Thanks.
I installed IE7 when it first came out and hated it, so I'm still using IE6.
The message to 't management is pretty clear - most people will only accept so much and if the sidebars aren't junked, then more and more people will simply install advert blockers, removing all advertising completely.
I note that IE7Pro includes a feature which 'blocks all forms of advertising, including Flash ads, rich media, fly-ins, slide-ins, pop-ups, pop-unders, spyware and adware ads, and messenger ads.'
I'll give it a bit longer yet, but if those sidebars don't go, it looks as though I'll be changing to IE7Pro.......