Ironically (or not) this is the Apple side of the Android/iOS debate. And most people are happier with iOS. (And use Macs over Linux, FWIW.)
[I probably shouldn't mention that I personally think adblockers are unethical :) ]
Source?
> And use Macs over Linux, FWIW.
This could be explained by marketing.
> I personally think adblockers are unethical
Do you think ads are ethical? For a relevant example, how about an Apple ad that successfully uses emotion to convince you to buy a Mac instead of a Linux computer that would better suit your needs at a better price hypothetically?
Generally, yes. Ads are an important function of commerce, tbh.
False ads, of course, are not ethical. But we do have laws in that area (not that people don't break them.)
If so: how do you think people will find out about new things? Even, like, a new movie or productivity product?
However, the majority of ads I’m discussing don’t adhere to that. Overall, people are pretty good about finding out about things! If it’s really desired, some will seek it out. Others will learn via word of mouth. Steam is a good example I think where people find games without having to see ads on TV, online, or other areas.
IMHO, something like "Show HN" is not much different than an ad. In some sense, neither is your resume. They are all about letting people know about options. But I can understand that those can be more contextual than other ads.
HN can obviously be gamed, but I think when people ask or share tools they use to solve certain problems, that demonstrates a desire to discover something new showing that there are ways to discover valuable tools without ads. That type of discovery is a lot different from an ad on Instagram for a drop ship company advertising its US roots while repackaging cheap Chinese manufactured products. In the latter example, I feel the ad exists entirely to sell something that is completely unneeded rather than to inform about something the person genuinely could find valuable.
> In the latter example, I feel the ad exists entirely to sell something that is completely unneeded rather than to inform about something the person genuinely could find valuable.
Ironically, this is why "targeted ads" are (in theory) beneficial to both sides. Companies certainly would love to sell you their product -- whether you want it or not. But advertisers would rather show ads to people who will want their product (versus those that don't). This is why Instagram is a powerful platform: it knows a lot about you.
The common privacy concern (which is real, but sometimes overstated) is that the more the advertisers know about you, the worse it is. But "Show HN" is kinda the opposite. That's why you like it more.
In any case, I'm not trying to convince you of anything. I personally see ads as a component of commerce. I'm willing to pay to see fewer ads (like Youtube premium) because I value my time. But I accept that websites that earn money from ads deserve to have them seen.
When you let marketing run things, you get what’s currently happening with Apple. A decline in software quality alongside products designed to be replaced more frequently than they need to be. It’s worse for consumers as well as the environment.
I certainly align with you on paying for YouTube premium to avoid ads. I’m perfectly happy to pay for goods and services. I just wish I could traverse my city without seeing billboards crammed everywhere and someone always trying to sell me something. It’s a wonder why I enjoy The Rolling Stones’ Satisfaction so much haha.
Interestingly, ChromeOS (Linux) has a higher market share than MacOS.
Being forced to run random code and be tracked is unethical. But I should probably mention I'm a big supporter of the small web.
Okay, I’ll bite. How are adblockers unethical?
There is an implicit agreement that using those websites (for free) means you watch ads. I think: if you don't agree with that, then you shouldn't go to those sites.
We complain about "enshitification" -- but then we take away all potential sources of revenue (and refuse to pay). So the only companies that can provide "free" services are ones that are already monetizing you in other ways.