Ad-Blocking apps on Apple iOS 9 prompt backlash from publishers

He explained his moral dilemma in a blog post, saying that he wasn’t prepared to take all the heat from publishers who feel that one of their main revenue streams, the ads displayed on mobile devices, is being removed without any warning.

Data remains scarce, but the research suggests substantial numbers of internet users in the USA are blocking ads-and millennials are even more likely to do so.

Ad-blocking does not apply to apps, which are vetted by Apple before being allowed in the App Store and which come with the ability of Apple to share in revenue generated.

In February 2015, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford found that 41% of United States internet users used ad-blocking software on their desktop or laptop PCs, vs. 34% of internet users in the UK. Ad Block says it understands, and that’s why it has approved ads that, in its mind, keeps the gears of advertising commerce going without unduly annoying the masses. So it really doesn’t matter whether web sites see this as the only way that they can find to provide free content. The “contract” also conveniently leaves out the fact that, in addition to the loss of privacy and the visual experience of ads, their data allocation is going to be used, web pages will load slower, and overall, their experience of the site will be diminished. Publishers could revert to integrating each ad into the foundation of each webpage, much like a printed ad is inked on to the same paper as the article next to it. That would allow them to cut out the middlemen delivering ads that the ad blockers target. Yet some Web publishers are now fretting that ads on their sites can’t be viewed because of the blockers, which could threaten these publishers’ livelihoods. As it is not a default setting, the user will have to follow a few simple steps and activate the feature on their devices.

When Marco Arment released an app called Peace last week, it surged to the top of the global charts. There are plenty of businesses that have shown that people are willing to pay for content if it is packaged such that they can easily see value for money. That’s just under $8 billion this year, according to eMarketer.

Sponsored content and product placement already plays a major role in online video ad campaigns, but there is bound to be an increase in editorial partnerships too. The in-app purchase gives the user access to 7,000 pre- installed blockers which can be customized according to the user’s preference.

It has published a list of what is an acceptable ad that Ad Block Plus wouldn’t block. The blocker is powered by Ghostery which has a huge database. But then he chose to pull the app from the App Store. I am not going to try and persuade anyone reading this to turn off an adblocker if they have one in use, not only can I spend my time better, but I respect people’s freedom to do what they want, even if I wholeheartedly disagree with it. I will say this however, advertising keeps your favorite websites alive, whether you like this or not it is a fact.

“You are essentially fast-forwarding through the commercials the way people do with TV”. All you have to do is download either one and get on with your daily tasks. Native ads, advertorials and branded content are all formats that have been buzzwords for quite some time for anyone involved in website copywriting or content production.