Ideally could have an "ad financed network" that is open-source and distributed p2p, allowing anyone to install the server in their home on a raspberry pi and still be somewhat in control.
Most people don't know what a raspberry pi is. Even if you pre-packaged it for them to the extent where you only need to plug in the box and literally do nothing else, they would still ask why they'd want it over facebook. What's the answer? There is none. At least none that will convince regular people.
Problem could be that implementations for ad networks are notorious for tracking. You would need privacy sensitive, distributed ad networks as well.
Ads don't necessarily have to be tracking. I do realize that is the current standard reality on the internet, but historically ads don't track.
The money in such a network is severely lacking when more targeted products are available.
but there is not much money that needs to be made to recoup the basic costs of a raspberry and the energy, and all the profit can be given directly to the users and content creators.