I'm probably in minority but...

Well, here goes. I no longer enjoy coming here and it's not because of the people...you're all great! No, it's because of what stares me in the face when I come here. It's not the ads...those don't bother me in particular...it's what some of them show/suggest/ or are about. Guns and weapons, even for games, are not pleasant when one is having breakfast...bad for the digestion.

For what it's worth, I don't believe war is a suitable game...with or without actual bullets. It develops a 'them or me' mentality and creates hostility that shows up in other ways. If we're going to instill anything in people, let's instill a bit more respect and kindness by rewarding (yes, even in a game) that kind of behavior.

Well, I've said my piece...for whatever good it may do...even to get others to thinking along friendlier lines (well, I can dream, can't I?).

Sandi Bowman

[Dien Rice]

Originally Posted by Sandi Bowman

Well, here goes. I no longer enjoy coming here and it's not because of the people...you're all great! No, it's because of what stares me in the face when I come here. It's not the ads...those don't bother me in particular...it's what some of them show/suggest/ or are about. Guns and weapons, even for games, are not pleasant when one is having breakfast...bad for the digestion.

For what it's worth, I don't believe war is a suitable game...with or without actual bullets. It develops a 'them or me' mentality and creates hostility that shows up in other ways. If we're going to instill anything in people, let's instill a bit more respect and kindness by rewarding (yes, even in a game) that kind of behavior.

Well, I've said my piece...for whatever good it may do...even to get others to thinking along friendlier lines (well, I can dream, can't I?).

Hi Sandi,

I don't think everyone sees the same ads ... (I've never seen those ads you describe, for instance.)

However, I can block ads that are inappropriate. Some ads I've seen are kind of strange (and wrongly targeted) so I blocked 'em. Please let me know which ads you object to - in particular, what I need to know to block them is the URL of the website the ad goes to. (That's usually shown down near the bottom of the ad somewhere...) Of course, everyone should feel free to make suggestions... If you feel it is more appropriate, you can send me a private message or email ([email protected]) to let me know...

I personally am a big fan of this forum, and need to keep it going to feed my addiction to reading the great stuff you and many others post! So I have a self-interest in trying to keep everybody happy...

Best wishes,

Dien

Sandy,

I'm with Dien on this one. Haven't seen any ads such as you've discussed! The strongest one has been for a Teriyaki franchise.

BTW.. saw a recent study a couple of weeks ago in the news.. Violent games do not cause violent people. (Not even in kids.)

Pete

I am seeing the ad Sandi refers to right now. But only after I went back to actually view it. So, thank you Dien. I think the great content in this forum has helped to boost my immune system to banner ads and fly right past those war games. But for Sandi and others, maybe you could pull the plug on 'em.

Rod

Pete, have to disagree with you on the violence thing. Just go to a playground and see who/what the kids are imitating in their play. Better yet, try reading the news stories about all the copycat imitators and who/what THEY SAY they are trying to be like. It's frightening!

Studies can be frauds, too, don't forget...and many of them are just that. The media only reports on those things that fit their agenda...everything else is relegated to mini-spots and hidden places or not mentioned at all. You see, that kind of whitewash of things fits their sadistic movie ads, weaponry ads, ads for violent games and sites, etc ad nauseum. Simply because someone says it is so doesn't make it so.

Rod, you didn't happen to get the URL of that ad, did you?

Thanks, Dien, for the response and willingness to modify things. You're the #1 reason this forum maintains it's quality.

Sandi Bowman

[Dien Rice]

Originally Posted by Sandi Bowman

Rod, you didn't happen to get the URL of that ad, did you?

Yes, I need the URL to be able to block it... If anyone has a URL of an ad they'd like blocked and you don't want to post it, you can PM or email me...

I think I'm more-or-less happy to block anything that's not really "relevant"... Google's "contextual" advertising doesn't always get it "right"!

Best wishes,

Dien

[Ankesh]

Hi Dien,

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." - Bill Cosby

Doesn't mean you shouldn't ban some of the ads that pop up. But you need to follow your own guidelines to make the final decision. And it shouldn't be because one of the posters doesn't like it.

I think I'm more-or-less happy to block anything that's not really "relevant"... Google's "contextual" advertising doesn't always get it "right"!

Google learns over time which ads to show on a webpage and which to not. If people won't click on a specific ad, Google will quickly switch ads. And become better at contextual advertising over time.

On top of that, Google doesn't only rely on the page content to show the ads. It also tracks people with cookies. So if you've just come from say a sports website to Sowpub - you may well see a sports ad on Sowpub.

Because we talk about a lot of issues on this forum - including politics, guns, freedom, war - we are bound to see some of the ads that Sandi and others don't like. Trying to get rid of them could soon become a everyday nuisance job for you. Unless you put a stop to those conversations that attract the ads in the first place.

Well, that Google stuff may well be but I can shoot it full of holes, if you consider that I came from sites that: were about cooking and foods, weather related, health related, and simplifying your home life. Don 't see how THAT ties in with showing me guns and 'games'.

You are right, however, about needing some type of guidelines BUT I also think that Dien has a pretty good idea of what he wants to do and direction to go in...even without my input (or anyone else's for that matter). I have faith in his ultimate decisions one way or another.

Sandi Bowman

Originally Posted by Sandi Bowman

Well, that Google stuff may well be but I can shoot it full of holes....
Sandi Bowman

But to shoot it full of holes, you would need a... ummm... ???

HA! HA! HA!

Sandi Bowman