A recent column from Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox.
Most Hated Advertising Techniques (Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox).
People often have strong negative visceral reactions to ads that commit the sins listed in the table. One user, referring to an ad that automatically started playing audio, wrote: "IF ANYTHING COULD BE WORSE THAN POP-UPS, THIS IS IT. I HATE THIS AD. HATE HATE HATE."
Another user entered the following comment on a major website’s feedback form: "You
people should be ashamed of yourself! I did not ask to have 3 pop ups
come across my screen when I visit you. I do not visit singles sites,
and I don’t want to add 4 inches.
As a matter of fact, I
don’t use any of the services that pop up on my screen. I think it is
disgusting that you money hungry bastards have infringed on my computer
for your own selfish gain. From this moment on, I am boycotting you,
and I am advising EVERYONE I know to do the same thing. Down with you
and your pop up ads."