It doesn't seem that using Adblock Plus is in any way illegal, but I can't help but feel guilty that I might be unfairly benefitting at the expense of websites and other users. Is using Adblock unethical?
Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
1–10 of 20 posts
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#2No. Advertisers don't have the right to your attention.
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#3No. I use Adblock Plus for all of my regular browsing (on Chrome) and I also use Ghostery to reduce tracking scripts and other cruft on webpages. If a site won't display for me with my default installation of Chrome extensions, I assume it is a lousy site. If I absolutely must use the site without blocking some scripts, sometimes I hold my nose and use IE 9 for a moment to use the site, but then go back to using Chrome with Adblock and Ghostery.
It's perfectly legitimate to get up and get a drink of water instead of watching commercials on broadcast TV, and it is equally legitimate to not view advertisements on websites that post advertisements.
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#4Yes. You consume someones content and their resources, repay them with a CPM impression.
That is unarguable.
However, very few here will be man/woman enough to admit they're an asshole and don't care about the finances of the website. It's the true reason why we use Adblock and pirate others' IP.
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#5My personal ethics demand that I respect the rights of creators to decide on the restrictions under which their output can be consumed. If I don't find someone's restrictions acceptable, I simply don't consume their content. There is an awful lot of worthwhile content available in the world, and I've never felt like I was missing out because -- say, Game of Thrones can't legally be streamed and I therefore can't watch it.
On the other hand, I am aware that everyone's ethics are different, and I generally try to withhold judgment.
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#6No. Advertisers don't have the right to your attention.
Do the producers of content have a right to monetize their audience via advertising?
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#7No. I use Adblock Plus for all of my regular browsing (on Chrome) and I also use Ghostery to reduce tracking scripts and other cruft on webpages. If a site won't display for me with my default installation of Chrome extensions, I assume it is a lousy site. If I absolutely must use the site without blocking some scripts, sometimes I hold my nose and use IE 9 for a moment to use the site, but then go back to using Chro…
That's a false equivalency isn't it? Systematically removing all advertising from all webpages is not the same as getting up for a drink of water while watching TV.
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#8It would be great if there was an tracking/advert blocking solution that let you block based on what is in their privacy policy, if anything, in which country they are based, and so on.
This could allow you to only permit advertisements/tracking that are have a privacy policy that you find tolerable and that is subject to FTC enforcement/auditing and penalties.
Your conscience can be clear, since you have the means to allow sites to fund themselves via advertising if they deal with ethical advertisers.
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#9No. Advertisers don't have the right to your attention.
Do the producers of content have a right to monetize their audience via advertising?
Of course, but not the right to be successful in doing so. Most sites where I have adblock enabled have too many ads to the point of making it difficult to navigate the content. OTOH, I don't block ads from google, since they are visually restrained and unobtrusive.
Re: Ask HN: Is using Adblock unethical?
#10No. I use Adblock Plus for all of my regular browsing (on Chrome) and I also use Ghostery to reduce tracking scripts and other cruft on webpages. If a site won't display for me with my default installation of Chrome extensions, I assume it is a lousy site. If I absolutely must use the site without blocking some scripts, sometimes I hold my nose and use IE 9 for a moment to use the site, but then go back to using Chro…
That's a false equivalency isn't it? Systematically removing all advertising from all webpages is not the same as getting up for a drink of water while watching TV.
We're not systematically removing it. It's still there for other people. We are automating our own choice not to view it. What you do at the server side is your business.