Will ad blocking software continue to affect our bottom line?

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   Michael Kismetposted 7 years ago

   I asked this question because today, for the very first time, I installed an ad blocking software on my device, and holy cow is the browsing 10x more enjoyable!  I have no idea or excuse why it took me so long to try it.  EVERY site I frequent is instant loading now.
   
   I run an eBay business, dabble in day trade, and so happy I invested my time in Hubpages, and I need my internet to be responsive. I’m trying to earn full time income and beyond, all online.  So, this long overdue ad blocker discovery made my day. I’m installing ad blocker on all of my other devices.
   
   But obviously, I’m torn between the fact that ad blocking software, directly affects our income, and the fact that it is so awesome, and so necessary.  Anyone else worried?  Am I just being neurotic?

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      ChristinSposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I grew tired of my income suffering from my websites and so I added code that makes people turn off their ad blockers if they want to view my sites.  I develop all the content and provide resources - I deserve the ad and affiliate revenue I earn. 
      
      That being said, I understand the allure and I have ad block software and on sites that are obnoxious with their advertising, I keep it turned on, but for other sites I whitelist them so they get their revenue.

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      1. 63

         EricFarmer8xposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I use an adblocker by default but if I respect a website I will let ads load. I let ads load on all of HubPages domains as I read other peoples articles for example. The fact is some webs masters and websites owners just don't understand how annoying and dangerous ads can be. So I feel safer opting into ads versus opting out.

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2. 80

   heidithorneposted 7 years ago

   Your concerns are valid. Ad blocking tech use is growing. However, I agree with Eric in that people who trust a site are more likely to allow ads.
   
   Here's the problem at the base of it all. The Internet was built on the premise of free content paid for by advertising, just like television, newspapers and radio (you didn't think subscriptions paid for it, did you?). Now that users have more control over the advertising viewing, it's creating a real problem in that people still expect content for free, but aren't willing to put up with ads.
   
   I'm not sure what will take the place of ad revenues for many sites, including HP. I believe paid subscription blogs have little chance of surviving.
   
   This is a trend we all need to watch. Thanks for bringing it up!

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3. 84

   theraggededgeposted 7 years ago

   This is a real concern. The problem being that the spammy websites have ruined it for the... er.. less spammy sites.
   
   I use an adblocker everywhere, just so that I can get round the web easier and faster. My current bugbear is sites with pop-ups. I don't blame the site-owners but I really don't want to sign up to their email list.
   
   Hypocritically, I have Adsense on my own site. But, it's discreetly located in the sidebar. I don't have a pop-up demanding people sign up.
   
   What's the answer? I have no idea.

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