New TOS v. Ad Blocking

[bigballofyarn]

It states, "while, using the Website and Services, use "ad blocking" software or similar built-in web browser options designed to hide, block or prevent the proper display of online advertising" under prohibited uses.

I personally do not use this, but would have no idea if any of my members use ad blocking software. Am I supposed to be held accountable for their actions? And if any of them do use an ad-blocker, are they supposed to be expected to disable it to view my forum, and re-enable it to view other sites? Or is this statement only for the administrator?

[Greg]

May 1, 2010 17:15:56 GMT -8 bigballofyarn said:

It states, "while, using the Website and Services, use "ad blocking" software or similar built-in web browser options designed to hide, block or prevent the proper display of online advertising" under prohibited uses.

I personally do not use this, but would have no idea if any of my members use ad blocking software. Am I supposed to be held accountable for their actions? And if any of them do use an ad-blocker, are they supposed to be expected to disable it to view my forum, and re-enable it to view other sites? Or is this statement only for the administrator?

I'd say so long as you're not promoting the use of such ad blockers you as the admin are safe. All others must be accountable for themselves and what they use or not use as per the TOS.

[VS Admin]

You are accountable for your own actions. You can not control the actions of your members.

[bigballofyarn]

I suppose what I'm asking is - if my members are using Ad-blocking software, will that be a reason my forum could get deleted?

[heiglman]

Due to the aggressive nature of some websites with regards to advertising the use of ad blockers is pretty common, especially to block pop-ups and pop-unders.

Considering that many moving/flashing adverts can pose a risk to those with photosensitive epilepsy, such ad blocking software is in some cases a necessity rather than a choice.

What will happen to users who attempt to view a forum using such in built browser software? will it be viewable? will they be banned? blocked?

[VS Admin]

May 1, 2010 18:19:18 GMT -8 bigballofyarn said:

I suppose what I'm asking is - if my members are using Ad-blocking software, will that be a reason my forum could get deleted?

Your forum will not be removed due to your members using ad blocking software.

May 1, 2010 18:20:21 GMT -8 heiglman said:

Due to the aggressive nature of some websites with regards to advertising the use of ad blockers is pretty common, especially to block pop-ups and pop-unders.

Considering that many moving/flashing adverts can pose a risk to those with photosensitive epilepsy, such ad blocking software is in some cases a necessity rather than a choice.

What will happen to users who attempt to view a forum using such in built browser software? will it be viewable? will they be banned? blocked?

We do not permit our advertisers to run those types of ads on our site. This is a free service because of the advertising that pays for it. Using an ad blocker while using our service is essentially stealing.

In the event that we do detect ad blocker software, ProBoards will make it's own determination of what to do about it at that point in time (e.g. we may opt to message the user requesting they disable the ad blocker so as to bring them into compliance with our TOS, or in cases where the user refuses we may remove their account).

Patrick

[bigballofyarn]

Thank you.

I just wanted to ask one more thing. When I'm online at home, I only have dialup. When on dilaup, I have ALL images disabled. It generally doesn't affect the ads since most are text/flash, but occasionally I'll see the little "cannot load image" thingy at the top. Does having images disabled violate the TOS? Again most ads still load and I still see them.

The rest of the time, I'm at work on a T1, and do not have images disabled.

[VS Admin]

May 1, 2010 18:46:32 GMT -8 bigballofyarn said:

Thank you.

I just wanted to ask one more thing. When I'm online at home, I only have dialup. When on dilaup, I have ALL images disabled. It generally doesn't affect the ads since most are text/flash, but occasionally I'll see the little "cannot load image" thingy at the top. Does having images disabled violate the TOS? Again most ads still load and I still see them.

The rest of the time, I'm at work on a T1, and do not have images disabled.

Hi,

We do offer you an option in your profile to turn off images. I would suggest using that instead.

Patrick

[SpiderMike™]

So does this include FireFox add-ons that block adverts? Or are you specifically referring to code that can block ads?

Because some people just use FF adblocker by default as it improves browsing speeds.

[VS Admin]

May 1, 2010 19:29:22 GMT -8 SpiderMike™ said:

So does this include FireFox add-ons that block adverts? Or are you specifically referring to code that can block ads?

Because some people just use FF adblocker by default as it improves browsing speeds.

This includes any ad blocker. We offer this service to each user for free. In exchange, we place advertisements on the pages. If a user blocks an ad from displaying via whatever methods, they are stealing.

[SpiderMike™]

May 1, 2010 19:32:00 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

This includes any ad blocker. We offer this service to each user for free. In exchange, we place advertisements on the pages. If a user blocks an ad from displaying via whatever methods, they are stealing.

So are you saying we now need to police our boards and remove users who are using ad blocking utilities? Or just carry on as normal?

[VS Admin]

May 1, 2010 19:36:00 GMT -8 SpiderMike™ said:

May 1, 2010 19:32:00 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

This includes any ad blocker. We offer this service to each user for free. In exchange, we place advertisements on the pages. If a user blocks an ad from displaying via whatever methods, they are stealing.

So are you saying we now need to police our boards and remove users who are using ad blocking utilities? Or just carry on as normal?

You are responsible for your own actions on the forum. You can't control other member's using an ad blocker, so we would never penalize you for their actions in this regard.

Patrick

[SpiderMike™]

May 1, 2010 19:37:29 GMT -8 VS Admin said:

May 1, 2010 19:36:00 GMT -8 SpiderMike™ said:

So are you saying we now need to police our boards and remove users who are using ad blocking utilities? Or just carry on as normal?

You are responsible for your own actions on the forum. You can't control other member's using an ad blocker, so we would never penalize you for their actions in this regard.

Patrick

That's comforting to know. Much obliged.

[Fear]

They can't even tell if you're using a ad blocker.
So, why even bring up that you are, they'll never know.

[CheatAreZee]

May 1, 2010 23:49:45 GMT -8 Fear said:

They can't even tell if you're using a ad blocker.
So, why even bring up that you are, they'll never know.

Not true at all

Have a read of this article at Ars Technica, it details why adblocking does harm, and shows results of what happened when they started blocking access of the site to those who are using ad blockers. It is definitely detectable, and we would have the option of performing the same test they did; thankfully we have not had reason to at this point in time, but it is doable.