I don’t feel any more “duty” to let ads into my browser window than I do to let spam into my mailbox; and I’ve seen enough ads which had a second “submit” button in the shape of a red square with a white X on it, located in the top-right corner, that I regard blocking ads (or at least some of them) as a security measure akin to anti-phishing.

This is a greater issue than that. I never said that an adblocker is the perfect solution. I’m explaining why I block ads, so a long-term solution can be developed that doesn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. And for me, Adblock Plus is a better current solution than not visiting certain sites (especially if the site offers exclusive content).

1) Develop a code of conduct for ad services;
2) Don’t block ad services that follow the code of conduct.

By installing an adblocker, you’re punishing all the sites that you go to which don’t accept intrusive ads of this sort just as much as the ones that do. In fact, you’re actually punishing them more – because they already miss out on business because they want to do the right thing for their readers.

So, rather than installing an adblocker, simply don’t go to the sites that have intrusive ads. And email them to tell them why you’re no longer going their.