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- Thread starter Clarity
- Start date
HineyBuck
Old newb
Clarity,
a) I never had any problem or objection to the fund-raisers. My only concern was they never seemed to raise a helluva lotta money--too many free riders out there.
b) I won't stay around for pop-ups and in-your-face advertising, but you won't permit that either. I trust your sensibilities with regards to selective banner advertising.
Bottom line--I say go for it. But don't quit on the occasional fund-raiser either.
:osu:
a) I never had any problem or objection to the fund-raisers. My only concern was they never seemed to raise a helluva lotta money--too many free riders out there.
b) I won't stay around for pop-ups and in-your-face advertising, but you won't permit that either. I trust your sensibilities with regards to selective banner advertising.
Bottom line--I say go for it. But don't quit on the occasional fund-raiser either.
:osu:
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BuckBackHome
Wolverine is largest member of weasel family
First - You need to do what is best for you and Jo. There is no discussion regarding that fact.
Second - I have no problem with banner or even pop-up ads. I am comfortable that whatever advertising agreements are reached the ads will be appropriate to the site. I would prefer to keep them to the main page(s) and not in the individual threads where they would feel invasive. I run several pop-up blockers and none get through my setup.
Finally - Have you considered some trials? Just run some concepts out there and see how people react honestly. It might get you some quick money and immediate reactions from us meatheads.
Second - I have no problem with banner or even pop-up ads. I am comfortable that whatever advertising agreements are reached the ads will be appropriate to the site. I would prefer to keep them to the main page(s) and not in the individual threads where they would feel invasive. I run several pop-up blockers and none get through my setup.
Finally - Have you considered some trials? Just run some concepts out there and see how people react honestly. It might get you some quick money and immediate reactions from us meatheads.
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tmporter
All-American
As i read through this thread, I was left with nothing but admiration for you asking us what to do with something you created, put your heart into and work so hard to maintain. I have made contributions to you and this board with out a thought. If you feel that more income is needed and this provides that with little to no change in the content, who am I to complain. Please go forward as you see fit, and I will continue to gladly donate when and where I can.
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Deety
Head Coach
Out of curiosity, I just checked out amazon.com's associate program. There's an option where you can pick the products that show in the ads, though commissions are based on total sales referred by that link. I certainly would not mind seeing ads for things like "What It Means to Be a Buckeye," especially since I think everyone should read it anyway. :) And since I spend a good bit of money there as it is, it would be nice to know that something is coming back to my community when I do. Just a thought.
Hmm, now that I think about it, I thought the donation link we used to have to amazon.com site worked well, but it's gone now... so maybe there was an issue with it?
Hmm, now that I think about it, I thought the donation link we used to have to amazon.com site worked well, but it's gone now... so maybe there was an issue with it?
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3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
No one WANTS ads, but as HineyBuck touched on, the fundraisers don't bring in tons of money. Frankly, they were never intended to bring in tons of money ... just enough to get by. By the same token, no one DREAMED BP would be over 9,000 members and growing. It's a tough situation, especially with Clarity's health issues. Our costs for operation are rising and will likely never go down. In fact, the service we are getting is at a ridiculously low price as it is.
I'm torn. Not about the ads. Much like everyone else, I say Clarity needs to do this for the future of BP and for his own good. There is no doubt or hesitation in my mind about that. I'm torn because a small part of the BuckeyePlanet dream is dying (for me anyway). Together (as a community) we've built something great. We've covered the costs of operation, upgrades, custom coding ... hell we even footed the bill for a new server. All the things we've done, all the progress we've made, all the friendships that have grown from this project, have been done only by our initiative and imagination ... completely free. Unbelievable! I wish it could continue like that.
I may be speaking out of turn here, but from what I've gathered this isn't just an issue of us not raising enough money as a community. We always raise enough to just scrape by. While that is a dangerous way to operate, it isn't the biggest reason to place ads. Honestly, the fundraisers have become too invasive. Seems like we (lately me) are ALWAYS asking for donations. Creating raffles, auctions, and new ways to squeeze another buck out of our members. What was meant to be VERY low key (fundraising) has taken on it's own life. Frankly, it's probably worse than just having a few ads here and there. At least that way the site remains totally free to our members. They could still give if the desire is there, but it won't be out of guilt or from emergency circumstances (Aaahhh, we need a new server!!!).
Lastly, I believe that the need to move to some advertising stems (in part) from WHO actually donates during the fundraisers. Don't get me wrong, there has NEVER been an expectation for ANYONE to donate. Nor would we EVER let something that trivial affect anyone's experience at BP. The problem is that the SAME group of people are supporting BP. After doing several fundraisers (not very well I might add), I'd place the number of continuing donors at 50 to 100. Yes, probably less than 1% of our membership consistently support BuckeyePlanet in a financial sense. That's OK. Donating has never been a prerequisite. But, I think it pains Clarity to no end that BuckeyePlanet relies on the same group of folks to fund it's future. The same group of friends that will chip in when Clarity has a personal need. THAT is something he can't continue to do from a personal standpoint. I don't think I could do that either ... could you?
My vote is to place the ads. From what I've seen it's a pretty good deal. Clarity gets some revenue yet retains TOTAL control of BP. If things don't work out, Clarity can simply end the relationship with Sports Wars.
I'm torn. Not about the ads. Much like everyone else, I say Clarity needs to do this for the future of BP and for his own good. There is no doubt or hesitation in my mind about that. I'm torn because a small part of the BuckeyePlanet dream is dying (for me anyway). Together (as a community) we've built something great. We've covered the costs of operation, upgrades, custom coding ... hell we even footed the bill for a new server. All the things we've done, all the progress we've made, all the friendships that have grown from this project, have been done only by our initiative and imagination ... completely free. Unbelievable! I wish it could continue like that.
I may be speaking out of turn here, but from what I've gathered this isn't just an issue of us not raising enough money as a community. We always raise enough to just scrape by. While that is a dangerous way to operate, it isn't the biggest reason to place ads. Honestly, the fundraisers have become too invasive. Seems like we (lately me) are ALWAYS asking for donations. Creating raffles, auctions, and new ways to squeeze another buck out of our members. What was meant to be VERY low key (fundraising) has taken on it's own life. Frankly, it's probably worse than just having a few ads here and there. At least that way the site remains totally free to our members. They could still give if the desire is there, but it won't be out of guilt or from emergency circumstances (Aaahhh, we need a new server!!!).
Lastly, I believe that the need to move to some advertising stems (in part) from WHO actually donates during the fundraisers. Don't get me wrong, there has NEVER been an expectation for ANYONE to donate. Nor would we EVER let something that trivial affect anyone's experience at BP. The problem is that the SAME group of people are supporting BP. After doing several fundraisers (not very well I might add), I'd place the number of continuing donors at 50 to 100. Yes, probably less than 1% of our membership consistently support BuckeyePlanet in a financial sense. That's OK. Donating has never been a prerequisite. But, I think it pains Clarity to no end that BuckeyePlanet relies on the same group of folks to fund it's future. The same group of friends that will chip in when Clarity has a personal need. THAT is something he can't continue to do from a personal standpoint. I don't think I could do that either ... could you?
My vote is to place the ads. From what I've seen it's a pretty good deal. Clarity gets some revenue yet retains TOTAL control of BP. If things don't work out, Clarity can simply end the relationship with Sports Wars.
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Okay....
I think... as diplomatic and logical and eloquent as some of us are... I think I want to restate what I was trying to say earlier...
What I meant by "Please" do this.... was... that, to me its not a question of principals... (oh... I guess I should point out that this is not in response to 3yards post, mearly happens to be after it)... I mean... I hate to say principals are luxuries compared to certain other things....
My point being that I said "please" because... well... I'm going to feel a whole hell of a lot better if the ads are there and generating revenue for Clarity, Longwood, and I'm sure it will ease pressure on others around here as well...
Furthremore, I guess... you know.... I pay a lot of taxes for services that don't help me a bit.... and... well... I think they are supposed to help families who need it.... and apparently its not... so... yeah.. that pisses me off... so... a couple banners.... uhh... not gonna bother me in the least.
Point is...
I respect the vision of "total freeness" that is Buckeyeplanet.
If this were a call to pay fo content... I'd probably assume Alan was holding Clarity hostage and I'd have to get soem lawyers guns and money.... but its not...
Its a couple freaking banners....
Like the ones I see on yahoo... or whatever else...
Anyway... I see the motivation here as beign driven by necessity... not margins... and... well.... as long as thats the case... I think we're gonna be jsut fine.... Its the people who make BP... and it could have been the people that "made" all those other sites that pushed most of us here... but... the leadership here has always shown courage to do the right thing, and not the cowardice of not making a buck... and I don't expect that to change a bit...
So... pretty please... with sugar on top... put up te fucking banners.
I think... as diplomatic and logical and eloquent as some of us are... I think I want to restate what I was trying to say earlier...
What I meant by "Please" do this.... was... that, to me its not a question of principals... (oh... I guess I should point out that this is not in response to 3yards post, mearly happens to be after it)... I mean... I hate to say principals are luxuries compared to certain other things....
My point being that I said "please" because... well... I'm going to feel a whole hell of a lot better if the ads are there and generating revenue for Clarity, Longwood, and I'm sure it will ease pressure on others around here as well...
Furthremore, I guess... you know.... I pay a lot of taxes for services that don't help me a bit.... and... well... I think they are supposed to help families who need it.... and apparently its not... so... yeah.. that pisses me off... so... a couple banners.... uhh... not gonna bother me in the least.
Point is...
I respect the vision of "total freeness" that is Buckeyeplanet.
If this were a call to pay fo content... I'd probably assume Alan was holding Clarity hostage and I'd have to get soem lawyers guns and money.... but its not...
Its a couple freaking banners....
Like the ones I see on yahoo... or whatever else...
Anyway... I see the motivation here as beign driven by necessity... not margins... and... well.... as long as thats the case... I think we're gonna be jsut fine.... Its the people who make BP... and it could have been the people that "made" all those other sites that pushed most of us here... but... the leadership here has always shown courage to do the right thing, and not the cowardice of not making a buck... and I don't expect that to change a bit...
So... pretty please... with sugar on top... put up te fucking banners.
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FKAGobucks877
The Most Power-Drunk
It seems like people have pretty much covered everything here, but my two cents is this:
Banner adds are invisible, hence there is no reason not to use them and make a buck. Seriously, almost every website in the world has these now, and I just don't notice them whatsoever. This really is the bets Buckeye site out there, bar none. Others have said it, but I want to make this really clear...it is. Throwing an ad or three on the site is in no way going to diminish what this site is, or what it does, or WHO FREQUENTS IT. It will change absolutely nothing, except that the founder and senior administrator will (hopefully) sleep a little easier at night, because he knows there is a check in the mail.
Second, we need to be aware that this is an easy and fast way for Clarity to recoup some of his time, money, and effort in creating and running BP. I firmly believe that Clarity would not have posed this question if he felt there was any other way to LIVE - and I mean that...he isn't sure when he's getting out of bed again, or how he's gonna make the next house payment, yet he comes to us to ask if we're ok with an ad or two? WTF, Clarity? I'm beginning to question your sanity, my man...
The long and the short of it is this - everybody here cares more about YOU (Clarity) than we do about BP. Most of us would gladly pay a subscription, knowing that the money is only helping you out. Now, you've made it perfectly clear that you won't ever do that, so please...for the love of God and everything holy....implement the ads.
Banner adds are invisible, hence there is no reason not to use them and make a buck. Seriously, almost every website in the world has these now, and I just don't notice them whatsoever. This really is the bets Buckeye site out there, bar none. Others have said it, but I want to make this really clear...it is. Throwing an ad or three on the site is in no way going to diminish what this site is, or what it does, or WHO FREQUENTS IT. It will change absolutely nothing, except that the founder and senior administrator will (hopefully) sleep a little easier at night, because he knows there is a check in the mail.
Second, we need to be aware that this is an easy and fast way for Clarity to recoup some of his time, money, and effort in creating and running BP. I firmly believe that Clarity would not have posed this question if he felt there was any other way to LIVE - and I mean that...he isn't sure when he's getting out of bed again, or how he's gonna make the next house payment, yet he comes to us to ask if we're ok with an ad or two? WTF, Clarity? I'm beginning to question your sanity, my man...
The long and the short of it is this - everybody here cares more about YOU (Clarity) than we do about BP. Most of us would gladly pay a subscription, knowing that the money is only helping you out. Now, you've made it perfectly clear that you won't ever do that, so please...for the love of God and everything holy....implement the ads.
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gregorylee
I'd rather be napping!!
I'm with AKAK, put the fucking ads up already bro!
Like everyone else I do appreciate that you would think to ask us how we feel about it. Also like every one else I think we should still have at least a couple of fundraisers a year, without those I doubt I would have gotten to meet many of the members, and I think that those get togethers bring everyone a little closer (in a non gay way
). So, short story long, put up the ads, but don't expect us to stop giving back as well.
Like everyone else I do appreciate that you would think to ask us how we feel about it. Also like every one else I think we should still have at least a couple of fundraisers a year, without those I doubt I would have gotten to meet many of the members, and I think that those get togethers bring everyone a little closer (in a non gay way
). So, short story long, put up the ads, but don't expect us to stop giving back as well.
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Right now I'm looking into (a) whether or not SportsWar would accept a situation that would only see some usergroups display ads, and (b) how much we could reasonably expect to bring in if only unregistered/not-logged-in viewers got the ads.
This scenario would allow us to avoid ads within the community, but serve them to visitors. Which, if practical, would be ideal in my opinion.
I believe there's also some sniffing around about sandgk's idea, which I would personally *love* to see come together.
Finally, I got a court date for the end of September.
This scenario would allow us to avoid ads within the community, but serve them to visitors. Which, if practical, would be ideal in my opinion.
I believe there's also some sniffing around about sandgk's idea, which I would personally *love* to see come together.
Finally, I got a court date for the end of September.
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Clarity, we all know that you would never allow any advertisers to have any say regarding the content of the site. I'm only mentioning the topic because you may want to ensure that some language stating that is included in any written agreement involved with adding the advertising to the site, to avoid any potential hassles down the line.
I have no idea if such language is customary or necessary in those types of agreements.
I have no idea if such language is customary or necessary in those types of agreements.
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