Just a quick, useful note about how you can block those annoying pop-out, musical video crazyness banner ads that appear in the bottom of msn messenger (or ‘live messenger’ as it’s now called) if you happen to accidentally roll your mouse over the thing.  It doesn’t require any hi-tech tinkering or software installs, and can be typically done in under 30 seconds! Bonus!

1. Start Internet Explorer
2. Select Tools > Internet Options
3. Click the ‘Security’ tab
4. Select ‘Restricted sites’ and click the ‘Sites’ button
5. Add the following to the list of websites in this zone:   rad.msn.com
6. Close, click Apply and then OK.
7. Reload MSN / Live messenger. You may also need to restart Internet Explorer
8. Hey Presto! No more annoying ads in your messenger program!

And yep, even though I work in internet advertising and marketing, you could argue I probably shouldn’t be advertising methods to block ads.  I don’t generally mind ads online; it’s just intrusive media roll-outs, one’s that play music and video without my permission (even on just a mouse roll over), flash annoyingly and typically have the smallest close button known to man in order to shut the damn thing down.  

Or maybe not even a close button at all.

Or a even mute button.