Another noisy ad -- National
 

There is a banner ad for National Emerald Club that shows up on a lot of FT pages. Whenever the mouse cursor rolls over it, it makes a loud "ding" sound. If, like me, you use a tabbed browser and open up messages in different tabs, it means you're constantly rolling over the National ad, and constantly getting the annoying ding.

As I recall, FT has a deal with its ad provider to not host ads with sound effects. Just thought I'd bring this to your attention (because it's making me crazy).

Just coming to complain about the same ad. Wow, that's annoying.

Apparently there are marketing geniuses in some companies who believe that annoying, intrusive popup internet ads, especially those cleverly designed to get around most popup blockers, will give those who view such ads a positive impression of what's being sold and make them more likely to buy it. They are wrong.

Most web sites need ads, but I wish they would explain to their advertisers that annoying popups not only make people less likely to use a web site, they also make it less likely for people who see the popups to buy what they're selling.

I am actually spending less time on FT because of this obnoxious ad. I think if my company were aware, they would be grateful. It's really very effective.

Hey, it's not boinging anymore! If someone fixed it, thanks! ^

Edit: Well, it seemed to be gone for awhile, now it is back in all its obnoxiousness. :td: :td: :td:

I emailed National to complain. That ad is ridiculous.

Don't forget that for $12 a year you can get F/T ad-free. As this not only gets rid of annoying sounds but also makes pages load faster, I consider it one heck of a bargain.

Okay, marketing by aversion. I like it!

Pay or be subjected to unpleasant consequences. Lowbrow brilliant on the approval matrix. ^ :D