Those using ad-blocking software will be blocked from reading the Croydon Guardian website.
The Croydon Guardian has announced that it will be blocking readers from viewing its website if they have ad-blocking software installed on their computers.
If a reader with ad-blocking software installed visits the website, they will receive this message:
"It looks like you have enabled software that blocks our advertising. Did you know that the revenue from advertising funds our local journalism.
So we can continue producing great local journalism, wed be grateful if you could disable your ad blocker, at least for this website.
The Croydon Guardian website also addresses this issue in the FAQ section:
But its the internet! It should all be freely available with no strings attached!
It would be great if it could be like that, but is it really reasonable to expect people to work hard and then not be paid for it? Would you do it?
But there are just too many ads and it means the page takes ages to load.
We know theres a balance to be struck and we absolutely dont want adverts to get in the way of you being able to read our articles. If you think that specific types of adverts are doing that then let us know and well take a look. We actively review how we display our adverts and were very focussed on making sure you get the best possible experience.
I dont like the way some ads seem to know something about me, thats why I use ad-blockers.
Theres nothing sinister about this or any reason to be worried. Surveys show that most people much prefer to have relevant advertising placed in front of them. Its no different from a mailshot addressed to you landing on your doormat except that its helping fund local journalism.
Would you be willing to take the ads off completely if I paid you?
Thats something which were keeping under review.
The Croydon Guardian is owned by Newsquest.
Newsquest's other websites do not block readers who choose to use ad-blocking software.
