> We know that there are many reasons for running an ad blocker, from simply wanting a faster, cleaner browsing experience to concerns about security and tracking software
Sigh, again, these are just the incidentals of ads. I wish everyone was just completely honest about what ads are for: they are ploys to manipulate viewers into buying things that they did not need until they watched that ad. Ads are not some goodwill clever mechanism to keep magazines in business. The purpose of ads is not to keep Wired in business.
That being said, I think Wired is completely in their right to escalate in the adblocking arms race. I just wish that they were honest about the rules of engagement: either you are open to the possibility of acquiring a purchasing need that you did not have until you watched an ad, or you do not read Wired's articles.
> they are ploys to manipulate viewers into buying things that they did not need until they watched that ad.
I think those ads definitely exist-- , but I think as well ads can just be a company with a thing, making sure you're aware of that thing.
I presume you enjoy at least some movies. I also presume you have missed movies that you would have enjoyed, because the trailer or whatever never made it to you. Getting that movie trailer or poster to you, and only getting those trailers or posters of movies that you'd like to you, is definitely advertising, but I don't think it's negative advertising.
For wired the point is the ad is for them to stay in business. For the company advertising the point of the ad is to sell something. Maybe it is something you want, maybe it is something you don't need,maybe it is showing you need. But this isn't a conspiracy for wired to sell you something you don't need.
It's not a conspiracy, but it's so annoying that nobody speaks about the ultimate purpose of ads. Their ultimate purpose is not Wired. Keeping Wired in business is just one more incidental. If our purpose is to keep Wired in business, there are other ways besides ads.
So, let's talk about the ultimate purpose of ads. Do we endorse that purpose or not? That's the conversation I really want to be having.
> they are ploys to manipulate viewers into buying things that they did not need until they watched that ad.
I have to take issue with this, sorry. You may not be fully cognizant of your needs at the time you see an ad, and what if an ad tells you something about what you want rather than what you "need"? And who are you to make that call for anyone other than yourself?
While I generally hate being advertised to, there are certainly times when advertising has shown me things I didn't know existed but wanted to buy as soon as I did. Especially in the case of books.
Sigh, again, these are just the incidentals of ads. I wish everyone was just completely honest about what ads are for: they are ploys to manipulate viewers into buying things that they did not need until they watched that ad. Ads are not some goodwill clever mechanism to keep magazines in business. The purpose of ads is not to keep Wired in business.
That being said, I think Wired is completely in their right to escalate in the adblocking arms race. I just wish that they were honest about the rules of engagement: either you are open to the possibility of acquiring a purchasing need that you did not have until you watched an ad, or you do not read Wired's articles.
Or like Hobbes said to Calvin...
http://ignatz.brinkster.net/cimages/joyce.gif