Discussion of Ad Blocking on MacRumors

[bunnspecial]

It has long been my understanding that while discussions of ad blockers in general were permissible, discussing blocking ads specifically on the MR website was not permissible.

I can't locate them at the moment, but I recall old threads where @arn stated this.

I have recently seen specific discussion of blocking ads on MR and was told that this was okay.

I am seeking clarification on this rule/policy.

 

[arn]

We ask you don’t promote ad blocking macrumors specifically. In the case of overheating battery issues, its a valid option if it’s not improved with the other interventions.

 

[bunnspecial]

We ask you don’t promote ad blocking macrumors specifically. In the case of overheating battery issues, its a valid option if it’s not improved with the other interventions.

In the past I've seen posts on the PowerPC forum taken down over discussion of ad blocking on MR specifically. For the past several years, using an ad blocker(or a browser incapable of rendering ads) has been quite literally the only option to access the site.

Why is it okay to talk about it in the context to lessen device overheating/battery life, but a seeming double standard is applied when discussing being able to even access the site on certain hardware?

 

[arn]

In the past I've seen posts on the PowerPC forum taken down over discussion of ad blocking on MR specifically. For the past several years, using an ad blocker(or a browser incapable of rendering ads) has been quite literally the only option to access the site.

Why is it okay to talk about it in the context to lessen device overheating/battery life, but a seeming double standard is applied when discussing being able to even access the site on certain hardware?

I’m not sure if I’ve seen those posts, but if there is some nuance, we probably would allow it.

If the site won’t work on old hardware, I don’t think it would be an issue. Seems that would fall under ad blocking in general, anyhow - which has been allowed.

 

[bunnspecial]

I’m not sure if I’ve seen those posts, but if there is some nuance, we probably would allow it.

You say that, however I have seen posts removed and think I may have even had a post removed at one point in that specific context. That's how I became aware of the "Don't discuss blocking ads on MR" rule.

 

[arn]

Again, I don’t know what specific instance you are talking about but if it happens again, send it to me.

 

[bunnspecial]

As a more general comment, rule #12 under "Things Not to Do" seems pretty cut and dry

Forum Rules

Jump to: Instantly Bannable Offenses | Advertising/Self-promotion | Things Not to Do | Minor Problems The following rules govern use of the forums. You are also responsible for observing the Regist...

macrumors.zendesk.com

My experience has been that the letter of the rules are followed, so I guess also I'm not understanding why posts are allowed to stand when(even though it is a solution to a problem) this is frankly a letter violation of the rules.

Maybe it seems like I'm being difficult on this, but the rule doesn't say "Don't discuss ad blocking unless it's solving a specific problem" the rule says

Don't discuss blocking ads on the site.

No exceptions, no room(seemingly) for interpretation. And yes I'm point this out because I've been slapped and seen others slapped for, again, letter violations of rules...

 

[arn]

Consider this the one exception to the rule as it’s a new evolving issue.

 

[maflynn]

Consider this the one exception to the rule as it’s a new evolving issue.

Perhaps a slight adjustment to the rules is in order

Please avoid blocking ads on the site.

 

[joevt]

MacRumors limits the max width of its pages when ads are enabled - ignoring the window width. Is there a way to get max width without blocking ads? Even having a paid membership doesn't help.

 

[arn]

The max width isn’t related to ads or not. We just feel like it looks better that way but you can disable that. “Fluid HD” link at button of page will toggle it.

Fluid HD