This really is just a whine, because I don't have a viable alternative to suggest at the moment.
The big banner adds cause a noticeable slowdown when loading every page on Daniweb, and sometimes after the page has loaded when trying to scroll. I say noticeable because not only can I see it and have to wait for it, it's slow enough to irritate me...on a T1 at work and fast cable at home. I can only imagine what it's like for people with slower broadband and dialup.
Just giving you the heads up.