By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

Forums - Website Topics - Why Ad Blocking is devastating to the sites you love

STEKSTAV on 07 March 2010

1. Thats the problem with having ads as a sole source of income. Find other ways to get your money (i.e more page views).

2. True, if everyone used ad-blockers this site wouldnt exsist. Is that because A) The community is to blame for not liking our service, or B) Its our fault for not providing a service that makes users want to be apart of it?

Alot of you seem to look at this from a very juvenile way in business management. Im not trying to force you into anything, or start some shit. It just seems as if you'd rather not look to yourself to see how you can improve and make more money, but rather try to force your business upon people. A fundamental rule of business management is to make money, not to reduce costs as a means to get money.

Obviously reducing costs if possible is a given, but as i said, not the best way if you're looking to expand. If you want to expand, you need to earn more money. Also, check out the reply to ssj12 for further ways to look at this matter. Good day. Im off.. ill be back in 9 hours or so.



Around the Network
Twistedpixel on 07 March 2010

Damn! ban he! ban he! ban he!



Do you know what its like to live on the far side of Uranus?

thekitchensink on 07 March 2010
STEKSTAV said:
thekitchensink said:
STEKSTAV said:
I just cant seem to let this go..

1. This is basicly - "buhu, our business model dosen't work, and its your fault".

Its like crying because people don't want to talk to you when you're working at a telemarketing company. - "Its your fault I can't do my interview". Id say you're looking at it the wrong way. It can be viewed as a two way street.

You're basicly saying that "Here's our product, buy it or get out" - but the 'customers' can also go "this is what we're interested in, provide it and we'll buy it".

A subscription plan can be one of those deals. Just look at Spotify for example, ad free premium subscription and higher quality service.

The thing that bothers me the most is the attitude. Its a real - F you, give us money! Because we think we deserve it!

Further on, when this site was started did you all go "Oh crap, we have page views.. its going to cost us. Lets demand a return on our service!" - Most likely no. You were all excited as the site progressed and more users found your site, more oppertunities presented themselves. Its just as of late that you found out that there's money to make, or that expanding costs money. But to go out and say "why should we care about you!?" and later practically ask for hand outs just because you feel you deserve it.. is just bad business.

You need to figure out how to get income, and not blame the community that makes your product what it is for not accepting the product for what it is.

1. It's actually nothing like that.  By using the site with an ad-blocker, you are actually COSTING the site money in terms of bandwidth.  In that way, using Ad-Block is effectively stealing from the site, as you are using its data and simultaneously causing it an expense.

2. And yes, actually, Brett DID make the site with a mind to making money.  This is his full-time job, and it's how he earns a living.  Not to mention over twenty staff who need to be paid, the site's bandwidth, and oh yeah, the actual data.  Just because you have free access to the sales numbers doesn't mean Brett gets them for free.  Almost every business in the world takes a loss when starting up.  It doesn't mean it's acceptable once it gets off the ground.  Simply put, if everyone used ad-blockers, this site would not exist.  

1. Thats the problem with having ads as a sole source of income. Find other ways to get your money (i.e more page views).

2. True, if everyone used ad-blockers this site wouldnt exsist. Is that because A) The community is to blame for not liking our service, or B) Its our fault for not providing a service that makes users want to be apart of it?

Alot of you seem to look at this from a very juvenile way in business management. Im not trying to force you into anything, or start some shit. It just seems as if you'd rather not look to yourself to see how you can improve and make more money, but rather try to force your business upon people. A fundamental rule of business management is to make money, not to reduce costs as a means to get money.

Obviously reducing costs if possible is a given, but as i said, not the best way if you're looking to expand. If you want to expand, you need to earn more money. Also, check out the reply to ssj12 for further ways to look at this matter. Good day. Im off.. ill be back in 9 hours or so.

I read your response to ssj, and I understand what you are saying.  If Brett finds other ways of making money, he can offset the cost of people stealing from his business.  That doesn't solve anything.



Could I trouble you for some maple syrup to go with the plate of roffles you just served up?

Tag, courtesy of fkusumot: "Why do most of the PS3 fanboys have avatars that looks totally pissed?"
"Ok, girl's trapped in the elevator, and the power's off.  I swear, if a zombie comes around the next corner..."
Sorcery on 07 March 2010

I only block ads that I find particularly intrusive.

I must say, however, that there are some sites where if I block ads, the site layout gets all messed up. There are also ads where the intrusive ads must be seen, or you can't really access the content on the site. With those sites, I stop visiting altogether, so IMO ads are fine unless they're BAM! in your face.



Currently playing: Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, NBA2k11, Metal Gear Solid, Picross 3d

pearljammer on 07 March 2010

I completely empathize with ioi's situation here and, unintentionally, do my part in not blocking ads.
However, I don't think an appropriate tone is set in calling many of your daily forum-goers, in essence, thieves.

I thought this was brought to our attention both in a professional and potentially productive manner. Though I'm unsure going this route will prove to be productive at all.

The article is even sure to mention early on that it has no intention on assuming this is neither immoral nor would it be stealing.

Don't get me wrong, I think we should all, in light of this article, be doing our part here. But calling your userbase thieves is definitely not going to help in motivating others to click their ad-blockers off.



Around the Network
rendo on 07 March 2010
thekitchensink said:
STEKSTAV said:
thekitchensink said:
STEKSTAV said:
I just cant seem to let this go..

1. This is basicly - "buhu, our business model dosen't work, and its your fault".

Its like crying because people don't want to talk to you when you're working at a telemarketing company. - "Its your fault I can't do my interview". Id say you're looking at it the wrong way. It can be viewed as a two way street.

You're basicly saying that "Here's our product, buy it or get out" - but the 'customers' can also go "this is what we're interested in, provide it and we'll buy it".

A subscription plan can be one of those deals. Just look at Spotify for example, ad free premium subscription and higher quality service.

The thing that bothers me the most is the attitude. Its a real - F you, give us money! Because we think we deserve it!

Further on, when this site was started did you all go "Oh crap, we have page views.. its going to cost us. Lets demand a return on our service!" - Most likely no. You were all excited as the site progressed and more users found your site, more oppertunities presented themselves. Its just as of late that you found out that there's money to make, or that expanding costs money. But to go out and say "why should we care about you!?" and later practically ask for hand outs just because you feel you deserve it.. is just bad business.

You need to figure out how to get income, and not blame the community that makes your product what it is for not accepting the product for what it is.

1. It's actually nothing like that.  By using the site with an ad-blocker, you are actually COSTING the site money in terms of bandwidth.  In that way, using Ad-Block is effectively stealing from the site, as you are using its data and simultaneously causing it an expense.

2. And yes, actually, Brett DID make the site with a mind to making money.  This is his full-time job, and it's how he earns a living.  Not to mention over twenty staff who need to be paid, the site's bandwidth, and oh yeah, the actual data.  Just because you have free access to the sales numbers doesn't mean Brett gets them for free.  Almost every business in the world takes a loss when starting up.  It doesn't mean it's acceptable once it gets off the ground.  Simply put, if everyone used ad-blockers, this site would not exist.  

1. Thats the problem with having ads as a sole source of income. Find other ways to get your money (i.e more page views).

2. True, if everyone used ad-blockers this site wouldnt exsist. Is that because A) The community is to blame for not liking our service, or B) Its our fault for not providing a service that makes users want to be apart of it?

Alot of you seem to look at this from a very juvenile way in business management. Im not trying to force you into anything, or start some shit. It just seems as if you'd rather not look to yourself to see how you can improve and make more money, but rather try to force your business upon people. A fundamental rule of business management is to make money, not to reduce costs as a means to get money.

Obviously reducing costs if possible is a given, but as i said, not the best way if you're looking to expand. If you want to expand, you need to earn more money. Also, check out the reply to ssj12 for further ways to look at this matter. Good day. Im off.. ill be back in 9 hours or so.

I read your response to ssj, and I understand what you are saying.  If Brett finds other ways of making money, he can offset the cost of people stealing from his business.  That doesn't solve anything.

No one is stealing anything.  It's not like ad blockers get all the ad income.  Come on....



STEKSTAV on 07 March 2010
thekitchensink said:
STEKSTAV said:
thekitchensink said:
STEKSTAV said:
I just cant seem to let this go..

1. This is basicly - "buhu, our business model dosen't work, and its your fault".

Its like crying because people don't want to talk to you when you're working at a telemarketing company. - "Its your fault I can't do my interview". Id say you're looking at it the wrong way. It can be viewed as a two way street.

You're basicly saying that "Here's our product, buy it or get out" - but the 'customers' can also go "this is what we're interested in, provide it and we'll buy it".

A subscription plan can be one of those deals. Just look at Spotify for example, ad free premium subscription and higher quality service.

The thing that bothers me the most is the attitude. Its a real - F you, give us money! Because we think we deserve it!

Further on, when this site was started did you all go "Oh crap, we have page views.. its going to cost us. Lets demand a return on our service!" - Most likely no. You were all excited as the site progressed and more users found your site, more oppertunities presented themselves. Its just as of late that you found out that there's money to make, or that expanding costs money. But to go out and say "why should we care about you!?" and later practically ask for hand outs just because you feel you deserve it.. is just bad business.

You need to figure out how to get income, and not blame the community that makes your product what it is for not accepting the product for what it is.

1. It's actually nothing like that.  By using the site with an ad-blocker, you are actually COSTING the site money in terms of bandwidth.  In that way, using Ad-Block is effectively stealing from the site, as you are using its data and simultaneously causing it an expense.

2. And yes, actually, Brett DID make the site with a mind to making money.  This is his full-time job, and it's how he earns a living.  Not to mention over twenty staff who need to be paid, the site's bandwidth, and oh yeah, the actual data.  Just because you have free access to the sales numbers doesn't mean Brett gets them for free.  Almost every business in the world takes a loss when starting up.  It doesn't mean it's acceptable once it gets off the ground.  Simply put, if everyone used ad-blockers, this site would not exist.  

1. Thats the problem with having ads as a sole source of income. Find other ways to get your money (i.e more page views).

2. True, if everyone used ad-blockers this site wouldnt exsist. Is that because A) The community is to blame for not liking our service, or B) Its our fault for not providing a service that makes users want to be apart of it?

Alot of you seem to look at this from a very juvenile way in business management. Im not trying to force you into anything, or start some shit. It just seems as if you'd rather not look to yourself to see how you can improve and make more money, but rather try to force your business upon people. A fundamental rule of business management is to make money, not to reduce costs as a means to get money.

Obviously reducing costs if possible is a given, but as i said, not the best way if you're looking to expand. If you want to expand, you need to earn more money. Also, check out the reply to ssj12 for further ways to look at this matter. Good day. Im off.. ill be back in 9 hours or so.

I read your response to ssj, and I understand what you are saying.  If Brett finds other ways of making money, he can offset the cost of people stealing from his business.  That doesn't solve anything.

You're clearly looking at it from the wrong perspective, and with a bit of attitude.. theres no need.

Lets say everyone starts using ad-blockers, your income drops. Will you A) Find ways to get more page views, or B) Point fingers at the community for not acting like you want them to? You cant shape the market to act like you want it to. And to draw a comparisson to stealing is very harsh imo. Its not like you're doing anything illegal by visiting websites.



thekitchensink on 07 March 2010
rendo said:
thekitchensink said:
STEKSTAV said:
thekitchensink said:
STEKSTAV said:
I just cant seem to let this go..

1. This is basicly - "buhu, our business model dosen't work, and its your fault".

Its like crying because people don't want to talk to you when you're working at a telemarketing company. - "Its your fault I can't do my interview". Id say you're looking at it the wrong way. It can be viewed as a two way street.

You're basicly saying that "Here's our product, buy it or get out" - but the 'customers' can also go "this is what we're interested in, provide it and we'll buy it".

A subscription plan can be one of those deals. Just look at Spotify for example, ad free premium subscription and higher quality service.

The thing that bothers me the most is the attitude. Its a real - F you, give us money! Because we think we deserve it!

Further on, when this site was started did you all go "Oh crap, we have page views.. its going to cost us. Lets demand a return on our service!" - Most likely no. You were all excited as the site progressed and more users found your site, more oppertunities presented themselves. Its just as of late that you found out that there's money to make, or that expanding costs money. But to go out and say "why should we care about you!?" and later practically ask for hand outs just because you feel you deserve it.. is just bad business.

You need to figure out how to get income, and not blame the community that makes your product what it is for not accepting the product for what it is.

1. It's actually nothing like that.  By using the site with an ad-blocker, you are actually COSTING the site money in terms of bandwidth.  In that way, using Ad-Block is effectively stealing from the site, as you are using its data and simultaneously causing it an expense.

2. And yes, actually, Brett DID make the site with a mind to making money.  This is his full-time job, and it's how he earns a living.  Not to mention over twenty staff who need to be paid, the site's bandwidth, and oh yeah, the actual data.  Just because you have free access to the sales numbers doesn't mean Brett gets them for free.  Almost every business in the world takes a loss when starting up.  It doesn't mean it's acceptable once it gets off the ground.  Simply put, if everyone used ad-blockers, this site would not exist.  

1. Thats the problem with having ads as a sole source of income. Find other ways to get your money (i.e more page views).

2. True, if everyone used ad-blockers this site wouldnt exsist. Is that because A) The community is to blame for not liking our service, or B) Its our fault for not providing a service that makes users want to be apart of it?

Alot of you seem to look at this from a very juvenile way in business management. Im not trying to force you into anything, or start some shit. It just seems as if you'd rather not look to yourself to see how you can improve and make more money, but rather try to force your business upon people. A fundamental rule of business management is to make money, not to reduce costs as a means to get money.

Obviously reducing costs if possible is a given, but as i said, not the best way if you're looking to expand. If you want to expand, you need to earn more money. Also, check out the reply to ssj12 for further ways to look at this matter. Good day. Im off.. ill be back in 9 hours or so.

I read your response to ssj, and I understand what you are saying.  If Brett finds other ways of making money, he can offset the cost of people stealing from his business.  That doesn't solve anything.

No one is stealing anything.  It's not like ad blockers get all the ad income.  Come on....

If you steal from a store, the company loses money because they bought that item from their supplier.  If you use an ad-blocker, the web-site loses money because they paid for that bandwidth.  So the comparison is perfectly valid.



Could I trouble you for some maple syrup to go with the plate of roffles you just served up?

Tag, courtesy of fkusumot: "Why do most of the PS3 fanboys have avatars that looks totally pissed?"
"Ok, girl's trapped in the elevator, and the power's off.  I swear, if a zombie comes around the next corner..."
theprof00 on 07 March 2010

I demand that everyone stop trying to bankrupt ioi.



STEKSTAV on 07 March 2010

@ Thekitchensink - To minimize the quoting.

Are you seriously saying that people who visits this site with adblocker is stealing money? If you were my community manager id fire you straight away.

But to take this back to reality. Lets take Microsoft as an example.

If their entire company would consist only of the Xbox and Xbl (VGC) was their only market channel. And Gold membership (Ads) was their sole source of income.
Do you think they'd go - "All you silvermembers are stealing our money. So either you upgrade to Gold or GTFO!".. ? OR do you think they rather try and make money off of their userbase in another way?

But you can also look at it from a VGC perspective.
- Sending people to E3 will generate X amount of articles
- X amount of articles will generate Y amount of more page views
- The only way for VGC to send more people to E3 is to reduce cost
- We can reduce costs by shuting out ad blockers.

Then id shut out adblockers in a heart beat. A means to an end. Im all for it. Go get your money!

But to sit here and cry that the community is stealing money by visiting your website, and that its the communitys fault that your business plan isnt generating money is not good management. Period.