I know some legitimate businesses depend on ads for revenue, but it really has become ridiculous. As a 'normal' internet user, being bombarded and having websites complaining about my ad blocker is starting to piss off quite a bit of people. When I need something, I buy it online most of the time (if possible). I'm kinda happy someone is gaming that whole system against them, maybe it will help transform the ad ecosy…
I'm not sure I can see how this would really help transform the ad ecosystem, even on a sustained basis. The hackers did this enrich themselves at the expense of companies wanting to advertise a product. If the victimized companies were selling low value or dubious products (a value judgement) like magical diet pills, then it might bankrupt a few of them in the short-term. Maybe those companies who lost money go back…
They stop advertising through the web, and we can get rid of the ad-driven startup bubble, and get rid of most ads on the web in general.