Are Ads Really Bad For Forums?

[Nomad]

My forums contain ads, mostly Google Adsense ads. However, I frequently hear from forum ads, community managers and leaders that ads are not good for forums, as they kill user interaction. Well, I do understand that intrusive ads like pop-ups, flashy banners, and autoplay videos, can drive users away. These ads slow down site load time and make navigation difficult. Overloading a forum with too ads may lead to a poor user experience. What about having a few banner ads on header, footer or side bars?

 

[Dominique]

Ads aren’t inherently bad for forums, but they can negatively impact user experience if overused or intrusive. If ads are relevant, well-placed, and don’t disrupt content, they can help generate revenue without harming the community.

 

[Nomad]

Yeah, if over used or if intrusive, ads will certainly create bad forum experience. Too many ads can also be detrimental for forums. I have used as many as 5 ad units on my blogs, but for forums I limit to just 3 ad units

 

[Ja sa bong]

It's only when ads are used in an intrusive manner that I consider them very bad for forums. I would quit using search forums immediately once their ads become intrusive.

 

[eLdavis]

No i don't think ads are bad for forums, but it would only become and issue when the ads are becoming too much.

 

[koyala]

Ads on forums can be beneficial for generating revenue but can also negatively impact user experience if overdone or intrusive. To strike a balance, ads should be relevant and non-disruptive, ensuring they don’t overshadow the content or community atmosphere.

 

[Heatman]

Can forum owners be able to do without ads? The answer is yes and no. It depends on what are the objectives of the forum owner. If he's looking at making money from the forum, using ads is a must and vice versa.

 

[Kennysplash]

I do not really condemn ads on forums. Forums that have a lot of members and activities can make money from ads displayed. What I just do not like is littering the forums all with ads that it becomes impossible to navigate

 

[Deep]

My forums contain ads, mostly Google Adsense ads. However, I frequently hear from forum ads, community managers and leaders that ads are not good for forums, as they kill user interaction. Well, I do understand that intrusive ads like pop-ups, flashy banners, and autoplay videos, can drive users away. These ads slow down site load time and make navigation difficult. Overloading a forum with too ads may lead to a poor user experience. What about having a few banner ads on header, footer or side bars?

Use minimal, well-placed banner ads in headers or sidebars. Prioritize speed, layout balance, and user experience to retain engagement.