I prefer ads because, if they're a typical tracker disguised as an ad, I can block them without feeling even a tinge of guilt.

A few weeks ago I saw an ad on a blog post. I think it's the only one I've seen all year. I was so surprised, I looked at the source. It was just an image, hosted on the same domain, wrapped in standard anchor tag. It was even something I might consider using, a server monitoring service. I had never been so happy to see an ad.

This is the way all ads should be.

I don't have a problem with ads in general. But, I prefer not to have targeted ads -- I prefer ads that shoot from the hip and know as little about me as possible. I know that's not as compelling for advertisers, but they did ok with that model for a century.

I mean, if it were just as simple as, he likes gadgets and cycling: let's show him an ad for a new bike accessory -- that isn't so bad.

But when they know what your mood is, what your insecurities are, what your financial situation is, past purchases at one retailer linked with your phone number to purchases at another retailer, how likely you are to buy at a certain time of day, etc and then they show you the right ad, in the right place at the right time to exploit all of those things... that is too manipulative for my taste.

I'm very curious whether you have a citation RE mood and insecurities. I don't disbelieve you but they are pretty extraordinary claims.

I thought I was the only one.

Same here. Would love to see a targeted ad that makes me buy something new.

If it's a programming tutorial, it seems like the ad doesn't need to be targeted to you specifically, but to programmers in general. I really don't want to see another Zappos ad for some shoes I bought a month ago when reading a React tutorial.

> I prefer ads, but I'm one of those weirdos that doesn't see a problem with ads, and actually prefers targeted ads.

The ads are fine.

Surveillance capitalism is the problem.

Don't mistake the symptom for the disease.

I agree completely. And I'm also fine with people who want to be paid to teach.