Do blocked ads still generate revenue for the site owner?

April 4, 2006 9:37 AM

I am using the UserContent.css file found here to block most ad images from showing in Firefox 1.5. Some sites I visit (and want to support) get their only revenue from ads. Does this method of blocking ads cut into their revenue?

I figure the money from programs like Google's AdSense is calculated based on impressions (like pageviews?), but since the UserContent.css file is local, does it somehow screw with the count being reported back to the ad server? Does the browser still call the ads up upon loading, and just not show them?

posted by toomanyplugs to computers & internet (6 comments total)

if you switch to Adblock Plus there is an option that allows you to enter specific sites that you'd like to support. When you visit these sites, you see the ads load but disappear quickly.

http://adblockplus.mozdev.org/
posted by jeffmik at 9:44 AM on April 4, 2006

AdSense is a per-click system. There is a CPM component to it, but few sites are actually targeted for this. So if you feel like you're the sort of person who never clicks on ads online for any reason, then you're not costing them. But since most CSS files simply hide stuff than stop it loading, you shouldn't have any effect (except the effect of never clicking the ads).
posted by wackybrit at 9:49 AM on April 4, 2006

A lot of small sites are not necessarily getting revenue from impressions. Many sites which display ads are getting their revenue from clicks or from affiliate programs (e.g. Amazon Associates), not from impressions. Assuming that you never click on one of these links and/or never buy anything advertised, your actions would be revenue neutral.
posted by Robert Angelo at 9:52 AM on April 4, 2006

wackybrit and Robert:
I tend to turn a blind eye to ads anyway, so I guess I'm not doing much to help anyone. At least I'm not hurting them, either. Thanks for your replies.
posted by toomanyplugs at 10:04 AM on April 4, 2006

The Stylish extension for Firefox allows you to write different stylesheets for different sites.

Doesn't directly address your problem, but just to say the usercontent.css isn't the only way to adjust sites to suit your preferences.
posted by AmbroseChapel at 2:16 PM on April 4, 2006

Disclaimer: I make my money from online advertising.

While some online campaigns do pay on a click or an action many still pay based on simple impressions. Blocking the ads nukes impressions. Running a website does cost money and advertising pays the bills at most of the websites in your bookmarks list.

Keep in mind that the people behind your favorite sites select the ads that you see. If an ad really bugs you, send a screenshot to the publisher with a note describing why it irks you so. Hopefully they can pick ads that better complement their site and still make rent.
posted by deanj at 1:57 PM on April 5, 2006