How the web could thrive with adblock and user support
Ads suck, but what else is there? We think the answer is us--as in all of us reading the web. We are using adblockers as a way to start a conversation with readers: support us somehow, either via ads, or with a "fair pass" system, such as http://www.Atri.me/. To show how this could work on websites, we created *.demo.fairtread.co ( for instance: http://www.mit.edu.demo.fairtread.co/ ... try with your favorite site.). When you visit the demo url with an adblocker enabled, you'll see a "payment required" message. If you inspect the network tab, you'll also see…
How the web could thrive with adblock and user support launched on March 21, 2016 with 10 votes, #2,037 of 4,409 launches that month and more than 75% of that year's launches.
In plain words
Fairtread is a system that detects ad blockers and presents users with a choice: view ads or purchase access through a fair pass system. Website owners can implement the technology to have conversations with readers about supporting their content. The platform demonstrates how sites could move beyond traditional advertising by offering alternative revenue models that respect user preferences.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
In the maker’s words, at launch
Ads suck, but what else is there? We think the answer is us--as in all of us reading the web. We are using adblockers as a way to start a conversation with readers: support us somehow, either via ads, or with a "fair pass" system, such as http://www.Atri.me/. To show how this could work on websites, we…
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