Three Reasons Why You Should Not Block Text Ads

Aaron Conor
Online ads can be extremely annoying. So it's only natural that many of us learn how to rid ourselves of these pesky distractions. But not all of the ads that you see online are annoying. While ridding yourself of the annoying ads make sure you don't accidentally block useful ads that can benefit you. In this article, I will cite three reasons why you should not block all the advertising that you see on the Internet.

Some ads are not annoying.

It's true that many online advertisements are extremely aggravating. Most of us automatically block the huge image ads that attempt to distract us from what we are searching for. Or there is the horrifically animated Flash ad that tries too hard to get your attention. I can't say that I blame you for blocking these types of ads. I even do it.

But what about simple text ads? These too can be annoying, if done incorrectly. For instance, if the color of the ad does not match anything else on the webpage then people are more likely to block it. If the advertisement is done correctly, though, then I think it should not be blocked. When an ad is done properly it will match the webpage colors and add some usefulness to the website. This benefits both you and the webmaster.

Let the webpage author make some money.

Whatever the webpage is that you're viewing, remember that it doesn't cost you anything to read it. Almost all of the content on the Internet is free. However, that may change if everyone continues to block all of the ads. Again, I'm only defending the text ads that add value to a website.

But if everyone blocks all of the ads, even if they're not annoying, then webmasters and others will be forced to change their tactics. These people want to make some money from their work, so maybe they will start charging people for access to their information. Do you want to pay a subscription fee to read the latest news and weather? I don't think so.

You might discover something useful.

Text ads might actually help you, if you don't block them. These ads contain links that take you to other websites, which might have just what you're looking for. Google ads, for instance, are targeted specifically for the content that is on whatever webpage you are viewing. If you take the time to give the Google ads a glance, you might realize how useful they can be.

So remember, the next time you start to block that useful text ad you might just be doing the webmaster and yourself a disservice. In the future, you may not have the option of blocking ads. Instead, you might just have to give the webmaster your credit card number.

Published by Aaron Conor

I am a freelance graphic designer, photographer, illustrator; writer.  View profile

Due to concerns about click fraud, Google AdSense has been criticized by some Search engine optimization firms as a large source of what Google calls "invalid clicks" in which one company clicks on a rival's search engine ads to drive up its costs.

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  • go892/17/2011

    You didn't convince me. I'll keep blocking all ads, text or no text, thanks. And I'll do my best to help my friends block them too. :D

  • Stuart6/22/2010

    I agree and understand what you are saying. Most ads are non-invasive and harmless (much like a billboard); however, I can't stand the in-text ads that pop up garbage when you accidentally mouse over the. I get furious at the flash ads that start playing sounds or video as soon as your mouse touches the frame. It is *these* annoyances that cause me to blanket-block all ads.

  • JoeG5/1/2010

    Since the website cannot tell whether the ads are blocked or not... they will not "change their tactics"

  • JoeG5/1/2010

    "make sure you don't accidentally block useful ads that can benefit you"

    Haven't found an Ad yet that was.

  • clem2382/4/2010

    My biggest gripe too is those stupid ads before a video starts...now on the news too, sooo annoying.

  • tyrist12/24/2009

    I'd rather miss a few useful ads than let my screen be cluttered by nonsense in the hopes that something might come useful. Besides, I don't need the avenue of (excessive) advertising to find the service/product I am looking for.
    It's better to block all text ads along with the few good ones. This is a very low price to pay for a better and simpler surfing.

  • Cisco12/11/2009

    Clancy, I feel you 100%. F$%K those annoying text. I would rather backspace my way from a website and never use it again then be bombarded with annoying adds when I am trying to read simple text. Errr nothing gets me more annoyed. Ad when I find a solution I will share it with the world!

  • Bart11/19/2009

    Let me think about this one....man, this is difficult...okay, what Clancy said.

  • SomeoneWithABrain9/11/2009

    If they want to show me their ads, they'd better pay me!

  • clancy7/10/2009

    well let me tell you something buddy, NO.

    I will not allow myself to be exploited by ad companies. Ads are BAD in almost every way. For one they can contain dangerious links that seek to undermine your identity and privacy. Another reason is because they obscure and clutter your viewing experience. I dont care how much your severs cost, if you have to PACK your website full of ads, you dont deserve to be making money because your product(s) frankly arnt worth it. And lastly, I cant speak for everyone but i can safely tell you that i will NEVER view a ad and then buy that thing. honestly i wont. AND i have NEVER clicked a ad by my own choice.

    oh and btw i blocked every ad off your site , and i continue to support people in doing the same. you people make me sick.

    and to the rest of you out there, dont be sheep. Do you like watching commercials on TV ? well then why do you allow this ?

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