[bluetidepro]

I think there is value in these types of sticky sidebars when they are used in the correct way. The correct way is when the sticky sidebar is a key of some sort. Links that jump around the current article for quick jumping. However, I agree, I can't stand when sites use these for ads or social media junk.

[drharris]

That's an excellent point. The sidebar on railstutorial.org is quite functional, and aside from some bright social icons not very distracting. I think that is the perfect use case for a sticky sidebar, navigation or additional information related to the actual body text. I guess I just see it used more as a new sidebar, basically emulating what framesets did for us back in the 90s.

[jakechance]

I agree that it all comes down to usage and content of the site. If the developer of the site uses something like this correctly to present always present useful information or links to the user, then they're great additions.

[knewter]

theverge is a GREAT example