Access a site using Cache

Forbes has recently began blocking site access to ad-blocking software browsers. Those of us who use ad-blockers are greeted with a polite - but firm - message on Forbes' site pre-landing page; "Hi again. Looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Please turn it off in order to continue..." (Forbes, 28 December 2015).

However, turning off the ad-blocking software is not a good idea, as it helps prevent malware being run. In particular, Forbes should be highly vigilant about reader safety, as in February 2015 they distributed malware via site ads. For Forbes to demand, less than a year later, that their readers should disable ad-blocking appears less than responsible given their record.

There is a way that you can safely view any sites which apply this type of strategy. You can use Google's cache of the Forbes website by (a) copying the link that you want to connect to and pasting that in your address bar, then (b) typing "cache:" ahead of it. So "http://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2015/12/28/to-avoid-a-legacy-of-bad-leadership-do-this/" would become "cache:http://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2015/12/28/to-avoid-a-legacy-of-bad-leadership-do-this/". This works in Firefox and Chrome.


Alternatively, though less safely, you could open a "private browsing" window, or "open link in incognito" mode, in a browser where ad-blocking is not enabled. Then you have the advantage of the site not be able to track you either. However, you need to be very careful of doing this: as mentioned, Forbes themselves passed on Malware to their readers.


Sam

• Reference: Folkman, Joseph (28 December 2015). To Avoid a Legacy of Bad Leadership, Do This. Retrieved 29 December 2015 from http://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2015/12/28/to-avoid-a-legacy-of-bad-leadership-do-this/