Ads have been disabled

[phalt]

Why we put ads on PokeAPI.

A few weeks ago @Naramsim reached out to me via email with concerns about the ads on the pokeapi website and docs.

About four years ago I set up google ads to help cover the costs of running PokeAPI. I configured it using "auto mode" - basically trusting Google to make smart decisions about ad placements. At the time they looked sensible - small column ads on the side of the page, etc. I deliberately put it on the least ambitious setting of "auto mode" as I figured a few banners on the side of the content couldn't hurt much.

Since the dawn of AI ~2 years ago it seems Google has sold (more of) it's soul and doesn't give two shits about how dangerous or malicious the ads look. @Naramsim sent me screenshots showing me some of the worst ads - trying to trick people into clicking "database access" etc, in locations that I didn't even think Google would put ads.

I personally run a pi hole at home, so I never see any adverts on any of my personal devices, or I am using a browser that has ad block installed.

What it worth it?

The revenue from ads has usually covered the monthly running costs - roughly ~90%-110%. So only just. It basically meant PokeAPI was close to free to run.

Given how dangerous they clearly are, and based on @Naramsim 's suggestion - I have turned off ads permanently. 🛑

Will PokeAPI need funding support?

I've expressed this in private many times to @Naramsim - I would be happy covering the running costs as it currently stands, it was just nice to have it supplemented by (what I thought was morally okay) adverts.

I am still happy covering the server costs myself.

That said, there will come a rainy day when it will be expensive - mostly when I have to renew the domain licensing, or Pokemon gets another "fad" moment and the API gets hammered.

So, you can donate to the project on open collective - even $10 would be great! We have a small cache of funds there saved for a rainy day already.

[Naramsim]

hi! Honeslty I'm very happy that the ads were disabled. I also use uBlock Origin on all my browsers and didn't really notice the state of the website since a few weeks ago. I'll attach some pictures here for reference. I'm not against ads but if we put them we should screen beforehand which product they advertise and how they modify our website. I'm open to other less-intrusive ads. So let's say that we permanently block intrusive and deceptive ads.

That said that leaves us with roughly USD 30 less each month. As I suggested to Paul I'd say we can try running without ads for few months and use the Opencollective funds to cover the costs.

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