Why am I seeing a notice that I have an adblocker enabled?

If you see a notice indicating you’re in the AdBlock usergroup, our software has detected settings that may be blocking ads on our site. This could be due to:

• An active adblocker: Extensions like uBlock Origin, AdBlock Plus, or browser features like Brave Shields.
• Browser settings: Some browsers (e.g., Firefox with Enhanced Tracking Protection) or privacy extensions may block ads.
• Network-level blocking: Tools like Pi-hole or DNS-based adblockers (e.g., AdGuard DNS) on your device or network.
• False positives: In rare cases, the add-on may mistakenly flag you due to other extensions, VPNs, or specific browser configurations.

I don’t have an adblocker installed, so why am I being flagged?

Occasionally, the system may flag users who don’t have a traditional adblocker due to:

• Browser privacy features: Settings like Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection or Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention can block ads and trigger detection.
• Other extensions: Security or privacy extensions (e.g., Privacy Badger, NoScript) may interfere with ad scripts.
• Network settings: If your network uses a VPN, proxy, or DNS-based filtering (e.g., AdGuard DNS, Pi-hole), it may block ads without an explicit adblocker.
• Browser issues: Some browsers, like Brave, have built-in adblocking (e.g., Brave Shields) that may trigger detection unless disabled for our site.

How can I check my adblock status?

You can view your adblock status on your account page. This page shows:

• Whether you’re currently flagged as using an adblocker.
• The last time you were flagged and the browser used.
• How many page loads are needed to clear your adblock status (if applicable).

What should I do if I’m flagged as using an adblocker?

If you’re flagged and want to remove the AdBlock usergroup restrictions, try these steps:

1. Check for adblockers

• Disable any adblock extensions (e.g., uBlock Origin, AdBlock Plus) for our site by adding it to your allowlist/whitelist.
• If using Brave, disable Brave Shields for our site.

2. Adjust browser settings

• In Firefox, set Enhanced Tracking Protection to “Standard” or turn it off for our site.
• In Safari, disable “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking” for our site.

3. Check other extensions

• Temporarily disable privacy or security extensions (e.g., Privacy Badger, NoScript) to see if they’re causing the issue.

4. Check your network

• If you use a VPN or proxy, try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
• If you use DNS-based adblocking (e.g., AdGuard DNS, Pi-hole), you may need to whitelist our site or switch to a standard DNS provider (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8).

5. Clear your adblock status

• After disabling adblockers or related settings, browse the forum for a few pages. The add-on requires a set number of non-adblocked page loads to remove you from the AdBlock usergroup.

Can I keep using an adblocker?

Yes, you can continue using an adblocker, but you’ll remain in the AdBlock usergroup, which may limit features. The use of adblock can sometimes cause issues when browsing, posting, or viewing certain content. During peak periods, we may prioritise access for non-adblock users, which can include denying access to guests and those deemed to be using adblock. To avoid restrictions, you can:

• Whitelist our site: Add our forum to your adblocker’s allowlist to support us while keeping your adblocker active elsewhere.
• Purchase a subscription: Visit our upgrade page for details.
• Contact us: If you believe you’re being incorrectly flagged, reach out, and we’ll assist you.

Why does the forum care if I use an adblocker?

Ads help keep our forum free to use by covering server costs, maintenance, and community features. When users block ads, it reduces our ability to sustain the community. If everyone who visited used adblock, the site would have to close.

I use multiple devices or browsers. How does this affect my status?

The add-on tracks adblock status per user account, not per device or browser. If you use an adblocker on one device (e.g., your mobile) but not another (e.g., your PC), you may still be flagged as an adblock user. To clear your status:

• Ensure adblockers are disabled or our site is whitelisted on all devices/browsers you use.
• Browse the forum on a non-adblocked device for the required number of page loads to clear your status.

How long does it take to be removed from the AdBlock usergroup?

The system requires a set number of page loads without adblock detection to remove you from the AdBlock usergroup. This number may increase if you’ve been flagged multiple times to prevent toggling adblockers on and off. Check your account page for the exact number of page loads needed, or contact us for clarification.