As I see it, we have two basic choices… 1) Block ads and restrict the internet to just the big/major players only, or… 2) Choose to allow ads and help maintain an environment where even the smallest of players have a voice.

I don’t know about you but I am sick and tired of monopolies dictating terms. The beauty of the internet is that, regardless of influence size or power, it allows everyone an equal opportunity to participate. The wholesale blocking of ads would ultimately lead to yet one more area where freedom of choice becomes a passé concept.

IMHO, it’s a very small price to pay.

Techie does not mean money.

You’re preaching to the choir!

Helping people do what they want does!

We, DCT, try very hard. There isn’t a day that passes where I, or we as a group, don’t do something to improve the site.

You’re correct…nothing is for free including all the sites you visit for free. As Dave says, someone is still paying for the web hosting and whatever other costs are required to run a particular website.

Not all ads require a click for the site owner to make money. Some payouts are based on how many views the ad gets. It’s kind of like a billboard in a farmers field alongside the interstate. You don’t have to do anything with the information shown on that billboard but the farmer is still getting paid.

Dave, I’m glad you asked this hypothetical question. I’m from the days of bbsing (bulletin board systems where members could post messages, help each other using the old dial up modems). Most sites only had one phone line with a dedicated computer. It was a slow process. Those who provided the service called it a hobby, and accepted the cost. Yes, there were some boards which hosted files for d/l, and charged a user fee to d/l the files.

I’ve spoken to several forum owners, and what started out as a hobby, soon became a costly event. They never wanted to charge membership fees for the exchange of information. Hosting advertising filled the void (or so I was told). Believe they mentioned a tiny amount was given each time a site from their site was clicked. I have no problem with this, as one needs to find a way to help pay for the hobby. I keep using the word hobby, because that is exactly the way I see it.

Some sites have regular supporters, offering their free service in assisting others. This passion is also a hobby. I’m sure this is an ideal conversation issue, and hope I’ve not over steeped with my opinion, Mindblower!

It is a business proposition. If you can’t sell you stuff, don’t do it.

If you want me to buy it, offer me enormous value. Make me happier, richer, wiser etc. If you could make me $100 per month, I would be happy to give you $10. Techie does not mean money. Helping people do what they want does! Offer something unique and irresistible and people will pay!

On the net as in ‘life’, I am nobody’s target demographic.

bem

OK, I have a quick hypothetical question to throw into the mix…

Without the tiny amount DCT earns from ads where does the money to pay our bills come from? Hosting, authors, and other incidentals are not cheap and we don’t charge for entrance or access.

I would love to hear your thoughts!

If the corporates want us to “buy” their stuff, they must make it attractive.
If we do not buy it with ads or money, they will find another way.
Nothing is for free.
As for me, I don’t need that much, am not addicted to particular sites but if I want them, I will pay.

Imaging free fuel if your car windscreen can keep flashing heads up ads. This is virtually what we are talking about. Stuff them. Business is win win, not they win and we lose.

To keep a balance, I’m one who prefers to be not bothered, not informed and/or support them in any way. Okay, I do check the local grocery store flyer’s, but only from the stores I frequent. The other flyer’s I immediately place in the recycle bin. Information is out there, so when I require on-line assistance, I do a search. I do not require any flash screens trying to grab my attention. So yes, I block most cookies, especially third party ones, keeping only those of sites I frequent, Mindblower!