but seriously, when it comes to the point where I can't click on the topic because a flash animated fly gets in the way, that's really overdoing it.

but nonetheless, I understand that web-hosting is not free and these ads pay for our use of lowyat.net

as it is, I really don't like the fact the the Lineage 2 banner below slows down scrolling on the front page. It also takes up a good 40% - 50% more space than it actually appears to. The 'invisible area' goes quite far up, making me click the link unintentionally and thus irritating me because I wanted to read the headlines news in detail, not about an MMORPG.

I apologize if it sounds like I'm whining. Ads is what keeps Lowyat.net running, but I believe that there must be some control and regulation, otherwise the overall feel of the front page is just deteriorated.

se7en, again I apologise for complaining about this

I just thought you would like some feedback about it.

Nonetheless, I honestly understand the need for ads and the demanding criterias advertisers ask for. Thus, I consider it a 'necessary evil' and will learn to deal with it.

coincidentally, I met a Michelle Ding today, who works for an online advertising firm, who claims to have met you se7en.

I honestly didn't like her views on online advertising. She had a very narrow view on online marketing and kept on emphasizing on pop-ups and fancy flash ads.

As a result, advertisers are only aware of these 'irritating' ads and not other alternatives, which may or may not be more effective.