(Also, please note they also have an ad in the middle of their posts) https://247sports.com/Board/30/Contents/The-Official-UVa-VT-Rivalry-Thread-You-Are-Now-In-The-Know-12036239/ - ( New Window )
Eric, yes, that's it. 247 sites have a free board and a pay one. The pay one has the most info and best discussions.
Of course, I prefer the current Forum's layout and that can be preserved using CC Bill who would provide billing and access to subscribers (as well as handling any credit card issues).
A 3rd option that was mentioned was 1 board with ads, and one without, but I'm not as familiar with that.
The beauty of the forum is and always has been the simplicity. It's also why the forum loads quickly and is virtually cross-device friendly without being technically responsive.
I'd very much encourage users not employ full Ad Blocking on the site. There are levels of blocking if you must that don't full-stop Eric's revenue.
Eric -- have you ever looked into Ad Block acceptable ads? I flipped on the blocker on BBI and see all ads are wiped even with that setting on, that might be a good way to keep ads going and keep people from killing them.
In my experience with Google, even with auto-injection they will honor some basic rules to target outside of some basic HTML elements i.e. the container for the quote box.
I strongly vote for the inline ads if it frees up the right rail. That's were a bunch of overlap occurs.
I would like to know is what folks think of the board Stan suggests.
Don't get me wrong. I prefer the current forum as well. I was just using that as an example. You can keep the forum exactly as it is by using someone like CC Bill to handle subscriptions. You can protect any pages on the site (i.e., making some free and others for subscriber only, you choose). They do all the work for you.
Not a fan of the format, but perhaps it would be better for the mobile devices?
Regardless, I do want to hear feedback.
Maybe you could integrate your current forum via Tapatalk? I was looking into this once upon a time when I was thinking of starting my own website. Tapatalk is a common android and apple app that connects to existing forums with a mobile platform. They can also host the forum if you prefer. If I remember right they have a ton of options both paid and free.
From the Tapatalk website:
Quote:
Free to Start
Whether you're starting a new community, migrating your community, or simply want to activate Tapatalk Mobile App with your existing forum, Tapatalk is absolutely free for you and your members - or select our Basic Plan ($5/mo) or Premium Plan ($10/mo) to get more control of your branding and advertisment that is right for your community.
Make the entire site free EXCEPT for the Corner Forum. Charge a nominal fee, say, $1.99 a month (you have complete flexibility here to charge more or less), recurring until cancelled. Of course, if you charge more the less subscribers you would get, but you might net more income. You would not be locked into any set price as you could change it easily at any point.
Then, keep the ads on the free pages and eliminate them on the Forum. you could also put things like Sy's stuff behind the subscriber wall in order to entice more subscribers, so there's that.
Personally, I'd pay $10 a month without a second thought.
There was a poster that suggested an icon or something, Â
Keep in mind XenForo is PHP-based and can be highly customized Android Forum - ( New Window )
Personally, I don't like that. Maybe it's because I'm too used to the Forum. But again, I will keep an open mind and I want people to weigh in.
These out-of-the box packages all seem the same to me. The posts are more compartmentalized and there seems to be much more wasted space because of it (i.e., look at how much you have to scroll to read the responses), and the info on the poster seems unnecessary (rank, points, posts, avatar - keeping in mind the avatars have to load too).
I basically have two ad networks, USA Today (which has zero publisher control - they are weird in that department - there is no back end for me to even review/filter ads) and Google (as you probably know with Google, you simply cut and paste ad code except with the new auto ads).
Keep in mind XenForo is PHP-based and can be highly customized Android Forum - ( New Window )
Personally, I don't like that. Maybe it's because I'm too used to the Forum. But again, I will keep an open mind and I want people to weigh in.
These out-of-the box packages all seem the same to me. The posts are more compartmentalized and there seems to be much more wasted space because of it (i.e., look at how much you have to scroll to read the responses), and the info on the poster seems unnecessary (rank, points, posts, avatar - keeping in mind the avatars have to load too).
So it seems like the best way to go is to keep everything exactly the same, and monetize certain pages/content. Remember, once it's set up, you do not have to do anything more. Just operate like nothing is changed.
Or find an out-of-the-box option that is bit simpler.
I know the Forum isn't great for mobile devices. It works better than I would have guess (because of what Christian said above), it is not ideal. You have to manually enlarge the screen.
What surprises me is there are not more attractive options out there. Indeed, there are ones out there that are FAR, FAR worse than the one that you shared... some of them are so bad that it tough to even follow the flow of the conversation.
RE: RE: I don't know if it is the ad blocker that I have installed Â
But, I don't see ANY ads ... and I am serious. I also have Norton's Internet Security.
Not sure what is helping but, I don't see any ads.
Now, if I sit down at a work computer or somewhere else - then I see ads.
Eric - I hope the ad-blocker is not decreasing your revenue. Obviously that was not my intent and I did not install the blocker for BBI specifically. All pages (sites) are filled with ads to the point of .... The internet is starting to make AM radio look like amateurs when it comes to advertising.
Disable the add blocker for this site to help Eric.
Does it really help to disable the blocker for this site?
I love the BBI layout. It's very easy to read thru posts. The other suggested boards on this thread do not read as nicely.
I gasped when I realized I never thought to disable my ad blocker here on BBI. I've just corrected that. I never thought about it... Usually a site will remind you to do so, but BBI never does... Eric, can you fix that?
Most years I kick in a few bucks during the donation season, but wondering would it be better to just do a $30 subscription each year. I'd certainly consider it.
I've elaborated on this below on a couple of threads.
I need to increase revenue. It's that simple.
I'm not sure I would call it "polluted". Have you been on other sites?
Eric.... I agree with you. Totally get it. I have a few websites too. The number of ads dont bother me but there are many times when the ads covers the content and I cannot read some of the posts.
I love the BBI layout. It's very easy to read thru posts. The other suggested boards on this thread do not read as nicely.
I gasped when I realized I never thought to disable my ad blocker here on BBI. I've just corrected that. I never thought about it... Usually a site will remind you to do so, but BBI never does... Eric, can you fix that?
Most years I kick in a few bucks during the donation season, but wondering would it be better to just do a $30 subscription each year. I'd certainly consider it.
I think the covering up issue appeared a couple of months ago when USA Today asked me to change their code. I asked Gary if there is a way we can "box" that code in better so it doesn't cover text.
something else I noticed that maybe can help with your revenue when it comes to ads....
There are two ads on the right column that are at the top of each thread. They are stationary. If you make them "float" so they will follow as people tab down the thread, you will earn more.
something else I noticed that maybe can help with your revenue when it comes to ads....
There are two ads on the right column that are at the top of each thread. They are stationary. If you make them "float" so they will follow as people tab down the thread, you will earn more.
I don't know if we can control that with those specific ads. Sometimes ad companies are very sensitive to positioning on a page (even though your suggestion means more eyes).
as well. I like the suggestion to do a reminder for people that disabling adblockers help support the site. Just state in the reminder that you do your best to keep the ads to a minimum. I just never thought of disabling it before now myself.
What kind of forum software do you use now? I recommended Tapatalk because supposedly you can set it up to work with your site. Your forum look doesn't change except to be more user-friendly to those using the app to review and post on the forum. Basically, users can use the Tapatalk app (apple and android) to sign into your forum with a mobile-friendly look. This is what they claim anyway. I don't know how customizable the mobile look is though. That might look very different from the full site version however a mobile-friendly version is what you want right?
They have hosting options as well but it doesn't sound like you want to go that route. Instead, they can just connect their mobile platform to your forum. I think it depends on whatever forum software you currently use though.
Outside of that, you would think most of the latest forum software options out there would be versatile enough to customize it to look very much like the current BBI forum. You don't want avatars? Turn that feature off. Want a donations button? Turn that feature on. Want to limit the size of pictures people show? Just put in the acceptable dimensions. I could have sworn that's how the better ones worked. I'm sure many of them already have a mobile friendly version.
Just some thoughts I had before bed. Good luck Eric and thank you for all you do for us!
BBI is home grown and it was written YEARS ago. It's basically a patchwork now, but it is still working. But that's the issue with any updates/upgrades.
something else I noticed that maybe can help with your revenue when it comes to ads....
There are two ads on the right column that are at the top of each thread. They are stationary. If you make them "float" so they will follow as people tab down the thread, you will earn more.
I don't know if we can control that with those specific ads. Sometimes ad companies are very sensitive to positioning on a page (even though your suggestion means more eyes).
suggest discussing it with them. They don't get paid either if eyes are not on the ads. The ads need to be displayed for a few seconds for you to get paid (maybe 3 seconds or more). If someone here goes back to a thread they already visited, they likely will immediately tab down towards the bottom to get to the new posts. Well....that may not count towards ad revenue since the ads are at the top.
Even though traffic has declined...with the number of total page views this site gets, you should be crushing it.
BBI is home grown and it was written YEARS ago. It's basically a patchwork now, but it is still working. But that's the issue with any updates/upgrades.
Oh. Well hell. I think you might be stuck then until you take a leap with a redesign. I don`t see any urgent need for that. The look is certainly holding up. I still think tapatalk might be a good option when that time comes. The forums I perused via the app on my phone looked clean and clear of flashy extras.
I would easily pay $30 per year just to avoid the trolls and the bs content.
Believe me, it's been widely publicly and privately discussed for years and years. At best, I think you get 1/3 of poster sign up. And once posting quantity and quality decreases - especially with attrition - the reason to sign up disappears.
Keep in mind there are a bunch of Giants-related sites too.
Free but add a "tip jar." Many of us donate and could do so regularly (keep your yearly push). Paid versus free content might deter Asshats and newbies which is what makes BBI special.
The interface can always be updated to enhance with the feel. Personally, ive enabled ads to help with the revenue and have no issues on my laptop. The problems I have are with the iPad and mobile where ads become a burden and show-ups across threads.
Free but add a "tip jar." Many of us donate and could do so regularly (keep your yearly push). Paid versus free content might deter Asshats and newbies which is what makes BBI special.
The interface can always be updated to enhance with the feel. Personally, ive enabled ads to help with the revenue and have no issues on my laptop. The problems I have are with the iPad and mobile where ads become a burden and show-ups across threads.
(Also, please note they also have an ad in the middle of their posts) https://247sports.com/Board/30/Contents/The-Official-UVa-VT-Rivalry-Thread-You-Are-Now-In-The-Know-12036239/ - ( New Window )
I wouldn't complain about the ads because I value this site, but if you are asking, I do like that better. I use this site across a few different platforms and the ads block content often. I would also LOVE the ability to edit my posts. I would BUY a BBI app.
RE: RE: I don't know if it is the ad blocker that I have installed Â
But, I don't see ANY ads ... and I am serious. I also have Norton's Internet Security.
Not sure what is helping but, I don't see any ads.
Now, if I sit down at a work computer or somewhere else - then I see ads.
Eric - I hope the ad-blocker is not decreasing your revenue. Obviously that was not my intent and I did not install the blocker for BBI specifically. All pages (sites) are filled with ads to the point of .... The internet is starting to make AM radio look like amateurs when it comes to advertising.
Disable the add blocker for this site to help Eric.
Stan - you are 100% right ... and I would do it if it was just his site. BUT, IT IS NOT ... JUST ... THIS .... SITE. Next year I will start donating again. I stopped because .... well personal reasons.
Yesterday I was able to book a vacation, buy boots all the while getting an asian date. -- That might make for a good time though.
Today I can buy a sink, a rug and a durango
Not sure how it determines what I want to buy, but I have 3 young kids so vacations are mostly local, I never wore boots, and I don't need a date.
I also don't need a sink, run or SUV.
I never search for any of the above, so not sure what algorithm Google uses.
Do people like this better?
(Also, please note they also have an ad in the middle of their posts) https://247sports.com/Board/30/Contents/The-Official-UVa-VT-Rivalry-Thread-You-Are-Now-In-The-Know-12036239/ - ( New Window )
Eric, yes, that's it. 247 sites have a free board and a pay one. The pay one has the most info and best discussions.
Of course, I prefer the current Forum's layout and that can be preserved using CC Bill who would provide billing and access to subscribers (as well as handling any credit card issues).
A 3rd option that was mentioned was 1 board with ads, and one without, but I'm not as familiar with that.
I don't like the format of the site Stan proposes
I like the BBI format
Regardless, I do want to hear feedback.
Again, we have no control over that. That's Google.
Isn't it BBI tradition to 100% renounce what Stan endorses?
Too bad it didn't happen on this one
The beauty of the forum is and always has been the simplicity. It's also why the forum loads quickly and is virtually cross-device friendly without being technically responsive.
I'd very much encourage users not employ full Ad Blocking on the site. There are levels of blocking if you must that don't full-stop Eric's revenue.
Eric -- have you ever looked into Ad Block acceptable ads? I flipped on the blocker on BBI and see all ads are wiped even with that setting on, that might be a good way to keep ads going and keep people from killing them.
In my experience with Google, even with auto-injection they will honor some basic rules to target outside of some basic HTML elements i.e. the container for the quote box.
I strongly vote for the inline ads if it frees up the right rail. That's were a bunch of overlap occurs.
Don't get me wrong. I prefer the current forum as well. I was just using that as an example. You can keep the forum exactly as it is by using someone like CC Bill to handle subscriptions. You can protect any pages on the site (i.e., making some free and others for subscriber only, you choose). They do all the work for you.
I imagine Eric would prefer the site be ad-free, but it sounds like not enough is raised during the campaign.
Regardless, I do want to hear feedback.
Maybe you could integrate your current forum via Tapatalk? I was looking into this once upon a time when I was thinking of starting my own website. Tapatalk is a common android and apple app that connects to existing forums with a mobile platform. They can also host the forum if you prefer. If I remember right they have a ton of options both paid and free.
From the Tapatalk website:
Whether you're starting a new community, migrating your community, or simply want to activate Tapatalk Mobile App with your existing forum, Tapatalk is absolutely free for you and your members - or select our Basic Plan ($5/mo) or Premium Plan ($10/mo) to get more control of your branding and advertisment that is right for your community.
https://www.tapatalk.com/ - ( New Window )
Then, keep the ads on the free pages and eliminate them on the Forum. you could also put things like Sy's stuff behind the subscriber wall in order to entice more subscribers, so there's that.
Personally, I'd pay $10 a month without a second thought.
I support Eric's decision making, will accept the ads, will contribute.
Keep in mind XenForo is PHP-based and can be highly customized
Android Forum - ( New Window )
Keep in mind XenForo is PHP-based and can be highly customized Android Forum - ( New Window )
Personally, I don't like that. Maybe it's because I'm too used to the Forum. But again, I will keep an open mind and I want people to weigh in.
These out-of-the box packages all seem the same to me. The posts are more compartmentalized and there seems to be much more wasted space because of it (i.e., look at how much you have to scroll to read the responses), and the info on the poster seems unnecessary (rank, points, posts, avatar - keeping in mind the avatars have to load too).
I basically have two ad networks, USA Today (which has zero publisher control - they are weird in that department - there is no back end for me to even review/filter ads) and Google (as you probably know with Google, you simply cut and paste ad code except with the new auto ads).
Quote:
Here is an example of a site built with XenForo
Keep in mind XenForo is PHP-based and can be highly customized Android Forum - ( New Window )
Personally, I don't like that. Maybe it's because I'm too used to the Forum. But again, I will keep an open mind and I want people to weigh in.
These out-of-the box packages all seem the same to me. The posts are more compartmentalized and there seems to be much more wasted space because of it (i.e., look at how much you have to scroll to read the responses), and the info on the poster seems unnecessary (rank, points, posts, avatar - keeping in mind the avatars have to load too).
So it seems like the best way to go is to keep everything exactly the same, and monetize certain pages/content. Remember, once it's set up, you do not have to do anything more. Just operate like nothing is changed.
I know the Forum isn't great for mobile devices. It works better than I would have guess (because of what Christian said above), it is not ideal. You have to manually enlarge the screen.
What surprises me is there are not more attractive options out there. Indeed, there are ones out there that are FAR, FAR worse than the one that you shared... some of them are so bad that it tough to even follow the flow of the conversation.
Quote:
But, I don't see ANY ads ... and I am serious. I also have Norton's Internet Security.
Not sure what is helping but, I don't see any ads.
Now, if I sit down at a work computer or somewhere else - then I see ads.
Eric - I hope the ad-blocker is not decreasing your revenue. Obviously that was not my intent and I did not install the blocker for BBI specifically. All pages (sites) are filled with ads to the point of .... The internet is starting to make AM radio look like amateurs when it comes to advertising.
Disable the add blocker for this site to help Eric.
Does it really help to disable the blocker for this site?
Well that is easy enough to fix...
Like I said, I try to keep the intrusive ads off the site.
Like I said, I try to keep the intrusive ads off the site.
I personally like the ads in the middle. I wouldn’t change a thing. Is it really that bothersome when people post pics and gifs all the time?
So that why the epic thread was deleted!!!! Haha
I gasped when I realized I never thought to disable my ad blocker here on BBI. I've just corrected that. I never thought about it... Usually a site will remind you to do so, but BBI never does... Eric, can you fix that?
Most years I kick in a few bucks during the donation season, but wondering would it be better to just do a $30 subscription each year. I'd certainly consider it.
I need to increase revenue. It's that simple.
I'm not sure I would call it "polluted". Have you been on other sites?
Eric.... I agree with you. Totally get it. I have a few websites too. The number of ads dont bother me but there are many times when the ads covers the content and I cannot read some of the posts.
I gasped when I realized I never thought to disable my ad blocker here on BBI. I've just corrected that. I never thought about it... Usually a site will remind you to do so, but BBI never does... Eric, can you fix that?
Most years I kick in a few bucks during the donation season, but wondering would it be better to just do a $30 subscription each year. I'd certainly consider it.
Thanks for the feedback and consideration!
There are two ads on the right column that are at the top of each thread. They are stationary. If you make them "float" so they will follow as people tab down the thread, you will earn more.
There are two ads on the right column that are at the top of each thread. They are stationary. If you make them "float" so they will follow as people tab down the thread, you will earn more.
I don't know if we can control that with those specific ads. Sometimes ad companies are very sensitive to positioning on a page (even though your suggestion means more eyes).
What kind of forum software do you use now? I recommended Tapatalk because supposedly you can set it up to work with your site. Your forum look doesn't change except to be more user-friendly to those using the app to review and post on the forum. Basically, users can use the Tapatalk app (apple and android) to sign into your forum with a mobile-friendly look. This is what they claim anyway. I don't know how customizable the mobile look is though. That might look very different from the full site version however a mobile-friendly version is what you want right?
They have hosting options as well but it doesn't sound like you want to go that route. Instead, they can just connect their mobile platform to your forum. I think it depends on whatever forum software you currently use though.
Outside of that, you would think most of the latest forum software options out there would be versatile enough to customize it to look very much like the current BBI forum. You don't want avatars? Turn that feature off. Want a donations button? Turn that feature on. Want to limit the size of pictures people show? Just put in the acceptable dimensions. I could have sworn that's how the better ones worked. I'm sure many of them already have a mobile friendly version.
Just some thoughts I had before bed. Good luck Eric and thank you for all you do for us!
Quote:
something else I noticed that maybe can help with your revenue when it comes to ads....
There are two ads on the right column that are at the top of each thread. They are stationary. If you make them "float" so they will follow as people tab down the thread, you will earn more.
I don't know if we can control that with those specific ads. Sometimes ad companies are very sensitive to positioning on a page (even though your suggestion means more eyes).
suggest discussing it with them. They don't get paid either if eyes are not on the ads. The ads need to be displayed for a few seconds for you to get paid (maybe 3 seconds or more). If someone here goes back to a thread they already visited, they likely will immediately tab down towards the bottom to get to the new posts. Well....that may not count towards ad revenue since the ads are at the top.
Even though traffic has declined...with the number of total page views this site gets, you should be crushing it.
Oh. Well hell. I think you might be stuck then until you take a leap with a redesign. I don`t see any urgent need for that. The look is certainly holding up. I still think tapatalk might be a good option when that time comes. The forums I perused via the app on my phone looked clean and clear of flashy extras.
Believe me, it's been widely publicly and privately discussed for years and years. At best, I think you get 1/3 of poster sign up. And once posting quantity and quality decreases - especially with attrition - the reason to sign up disappears.
Keep in mind there are a bunch of Giants-related sites too.
My best bet is to find a happy medium.
MENTAL CRIPPLE>>>>>
The interface can always be updated to enhance with the feel. Personally, ive enabled ads to help with the revenue and have no issues on my laptop. The problems I have are with the iPad and mobile where ads become a burden and show-ups across threads.
The interface can always be updated to enhance with the feel. Personally, ive enabled ads to help with the revenue and have no issues on my laptop. The problems I have are with the iPad and mobile where ads become a burden and show-ups across threads.
Do people like this better?
(Also, please note they also have an ad in the middle of their posts) https://247sports.com/Board/30/Contents/The-Official-UVa-VT-Rivalry-Thread-You-Are-Now-In-The-Know-12036239/ - ( New Window )
Quote:
But, I don't see ANY ads ... and I am serious. I also have Norton's Internet Security.
Not sure what is helping but, I don't see any ads.
Now, if I sit down at a work computer or somewhere else - then I see ads.
Eric - I hope the ad-blocker is not decreasing your revenue. Obviously that was not my intent and I did not install the blocker for BBI specifically. All pages (sites) are filled with ads to the point of .... The internet is starting to make AM radio look like amateurs when it comes to advertising.
Disable the add blocker for this site to help Eric.
Stan - you are 100% right ... and I would do it if it was just his site. BUT, IT IS NOT ... JUST ... THIS .... SITE. Next year I will start donating again. I stopped because .... well personal reasons.