Does anyone actually read them, or click on them, or feel tempted to buy whatever it is they're selling? I just scroll past, in irritation, and don't even look - so it means they're counter-productive, and do absolutely nothing except set up an aversion reaction. And, I've noticed, they're random, popping up here, then there - and now, everywhere.

The thing that bugs me is that they interrupt the meaning of what the poster is trying to say (which is the point of any forum), obstructing and manipulating my thought-flow away from the point of the person's comment. And I resent being hijacked, and having my own messages mutilated. So I fight back by actively withholding my attention from them altogether. But the effort of doing so leaves a nasty, toxic aftertaste, which I then associate with their product.

I did actually used to look at the ads in the top or bottom of pages - but this new thing pisses me off so much that I skip them all, wherever they are. How are the sellers-of-stuff going to earn anything when people begin to actively resist? I can understand why sites want/need adverts, and that's fine, AS LONG AS THEY STAY IN A CONSISTENT PLACE OUTSIDE THE FRAME OF THE MESSAGES.

I've always avoided ad-blockers, never feeling sure of what I'm signing on for or letting into my computer. Also, I've tried to play along with sponsors, and click on things that interest me. But no more. (And I can't see how that option is going to generate income for anybody either.) Anyone got a top recommendation for MacOS laptops & iPads?

If we could go back to the good old days of not having our posts (and my temper) swiss-cheesed, and keep the advertising to the top/bottom/margins, I would forswear the blockers and try to support them. But not when they pollute actual content, or my mental harmony.