Hey everyone, I think it's time we have a chat. I'd like to get your input on something.
First off, I'm very thankful all of you are here. When people tell me privately, 'congrats' in regards to vpsBoard, I tell them I've really not done anything. This place was just sitting around more or less idle and you flocked here, making this place what it is now. It's great.
Now, as the title would suggest, I am toying with the idea of implementing some advertising to maintain vpsBoard and to ensure that we're always up and running. Some of you likely won't be thrilled, some likely won't care, some indifferent. Gaining your input will help direct me in the proper way to proceed. If you've got questions, I'll also be more than happy to answer them.
Now, for some random tidbits of information for your consideration:
1.) Ads would be served in-house, not via BuySellAds program or anything. The cost saved by not having to give a 3rd party a cut can be passed onto the advertisers.
2.) Non-congested ad spots, meaning less ads in rotation for more exposure for the advertiser.
3.) Maayybbeee will be able to implement 'guest only' ads, where guests and unlogged-in members will see them. Log in, they're gone. Though I am uncertain if that will be sufficient.
4.) You and I both know that if you don't wish to see ads, you can block them via browser plugins...
Basically, what I was thinking of adding (4) 125X125 ad spots to the sidebar. You could use the same ads you had designed for LET/LEB and possibly one larger ad at the top of the pages (banner ad). For the 125X125 ad spots, there would likely be 16 spots sold and rotated. If a banner ad at the top is added, likely 5 to 6 of those sold. There would also be a limit on how many ad-spots a provider could purchase, as I don't want all ads displayed be from a single provider. The rates would be competitively low to allow some lesser known providers a chance of advertising.
So, now that it's out in the open. Let's discuss this. Let's see how we can make this work for both vpsBoard and for the visitors and the members that represent companies that frequent here.
First off, I'm very thankful all of you are here. When people tell me privately, 'congrats' in regards to vpsBoard, I tell them I've really not done anything. This place was just sitting around more or less idle and you flocked here, making this place what it is now. It's great.
Now, as the title would suggest, I am toying with the idea of implementing some advertising to maintain vpsBoard and to ensure that we're always up and running. Some of you likely won't be thrilled, some likely won't care, some indifferent. Gaining your input will help direct me in the proper way to proceed. If you've got questions, I'll also be more than happy to answer them.
Now, for some random tidbits of information for your consideration:
1.) Ads would be served in-house, not via BuySellAds program or anything. The cost saved by not having to give a 3rd party a cut can be passed onto the advertisers.
2.) Non-congested ad spots, meaning less ads in rotation for more exposure for the advertiser.
3.) Maayybbeee will be able to implement 'guest only' ads, where guests and unlogged-in members will see them. Log in, they're gone. Though I am uncertain if that will be sufficient.
4.) You and I both know that if you don't wish to see ads, you can block them via browser plugins...
Basically, what I was thinking of adding (4) 125X125 ad spots to the sidebar. You could use the same ads you had designed for LET/LEB and possibly one larger ad at the top of the pages (banner ad). For the 125X125 ad spots, there would likely be 16 spots sold and rotated. If a banner ad at the top is added, likely 5 to 6 of those sold. There would also be a limit on how many ad-spots a provider could purchase, as I don't want all ads displayed be from a single provider. The rates would be competitively low to allow some lesser known providers a chance of advertising.
So, now that it's out in the open. Let's discuss this. Let's see how we can make this work for both vpsBoard and for the visitors and the members that represent companies that frequent here.
