[xavier2]

Quote - "It looks like you're blocking ads". Where did this come from? Simply not true. Not pleasant to have your wrist slapped for something you haven't done. An apology?

[throoper]

I found it offensive beyond words.
While I agree with the sentiments and that the site needs money to run, a nice request in a topic reply or TSG newsletter would have been nice.
Instead this pops at the top of every page, but I notice only if you're logged in.
My first reaction to it was "Sweet, Now I'm going to be nagged for cash everytime I log in to help someone?"

[dotty999]

I must admit it surprised me too! I feel like Big Brother is watching me!

[Blackmirror]

Think it could have been worded a wee bit better

I never click on ads anyway
Havent got time lol

[throoper]

If you go to the Homepage there's a nice statement concerning "Free" help and how the site is run by volunteers, but donations are appreciated (OOPS, if you're logged in you just get the "Pony up" nag).
I can just picture new people who register, and the first thing they see on every page they go to is "Give". We'll help, but just a little guilt and pressure to go along with it.

Offensive, tasteless, tacky, add your own adjective.
This says to me, cough up 20+ bucks a year to avoid it or go elsewhere.
Rarely do I get angry, but this is simply over the top and I fear I may reconsider coming here in the future.

[LauraMJ]

I don't normally see ads since I donate, however, I went and turned the ads back on for myself. I don't block ads, nor do I see the announcement that Xavier2 mentions. What I see is a small block with the text inside that says

"Help Us Help You!
Donate $20 and
see no ads!"
(this is on the right hand side at the bottom of the ads column, under all the other ads.)

Which I think is very reasonable and is also something that NEEDS to be shown, since many newer members don't even realize they could donate AND have the ads turned off.

I have not personally seen the other one, though one of the moderators have said they have seen it and they also do not block ads. Sounds like that particular announcement is only supposed to be for those who are running a blocking program, but it does not always know when one is blocking or not.

[dotty999]

this is what I get..

It looks like you're blocking ads.

If everyone blocked ads, sites like this one couldn't afford to exist. This site is free only because our costs are offset by advertisers. We're not upset with you and won't block your access to Tech Support Guy, but wanted to make you aware that you could be hurting the "free Internet" in the long run. If you'd prefer to view our site without ads, consider donating $20 to earn a Premium Membership. That way you won't see ads and help support our site in the process!



I'm a member of other pc forums and have never been asked to donate in this way.

[Blackmirror]

Its a bit in your face

Maybe better to have it pop up when you first log in

[dotty999]

it is indeed in your face and not on the right hand side as Laura sees it but smack bang in the middle above the first post.

I find it intrusive to say the least

[throoper]

Here's what you see at the top of every single page when logged in.
And Laura, I agree that people should help out financially (if they are able) and I know that I should contribute.
Like I said before, a little guilt with topic notifications or newsletter, even a special E-mail to all the older members (asking newly registered members would be a bit pushy IMHO) would in all likely-hood have worked.
But this is, just thought of another adjective, DISGUSTING.
I believe if I had seen something like this immediately after first registering several years ago, I may well have not returned.

[LauraMJ]

Thanks for the screenshots, those are appreciated. Like I said, that is not the one I see, I see (when I turn ads on) a very small one on the right, and it only says what I posted above, so it's a completely different thing (and not so "in your face," IMO.)

This seems to be quite new and perhaps it was just something Mike was trying out? I think if everyone just politely gives their opinion on it, I'm sure Mike will take that into consideration.

Personally, if the thing was more accurate on targeting JUST those running blocking programs (who are, in effect, bypassing the system and getting a "free" premium membership), it would not bother me having it there.

[dotty999]

most of the time I access TSG from work as I am now which doesn't block ads, this is obviously account related as the heading is still there though for some reason I'm not seeing ads now at work!

[TechGuy]

I assume the complaint is that isn't coming up when you aren't actually blocking ads? If so, please let me know what browser (including version) you're using so I can check it out! Thanks!

[TechGuy]

(FYI, I went ahead and changed the title of this thread as the original one wasn't very descriptive. )

[TechGuy]

I'm surprised to read that people are so offended by the message. I was very careful to write it in such a way that it wouldn't upset people. It isn't a pop-up and doesn't block access to the site as some other sites do. It also just takes up the empty space that would have been filled by an ad anyway. If folks would feel better about not mentioning the Donations in it, I wouldn't mind dropping that. But I do think folks need to realize that they're hurting free sites when they block ads.