More ads, suddenly?

[Lucien Nunes]

I've noticed across multiple devices in the last few days what seems to be an increase in advertising intensity. So much so on the mobile that I had to install a different ad blocker otherwise the forum was basically unusable, the ads completely drowning out the content. If it is a real change and not a result of my browsers being updated etc, then my impression is that it is counterproductive.

 

[static zap]

A few websites seem to have got wise to AdBlockers , PrivacyBadger , and not allowing me in without more cookie action ..Technology and admen ..leapfrog ..
Come on "Froggy_tech" ..
(or has my browser Fire fox stoved in ?)

 

[davesparks]

I'm having the same problem with the forum, it has become all but unusable due to the massive amount of additional adverts.

I guess @Dan is just trying to encourage all of the members to leave and go elsewhere.

 

[nicebutdim]

Had some problems with ad blocking in general a month or so back and disabled it, but still block unnecessary trackers and scripts.

Currently I'm not seeing these additional ads, but do see several small banners that simply state "advertisement". Having checked, it's Ghostery that's blocking these ads and others might find it worthwhile installing this browser extension.

 

[Bob Geldoff1234]

Try 'Scriptblock' for Chrome.I stops alot of nasty things running in chrome.I am currently running privacy badger,adblock and scripblock all together and this forum is looking just fine to me

 

[James]

I did chat with @Dan yesterday about the increase in ads.
I was assured it is a temporary thing whilst software is updated.

 

[Dan]

Apologies.

My bad. As usual.

Google have implemented their suggested changes regarding GDPR.

Tools to help publishers comply with the GDPR - Google AdSense Help

Google has a long history of taking a user-first approach in everything that we do. As a part of our commitment to users, we never sell personal information and give users transparency and control ove

support.google.com

We managed to sway it for a while. And we controlled the ad-code. Now ANY page with ANY code on it (not just ad-code, so tags which say we comply with GDPR and the California Act) throw up ads once you click agree.

So I'm finding a work around to only show the options field to non-subscribers / supporters. Assuming they're fine with the bog-standard settings of mostly off anyway.

Hang in there. I'm on it this week. Apologies once again.

I've also re-worked www.ElectriciansForums.co.uk into a blog this week. Started with just a mess around but it's becoming quite something of its own thing. Will be able to use this to rank for things the forum can't.

I'll need lots of images for it soon. So I'll start a thread soon asking for various types of images and will need you lads to reply if you have the image, and I'll choose one, and credit the image to you. Either your forum profile, or your website if you have one. Our .co.uk has a lot of 'weight' with Google so good for SEO.
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Are you seeing this notice guys? - I asked @Lou to let you know that we're on it. But not sure what settings she's used. Can't get the staff lol

*hids in a cupboard with wifi and laptop and kettle for a few days

 

[Dan]

Okay I've made some tweaks to the Google Tags. So that should stop anybody who's subscribing from seeing any? @James - confirmation?

Then esteemed members should only see one or two.

But the sponsors banners are being trialed in a few places. Due to mobiles not showing the sidebar near the content but under it instead which isn't good for them. So we're rotating spots for them within the content. Trialing a few areas.

When COVID hit, Google revenue for us dropped 83% over night. Was similar for Facebook/Instagram and Twitter. All advertising revenue dropped. It's not anywhere near where it should be. So I'm testing a lot. But esteemed members should eventually just see one or two google ads. But see three sponsors ad POSITIONS that rotate between all the sponsors - once I've finished testing.

ALL MEMBERS CAN USE AD - BLOCKERS, that's fine.

Alternatively subscribe and help the forum stay online. We've been juggling bills since March.

Subscribe link is here: https://www.electriciansforums.net/account/upgrades

You should only see sponsors ads when subscribed. Lifetime subscribers see no ads all all inc sponsors.

I need a few people work with me while I'm testing ads out. An Arms members, an Esteemed, and then a normal newish member. Oh and a subscribed one.

Then this week we'll find the Goldilocks Zone where we make some money but don't annoy regulars.

 

[Dan]

I've noticed across multiple devices in the last few days what seems to be an increase in advertising intensity. So much so on the mobile that I had to install a different ad blocker otherwise the forum was basically unusable, the ads completely drowning out the content. If it is a real change and not a result of my browsers being updated etc, then my impression is that it is counterproductive.

@Lucien Nunes
Can you try that now for me mate, I think I've possibly fixed it?
Also, let me know what device you're on (whether mobile or desktop is fine, don't need actual hardware make and model etc - more screen size related than what's viewing the screen)


And @James, can you see what it's like for you now please matey?
[automerge]1599377870[/automerge]
Looks quite calm to me now. Just sponsors banners.

 

[James]

[automerge]1599378399[/automerge]
That’s what I see looking at this thread from my ipad

 

[littlespark]

Here’s what I see.
banner ad at top, then two below before the sponsors.

It’s only the top one that’s annoying. Trying to close it to see the menu behind with big fingers on a small screen.

It’ll get sorted.

 

[Dan]

@James okay thanks mate. I might need to run a flush of the cache at CloudFlare.com.

Hang in there a min.

This is what I'm trying to end up with.

	Google Ads	Can Apply for Arms	Sponsors Ads	See Sponsors Offers Forums
Unregistered	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Registered	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Posted 100	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Esteemed	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Subscriber	No	No	No	Yes

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Here’s what I see.
banner ad at top, then two below before the sponsors.
View attachment 60610

View attachment 60611

It’s only the top one that’s annoying. Trying to close it to see the menu behind with big fingers on a small screen.

It’ll get sorted.

Google is switching our different types of ads out for their own display ads. I'm kinda fighting with their code here but the table above shows what I'm trying to aim for.

 

[Dan]

OKAY - I've ran a purge of the cloudflare cache. That should force your browsers to load a fresh copy of the forum on your next page visit. You might need to flush your own local cache on your devices (clear cookies and site cache, no need to purge saved logins etc).

I've stuck the forum in development mode, so no cache is saved at cloudflare for 8 hours. That gives lots of time for lots of members to do this and test for me.

That all said, It's Daddy & Daughter time for a few hours, we're going play basketball. So I'll come back see what the results are then. Then either scream with joy or scream with anger. lol

Just in case you missed these important posts

More ads, suddenly?

I've noticed across multiple devices in the last few days what seems to be an increase in advertising intensity. So much so on the mobile that I had to install a different ad blocker otherwise the forum was basically unusable, the ads completely drowning out the content. If it is a real change...

www.electriciansforums.net

and

More ads, suddenly?

I've noticed across multiple devices in the last few days what seems to be an increase in advertising intensity. So much so on the mobile that I had to install a different ad blocker otherwise the forum was basically unusable, the ads completely drowning out the content. If it is a real change...

www.electriciansforums.net

 

[littlespark]

Works for me. Just closed safari, opened it straight away and all the googly ads were gone.

I’d like a daddy-daughter day..... but I can’t choose between the 3 which one it is.

 

[GBDamo]

Can people please stop posting pictures of the Reply box.

I've just spent 15mins trying to type into a screenshot.

Its not big and I'm not clever.

Oh and all the ads have now vanished, cheers Dan.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Okay I've made some tweaks to the Google Tags. So that should stop anybody who's subscribing from seeing any? @James - confirmation?

Then esteemed members should only see one or two.

But the sponsors banners are being trialed in a few places. Due to mobiles not showing the sidebar near the content but under it instead which isn't good for them. So we're rotating spots for them within the content. Trialing a few areas.

When COVID hit, Google revenue for us dropped 83% over night. Was similar for Facebook/Instagram and Twitter. All advertising revenue dropped. It's not anywhere near where it should be. So I'm testing a lot. But esteemed members should eventually just see one or two google ads. But see three sponsors ad POSITIONS that rotate between all the sponsors - once I've finished testing.

ALL MEMBERS CAN USE AD - BLOCKERS, that's fine.

Alternatively subscribe and help the forum stay online. We've been juggling bills since March.

Subscribe link is here: https://www.electriciansforums.net/account/upgrades

You should only see sponsors ads when subscribed. Lifetime subscribers see no ads all all inc sponsors.

I need a few people work with me while I'm testing ads out. An Arms members, an Esteemed, and then a normal newish member. Oh and a subscribed one.

Then this week we'll find the Goldilocks Zone where we make some money but don't annoy regulars.

Dan, You mention that it's fine to use ad blockers but when we try to use them we get a notice at the bottom of the screen which basically means we wont use them because it restricts the screen. Is this something that is here to stay? (see pic below). I've deliberately made it small for you @GBDamo so it doesn't confuse you .

 

[HappyHippyDad]

The space where the adverts used to be is still there but it's simple a large blank space between posts, with a header saying 'advertisement'.

 

[Dan]

Dan, You mention that it's fine to use ad blockers but when we try to use them we get a notice at the bottom of the screen which basically means we wont use them because it restricts the screen. Is this something that is here to stay? (see pic below). I've deliberately made it small for you @GBDamo so it doesn't confuse you .
View attachment 60612

I didn't realise that was the case mate. Let me go find that notice. That must be from a while ago when I didn't allow the blocking of ads. But now it's all gone belly up with the control, I have to say sometimes it's the only way to browse the place.

The space where the adverts used to be is still there but it's simple a large blank space between posts, with a header saying 'advertisement'.

That space is reserved for the ad. So when you're blocking the ad, you're not blocking the space too. Some ad-blockers will manage to block that for you. I'm not too clued up with them personally. And you have to be careful not to block the wrong Javascript sections of the site, as you lose some functionality of it.

Of course the other option is to Subscribe then you don't even see sponsors banners etc.

https://www.electriciansforums.net/account/upgrades

 

[Dan]

Dan, You mention that it's fine to use ad blockers but when we try to use them we get a notice at the bottom of the screen which basically means we wont use them because it restricts the screen. Is this something that is here to stay? (see pic below). I've deliberately made it small for you @GBDamo so it doesn't confuse you .
View attachment 60612

@happyhippydad I have enabled my ad-blocker (ad block plus) and don't get any message at all.

I've searched the forum language for the wording in your message and there isn't any parts of our forum software that contain those two sentences, or any version of them.

So it has to be one of your other tabs that displays it, but when you change tabs the message is still there perhaps?

Can you try closing down your browser, open up the forum in a fresh browser window, and then load this thread or whatever - see if the message appears then, please?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

View attachment 60616

@happyhippydad I have enabled my ad-blocker (ad block plus) and don't get any message at all.

I've searched the forum language for the wording in your message and there isn't any parts of our forum software that contain those two sentences, or any version of them.

So it has to be one of your other tabs that displays it, but when you change tabs the message is still there perhaps?

Can you try closing down your browser, open up the forum in a fresh browser window, and then load this thread or whatever - see if the message appears then, please?

Just done all of that Dan and the message still pops up within a second of the page loading, it then stays there on every page I go to of the forum. I'm using 'ghostery'.
It's not the end of the world as I just add your site to the 'trusted' list which means ad block doesn't work for your site, then the message isn't there.