OT: Internet Ads good?

[Bonegavel]

I can't believe I'm going to admit to this but I have to say that I think the time is coming for Internet Ads to go from "where is the CLOSE button" to "ah, cool."

One site I frequent Bluesnews (http://www.bluesnews.com) has started running the entry ads and most of them are pretty high class. I found myself actually watching them instead of clicking the "ENTER HERE" button. And, the placement, size, and actions of the in-page ads doesn't bother me anymore.

Now, the site is tailored to gaming and the ads reflect that, but they are really producing some great flash ads that have made me stop hating them. I even clicked on some (boo hiss) to find out more. (never did that before)

It is interesting to see the evolution of the ad sponsored net (just like tv) as the ads become less obtrusive and they are actually pouring some time, money, and thought into them. I used to go crazy whenever I saw an entry page, or advert on the page. Now, I am actually starting to read them as much as I do the site.

Now, I have installed the google toolbar with the pop-up blocker, but that still leaves some flash ads through and it doesn't stop the in-page stuff. Also, I have a T1 at work and DSL at home, so the load times are nothing (i could see a dial-up person never thinking ads are good).

I think I need therapy.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Bonegavel

Now, I have installed the google toolbar with the pop-up blocker, but that still leaves some flash ads through and it doesn't stop the in-page stuff. Also, I have a T1 at work and DSL at home, so the load times are nothing (i could see a dial-up person never thinking ads are good).

I think I need therapy.

Where do you get that google toolbar with the pop-up blocker?

And, yes. You do need therapy.

I either ignore internet adds (unless they have a good looking woman in them. Hey, it's the internet, it's an easy association to make) or curse them and hate them with a deep burning passion. Nothing like being at work or trying to do some browsing at home while the lady is trying to sleep and getting some ridiculously loud add that you can't turn off. Or, trying to read something while a fucking car zooms back and forth across your page leaving imaginary tire marks. Ugh.

That being said, I'll check out the site you linked. Thanks, Bg.

[Bonegavel]

Google Toolbar (http://toolbar.google.com/)

You have to install the advanced version (i believe).

What I was really trying express is that adds are getting better rather than more annoying. The biggest internet annoyance is the pop-up plague and the google toolbar has rid my life of this (for free). Maybe this has made me less cranky about ads.

I still hate the flash ads that glom overtop of the screen you are on and you have to hunt for the close button (that sometimes doesn't appear for a bit).

Just like with buying Jim's games to fund further text sims, we have to realize that our favorite sites, most likely, need revenue to continue and ads are it. Study upon study has shown that most people don't click on ads, but I think that will change as more and more targeted ads appear as well as not popping up or glomming onto the screen. If they are inobtrusive and yet interesting, they will work: the company gets their name out, and we aren't bothered to death in a whack-a-mole like activity trying to close all those damn windows.

What made me think about this was a Medal of Honor ad I saw that was amazing. That was the first time I actually watched or looked at an ad that stood between me and my web site.