More ads, suddenly?

[Lucien Nunes]

I've noticed across multiple devices in the last few days what seems to be an increase in advertising intensity. So much so on the mobile that I had to install a different ad blocker otherwise the forum was basically unusable, the ads completely drowning out the content. If it is a real change and not a result of my browsers being updated etc, then my impression is that it is counterproductive.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Okay I've made some tweaks to the Google Tags. So that should stop anybody who's subscribing from seeing any? @James - confirmation?

Then esteemed members should only see one or two.

But the sponsors banners are being trialed in a few places. Due to mobiles not showing the sidebar near the content but under it instead which isn't good for them. So we're rotating spots for them within the content. Trialing a few areas.

When COVID hit, Google revenue for us dropped 83% over night. Was similar for Facebook/Instagram and Twitter. All advertising revenue dropped. It's not anywhere near where it should be. So I'm testing a lot. But esteemed members should eventually just see one or two google ads. But see three sponsors ad POSITIONS that rotate between all the sponsors - once I've finished testing.

ALL MEMBERS CAN USE AD - BLOCKERS, that's fine.

Alternatively subscribe and help the forum stay online. We've been juggling bills since March.

Subscribe link is here: https://www.electriciansforums.net/account/upgrades

You should only see sponsors ads when subscribed. Lifetime subscribers see no ads all all inc sponsors.

I need a few people work with me while I'm testing ads out. An Arms members, an Esteemed, and then a normal newish member. Oh and a subscribed one.

Then this week we'll find the Goldilocks Zone where we make some money but don't annoy regulars.

Dan, You mention that it's fine to use ad blockers but when we try to use them we get a notice at the bottom of the screen which basically means we wont use them because it restricts the screen. Is this something that is here to stay? (see pic below). I've deliberately made it small for you @GBDamo so it doesn't confuse you .

 

[HappyHippyDad]

The space where the adverts used to be is still there but it's simple a large blank space between posts, with a header saying 'advertisement'.

 

[Dan]

Dan, You mention that it's fine to use ad blockers but when we try to use them we get a notice at the bottom of the screen which basically means we wont use them because it restricts the screen. Is this something that is here to stay? (see pic below). I've deliberately made it small for you @GBDamo so it doesn't confuse you .
View attachment 60612

I didn't realise that was the case mate. Let me go find that notice. That must be from a while ago when I didn't allow the blocking of ads. But now it's all gone belly up with the control, I have to say sometimes it's the only way to browse the place.

The space where the adverts used to be is still there but it's simple a large blank space between posts, with a header saying 'advertisement'.

That space is reserved for the ad. So when you're blocking the ad, you're not blocking the space too. Some ad-blockers will manage to block that for you. I'm not too clued up with them personally. And you have to be careful not to block the wrong Javascript sections of the site, as you lose some functionality of it.

Of course the other option is to Subscribe then you don't even see sponsors banners etc.

https://www.electriciansforums.net/account/upgrades

 

[Dan]

Dan, You mention that it's fine to use ad blockers but when we try to use them we get a notice at the bottom of the screen which basically means we wont use them because it restricts the screen. Is this something that is here to stay? (see pic below). I've deliberately made it small for you @GBDamo so it doesn't confuse you .
View attachment 60612

@happyhippydad I have enabled my ad-blocker (ad block plus) and don't get any message at all.

I've searched the forum language for the wording in your message and there isn't any parts of our forum software that contain those two sentences, or any version of them.

So it has to be one of your other tabs that displays it, but when you change tabs the message is still there perhaps?

Can you try closing down your browser, open up the forum in a fresh browser window, and then load this thread or whatever - see if the message appears then, please?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

View attachment 60616

@happyhippydad I have enabled my ad-blocker (ad block plus) and don't get any message at all.

I've searched the forum language for the wording in your message and there isn't any parts of our forum software that contain those two sentences, or any version of them.

So it has to be one of your other tabs that displays it, but when you change tabs the message is still there perhaps?

Can you try closing down your browser, open up the forum in a fresh browser window, and then load this thread or whatever - see if the message appears then, please?

Just done all of that Dan and the message still pops up within a second of the page loading, it then stays there on every page I go to of the forum. I'm using 'ghostery'.
It's not the end of the world as I just add your site to the 'trusted' list which means ad block doesn't work for your site, then the message isn't there.

 

[Dan]

Just done all of that Dan and the message still pops up within a second of the page loading, it then stays there on every page I go to of the forum. I'm using 'ghostery'.
It's not the end of the world as I just add your site to the 'trusted' list which means ad block doesn't work for your site, then the message isn't there.

I need to find out what is going on as users who read only and can't ask me about it may have issues.
I will keep this issue on my to do list mate. Thanks for the heads up on it.

 

[ruston]

I need to find out what is going on as users who read only and can't ask me about it may have issues.
I will keep this issue on my to do list mate. Thanks for the heads up on it.

Well l have taken no action at all and don't use an ad blocker that I know of . The ads are still there between posts , but are stable and not causing the posts to jump around all over the place.

 

[Dan]

Well l have taken no action at all and don't use an ad blocker that I know of . The adds are still there between posts , but are stable and not causing the posts to jump around all over the place.

Sponsors only? That's what your account should show. No Google though.

 

[GMES]

Right Dan, go have some quality time with your daughter, can all members with questions direct them at @westward10 ???

 

[ruston]

Sponsors only? That's what your account should show. No Google though.

Yes , it is as it was before the upset. No Google bombardment.

Ps . Dell laptop.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Yes it's back to normal for me too on the laptop with Firefox. E.g.:



Cheers Dan!

 

[mattg4321]

I’m still seeing quite a few ads on my phone. Including an annoying drop down ad at the top.

Is this correct? See attached. Cheers

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Seems to have got worse again this evening, big ads wedging themselves in while I'm scanning the list of threads. It's tedious. I don't need an electrician to come round in 30 mins and I already by my PCBs from PCBTrain and my trainers from JD Sports. Grr.

 

[ruston]

Yes mine are back too.

 

[DPG]

Same here. And the bleeding disappearing keyboard.