Author Topic: Forum Ads  (Read 14362 times)

Fraser, UnijunctionTransistor and 10 Guests are viewing this topic.

Online EEVblogTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 42149
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #100 on: July 27, 2026, 10:44:03 pm »
I can say with 100% certainty that 1000 new people will not pay $20/year. Patreon is currently 677 members. Maybe if you can come up with an enticing perk you could get a few hundred people.

Yep, I think I'd be lucky to get a few hundred. There are already way too many things that people sub to these days.
There are quite a lot of people who do a recurring PayPal donation, but it's not hundreds.

Quote
ublock origin will remove it completely.

I honestly recommend the ad blocker for those regulars who don't like the ads, my VPN also has it built in for example. The VPN also has the ability to allow the ads but block tracker.
If you feel guilty about it you can always PayPal me a few bucks. I also take crypto ;D
« Last Edit: July 27, 2026, 10:57:28 pm by EEVblog »
 
The following users thanked this post: thm_w, Nominal Animal

Offline Psi

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 12591
  • Country: nz
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #101 on: July 28, 2026, 12:15:52 am »
I can say with 100% certainty that 1000 new people will not pay $20/year. Patreon is currently 677 members. Maybe if you can come up with an enticing perk you could get a few hundred people.

My $20/Year thing was a hypothetical scenario where there was a 2nd entire EEVBlog forum which was paid members only. It wasn't people paying for no benefit.

I think you'd easy get 1000 people in a forum a bit more focused on EE and, shall we say, with a bit less riff raff or pointless posts.
$20 a year isn't that much. Even if it was $5/year it would do its job.
The problem with the entire idea is that it would exclude people just starting out in EE and people with little to no disposable income. Those are the people who should be encouraged and helped to learn EE by the rest of us . That's why I think it's probably not the best idea, even if it might work.

But I was more interested in how much money something like that could bring in verses more ads, rather than suggesting anyone actually do it.
I don't really know how much money ads bring in on a forum of this size.
« Last Edit: July 28, 2026, 12:23:21 am by Psi »
Greek letter 'Psi' (not Pounds per Square Inch)
 

Online thm_w

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9773
  • Country: ca
  • Non-expert
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #102 on: July 28, 2026, 12:51:53 am »
My $20/Year thing was a hypothetical scenario where there was a 2nd entire EEVBlog forum which was paid members only. It wasn't people paying for no benefit.

Paid members only is not a benefit to me. $20, $1, wouldn't really matter, I don't see a benefit to a closed forum.

The supporters section exists and isn't used much.
Profile -> Modify profile -> Look and Layout ->  Don't show users' signatures
 

Offline Psi

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 12591
  • Country: nz
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #103 on: July 28, 2026, 01:05:02 am »
Yep, I can see both sides.
Greek letter 'Psi' (not Pounds per Square Inch)
 

Online EEVblogTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 42149
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #104 on: July 28, 2026, 01:23:52 am »
Paid members only is not a benefit to me. $20, $1, wouldn't really matter, I don't see a benefit to a closed forum.
The supporters section exists and isn't used much.

The only advantage is that it's not google indexed, so it's a bit more "private".
 
The following users thanked this post: thm_w

Offline SantaClaw

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 16
  • Country: no
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #105 on: July 28, 2026, 05:42:46 am »
Well, I for one, has been a patron since 2019, paying a lonely 2$ a Month every month 2x 12 x 7 = 168$



I am happy to give a few $ each month to contribute some, I also have youtube premium so you get a bigger cut of the slice each video I watch.
I notice the Discord is more or less completely dead. Last post was welcoming a new member on jul 25'th and only 1 of the users seems to have their "patreon" flair. So I do wonder if it is worth having it?
I have no problem  recognizing that keeping the pace and motivation up after this many years is difficult, so I have kept up my patronage despite the frequency of videos having dipped a bit.

However, new members might not feel the same way.

Plenty of <3 - SantaClaw
 
The following users thanked this post: EEVblog

Online daisizhou

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1841
  • Country: cn
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #106 on: July 29, 2026, 01:54:14 am »
Please turn off this annoying ad setting.  >:( >:( >:(
daisizhou#sina.com #=@
 

Online thm_w

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9773
  • Country: ca
  • Non-expert
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #107 on: July 29, 2026, 02:09:38 am »
Please turn off this annoying ad setting.  >:( >:( >:(

https://ublockorigin.com/

An ad is supposed to be there, but if I test half the time it seems to not load anything like you show, not sure why.
Profile -> Modify profile -> Look and Layout ->  Don't show users' signatures
 

Online EEVblogTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 42149
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #108 on: July 29, 2026, 10:34:36 am »
Please turn off this annoying ad setting.  >:( >:( >:(

Use an ad blocker if it bothers you.
I have explained why it's there.
 

Offline m k

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3460
  • Country: fi
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #109 on: July 29, 2026, 10:52:17 am »
So annual donation of few bucks can compensate guilty ad blocking minds, no extra anything else needed.

Now NoScript is practically not blocking anymore, means that ads are very much script free.
(setup is Adblock Plus off and NoScript on)
Reply post changes that for sticky footer and last top banner.
(googlesyndication)
<- is distrusted, too much hassle without


Here stamped ad banners are very tolerable, sticky footer content with forum content background also.
Least tolerable are simple changing or moving and repeating things with bright colors.

Empty sticky footer seems to be more disturbing here than its calm content.

OT,
I didn't know google has its own dedicated porn hub.
(its cookies come with google front page)
« Last Edit: July 29, 2026, 11:27:55 am by m k »
Advance-Aneng-Appa-AVO-Beckman-Danbridge-Data Precision-Data Tech-Fluke-General Radio-H. W. Sullivan-Heathkit-HP-Kaise-Kyoritsu-Leeds & Northrup-Mastech-OR-X-REO-Schneider-Simpson-Sinclair-Tektronix-Tokyo Rikosha-Topward-Triplett-Tritron-YFE
(plus work shop of the world unknowns)
 

Offline Psi

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 12591
  • Country: nz
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #110 on: July 29, 2026, 11:46:16 am »
A Pi Hole is usually better than an adblocker because you get much less occurrences when the website forces you to disable your adblocker before it will let you in. 

You do get it sometimes but that requires the website implement specific DNS tests to detect the Pi Hole, most don't do that. Most websites are only checking if you're running an adblocker extension.
Greek letter 'Psi' (not Pounds per Square Inch)
 

Online daisizhou

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1841
  • Country: cn
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #111 on: July 29, 2026, 11:55:17 pm »
Please turn off this annoying ad setting.  >:( >:( >:(

Use an ad blocker if it bothers you.
I have explained why it's there.

Your indiscriminate and unrestrained advertising will only drive people away from this forum.

Please note that just because we use an ad blocker does not mean you can freely place ads.
daisizhou#sina.com #=@
 

Online themadhippy

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4528
  • Country: gb
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #112 on: July 30, 2026, 12:03:52 am »
Quote
Please note that just because we use an ad blocker does not mean you can freely place ads.
:-DD yea right tell the person who owns the site what they  can do.Try the same with your goverment and see how far you get
 

Online daisizhou

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1841
  • Country: cn
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #113 on: July 30, 2026, 01:11:50 am »
 :rant:
Quote
Please note that just because we use an ad blocker does not mean you can freely place ads.
:-DD yea right tell the person who owns the site what they  can do.Try the same with your goverment and see how far you get

It's always been like this

We have been fighting for what we call "freedom".
daisizhou#sina.com #=@
 

Offline johnboxall

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 741
  • Country: au
  • You do nothing, you get nothing.
    • Website
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #114 on: July 30, 2026, 01:18:00 am »
OK, these are the slightly more annoying overlay style.  I'll see if I can continue to bear with them without blocking.

It is understandable, as we all need to pay the bills.  Any way you can offer an ad-free membership level?  Can SMF handle that?

I'd be in for an ad-free membership level.
 

Online EEVblogTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 42149
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #115 on: July 30, 2026, 02:02:09 am »
Please note that just because we use an ad blocker does not mean you can freely place ads.

This forum has had ads for 15 years. And IMO quite intrusive ones, right up the top, so you have to scroll down to the content. The SupplyFrame one is huge.
 

Online daisizhou

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1841
  • Country: cn
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #116 on: July 30, 2026, 02:09:41 am »
Please note that just because we use an ad blocker does not mean you can freely place ads.

This forum has had ads for 15 years. And IMO quite intrusive ones, right up the top, so you have to scroll down to the content. The SupplyFrame one is huge.

I'm emphasizing the bottommost ad, not the topmost ad.

You can choose to subscribe to a paid membership or other value-added services, but adding pop-up ads below is an act of pushing your luck and trampling on others' rights.
daisizhou#sina.com #=@
 

Online Monkeh

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 8822
  • Country: gb
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #117 on: July 30, 2026, 02:19:26 am »
You can choose to subscribe to a paid membership or other value-added services, but adding pop-up ads below is an act of pushing your luck and trampling on others' rights.

Look, I dislike ads in my face as much as the next guy, but no, putting a bottom-bar ad on a website is not trampling on any rights.
 
The following users thanked this post: Whales, Kean

Online EEVblogTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 42149
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #118 on: July 30, 2026, 03:21:31 am »
You can choose to subscribe to a paid membership or other value-added services, but adding pop-up ads below is an act of pushing your luck and trampling on others' rights.

"Rights"?
What "rights"?
I provide this forum to you for FREE.
You are free to use an ad blocker to get rid of it, and all the other ads, I have always encouraged that for the last 15 years if the ads really bother you.

Out of curiosity why do you say the bottom ad is violating your "rights", but the bigger top ads that you have to scroll past to get to the content are presumably not violating your "rights"?

I also could have just put the new bottom ad up and not started this thread.

You dislike the bottom sticky ad, ok, duly noted, thanks. But don't give me any crap about "rights".
« Last Edit: July 30, 2026, 03:24:31 am by EEVblog »
 

Online daisizhou

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1841
  • Country: cn
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #119 on: July 30, 2026, 03:35:03 am »
You can choose to subscribe to a paid membership or other value-added services, but adding pop-up ads below is an act of pushing your luck and trampling on others' rights.

"Rights"?
What "rights"?
I provide this forum to you for FREE.
You are free to use an ad blocker to get rid of it, and all the other ads, I have always encouraged that for the last 15 years if the ads really bother you.

Out of curiosity why do you say the bottom ad is violating your "rights", but the bigger top ads that you have to scroll past to get to the content are presumably not violating your "rights"?

I also could have just put the new bottom ad up and not started this thread.

You dislike the bottom sticky ad, ok, duly noted, thanks. But don't give me any crap about "rights".

OK.
As I said before, if you continue to advertise in this way, it will only make people hate this forum and cause it to lose its support.

Offering this forum for free? Aren't you profiting from these ads?
Stop fooling people, okay? Who would selflessly give away their time without some kind of incentive?
It sounds like you're talking to a kindergartener.

daisizhou#sina.com #=@
 

Online EEVblogTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 42149
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #120 on: July 30, 2026, 03:46:04 am »
OK.
As I said before, if you continue to advertise in this way, it will only make people hate this forum and cause it to lose its support.

Offering this forum for free? Aren't you profiting from these ads?
Stop fooling people, okay? Who would selflessly give away their time without some kind of incentive?
It sounds like you're talking to a kindergartener.

Ok, you've had your say, now please leave this thread.
 
The following users thanked this post: Kean

Offline Brumby

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 12603
  • Country: au
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #121 on: July 30, 2026, 06:39:21 am »
... and trampling on others' rights.

What "rights"?

The EEVblog has ALWAYS been: Dave's place, Dave's rules.

Every courtesy, consideration and effort Dave has made is not from anybody's rights, but from his personal interest in providing a platform for interaction between EE minds.  He is open to suggestion, but whether he takes on your ideas or disregards them altogether is completely up to him.

You've given your 2 cents' worth and now it's time to put on the big person pants ... and move on.



Ok, you've had your say, now please leave this thread.
Yep.  This.
« Last Edit: July 30, 2026, 06:40:57 am by Brumby »
Why Clippy?  --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Dtmpe9qaQ
 

Offline Dr. Frank

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2596
  • Country: de
  • Got a lot of time now - and very low uncertainty
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #122 on: July 30, 2026, 07:15:14 am »
At Brumby, Dave

If you'll loose people who are - maybe - important for some questions, like metrology, then it is again Dave's decision to do so.

As said, if i see the forum is full with such unwanted advertisement, and I'm not going to get rid of that, I'm fully out of the club here.

Frank
 

Offline Brumby

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 12603
  • Country: au
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #123 on: July 30, 2026, 10:04:59 am »
I will go out on a limb here and say Dave isn't doing this purely to flex his muscle - it's a fiscal decision.  We all pay nothing for this facility, so the Ads are a trade-off that doesn't seem unreasonable.

I will be the first to admit I would like them to be less noticeable, but then that's not the purpose.

To Dave's credit, the bottom banner Ad annoyed me when it was full width - but now it is narrower and I am feeling more comfortable with that.  It still annoys me, but not as much.  Also, when you scroll to the bottom of the page, it slips out of view.  That was a good move.


I can live with it.
Why Clippy?  --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Dtmpe9qaQ
 
The following users thanked this post: EEVblog, OZ1LQB, Kean

Online EEVblogTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 42149
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Forum Ads
« Reply #124 on: July 30, 2026, 10:16:44 am »
If you'll loose people who are - maybe - important for some questions, like metrology, then it is again Dave's decision to do so.
As said, if i see the forum is full with such unwanted advertisement, and I'm not going to get rid of that, I'm fully out of the club here.

I'm quite puzzled as to the reaction here.
I have added just one extra ad to the bottom of the forum, albeit a sticky one.
But for 15 years hardly anyone has complained about the large ads at the top of the page you have to scroll past every time just to get to the content (and they are still there as I type this in the reply box).
I find these vastly more annoying than the bottom sticky.

I expected some push back for the bottom sticky, I get it, it's different to the other ads that just scroll with the page, I get when people say it's annoying, that's why I thought I'd trial it and see what reaction it gets. But I'm genuinely puzzled as to why it's suddenly some massive red line for some people  :-//
What if I said the bottom sticky (or a side sticky) could replace those large ones at the top, would people say it's still going "too far"?

Dr Frank, am I reading you right in that you would rather leave the forum entirely over that bottom sticky, instead of just installing an ad blocker?

I have no doubt there will be a few people who will leave the forum over something like this, there always is people leaving for whatever reason, that's just human nature I guess.
If I added a paid feature where you could pay to remove the ads then I'm sure there would a few people for who that is a red line.
« Last Edit: July 30, 2026, 10:22:39 am by EEVblog »
 


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf