Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Web page and other advertising

Mar 30, 2018 4:53AM PDT

I wonder just how many people actually find ads on web pages to provide a valuable service so I'll ask.

How many people believe that such ads are always, or even mostly, truthful?
What type of ads, if the web site's existence depends on them, are acceptable and do not hinder one's ability to use the site for for their own intended purposes?
Are there web sites whose ads are bothersome enough that you've made a conscious effort to avoid them?
How do you handle a web site that refuses to allow entry at all unless you open your browser to allow their ads to be displayed and all of their cookies to be set?
I'd also be curious to know just how much of the cost of any product we purchase is related to advertising. I suspect it's quite a bit and I doubt that the purveyor of the products and services they offer would be honest if asked to provide that number.

I'm writing this as I'm currently experiencing problems with these forums. I cannot use an adblocker, even if set to allow "reasonable" ads. In Cnet, I get no more than two or three mouse clicks without a large box popping up center screen notifying me that ads pay for the site and offering two choices. One is to "white-list" the site and the other is to continue without white-listing. If I choose to continue with white-listing, I only get 2 or 3 more clicks before the box is back. I don't see that 2nd choice as being...an actual choice. I'm as good as banned if I don't comply. I'm OK with that if that's what Cnet is moving toward but I'd like them to be honest about it. I will accept reasonable ads to be displayed but I tend to never click on these things as I, personally, don't put much stake in their honesty and accuracy about the benefits of whatever is being sold. I don't deny that the owners of the site have a right to limit or refuse its use as they so choose but I also don't believe that those who don't want to don't pay attention to their ads are of no value and should be left outside of the door. A web site that offers something useful to me is one that I will recommend to other people. Perhaps they'll be more tolerant of ads than I will and that could be benefit enough.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
I suspect
Mar 30, 2018 6:04AM PDT

that everyone that uses ad blockers for the same reason.
I also allow "reasonable ads" but it's not enough for Cnet .
They want to bombard us with the obtrusive ads that have absolutely nothing to do with me volunteering my time to help others.
I do sympathize with CBS as this site is AD driven BUT Cnet does not sympathize with the Volunteers that take their valuable time to help others and draw others to their site.

Our Time is a valuable commodity also and sifting through these ads is not a fair trade .
Volunteers, Members, Regulars Unite !
Pitch a Bit** !!!

- Collapse -
Yup....it's annoying
Mar 30, 2018 3:43PM PDT

In order to get away from that using ad blocker message I ended up having to white list cnet.

Now every forum page is slower to load and I end up with useless clutter.

I don't click on any of this clutter so I don't know if cnet makes any money by cluttering up my screen.

I'll say it again....it must be a real treat to try and use the forums with dial-up and no ad blocker.

- Collapse -
I'm using firefox with Ad- blocker +
Mar 31, 2018 8:59AM PDT

on my Android and havent seen any block complaints or restrictions. The only ads I see are cnet promos. I believe these come through as part of the page, not as separate ads.
Some sites warn me that I'm interfering with their business model. I smile, and keep clicking. If I'm blocked, I go away and never come back.

- Collapse -
I just had to close
Mar 31, 2018 9:03PM PDT

the dreaded " continue without white listing " So I could report Spam LOL Devil

- Collapse -
How long did it allow you to continue?
Apr 1, 2018 1:28AM PDT

I get two or 3 clicks most and it's back. For the time being, I'll block and unblock hoping this will pass. I have found that allowing ads eats up about 40% of my initial real estate. I did a test in the test forum and I suspect your own words help shape the ads you'll see. The "Ad Choice" (Google) option to not show particular ads does not work unless you retain their cookie and allow all 3rd party cookies to hang around as well. With all the hoopla about being tracked and sold, I'm not doin' that. It's not just here or even on the web that this is happening but ads everywhere are just becoming more of a nuisance than a help in one's decision making. BTW, have you gotten the Cnet ad that offers a full version of MS Office Pro for $59. I suspect this is truly fake as these sort of come-ons have already been busted long ago as being scams. If Cnet has one scam, or even questionable ad, which are really to be taken as honest. Marketing isn't about honesty but thinking people are stupid. Maybe too many are. Happy

- Collapse -
Happy Easter Steve
Apr 1, 2018 8:50AM PDT

And everyone !

I get maybe 2/3 clicks as well. I switched back to NOT allow any ads .
The more I get pushed, the more I tend to push back.
I will say though when MS was pushing Win 10 ,
I kept pushing back and finally succumbed so I may ultimately lose this battle as well as you are correct in telling some sites actually won't let us in with ad blockers.

- Collapse -
I have noticed a change
Apr 8, 2018 1:25PM PDT

Here as I don't get the "white list" pop up anymore !
Kudos to the crew for this >
I'll allow "reasonable ads" again .

I was feeling a little guilty though for just a nano second as I was watching / listening to OTA TV with commercials ....
I think some ads are ok but NOT a bunch of stuff that it detracts from your goal .
To not get blind sided or sidetracked is a Plus .....
To read an article or thread is why I'm here !

Post was last edited on April 8, 2018 1:29 PM PDT