[Brando]

I already pay for internet access. Plus if I'm running a website it costs me money to serve content/the service/whatever.

I understand on the content provider side why ads are lucrative - but the payout is a pittance. Usually that are calc'd at CPM for impressions and a different rate on CTR. If you subscribe to a display network you agree to their market rates and don't get to set any preferred placement prices.

Most times they're not worth it. Others are more successful with better targeting/retargeting.

However... as the person browsing I block as many ads as possible. I use NoScript, Ghostery, and AdBlock Plus.