[sgdread]

Context is the king.

Ads acceptable only when their subject matches context of browsing and the user intent. And works only when done in non-interruptible manner. If you break context and/or flow, people get uncomfortable, frustrated, angry. Angry people will install ad-blockers.

Some examples:

- if you search for a solution on how to fix a fridge, then fridge ads are acceptable. Google does exactly that in their search.

- if you're on sports stats tracking site, then athletic gear, food, etc are acceptable

- if I search stackoverflow for specific problem with my code - NO ads please, I'm not in a mood to buy something.

- in movies: John Wick is using TTI Glock 17 - having TTI ad near is perfectly fine (people will crave to know what's those cool things he's using). I.e. product placement is the way to go. What's happening on TV? You're watching Keanu shredding through the movie, then it suddenly stops and Chevy ad coming in. WTF?!111

[danbruc]

As long as the context is what you are watching or searching right here and right now, that seems acceptable. If the context includes what I did a few minutes ago on another site, that is in my opinion no longer acceptable. And personally I would not mind if the entire advertising industry just went out of business, I think ads are simply a bad idea.