Jimquisition: The Adblock Episode

[StevieC]

My reason for using AdBlock is quite straightforward: I've had numerous encounters with malware embedded in ads even on the most reputable of websites in the past few years. When ads on the most reputable websites have malware embedded in them, SOMETHING has gone hideously wrong, and if Jim is upset with me for doing it, then it's high time that he, and we consumers speak with ONE voice to demand that this issue be addressed by online publishers, before malware stages a hostile takeover of all online advertising. If we don't stand up to the advertising companies and call them out on the embedding of malware, they'll have no motivation to stop condoning it!

 

[Dodgeboyuk]

TWO clicks into the the escapist without ad block PLUS and Mc Afee site advisor starts telling me that the site is dangerous or suspicious no loud virus detected alerts issued yet.

i don't just see the ad block as a means to block ads i see it as an extension to my security software (but thats not its purpose)
i like escapist since they are a site to have fun watch my favorites like Lisa and Jim.

A problem i have experienced is that viruses in the past have piggybacked on ads this does not help the ad cause when they are or have been selling infected adverts(selling inventory) to each other (the ad companies).

i prefer ads that i am shown to have relation to the site i am visiting not based on my browsing history

 

[TheUnbeholden]

Problem 3: Security
A big problem with ads is that they are out of control. Today's Internet ads are so abstracted from the actual site (see Problem 1) that it's almost impossible to know where the ads are coming from. Therefore it is more than possible for people with malicious intent to use ads that exploit vulnerabilities in browser plug-ins, like Flash and Java, to hack your browser or your PC. This is especially true if you don't have up to date versions of the browser or plug-ins. Then of course, there are the ads which simply direct you to a malicious site or malicious software.

Problem 1 I can live with - I think this fact hurts the sites more than it hurts me. Problem 2 is intolerable, but at least not dangerous. Problem 3 is the biggie that sticks out like a sore thumb. As long as this doesn't change, it's practically irresponsible not to run ad blocking software.

I know that this is not directly the fault of individual sites that try to make money off ads. Or maybe it is, I'm not sure. But I think -someone- really has to think hard about how to solve these issues before condemning users that use ad-blocking software.

Direct you to malicious software? I would say embedding malware onto ads, which install onto your browser or computer. Changing your search engine, homepage, randomly directing you to ad sites is a common problem, not just the potential for being hacked. Ads taking advantage of outdated Flash and Java to install stuff on your computer is unacceptable regardless of how desperate the site in question may be, there has to be cooperation between hosting site and the ad provider. Tolerating issues of annoyance and intrusiveness is one thing, ads that have no relevance creating a bit of cognitive dissonance is another but comprising security... it seems like a deal breaker for those who want to take the middle ground stance.

Of course I'm always going to be on board with Escapist because I want to support the content, but the responsibility to create a enjoyable experience that is safe, without ads significantly affecting that enjoyement or comprising safety, is on the site.

I fear that there will still be a sizable portion of people that will stick with Ad Blocker to avoid those embedded mini-flash videos from playing that slow down your browser, which while having multiple tabs open, is like a form of torture.

 

[Domelo]

Problem 3: Security
A big problem with ads is that they are out of control. Today's Internet ads are so abstracted from the actual site (see Problem 1) that it's almost impossible to know where the ads are coming from. Therefore it is more than possible for people with malicious intent to use ads that exploit vulnerabilities in browser plug-ins, like Flash and Java, to hack your browser or your PC. This is especially true if you don't have up to date versions of the browser or plug-ins. Then of course, there are the ads which simply direct you to a malicious site or malicious software.

Problem 1 I can live with - I think this fact hurts the sites more than it hurts me. Problem 2 is intolerable, but at least not dangerous. Problem 3 is the biggie that sticks out like a sore thumb. As long as this doesn't change, it's practically irresponsible not to run ad blocking software.

I know that this is not directly the fault of individual sites that try to make money off ads. Or maybe it is, I'm not sure. But I think -someone- really has to think hard about how to solve these issues before condemning users that use ad-blocking software.

Direct you to malicious software? I would say embedding malware onto ads, which install onto your browser or computer. Changing your search engine, homepage, randomly directing you to ad sites is a common problem, not just the potential for being hacked. Ads taking advantage of outdated Flash and Java to install stuff on your computer is unacceptable regardless of how desperate the site in question may be, there has to be cooperation between hosting site and the ad provider. Tolerating issues of annoyance and intrusiveness is one thing, ads that have no relevance creating a bit of cognitive dissonance is another but comprising security... it seems like a deal breaker for those who want to take the middle ground stance.

Of course I'm always going to be on board with Escapist because I want to support the content, but the responsibility to create a enjoyable experience that is safe, without ads significantly affecting that enjoyement or comprising safety, is on the site.

I fear that there will still be a sizable portion of people that will stick with Ad Blocker to avoid those embedded mini-flash videos from playing that slow down your browser, which while having multiple tabs open, is like a form of torture.

I agree that we should also support the content rather than visiting ad block download page with an intention to get rid of ads, but it should be on one's discretion to do whatever he wants to with the ads. Otherwise, it it's just like forcing ones views to another. Isn't it? I myself is a great supporter of escapist, but it doesn't mean that escapist should start setting priorities for me.

 

[travis9]

You know what? Because you asked... I'm turning off adblock. I'm even removing it. Because a lot of the online content I enjoy IS supported by ad's and I want it to keep being supported. I'm doing this for YOU Jim Sterling. Because you're awesome.

 

[Rawbeard]

I only have one site whitelisted at the moment. They asked, I tried and the adds aren't up in my face. Now that Jim asked I will whitelist The Escapist and see how it works out. I will never, ever whitelist Youtube, so Jim's channel will be "pirated" by me FOREVER!

Update: Ok, this is not going to work out. Those video adds you have to click to shut up, which opens a new window, are a no-go. Well, I tried.

 

[mindkeep]

For whatever it's worth, you've converted an AdBlock user. (Though I'm still going to hold onto RequestPolicy to block everything facebook.) Great video and love your work in general.

 

[Howling Din]

I watch advertisements, they're tolerable enough.

But if the ads around here start seriously asking me to update my software in order to see them, I'm drawing the line.

 

[brkntl]

I've used AdBlock for so long I forget I have it. However, I've switched it off for several webocmics and, after watching this episode, I guiltily whitelisted the whole Escapist domain.

 

[rillerullarrunt]

well there we go. i subscribed to the escapist thanks to this video. a decent honest request if you ask me. keep the sweet, sweet anger flowing!

 

[Gokuofuin]

Hang on a second, I see a lot of people complaining about adverts but I do not see any adverts on my version of the Escapist? I don't use any sort of blocking program or anything but all I see is .... well the escapists content?

Someone enlighten me please.

 

[IceForce]

Someone enlighten me please.

Ads are region-specific. Meaning, you only see ads that are specifically targeted to your region. (Because it's no use advertising things to you that aren't available where you are.)

If however, there are no ads for the region you're accessing the Escapist from, then you just see generic Escapist-side placeholder ads instead. That's what you're seeing.

 

[Gokuofuin]

Ads are region-specific. Meaning, you only see ads that are specifically targeted to your region. (Because it's no use advertising things to you that aren't available where you are.)

If however, there are no ads for the region you're accessing the Escapist from, then you just see generic Escapist-side placeholder ads instead. That's what you're seeing.

Ah I see, that is awesome for people like me, I suppose there are not a lot of adverts for South Africa lol