CASEY MILLER WROTE:
> What are everyone's thoughts on the software
> programs such as AdSubtract, Intermute and
> WebWasher that remove banner ads while you surf?
TO WHICH ADAM LASNIK REPLIED:
> Personally, I find them offensive and unethical,
> both in their production and use.
> I think it's rude to expect free content without
> acknowledging that this "free" content is made
> possible by sponsorships and advertising.
While Adam and others may be offended by the rise of ad
stripping software all of you who rely on web ads to
earn a living should keep a couple of things in mind:
1.) Programs which strip ads are not much different
from TV set mute buttons. TV remotes were add-ons in
the early days, then TV makers put them in to satisfy
demand; finally, they became part of TV design for
competitive reasons. All because they give control
back to the customer and because a hand full of
advertisers crossed the line and did things like raise
the volume level on commercials and insert nasty sound
effects. From what I read in this group, many of you
have the attitude that the www was invented expressly
for your benefit, not the users.' That kind of thinking
will only hasten the demise of internet advertising;
2.) If the content "quality" of the advertiser
supported "free" sites is such that people are
unwilling to pay to receive it (either via watching ads
or through subscriptions) those site will fade into
black. And that will tell if there was really any
quality there to begin with.
This message is not intended as a downer, only a
reminder that your business is serving the customers as
well as the clients. They'll only take being hit
across the face with a 2x4 so many times before they go
the other way, never to return.
Regards all,
John Gaskill
General Manager
gm_at_info-central-usa.com
Info-Central (sm)
We make life easier (sm)
http://www.info-central-usa.com
Received on Mon Mar 13 2000 - 07:41:04 CST
