Slightly OT, but this page has the BEST alternative for a modal newsletter pop-up I’ve ever seen. I have a personal rule that I close the tab as soon as a modal asking for my email pops up. When the cute little figure on the left _asked_ for my consent to pop-up a modal, I had to click on it because it was so cute and respectful.
This is great design that I’m sure converts as well without cheapening your brand and accosting your users.
What information are you concerned about them harvesting that they won't have gotten just from the ad loading? I suppose time on site and stuff, but I'm not sure what bits of info you're trying to hide. Feels like a situation where you might as well enjoy the content.
This is great design that I’m sure converts as well without cheapening your brand and accosting your users.