New ads? Not cool

[dlloyd]

I can't reply to the Announcement that Scott made, so I am starting a new thread.

I don't like this new form of advertising: a whole page ad every ten clicks. I guess if they create revenue for the site, then fine, but I personally would prefer to have a few more small ads on all the pages. If the object of them is to convince me to become a paying member, then I can assure you right now that it is not going to change my outlook on this topic even one iota. If anything, they are just going to make me mad.
Oh, and another thing: ads are supposed to make we want to do something with the advertiser, right? Well, I'm not even going to look at these ads, and if I ever do, the way they are being presented is only going to put me off whatever you are trying to promote.
Now, I understand that they may still generate $$$, even if I don't look at them, but I do not agree with the way you are going about it.
What if you did a pop-up? Most of us use pop-up blockers, but you would still get cash that way...

P.S, how do I become a 'volunteer', like Scott mentioned? Or do you need a new Mod or something? I am perfectly happy to help, I want to help, I just can't afford to donate cash to you.

[Gimpy00Wang]

Sure, ads are annoying, but something/someone has to pay the bills. So, if ads can keep me from being the one paying, I'm all for it. At least there's not popups. Are there? I wouldn't know since I block 'em. 8^)

- G!mpy

[ScottW]

dlloyd, why am I not surprised?

[Gimpy00Wang]

What aren't you suprised about? Inquiring minds want to know...

- G!mpy

[dlloyd]

Because I am really predictable?
Maybe you will have to mention me by name in your next announcement, something like "Oh, and dlloyd: don't bother to complain, I already know exactly what you are going to say!"
But couldn't we have an option in the control panel or something to have either the full-page ads, small ads on all pages, or a pop-up? I won't mind so much if they were interesting ads, but I don't want to be Mac Certified, thank you very much, so most of these current ads have no appeal to me.
Like I said, I really do want to help, I just want to help in a non-financial way!
I guess all of this is based out of the fact that I really like this site. It is the only forum I am signed up with, and I just want it to be the best it possibly can be. I guess I could compare it to a child: (although I obviously don't have one) you love you child, you want the best for it. You don't mind sacrificing some things for it, but you are angry if it makes bad choices. (In your opinion). < /cheesy example>

Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate Scott and everything he does for this site. I just don't really agree with the choice he has made, and I really don't like being treated like slime on the bottom of a shoe when I try to help and suggest other ways that I think it could be better done.

[lurk]

Howdy Scott,

Just thought that I would mention that the new adds have been causing me some technical dificulties here. The first time I tried to get to this thread I had to go through 3 ads and then when I tried to post a reply it vanished. Although that last thing might have just been a case of operator error.

-Eric

[Gimpy00Wang]

There are many, many solutions for getting a forum to "pay for itself" so to speak. None are perfect. Pro's and con's for each. Popups don't really cut it since many people will/can just block 'em resulting in no $$$ for the site. Large ads pay more than small ads. I have seen some sites go the "you pay $x/mo to have smaller or no ads with pretty good success. But, that sort of thing never appeals to everyone. Scott might consider merchandising. However, that typically requires at least some $$$ up from for getting things designed (coffee cups, T-shirts, etc...) and getting an order system in place. So...that might not be a consideration right now...maybe later.

A neat idea might be to hold a design contest for a macosx.com forums logo for stickers...then put 'em on shirts and all that. That way, you will be selling a logo that people like because you can have them vote for which they like best.

- G!mpy

[Gimpy00Wang]

Lurk...off-topic, but I like your Blinkie pic.

- G!mpy