About the coordinated demand by media houses that we switch off ad blocker on our browsers. The message displayed on these sites (NDTV): 'Ads help us bring you free content, so please turn off your ad blocker in order to continue' (or similar such messages)
There are a few issues to be flagged here. First, Ads don't get 'us' free content. Ads get 'them' revenue. Not that they should not generate revenue. However in my opinion and am sure others too, there are ways of making money that are presentable and acceptable. We all contribute to that ecosystem and benefit from it. It is a fair transaction.
And then there are coercive and obtrusive ways of making money. These ads on news and media websites started from being discreet, to loud, to occupying center space... and time too. It now insists on occupying whole pages by launching new ones, and keeping them on top.
In communication parlance it is now crass and indecent. There was a time when using upper case was seen as screaming. They have now taken over our viewership quality and experience. They have taken away the choice from our hands, and replaced it with whole pages bombarded with products and services ad that we do not need.
Internet etiquette, demands that you give the choice to the client side. We may click on ads that are relevant for us. Given the reach and penetration of the internet, it gives them numbers. Numbers that they can use to design the revenue stream. Yes you do have to command rates that maximize profits.
Companies still flaunt their Ad-words (Google) PPC (pay per click) revenue stream. That model is not redundant yet. For media houses that naturally get heavy visitor traffic, this policy of making 'news' subservient to 'ads' defies journalistic ethics and common etiquette.
I would love to know who designed this campaign. Their marketing team or the Editorial board on-board ! I have decided not to give in to their demands. Am finding ways of getting news content without being forced to view content that I do not wish to.
Also to the editorial boards.. that flags so many issues of ethics.Issues of ethics dear to internet users too. But when it came to your own house, your value systems perhaps too a day off. .. Extremely disappointed.
