forum wierdness -- problem and solution

[rodekyll]

I was unable to use the 'back arrow' to return to the main topic board.  The page would not move unless I re-opened the forum.  The problem is that the ad-bot is completely filling the 'go back' list with itself so you can't do anything except read the ads it has posted to the page.  A refresh simply prompts it to add more of itself to the list.

The solution is to go to your internet settings and under the security tab, add doubleclick.net to the list of blocked sites.  Doubleclick.net is a portal for thousands of auto-bots, so blocking it by ONLY typing doubleclick.net blocks a lot of unwanted traffic from all sorts of ad-bots on all sorts of sites.  It's the same problem that keeps you in an ebay listing instead of returning you to the main search list, and keeps you from returning to the main page of the news after clicking on an article.  So by blocking doubleclick.net you block a lot of aggravation. 

[atavar]

doesn't this also kill Luap's click profit?

[oldbike54]

doesn't this also kill Luap's click profit?

 Can't kill something that doesn't exist .

 Dusty

[atavar]

Can't kill something that doesn't exist .

 Dusty

If Luap's not getting profit from the ads then they shouldn't be there.. 

[Tom]

 :1:  Good point.

[rodekyll]

doesn't this also kill Luap's click profit?

I think that's secondary to being able to access the site.

[oldbike54]

 The ads come thru Google and are paid for at a small flat rate based on the size of WG . Trust me , this place runs on donations so that the boss isn't beholden to a corporate entity . Despite some persistent rumors , there is no corporate jet , or island retreat , or payroll 

 Dusty

[Tom]

Even if there was a profit, it should go to Luap for running the forum.   Only $425 to make the operating goal for 2016.  Close.

[atavar]

The ads come thru Google and are paid for at a small flat rate based on the size of WG . Trust me , this place runs on donations so that the boss isn't beholden to a corporate entity . Despite some persistent rumors , there is no corporate jet , or island retreat , or payroll 

 Dusty

I disagree, I have created enough web sites to know that ads like these are placed there on purpose by the web designer.  They do not magically appear by the auspices of the almighty Google.  No site I have ever created has had ads except for a couple I experimented with doing on free design sites. 
I do not for a moment think that Luap is making great profit for ads. It must be at least marginally significant though or I am sure Luap would forgo the annoyances and the problems that come with them at a pittance. 

[oldbike54]

Even if there was a profit, it should go to Luap for running the forum.   Only $425 to make the operating goal for 2016.  Close.

 I agree , last year he actually made enough to take LaSondra out for a steak dinner 

 Here is the deal fellas , this place does run on donations , however , like Luap says , those are voluntary based on how a person feels . Many here provide amazing tech support , for free , which draws folks to WG . No coercion , but certainly all donations are welcome .

 Dusty

[fotoguzzi]

I don't have any problem with the back button on either Firefox or Safari. In preferences I have blocked pop ups.

[Tom]

Those newer to the forum.  Dave was also a moderator.  I didn't volunteer because I'm savy enough and youse guys don't like me. 

[atavar]

I do want to chime in and say that RK's advice is spot on and will work.  I didn't mean to devalue that.  I was just inquiring if it would affect the ad revenue.

[Tom]

Probably not.  If I'm wrong.  Someone can correct me. 

[oldbike54]

Those newer to the forum.  Dave was also a moderator.  I didn't volunteer because I'm savy enough and youse guys don't like me. 

 Actually no one "volunteers" for the job 

 

Probably not.  If I'm wrong.  Someone can correct me. 

 No effect .

 Dusty

[Chuck in Indiana]

So.. where do I find internet settings/security? <Luddite/0>

[Luap McKeever]

Ahhh those pesky ads that provide me with enough profit to take my wife to a nice dinner once a month.  Small reward for the some 30 or so hours I put into keeping the site free for the entire world.  Defensive about it am I? You betcha. I make about $1.75 per labor hour.

Anyone that knows anything about running a large website on a dedicated server, with tons of script hits, hosting and relay fees, legal fees, support fees, maintenance fees, (heck I could go on for days) knows that most people would charge a subscription and make this their full time job.  Me, nope.  I work about 50 hours a week at my full time job and then come home and put in another hour or two a day maintaining this thing.  Optimizing tables, fixing database errors, clearing space consuming log files, answering emails, mediating a keyboard fist fight, resetting passwords for people, explaining why I don't read every post, approving new members, etc.  If me getting roughly $50 a month for that is causing that much of a problem, I can't help it.  I could cancel the ads, but I like dinner with the wife  .  It helps me make up for the times I ignore her while maintaining this place for you.  Hope you understand my conundrum.

Happy riding

[donn]

I don't have any problem with the back button on either Firefox or Safari. In preferences I have blocked pop ups.

Same here - graphic back button, or keyboard command-left, works OK for me.  I wouldn't guess it has anything to do with popups, but the whole thing has a kind "Microsoft Windows - problem and solution" sound to it.

[fotoguzzi]

Luap, you're my HERO!

[Tom]

Thanks Luap!  Your work is the main reason why I don't mind taking $hit from the other forum members when I mention after their kudos and accolades that as a SUGGESTION.  They may want to make a monetary donation for the running of the forum.

[Idontwantapickle]

I just hit the link "General Discussion" at the top and it refreshes back to the latest moaning whining advice and council on offer.
Besides,  all those ads give away what others in my house are shopping for! 
Hunter

[PJPR01]

I thought we were getting to the point where the national minimum wage was at least $10 bucks an hour!  Someone ought to correct this situation ASAP!

Thanks for running a great forum as always Luap!

[rodekyll]

I don't understand the fuss.  The solution doesn't stop the inline ads.  It stops the bouncing between google ads and double-click.net that floods your 'back' list with its own url.  So when you push the back button it goes back instead of engaging the endless bounce loop.

The problem is in the adbot's script.  It's not a WG website issue.  I see it on ebay and news sites, too.