Rhodyman - I'm no computer expert, and I know there are other combinations that work for forum users, but unlike many who have made changes, I use IE7. Windows Defender free program for spyware. Symantec for virus protection. In Fall 2003, I bought Stop the Pop Up by Sureshot, a one time only fee of $20. The tech at my ISP said they had trialed 30, and this one worked flawlessly ( they don't sell it, so nothing to gain by the recommendation) I see no ads, banners, not ever a single solitary pop up on any site I visit including this one. No sounds. I understand your complaint about the advertising, you'd think they'd realize it would make potential customers not want to buy the product rather than make them consider it Here is a link that might be useful: Stop the Pop Up

Another consideration has to do with searching. If I wanted to search for seed traders or seed collectors I would never in a dozen years think of searching for ST or SC. But were I to start a new thread inquiring how to find seed traders or seed collectors some wiseacre would admonish me to use the search box. On the other hand use of acronyms makes WS sort of like a semi-secret club, doesn't it? Helps to keep the riffraff away.

I just switched mine to "high", but perhaps I have to restart the computer for it to be effective. I hate it when I scroll down to read the first post, the ad follows me, I scroll more, the ad folds to the top, and I have to scroll up to see the first post. Thanks for discussing the "high" setting on the pop up blocker. Sammy

when that happens always try clearing your cache on the browser to see if that fixes it. In firefox click on Tools then on clear private data there you can check mark all you want to clear, be sure to check mark cache then click the clear private data now button.