Geekzone ads are out of control

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BDFL - Memuneh
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#1724232 22-Feb-2017 08:22

First, people complaining about the ads on Windows XP should not be connected to the Internet with that OS. Too old and unsecure to be connected.

This out of the way, the reason the big 300x600 ad shows up on that position is because I was trying to be smart and nice. If you have a browser window that is narrow my code actually hides the right sidebar. But that specific type of ad has shown some problems with the CSS we use.

Now, that ad type doesn't show a lot of times and the number of browser windows narrower than the minimum is very small. Combine both and the number is enough to put on my radar but not big enough to make it a reason to rewrite the whole forum page in a hurry - that's what is needed. Now and then I out some time into testing alternative ways of changing it. Testing continues.

I have worked on that before but as mentioned I have a day job. The times of working full time on Geekzone are behind.

This is to dispel comments that I think you should go to hell, as implied by some disgruntled user.

freitasm

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#1724266 22-Feb-2017 09:51

andrewNZ:
benokobi:

The rollover ads are fine until you roll over them??????? So don't roll over....

Oh FFS, what part of "happens by itself" do people not get?

On my tablet (Surface Pro 3, win 10, chrome), you do not have to roll over them. I get exactly what is shown in kiwirock's image a few posts up.
It loads there by itself, it cannot be closed, it stays on screen when scrolling.

I suspect we're talking about two different things. The large ad at the bottom is just fine - and I am using a Surface Pro, Windows 10, Chrome as per screenshot below

The ad on the side as per Kiwirock's image was explained in my reply above.

MikeAqua

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#1724287 22-Feb-2017 10:06

As a non subscriber I'm happy with ads.

I have Geekzone white-listed on ad-blocker (although the site sill; ask me to white-list it.).

But that expanding AirNZ ad is a PITA and generally I find video ads distracting.

Mike

freitasm

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#1724291 22-Feb-2017 10:15

I have blocked expandable ads on TribalFusion.

PolicyGuy

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#1724351 22-Feb-2017 11:57

Thank you

kiwirock

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#1724639 22-Feb-2017 18:18

freitasm: First, people complaining about the ads on Windows XP should not be connected to the Internet with that OS. Too old and unsecure to be connected.

Unsecure, probably :o) As you say (subjectively) it's old. Mine's a resolution issue, as 95% shows the right toolbar and ads correctly in place. Swapping monitors out to a widescreen also solves it.

So I just read it on my phone with Chrome or shrink zoom to 95% on the desktop which runs the latest browser version and plug-ins.

The OS is still supported and recommended where possible from my broadcast automation vendor. 8 is less preferred but supported also. The sound architecture in Windows is a source of grievance with broadcast automation and newer Windows OS's.

To the OP though, I don't think there are many ads on the GZ website in general. Tried to read through online papers with video ads, sudden ad redirects and the likes? That's annoying.

freitasm

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#1724642 22-Feb-2017 18:23

As I said, we have less ads per page than the majority of other sites around - even NZ ones.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

kiwirock

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#1724644 22-Feb-2017 18:25

andrewNZ:
benokobi:

The rollover ads are fine until you roll over them??????? So don't roll over....

Oh FFS, what part of "happens by itself" do people not get?

On my tablet (Surface Pro 3, win 10, chrome), you do not have to roll over them. I get exactly what is shown in kiwirock's image a few posts up.
It loads there by itself, it cannot be closed, it stays on screen when scrolling.

Yeah I get it. Different thing was happening to me but I just had what happened to you. When I scrolled down the screen (I'm pretty sure I mouse rolled over though) the bottom ad blows up quite large. Only it wont shrink back down, after a few seconds it pops out and stays in the same place.

UHD

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#1724668 22-Feb-2017 18:51

freitasm:

UHD: Until I see website operators willing to take responsibility for malware delivered via their advertisers' networks or demand that those advertising networks compensate those affected by malware then I will opt out of the risk. Malware delivered via advertising is the largest threat to a regular PC user and no one is willing to take responsibility for it. If everyone else up the creek washes their hands of responsibility then I'm sure going to take three seconds and install uBlock Origin on everything I can.

And what is that website operators should do in this specific case you mention?

In our case I already do it by screening ads, removing advertisers that seem dubious and plainly rejecting "offers". We have been running the same three networks for years - Geekzone was the first Google AdSense site in New Zealand, back in 2003 and we have been running with TribalFusion for almost 12 years now. A few years back we started with Amazon. These are the top three ad networks in the world. I receive lots of "Please join our networks" every week and I could if I wanted to force you to see low quality ads (like those "You have been selected to win an iPad" that appear on Herald and other sites). I could run those just to make sure I could squeeze every cent possible but I don't. I don't because I do exactly what you are asking: I take responsibility to run only ads that I personally would be ok with.

So, please don't come with this comment because it's not a solution. Not on this site.

Website operators should compensate me for damage to my PC/files/data and time wasted clearing malware if and when it does leak through via advertising.

If operators are quite happy to collect revenue from me for consuming their advertising then they should be willing to compensate me for any damage caused by that advertising. It might seem like a petulant demand but it is well principled in my opinion. I would not make money from someone then offer no compensation when the money making mechanism harms that individual.

You can screen and best practice to your heart's content but I guarantee you have and will serve malware at some point.

MikeB4

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#1724676 22-Feb-2017 19:10

UHD:
freitasm:

UHD: Until I see website operators willing to take responsibility for malware delivered via their advertisers' networks or demand that those advertising networks compensate those affected by malware then I will opt out of the risk. Malware delivered via advertising is the largest threat to a regular PC user and no one is willing to take responsibility for it. If everyone else up the creek washes their hands of responsibility then I'm sure going to take three seconds and install uBlock Origin on everything I can.

And what is that website operators should do in this specific case you mention?

In our case I already do it by screening ads, removing advertisers that seem dubious and plainly rejecting "offers". We have been running the same three networks for years - Geekzone was the first Google AdSense site in New Zealand, back in 2003 and we have been running with TribalFusion for almost 12 years now. A few years back we started with Amazon. These are the top three ad networks in the world. I receive lots of "Please join our networks" every week and I could if I wanted to force you to see low quality ads (like those "You have been selected to win an iPad" that appear on Herald and other sites). I could run those just to make sure I could squeeze every cent possible but I don't. I don't because I do exactly what you are asking: I take responsibility to run only ads that I personally would be ok with.

So, please don't come with this comment because it's not a solution. Not on this site.

Website operators should compensate me for damage to my PC/files/data and time wasted clearing malware if and when it does leak through via advertising.

If operators are quite happy to collect revenue from me for consuming their advertising then they should be willing to compensate me for any damage caused by that advertising. It might seem like a petulant demand but it is well principled in my opinion. I would not make money from someone then offer no compensation when the money making mechanism harms that individual.

You can screen and best practice to your heart's content but I guarantee you have and will serve malware at some point.

Why? Visiting a website like Geekzone is your choice. Also it's your responsibility to protect your computer.

andrewNZ

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#1724694 22-Feb-2017 19:34

Today I'm not getting the left hand ad issue. When I see it, I'll screen shot it as proof. As far as I can tell, my issue is not the bottom ad blowing up,

DarthKermit

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#1724819 23-Feb-2017 02:11

Here's an example (in my opinion) of a site with out of control ads:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mum-four-plans-move-out-9883178

Thank christ geekzone has never stooped to using clickbait like that.

Linuxluver

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#1725591 24-Feb-2017 11:45

1101:

Hi There
I know you have to make some money out of this but....

the ads on this site are now out of control. Its up there with the absolute worst
Honestly, its at the stage where it would put off any new forum signups.

Having ads start at the bottom of the page then creep up to take 1/2 the screen , thats the sort of stuff that would scare anyone away
I couldnt beleive it so I tried another laptop with a new clean chrome install, yep just as bad . (FF & adblocker, perfectly OK)

I usually use an adblocker & FF, with chrome & no adblocker, its really getting quite bad. Just an oversaturation of adverts
I would now never never recommend this site without an adblocker. Thats unfortunate