ebay did the same years ago and found out that ads were relevant depending on the new/repeat cohort of visitors.
the ad market is looking a lot like the 2008 subprime market, lots of opacity, lack of accountability across all actors (Agency, platforms, customers). And if we consider how relevant is the ad money in making the internet able to run nowadays, this starting to be pretty concerning.
cookie dropping is more common than people realize.
I've created a free service with no ads and completely free that also generates qrcodes (https://qrli.to)
The problem with url shortners is usually the abuse they get (from affiliate tracking above to MLM or CPL for dating sites). However the entry barrier is so low and they are still a relevant part of the infrastructure, not surprised bitly and tinyurl are monetizing this way.
the ad market is looking a lot like the 2008 subprime market, lots of opacity, lack of accountability across all actors (Agency, platforms, customers). And if we consider how relevant is the ad money in making the internet able to run nowadays, this starting to be pretty concerning.