SaveTheFreeWeb.com - Discuss Ad-Supported Content and Ad-Blocking

Publishers of online content have found it very difficult to earn a living from advertising revenue. The increasing popularity of ad-blocking software raises even more questions about the viability of "free" (ad-supported) content. This site is dedicated to the discussion of the future of free content.

How Ad-Blocking Software Works

Discussion Forum

Press Release Announcing This Site

Related websites:
   Scumware.com
   StopScum.com
   TheEndOfFree.com

Proposals

Ad-Blocker User-Agent Standard for notification to web sites when their ads are being stripped.
Restraint in Advertising To decrease the demand for ad-blocking software, advertisers should avoid irritating the user just to generate click-throughs.
adblock.txt Standard An automated means for web sites to communicate their policy to ad-blocking software that visits the site.

External Articles

Web ad blocking may not be (entirely) legal The article looks at the possibile arguments for a lawsuit against ad blocking, precedent, and the likelihood of such a suit. It claims that 2.5 million people use Adblock Plus. CNET comments
Who blocks the (ad) blockers? The author argues that blocking ads on websites is theft of resources. It is worse than skipping TV ads because website operators incur expenses for users that don't generate revenue by viewing ads. See also Slashdot thread. CNET comments
Browser makers warned against ad-blocking An executive from DoubleClick warns that if browsers default to blocking ads it could be the end of free content. See also Slashdot thread. ZDNet Australia comments
More Articles>

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