If I remember correctly then patio11 argued strongly against adding anything that dates your posts and write "evergreen content" instead. From a reader perspective I never understood this: I much prefer if there is a date right at the top, under the headline. From a user perspective I also don't like to see ads, I don't like to be asked to sign up for a newsletter or to subscribe to a Youtube channel but I guess it's all necessary evil that's done for the business.