All ad networks are cancer, in my humble opinion. Adblocking is a security requirement, so I have no compassion for anybody who bases their economic success on any ad network.

My employer is more scared of browser plugin-based malware than they are of ad-based malware. So that's fun.

I have a similar story -- we peaked at around $20k USD per month for quite a while. However, when ad-rates started declining, we changed our business model, and are now earning much more without any ads at all. I have to say, I'm glad to be rid of Google Ads, as they're full of many, many scammy advertisers.

How do you earn money now? You started charging your users?

We created products they want.

For many people with decent traffic I believe it makes sense to sell their own local ads instead of depending on a network like Adsense.