Advertising Run Amok

You’ve probably noticed an influx of Javascript-based ads on web sites. You know, these are the windows that display over the page, but aren’t really windows of their own, so they can’t really be blocked by typical popup-stoppers (not yet, anyway). Sure, you could turn off Javascript, but that’s a real inconvenience as it can make things less functional.

I don’t really mind those ads, though as they catch on, I’m liking them less and less. Still, I understand that the companies need people to pay them to provide advertising space so that they can, in turn, pay the writers of their content. Despite some of my other posts on the subject, I’m really not against capitalism. I understand the need and the desire to make money. Where I have a problem is when the line is crossed so that it impedes functionality.

Most of these ads have a relatively unobtrusive (and often hard to find) option that allows you to close the window, or to minimize it and move it out of the way. The latest batch, however, doesn’t seem to have anything of the kind.

Haven’t seen these yet? Try InfoWorld. I was trying to read Cringely’s latest article, so head to the site. No sooner am I there than I notice huge ads, and these ads keep me from reading the page. I figure I’ll wait a few seconds, as sometimes those Shockwave ads have a built in delay before the “close” option pops up. Hmm. Nothing. Maybe these are those ads that automatically minimize themseves after a few seconds. Still nothing.

I’ve now been waiting for fifteen minutes. Three ads still obscure the article. Apparently they have to be clicked in order to remove them, as there are no close options as yet. This is ridiculous. Plenty of “click me” options, but no way to close and/or minimize these advertisements. To provide advertising is one thing. To require me to browse advertising is another entirely. Looks like I’ll be skipping InfoWorld from now on.

Update: Here’s the best part. I clicked one of the ads, it opens in another window. Guess what. I still can’t read the article. Talk about moronic. Requiring me to browse advertising won’t work, but I recognize that it might for some people. But when you browse the advertising and still can’t read the article? Wonder how long it’ll take them to figure out why no one is reading.

Update: I received an email reply from Cringe, and he mentions that he’s heard of the problem from at least 4 other people just today. While he forwarded my email along to the techie people, as of 12:40 Eastern, the page is still unreadable. Unless you are interested in reading the ads.


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