Dear Audiogon,

uberwaltz,
I agree that there is no harm in sidebars about other subjects, but politics in particular becomes so venomous that there is just no fun in it.

I use Adblocker on Google Chrome.
I don't see any of the ads you are mentioning.
B

This may be the result of something called "retargeting."  It's controlled by cookies from sites you visit and your browser settings.  I used this process with a directory ad my company placed on a well-known non-profit professional trade organization's site.  The way it works is say you visit a Ford dealer site and then navigate to AudiogoN.  If the dealer is using retargeting and your browser settings allow it, you very well may see an ad for a Mustang or similar on the AgoN page.  The effect can be very disconcerting.  I noticed it when I'd double check the ads I was running and then pop over here later in the day only to see ads from my competition show up.

Something to keep in mind as you browse, no matter what you're looking at.  There is no way to escape being tracked online.

I keep seeing ads for tax accountants, personal security guards, private jets, yachts, castles, faberge eggs and private islands for sale.

Try Ghostery and Adblock. Both are free. I'm always reminded when I forget to re-engage Ghostery due to the ads that pop up all over the place. It's very annoying.

All the best
Nonoise