, there are the ads that are just blatant scams, which leads to...
5.) 'Not my problem': When you approach the hosts of a particular site about the content of ads, you generally get virtually pre-written statement along the lines of "We just use X service for our ads and don't have control over what kinds of ads they show." Guess what - I do have control, and that control is none. Take responsibility for the content of your site if you want me to view all of it.
Content providers - you need ads to survive. I don't. Therefore, it is up to you to cater to me. Non-intrusive, tasteful ads that aren't used to track me all over the internet and aren't data heavy. I don't ask for much.
Topic: The Ad Blocker Argument (Read 3675 times)
