+DoctorQuest 125 Posted July 28, 2022 I've been a long time supporter here. Is there a subscription level that removes the progressively move NSFW ads that seem to accumulate on the site? I get it. It costs money to run the place. But I really need to ask the question. I'm not sure I would let my kids browse here. I love what you guys do but I don't seem to remember this problem with ads from years past. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stick 773 Posted July 28, 2022 If you are curious, click on the tiny 'exclamation mark' on the top right hand corner of the advertisement. For example here are some of the advertisements I am seeing at the top and bottom of the this page... You should be redirected to something like this: https://adssettings.google.com/whythisad In my case, Google would have me believe that the above ads are a function of: Information in your Google Account The information on the website that you were viewing Google’s estimation of languages that you may know based on your activity, such as your searches, while you were signed in to your Google Account Websites that you've visited Google's estimation of your gender, according to your activity while you were signed in to Google Happy exploring and tweaking - you actually have more control than you might believe. When dealing with my boy or the missus, I prefer to take the full diclosure and total candour approach (so much easier on the explanation front) - there's way too much information available out there to even attempt to filter or distill stuff. However, I do appreciate this may not work for everyone - try a separate profile for your kids if you do not manage to get satifactory results from any changes you make to your advertisement preferences. If you browse something NSFW, going incognito is also an option (this also has its limitations) if you dont want ad's showing up at inopportune moments. Cheers! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Erik 1,812 Posted July 28, 2022 I'm sorry this is happening to you. We have no control over the interest-based delivery of ads. Google ads is what we use and they clearly state that the ads you are reporting are the ads they don't allow, which is a big reason we use them. See their description of ads that are not supposed to be allowed here: https://support.google.com/adspolicy/answer/6015406?hl=en. If this is happening then I will need to start reporting them and the best way to do that is to take a screenshot of the ads in place on the page you're viewing. So if you want to help me report this stuff please post your screenshots here. In the meantime I can work on way to remove ads from the site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+DoctorQuest 125 Posted July 28, 2022 I have continually reported ads and it seems to no avail. Honestly the ones that burn me are the "Would you vote for Trump a third time?" ones. :) I have NO idea how I would be tagged for those by Google. I will see what I can do on my end. This site is WAY too valuable to me to get put off by something outside the admins control. (I am due for a re-up of my subscription but I need to get past some real life issues first.) Thanks for the prompt responses. I do appreciate it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Nightshade/PR 7,951 Posted July 28, 2022 One solution is to use the browser extensions AdBlocker (all versions work well) and Ghostery. I use them, and I see no ads on this site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Erik 1,812 Posted July 28, 2022 If the income could be replaced, I'd remove the ads all together. The site is an out-of-pocket expense every month, even with revenue we generate, pulling the ads would just add to that burden. In addition to that Google has taken over the ad space and they use what's now called "auto ads". Where I used to have the ability to customize the use, that's all been discontinued. I don't even have the option of creating a user that would be ad-free. I'd have to turn off Google Ads completely. However, I can request reviews at the publisher level which may get better results than reporting them. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+DoctorQuest 125 Posted July 28, 2022 I understand, Erik. Thank you for taking the time to explain. Curious to know what effect using blocking tools like Nightshade's suggestions has on Google's feedback on the CA ad usage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+GKABS 8,791 Posted July 29, 2022 Using ad blockers is not going to help the site and it will cut down on whatever revenue that the site generates. Remember that ads are targeted based on your internet usage and the sites you visit! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Erik 1,812 Posted July 29, 2022 20 hours ago, DoctorQuest said: Curious to know what effect using blocking tools like Nightshade's suggestions has on Google's feedback on the CA ad usage. That's a tricky question to answer for two reasons 1) As a Google Ads publisher we are discouraged from discussing the financial aspects; 2) I wouldn't know how to gauge what the impact of one person would be. However, what I can do is discuss our finances. Income from Google Ads makes up 15-20% of our monthly operating budget, subscriptions make up 25-30%, and donations make up 5-7%. That's why I run membership drives, but we haven't done one since early 2019. Since the pandemic, crazies tried to overthrow our government, Russia invading Ukraine, and our world melting around us due to climate change I haven't had the heart to ask. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+GKABS 8,791 Posted July 29, 2022 Dear @Erik why don't we start a donation campaign I think this is a good time to do that, whatever little money will be donated I am sure will help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+DoctorQuest 125 Posted July 30, 2022 ^Agreed! You could give everyone a free "banned from ATEAM" sig block!!!! I am very proud of mine. Seriously I don't think it's a bad idea, either. I am already planning to update by subscription after I pay off my AC repair. My significant other has much more patience with my flightsiming if the house is comfortable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Erik 1,812 Posted July 30, 2022 To continue the original discussion some of the more unsavory ads have been removed entirely. You should see less porn, politics, and sexually charged ads. Some will inevitably sneak through but I'm hoping the ad content will improve. Thanks for letting me know. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+DoctorQuest 125 Posted August 21, 2022 I just saw this. Thank you very much. I wondered what had happened. I do owe the site a new subscription so stand by in the next few weeks. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
