Post: #1

Hey folks, just want to let you know about something that really doesn't apply to you, but we wanted you to know about.

We have incorporated Google Ads into the forum, to be displayed to guests only! Logged in members will never see the ads!

We did this for two reasons:

First and foremost, we had over 1000 people in the forum last month coming from different I.P addresses. This month we've already had over 500 people on the forum, and more than 350 of them spent at least 30 minutes on the site. We feel that by showing them ads that they can remove simply by registering, it might just be the bit of encouragement they need to do so.

Second, although the revenue will probably be minimal, it can be used for things like making modifications to the forum, or go toward other things we have planned that will benefit the members.

We don't control what ads Google serves, and as you all know not all of them are legitimate, and there was a concern that the advertisements could appear as endorsements. But, after considering the pros and cons and weighing in, the admins all agreed that the overall impact would be beneficial.

Post: #2

Awesome! Here's my thumb's up!

Diane

Post: #3

Thanks Diane! BTW, if anyone want's to see what the ads look like, all ya gotta do is logout and browse the forum as a guest.

Post: #4

I'm sure AD's site will be in the ads. That will be annoying.

Post: #5

Not if they're not buying ads in Google's Content Network, which I don't think they are. But, as long as your logged in you'll never see them anyway!

Post: #6

Thanks for sparing the registered members the ads.

Post: #7

Anytime GWTW. We'd NEVER inflict ads on our members, we were only really looking to get some of the guests to take the plunge and register.

Post: #8

Sounds like a great idea Mark. That's a lot of guests that could be pursuaded to join.

Post: #9

(12-12-2009 9:25 PM)Phya Wrote:  That's a lot of guests that could be pursuaded to join.

That's our thought too!  And, as long as you're logged in it doesn't affect the members.

Post: #10

(12-12-2009 6:58 PM)Gone with the Wind Wrote:  Thanks for sparing the registered members the ads.

Just to be as clear as possible Gone, the was not done as a revenue generator but for the purpose of prodding our visitors to become a part of our community. We had some "lively" discussions early on in this project about the commercial potential of the forum. The four of us agreed that we were not here to generate revenue or become any sort of commercial venture. Please don't be alarmed that we are trying to monetize the forum at the expense of our members. That is the furthest thing from our minds. If the ads do in fact produce a few dollars I'm certain that they will be spent to make our members experience more pleasant, not less!