Ask HN: Do you not submit things because page is festooned w pop-ups/ads/etc.?

3 bookofjoe 6 8/9/2025, 3:43:45 PM

That's been my practice for a while now. No matter how compelling/original/interesting/useful the content, if it's a visual headache I pass.

Comments (6)

k310 · 23h ago

I think that most of us use ad-blockers.

I occasionally have to turn off javascript for the page for un-dismissable nags, and I use readability features all the time thanks to narrow columns and tiny, "gray on light gray background" type.

And worse, when a site asks "Type your email address", and I type "your email address" as it demands, it fails. (JK)

bookofjoe · 23h ago

See, being a TechnoDolt I have no such recourse as you: no ad-blockers/turning off javascript/readability features/VPN etc. I'm condemned to absorbing a barrage of junk every day as a result.

k310 · 20h ago

It's real easy. Just ask. Safari has some built-in ad-blocking, and a "reader" mode. I seem to be using AdGuard. An easy trip to the app store to get. Search adblock.

Firefox has the fantastic uBlock Origin extension. And others. Easy through the Mozilla extension store.

Both of these have "reader" modes built-in.

I can't speak for others, but just search for adblock (your_browser_and_OS).

Highly recommended if it works for you uBlock Origin

https://ublockorigin.com/

bookofjoe · 17h ago

Here's the thing: all I've read over the years about ad blockers and their ilk notes that occasionally they'll prevent a site you want to see from loading. For me, that's a complete dealbreaker. Diff'rent strokes, I guess....

k310 · 16h ago

Just disable it if a site breaks. I haven't seen one, and I am all over the internet.

Browsers have drop down menus or icons in the tool bar that make it easy. Even my bank gripes about not allowing popups, but if I forget to disable extensions, it works fine.

I treat exceptions as exceptions, and not as the rule.

Enjoy the web like it was before dot com!

bookofjoe · 2h ago

I have no interest or time or desire to disable anything when I'm online. Much easier to simply take things as presented. Plus then I'm forced to reenable the blocker: way too much effort for lazy me.

I likewise don't want to deal with drop down menus or tool bar icons when online. Again, too much active involvement required. I'm focused on site content, not presentation.

I AM enjoying the web like it was before dot com — at least in terms of simply arriving there and doing what I like to do.