Drew and Stef don't do this so I don't feel like I'm hurting them to ask. The ads that are driving me crazy are the animated pop-overs, the ones that show up on top of whatever you're reading and slowly crawl across the screen until you either react to them or (if you're lucky) time-out and go away on their own. I've even seen these fucks used as "Do you need help?" prompts. For most websites that have these, I simply refuse to visit anymore. But a couple of sites I'm forced to use (i.e. my job). Is there any way to defeat these bastards?
Another vote for NoScript. The only downside is that NoScript prevents a lot of desirable scripts from running, so you have to constantly teach it. I have the sound effect turned on, as an audible cue that something is being blocked; a nice reminder for if the site seems broken. I allow the script(s) on a case-by-case basis, and life is good.
Switched the site to some new ad sever software today hosted from our new server. We now have a whole new arsenal of ad types to annoy everyone. Would people be opposed to us serving more ads to lurkers that aren't logged into the site? We have tons of guests relative to the number of people that are logged in. I've seen many forums where guests receive more/different ad types.
No problem with me. It'll be interesting to see what the new ads are. I know this is your livelihood and I don't mind the ads. If they end up crossing the line--annoying me instead of inviting me--I'll complain.
I really doubt we'll do anything different but it's nice to know we have the ability to do so. I'd like to tinker with text ads co-mingled in forum topics between posts.
I have no problem with extra ads aimed at lurkers. Also, if it is possible to make ads more appropriate to the forums they are in. For instance, ads in the feature side that would likely appeal to those reading the posts there. I would think this could help ad revenue as well by increasing clicks.
That's very much along the lines of what I'm thinking for the text ads. Each forum will be it's own 'ad zone' and advertisers can purchase spots in each zone.