What are your thoughts about ads on forums? I don't mind if they're purchased ads from an actual member but I don't put Google Ads or anything on my own forums.

it is needed to monetize. and it is the direction we are heading but it will be user friendly. Our Ad Sense ads will return here on the 18th.

I would prefer a different way to monetize if I had a forum. Well, a preferable way would be to have a classified section or members only section with something so valuable that people would be in a line to sign up. Anyway, though, this isn't the case with all niches, though. For instance, around 2011 I had some blogs in the employment niche, and they were a good moneymaker, because people go to employment sites to click on ads, not really do other stuff. In other words, they come to search for jobs, not get articles about jobs, though some might lurk around and enjoy them.

Getting ads on forums is really difficult, you will have to become very big before you get advertisers. Until then I will continue to use Adsense

I am not against seeing Google Ads on forums as long as they are minimal and do not take over the forum or ruin the experience.

I'm not against using ads, but I'm not a fan of using multiple ad slots as it can be somewhat off putting to some.

 

I only use one ad slot on my forum, but I don't display them to my members.

I don’t mind ads on forums at all—the only time they bother me is if they become a nuisance to interacting with the forum, especially if they’re not well-placed. I think it’s great when forums want to monetize and add ads. Down the line, with the forum I’m building, I plan to include ads as well!

Ads are a good revenue stream, but I feel they don't need to be all over the forum, just in places like the forum index.

I understand owners need to run ads, and I don't mind seeing 1-2 ads per page.

Ads on forums can be a great way to monetize a community, but they need to be carefully managed. Too many ads can disrupt the user experience and drive members away, while well-placed, relevant ads can provide value and generate revenue.