it doesn't bother me at all nor do I see it myself. but, if that is one's pet-peeve of seeing such ads on a basically free site, that is their choice. what I want this site to have are sponsors that can tweak the computer of the hybrid giving more mileage on the already impressive hybrid vehicles vs unrelated promotional gimmicks.

 

I don't mind banner ads, etc. since that's what they are...ads.
I really don't like slipping in an ad pretending it's a post, since that is clearly designed to trick, deceive, con, (pick your favorite term) the viewer. It's wrong, plain and simple.
I think many have already fled the forum as the post activity is way down.
I have a relatively high post count (not sure if I should be embarassed or proud), I authored the FAQ and have been reasonably active.
I'm not opposed to site owners trying to make a buck or two as, I've said, I'm involved with my own site (computer security). But I am opposed to (what I see as) unethical behavour.
I abandoned other sites due to their policies (CNET.com's forums, for example, doesn't allow links to other forums...even if there is information at the other site that is needed or beneficial) and find this site's policy objectionable, so will leave this site, too.
Site owner couldn't care less if one person leaves, that's too bad.

 

the site owner is IB or internet brands and have contracts with other companies to be able to be profitable(and keep us from paying a fee to access the site and has to have those contracts honored). they also own basically vbulletin. I guess if one can tolerate such ads, it should not be problem. We have it too in the other forum that I moderate and that is just part of the game. But it is a driver's enthusiast forum and ad or not we are just bounded by the shared desire for a particular vehicle. Unfortunately, the greenhybrid in itself is too generalized and not to a specific brand.

 

Personally, when I have car trouble and need information, I don't worry too much if it comes wrapped in ads. I run websites too and I must say that many people have the wrong idea how much I make with ads and about the motivations. Since so many people browse the web with adblockers, site owner income goes down and creativity for earnings yields some forms of advertising that turns people off.
Nonetheless, I think the community opinion should matter the most, simply because a community makes or breaks a forum. I hate to see atrition of people who have helped me with good information. In the end, the loss to the site may be worse that the reduced income from dropping ads.
Doesn't matter to me if a site has ads or not, as long as I can still find the content and ads to content ratio is below 20%.

 

actually, the ads by postrelease doesn't need to be seen if you don't click on it. no big deal imo. it is just a personal pet-peeve which should not be the reason why one has to quit using the website. maybe new members that will come in will realize and accept as it is. the atrition on the site is because of interest in hybrids has waned down in the toyota section but is growing in the GM subforum which will improve once the volt becomes available this fall.

 

What is the difference between those ads and if I posted an ad of my own?

I think the Epson Work Force Printer is amazing. Its the best printer I've ever used! In fact, after I'm done typing this post, I'm going to print out this thread!
The colors are outrageous, the speed is great and it's really a good value.
Please buy the Epson Work Force Printer!

If this post is spam, or unwanted advertising, then please remove it. But it's hypocritical to remove it and let the other ads stay when the only difference is that owner gets paid for it. If my post is objectionable, then so is the other. Either keep both or remove both.
As I've implied in the poll questions, there are a lot of other forums out there.
As the results clearly show, the forum is on the wrong track.

As this is not really an ad, nor spam, but rather that I'm making a point, please do not remove it. I want the minority to know why the majority of the regular active members have left. BTW, my FAQ has a pretty high view count, not boasting, but rather showing how valuable members can be and how wrong it is to push them away.

 

^ I can't see!

 

The "Other, please explain" did not afford me the opportunity to explain. So let me explain:

Yes, I hate website clutter and sleazy ads, almost as much as the next guy. Except in this case, "the next guy" is David, and David really-really doesn't like them.

If David were a gambler, Las Vegas casinos would brand him a "whale", because of what he brings to the party. I'm not sure what the hybrid forum should call him, but "former-contributor" isn't it.

I strongly encourage the site ownership to reconsider their position.

 

+1

 

Am I missing something?????....is this discussion about the sticky on the opening page about winning a prize. So far 104 people have opened that site and I would bet a good persentage of the 104 were people like me who opened it to see what the big deal is that caused this thread. Whew....if you do not want see it,,,,,just ignore it. Again....am I missing something.......