What is actually more offensive to me is the tracking. Ads, I can choose to ignore them. But I don't like the idea of being tracked, and having my every move online watched under a microscope in the name of selling me a targeted product. That's why I make every effort to block ads and scripts.
However, I don't think it's fair to say that "HN members defend them" since (as of this comment), there is a 2:1 ratio of blockers vs. non-blockers. OTOH, this survey doesn't distinguish users who block ads AND use them on their own sites.
However, I don't think it's fair to say that "HN members defend them" since (as of this comment), there is a 2:1 ratio of blockers vs. non-blockers. OTOH, this survey doesn't distinguish users who block ads AND use them on their own sites.