I find that virtually every message I start to read here is blocked out by an annoying Expedia pop-up ad that lasts about 20 seconds(and I even have a pop-up blocker). Is there any way to avoid this?

Liz

No but if you figure it out, let us know. It is really annoying and in my case, it is defeating their whole purpose for doing it.

Dear Liz and Suzie,
I am not sure if it has anything to do with it, but are you using Internet Explorer as your browser? I use Netscape for Fodor's and I don't get any pop ups. I get the banners, but they don't pop up and bother me at all. When I use IE, I get more things popping up, although I also have a pop up blocker. I hope it helps, let me know, I am just curious.
Pura vida,
Neta Talmor

They're technically not pop-ups, they are actually layers on the same page. That's why your blockers aren't effective.

One thing you can do to avoid them is to keep your mouse away from the Expedia Advertizing bar. There doesn't actually seem to be any automatic display mechanism. You have to actually roll your mouse over part of the ad for them to "pop-up" It's not as easy as it sounds to keep from doing this because they are on a very natural path for your mouse to cross.

I am using IE--that may be part of the problem. But keeping my cursor away from the banner has no effect--I just tried it with my cursor all the way over on the left side of the page where the message topics are--and I still got the ad.

I just tried Netscape and got the banner without the pop up. A great improvement, so I have to try to remember to use Netscape when I want to navigate Fodors.

Thanks all

My Norton Internet Security usually warns me that there is an "Active X" control running on the page, and asks me whether I want to block it or permit it. I choose block, and I never get banner ads or pop ups. I also have the google toolbar and popup blocker installed and this seems to help.

I already use the Google toolbar with its pop-up blocker, it has no effect on this problem. I don't have Norton Internet Security, though--that Active x thing sounds like it's worth exploring, though.

Another option in Internet Explorer is:

Tools - Internet Options - Security Tab - find the button that says custom level. Another window will pop up with Active X options. You can then choose to disable all Active X contols. Your level settings might also have somthing to do with this.

Hope this helps, and sorry if I offended anyone.

Peg--thanks, I think this worked!

Liz

Lizzoob:

Your welcome. Let me know if it doesn't, there are a couple of other things that you may be able to try.

How about sending a direct message to Fodors message center and tell them what a pain in the ass these pop ups are?!?!
Might try it myself tomorrow when I get more time.