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Adblock FAQ

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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508

As you may or may not know, advertisements are how we keep Newschoolers running. The majority of our readers understand this and support the site by not blocking ads on it.

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Why should I unblock ads on this website?

Because they enable us to keep Newschoolers free! Not only do they do that, but they allow us to reward our content creators, offer new features, better coverage and much, much more.

Does blocking ads really negatively impact you guys?

Yes! Very much so, and not only Newschoolers, but other sites/people in the industry who depend on ads to survive.

If 50% of our users are using adblock, we need to work twice as hard just to sustain Newschoolers.

What should I do then?

Please support us by unblocking ads on Newschoolers.com. This helps keep things going, and creating the content that you're checking out.

I feel some of your ads are too instrusive.

We work with some of the most reputable ad companies, and although we're not perfect, our ads shouldn't auto-play audio or cause too much havoc for you. If that does happen, please let us know so we can get it fixed.

How can I support Newschoolers if I really do hate ads?

Buy some Newschoolers merchandise, become a donator, contribute positively to the website, share links on Facebook, etc.

I'm not blocking ads, but I'm seeing a message that I am!

Please let us know what your web browser is, and what platform you're viewing the site from (mobile phone, computer, etc.) and we'll investigate this and try and fix it.

I have a lot of questions you didn't answer here.

Please feel free to leave them in the comments, and also check out this post on Destructoid, which explains a lot of the ins and outs of ads and ad blocking.

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Aug 5 2013 4:41PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
When Stept, PoorBoyz or Powder Magazine posts content as a user of Newschoolers is that bad? Do we need to shy away from them simply because they are users?

UGC is just another word for freelancers. The quality of your freelancers is the question, as is what ends up getting featured at the top. Newschoolers is voted on by its users, and anyone has a chance to get to the top - but this doesn't mean that all the content is bad just because you need an account on Newschoolers.

Is facebook shitty because its all user generated? Because the New York Times adds their stuff as a facebook post, does it instantly become shitty UGC?

Upping the payment is absolutely a top priority - and one that is a big reason we want to get more people looking at ads, or talking about subscription. Magazines have a massive amount of money to spend on content because people tolerate 50%+ of the mag being advertisements on top of paying a subscription fee for it.

Believe me, if you guys would browse the site with adblock off and every other page load being a full page ad AND paying a subscription... we could pay for all the high quality content in the world! However, its a balance and sadly the internet isn't there yet.

Our video producers are already starting to make solid payouts from their program, and this season the Photographers and Journalists won't be far behind. We work with high level am and pro companies alike to get content into our system, and we will continue to do so.

As NS grows and perfects its premium publishing points you're going to see a massive shift in the opinion of submitting to Newschoolers. We are committed to developing a vibrant economy of monetization and views of content. We are committed to an open and inclusive submission system, and to ensuring that the 'bro club' doesn't form here. We are committed to our community, and we are committed to skiing.

This season - mark my words - is going to be a lot of fun.

Aug 6 2013 7:48AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
Ok, to be totally honest in this situation I completely understand using AdBlock - and encourage you to do so. Its our problem if the ads aren't running properly on your machine and we need to sort this out. We actually have been trying to speed up ad loading, and have some ideas to improve it.

Just check back in every month or two and see if we've managed to sort it out. Would appreciate feedback on that too, as we know its not all users who experience this, but some certainly do.
Aug 6 2013 7:50AM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
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Dude, it's two extra clicks in your entire Newschoolers existence to disable it forever -- no need to get worked up. Taking the energy to come post in here was probably 10 times the effort.
Aug 6 2013 7:51AM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Thanks!
Aug 6 2013 7:53AM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Coming to iF3 this year? If so then I owe you a cold one!
Aug 6 2013 7:54AM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
I've only been around for the past two months -- think you can let me know which ad this was?
Aug 6 2013 7:58AM
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corona
Posts: 12799 - Karma: 32,775
I'm much more inclined to give money when I know where exactly my money is going. all I know is content and employees. is that it? are high-ups at the parent company out on a golf course raking in cash from NS users? what percentage goes to what? what are the actual operating costs? etc

should have far more transparency for me to make regular donations.
Aug 6 2013 8:16AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
Hehehe.... FD Wear for sure.
Aug 6 2013 8:18AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
We can't release publicly all the exact details of the business. NS makes profit that is for sure, because it wouldn't be around if it didn't.

Biggest expense is programming, behind that Jason and Sales.

As for content, what we're trying to do is split 50/50 with content producers so money goes more directly to them based off of that. Admittedly we don't have a solid path to track donations directly to content, but we're working on this as a concept.
Aug 6 2013 8:20AM
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,124
it'd seem to me if my using adblock is costin you $ 10 a day
send me $4 a day and profit
make it 50 50 and i'll turn it off and even click an ad or 2.
Aug 6 2013 8:33AM
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00000000
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Aug 6 2013 8:35AM
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CMYK
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 336
As idiotic as this post was, it brings up an interesting point. I would be willing to install an Adblock-type extension, input a bit of demographics and some information on my interests, then let the extension replace the ads it blocked with relevant, non-intrusive ads, and pay me for it. Is this an option anywhere?
Aug 6 2013 10:16AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
There isn't anything specific like this yet, though AdSense is starting to allow you to close / skip ads in certain circumstances.

I would love a system of allowing users to upvote/downvote/comment on ads. Its again something we've talked about but a large undertaking.

There is lots of malware that replaces the ads on your computer, it is definitely an interesting idea to ponder the idea of adblock that sells relevant ads.
Aug 6 2013 10:24AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
Clicks don't mean anything.

If you upload good content then qualify for our monetization programs - hell yes you get 50/50 of the ad revenue.
Aug 6 2013 10:30AM
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CMYK
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 336
I guess what this comes down to is that I, (and apparently others) are unwilling to change our internet viewing experience. I haven't see an ad in 7 years, and don't plan on changing that.

I would love to have a discussion sometime about what premium services NS could offer, and in what other ways I could support something that I really do enjoy.
Aug 6 2013 10:31AM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
oh god dammit is this the thread?
Aug 6 2013 11:01AM
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mattytru
Posts: 2788 - Karma: 5,618
yea, some of that is obviously my (internet's) fault, but the site is a fair bit bulky at times of stretched bandwidth.
Aug 6 2013 11:37AM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
Again, I'm not saying that the high level of content doesn't exist, or that when users like those you mentioned upload that it is bad.
The point I'm making is if/when you try and make content exclusive, how are you going to keep that content exclusive. Normally when something gets uploaded to NS it gets posted multiple other places, or it's from another place all together (the news system). I just wonder how you're going to try and incentivize that exclusivity and if you think you can realistically do that.

Also, does this mean you are going to contract out more work, sort of like a magazine, or just rely on the incentives you are trying to create in order to have exclusive high quality content?
Aug 6 2013 12:12PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
At some point there must be a revolution on the internet where people like you contribute back to the system. One by one until this is solved, popular sites will begin to fall, or be forced into a level of monetization that drives away users. There must be a balance, or something will give.

This is a large reason you're seeing massive declines in the quality of journalism at the popular blogs, and many of the newspapers. They are desparate for more views, and are turning to sensationalist crap to get it. More viewers block ads, more desparate times happen.

Obviously half of this will be a revolution on the ad side, but I don't think it will be more than half. The days of a completely ad-free and free internet are coming to an end - at least for the good stuff that we all want to see.

Aug 6 2013 12:16PM
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CMYK
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 336
The internet existed before the insane advertizing age we live in, and will continue to exist after. Passionate people will produce content, whether they are paid for it or not. The internet as a whole could use a trimming down in the amount of content it pushes out as a whole. Hopefully once all this collapses, people will realize that consumers value quality over quantity, and are even willing to pay to assure it.

I for one welcome Adapt or Die --> http://www.serviceassurancedaily.com/2007/09/adblock-adapt-or-die/
Aug 6 2013 12:32PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
The internet existed WAY after the insane advertising age. The internet is a tiny infant in the gigantic world of advertising.

Advertising has been around for a very long time, even in Roman times the Gladiatorial combat events were heavily sponsored and paid for by wealthy persons wishing to push product.

http://purplemotes.net/2009/09/20/mass-media-in-ancient-rome/

Its silly to think that the internet invented advertising, or that its going to completely get rid of it. Its going to shift and pivot a bit, but I'd bet anything that we fall roughly back into the same model that has existed for a huge amount of human history.

That Adapt or Die article is from 2007 - when MySpace was still a powerhouse in the online media space. Sure there's a great philosophy there of adaptation of business to internet users, but it doesn't go over the creative ways that advertising has been implemented to increase user experience.

For a long time I pirated every piece of media I consumed - music, movies, etc. However, I always bought ski movies for the reason that I knew these companies needed money to keep on doing what they do. I've since realized that as long as Hollywood can come up with movies I like, and a less offensive model than they had before I'll pay to see them. iTunes offers a super simple way to buy music, and since I'm not being flooded with shit in CD format that breaks I'll pay for it. At a certain point, we must contribute back to the ecosystem in some way.

This is a moot point though, as you've conceded that you'd be a subscriber. You're not an ad person, and you're going to be willing to contribute money for your content vs. looking at ads. Tonnes of other people though will be perfectly fine with consuming ads in exchange for a free experience.

Us publishers will work on that balance with our users, and as always in history - advertising will flourish.


Aug 6 2013 1:03PM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
I'm all for this deactivating adblock on newschoolers and I have been doing it for a while on my laptop now (the computer I usually use). Now I wanted to do it on my second pc (at my parents house) and ran into 2 major problems.
1.) the ads are placed over the bar on the right (member of the month, vids being watched, pics recently viewed and so on). This wouldnt affect me much because I hardly ever use that bar, just thought I should mention it.
2.) With adblock on, I cant replay to threads. The page is constantly loading and doesn't finish. As you can imagine, I do have a problem with that part :D

To whoever is handeling this: If you need further information (like browser version, and so on, feel free to pm me!)
Aug 6 2013 1:04PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Would it be possible to post that info in here? Maybe include a screenshot or two of the specific ads?

They are definitely not suppose to be doing that!
Aug 6 2013 1:16PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Maybe after X amount of time I am active on NS for a 24 hour period all ads can go away or every 5th page I load there is ads. The video ads also throw my computer into a complete hissy fit on occasion.
Aug 6 2013 1:18PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Are there specific ads? Or just pre-roll in general?
Aug 6 2013 1:26PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
i have noticed this behavoir as well, but im on a mac and they just work jk jk


windows 7 chrome v28.0.1500.95
Aug 6 2013 1:46PM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
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Dont ask me why I get these specific adds, my younger brother probably used this pc a lot lol. All I keep getting is stupid minigame/minecraft adds lol

Also, Im running a windows xp with firefox version 23.0
Got a few other add ons running, tell me if you need to know which ones...
Aug 6 2013 2:29PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Yes, but dramatically less... the saying goes "you're trading desktop dollars for mobile pennies"
Aug 6 2013 2:30PM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
And I dont think it relates to any specific adds, I tried it a few times and every add I got blocked that bar on the right.
Aug 6 2013 2:30PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
I know I just said that to you, but I should also note that it is changing. The format just isn't figured out yet... everyone wants to avoid the banner ad problem that plagued the Desktop (like with adblock) and are attempting to perfect the mobile unit.

Anyone have ideas for what kind of mobile ads they'd like to see on NS?
Aug 6 2013 2:40PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
Oh dude -

You definitely have some spyware/adware/malware on that machine. Clean that dirty slut up and it'll fix that ad for you. We don't run ads on top of our content. :)

Aug 6 2013 2:42PM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
hmm weird. I'm always running the newest kaspersky antivir stuff. i will try and check it out.
Aug 6 2013 2:45PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
oh jesus

dude you're running XP time to UPGRADE son...get a nerd friend to backup your documents and re-format
Aug 6 2013 2:47PM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
I don't even have documents that important on here, as I said, its more or less a backup computer thats at my parents house, mostly getting used by my brother. I wouldnt even bother much myself and my brother doesn't go on ns. Just thought I would bring it up in case other people experience stuff like that too.
And I kinda like xp. There is just people who like it oldschool and for the stuff I use this computer for, there is no need to update it really :D
Aug 6 2013 3:03PM
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roddy116
Posts: 10630 - Karma: 7,456
all of my adds are in japanese
Aug 6 2013 3:32PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
That's not good! Care to grab a screenshot and post your browser / OS info?
Aug 6 2013 3:33PM
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roddy116
Posts: 10630 - Karma: 7,456
hehe im in kyoto right now and some of this stuff is funny as hell, but i have yet to get any english adds like windells or level 1. photobucket is taking awhile.

Aug 6 2013 3:41PM
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roddy116
Posts: 10630 - Karma: 7,456
shit wrong thread, im guessng this is for a sexualized anime version of final fantasy when i clicked on the add.
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Aug 6 2013 3:55PM
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Hammyslapwagon
Posts: 1261 - Karma: 1,409
Desu!
Aug 6 2013 3:58PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Oh, i would assume that's why then... but let's wait until Doug drops in and confirms.
Aug 6 2013 3:59PM
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t_rob
Posts: 6433 - Karma: 11,458
I doubt the true answer to this problem will have anything to do with adblock.

While it's great that you're appealing to users to disable or not install adblock, so many people have to be swayed to even put a dent into the "lost revenue." The reds have definitely interpolated the numbers and it's going to take hundreds and maybe even thousands of members continuing to allow ads and/or disabling adblock to change anything.

Sure, every dollar or in this case more like eightieth of a cent or whatever adds up but I don't think this is going to be the godsend.

Doug has basically said in this thread that fighting adblock isn't the answer so I'm guessing you (jason) know that as well.

The only answer is to start the revolution and I think that needs to come from NS from the top, not NS at the bottom.

Aug 6 2013 4:59PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
Yep, localized ads for sure. Not all advertisers want to target all regions, so sometimes the amercian companies won't push their ads internationally.
Aug 6 2013 5:26PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
Needs to come both ways TBH. We've already made about a 6% dent in the overall adblock rate with two days of this. That is a massive step in the right direction, and if it manages to hold then we will already be way ahead of the game.

Of course there's stuff that needs to come from us - and we'll do our part too. Jason and I are hard at work figuring out this issue and will work to get it way better for you.

Its all about meeting in the middle on Newschoolers. We're a community site, so everything we do needs to be a balance between the members and the admins.

Aug 6 2013 5:28PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
The current problem is actually that too many people are using adblock.

That's why we're trying to appeal to our members by asking them to consider whitelisting Newschoolers -- and that's the whole point of this thread.
Aug 6 2013 5:36PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Actually, every single member who whitelists us is making a change.
Aug 6 2013 5:37PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Generally speaking, forcing something onto our members w/o warning or their feedback isn't the way to go IMO.
Aug 6 2013 5:41PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
Except XP>every windows OS since.



@OP the reason I primarily installed adblock, around 6 months ago IIRC, was because of the adverts before videos, I think it was the annoying COC ads that finally pushed me over the edge, I'm more than happy having ads that don't slow me down, I don't mind the speed loss of the sidebar ads, but ones that make me wait to watch a video, and also the survey one that pops up every so often just piss me off to no end.

Could you not use the grey space at the side? and cut down on the video ads?
Aug 6 2013 6:08PM
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corona
Posts: 12799 - Karma: 32,775
just block the video ads only. I don't think it's that hard to do.
Aug 6 2013 6:10PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
True, but I'll bet they get a huge proportion of their ad money from them.
Aug 6 2013 6:14PM
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