Per the threads below, I am testing a Google "auto ads" feature that places ads where their system feels they are best suited. I don't have control over placement.
From what I've been able to tell, this has no affect on desktop and laptop computers. But on mobile devices, it appears there are two ads placed within threads (somewhere between text conversations). Again, I have no control of where they appear, but they seem to appear within the upper part of discussions.
From what I can tell, not ideal, but hardly "polluting".
I work to ensure there are no overlay ads, pop-ups, auto-sound ads, etc. Compare this with Daily News, Bergen Record, NJ.com, etc.
Not sure how you blame Eric when the vast majority of this stuff is avoidable.
I can understand folks wanting to use ad blockers, but this is not ideal from my selfish point of view either. It's one of the reasons why I try not to use intrusive ads.
As an FYI, I know Gary has been looking at making the front page more mobile friendly. That's a much easier fix.
Corner Forum is tougher because I personally think the out-of-the-box software that is out there sucks. It's that crap you see on other sites where people can put avatars and the flow seems to be screwed up. I actually hate being on those sites.
I personally don't use mobile devices. When I test something, I have to borrow my wife's or my kids' phones. I am actually surprised that the Forum works pretty decently on the devices EXCEPT it is a pain in the butt to manually make the screen larger on phones (less of an issue on a device like a Kindle).
I don't know if it is the ad blocker that I have installed
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.
Im a fan of the new ad system. Yes, there are ads in the middle of thread, but there are no longer ads on the side bar that clip off the OP and sometimes top comment.
People complaining don't understand how the economics of a website works. Yes, everyone hates ads, but the other option is for BBI to change a monthly fee to log on, view and participate. No one wants that either. It takes no time to scroll past an ad in the middle of a thread. I use this website a bunch and if that's the price of admission and keeps the lights on, it's well worth it.
Than other commercially available frameworks. They would immediately handle all the shit members complain about every month.
Id recommend switching to XenForo framework, which is like $150 for the license and $40/year for the updates. Id also recommend offering two version of The Corner Forum: a free ad supported version and a premium ad free version to members who want to pay $30 a year.
Best site on the internet. He should get all the ad revenue he can. I can't believe people giving him a hard time. He has every right to run all the ads he wants.
This is one of the most content rich sites you will find and IT IS FREE. Eric and others bust their asses, asking little in return. So there are a few ads you have to deal with. BFD!
Than other commercially available frameworks. They would immediately handle all the shit members complain about every month.
Id recommend switching to XenForo framework, which is like $150 for the license and $40/year for the updates. Id also recommend offering two version of The Corner Forum: a free ad supported version and a premium ad free version to members who want to pay $30 a year.
But thats just my opinion, its not my site.
Can you provide a link to a live, working example?
(The last time we polled people with options, it went over like a lead balloon).
Ads seem fine to me. There was a few times more recently when some of the ads would cut off some posts. It was just an occasional nuisance. Next time it happens I'll send you an example. I'm also sending you an email with my other thoughts on generating $$$, fwiw.
As an FYI, I know Gary has been looking at making the front page more mobile friendly. That's a much easier fix.
Corner Forum is tougher because I personally think the out-of-the-box software that is out there sucks. It's that crap you see on other sites where people can put avatars and the flow seems to be screwed up. I actually hate being on those sites.
I personally don't use mobile devices. When I test something, I have to borrow my wife's or my kids' phones. I am actually surprised that the Forum works pretty decently on the devices EXCEPT it is a pain in the butt to manually make the screen larger on phones (less of an issue on a device like a Kindle).
Eric - for what its worth, I access it 90% of the time mobile. Having a version that works on a mobile device is key especially with how technology is headed
If this helps, I logged in from a different home page and it seems to
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.
Everyone wants the best with all the bells and whistles but don't want to pay for it.
Eric, it's a great site!
I do like the idea another poster mentioned of an ad-supported free version and pay for the premium version. Most forum software these days give you options to give more perks to subscribers than just ad-free use as well. Preferred member titles, ability to post certain things that free members can't, etc. I'll have to admit my budget is very tight since retiring from my first career but I can see myself paying to be a premium member, within reason.
However, with change comes a risk. Can the new forum somehow carry over the current usernames, thread history, members historical info, etc? You risk losing some members but I doubt that. I don't see many other places for Giants fans to go to for this level of content. Still, there is a risk.
I'm a fan of the extra bells and whistles that come with a more current forum but most in this community prefer this style. You must be doing something right.
RE: RE: There is no universe where the current board is better
Than other commercially available frameworks. They would immediately handle all the shit members complain about every month.
Id recommend switching to XenForo framework, which is like $150 for the license and $40/year for the updates. Id also recommend offering two version of The Corner Forum: a free ad supported version and a premium ad free version to members who want to pay $30 a year.
But thats just my opinion, its not my site.
Can you provide a link to a live, working example?
(The last time we polled people with options, it went over like a lead balloon).
Do the stuff for you. That way you can keep the forum as it is and they will protect pages from non-subscribers for you for 15% per month. Plus, they handle the all the billing/renewals/etc. so you don't have to deal with credit cards/credit card issues at all. Take a look - ( New Window )
From what I've been able to tell, this has no affect on desktop and laptop computers. But on mobile devices, it appears there are two ads placed within threads (somewhere between text conversations). Again, I have no control of where they appear, but they seem to appear within the upper part of discussions.
Funny enough, Eric - on my mobile device (iPhone), the ad does NOT appear in the text box, but appears right after the box (but before the next person's post). I had seen people's complaints about the ad appearing within the box and didn't understand what they were talking about, until I logged on to my computer today.
Not sure if my experience was unique, thought I would pass it along.
And FWIW, I don't find it intrusive. In fact, I actually prefer that to the ads appearing on the upper right side, as that cuts off text from posts.
From what I've been able to tell, this has no affect on desktop and laptop computers. But on mobile devices, it appears there are two ads placed within threads (somewhere between text conversations). Again, I have no control of where they appear, but they seem to appear within the upper part of discussions.
Funny enough, Eric - on my mobile device (iPhone), the ad does NOT appear in the text box, but appears right after the box (but before the next person's post). I had seen people's complaints about the ad appearing within the box and didn't understand what they were talking about, until I logged on to my computer today.
Not sure if my experience was unique, thought I would pass it along.
And FWIW, I don't find it intrusive. In fact, I actually prefer that to the ads appearing on the upper right side, as that cuts off text from posts.
I should clarify - text gets cut off by ads on my mobile only...
It takes money to run this site and all sites and no one should expect Eric to go into his pocket to cover the expenses.
So its either ads or a subscription fee. I for one, would be happy to pay a fee to ensure the sites existence. I already pay for ESPN Insider and The Athletic and BBI is still my favorite.
(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 need to increase revenue. It's that simple.
I'm not sure I would call it "polluted". Have you been on other sites?
Again, it is NOT a given that BBI will continue to exist.
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 am seeing ads in peoples quoted text. Is that part of it? Just wondering.
Its really hard to find a place to share opinions online these days, particularity about ny specific teams. CBS, FOX etc. all dead.
please keep it going as best you need to.
Not sure how you blame Eric when the vast majority of this stuff is avoidable.
How much have you contributed during the site's fundraising drives?
🤘🏻
From what I've been able to tell, this has no affect on desktop and laptop computers. But on mobile devices, it appears there are two ads placed within threads (somewhere between text conversations). Again, I have no control of where they appear, but they seem to appear within the upper part of discussions.
From what I can tell, not ideal, but hardly "polluting".
I work to ensure there are no overlay ads, pop-ups, auto-sound ads, etc. Compare this with Daily News, Bergen Record, NJ.com, etc.
Not sure how you blame Eric when the vast majority of this stuff is avoidable.
I can understand folks wanting to use ad blockers, but this is not ideal from my selfish point of view either. It's one of the reasons why I try not to use intrusive ads.
I hate ads but I understand why it has to be done.
Corner Forum is tougher because I personally think the out-of-the-box software that is out there sucks. It's that crap you see on other sites where people can put avatars and the flow seems to be screwed up. I actually hate being on those sites.
I personally don't use mobile devices. When I test something, I have to borrow my wife's or my kids' phones. I am actually surprised that the Forum works pretty decently on the devices EXCEPT it is a pain in the butt to manually make the screen larger on phones (less of an issue on a device like a Kindle).
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.
+1
I know folks are not thrilled with the side ads within threads. I want to at least fix that problem.
I need to increase revenue. It's that simple.
I'm not sure I would call it "polluted". Have you been on other sites?
just don't put pop-up ads please lol
Believe me, I try to keep everything less intrusive and minimalist as possible.
If you have noticed, until this recent test, I never had a page on BBI have more than three ads.
And pop-ups, overlays, take-over, etc ads are the ones that pay far, far more CPMs. But I don't do it.
People complaining don't understand how the economics of a website works. Yes, everyone hates ads, but the other option is for BBI to change a monthly fee to log on, view and participate. No one wants that either. It takes no time to scroll past an ad in the middle of a thread. I use this website a bunch and if that's the price of admission and keeps the lights on, it's well worth it.
Id recommend switching to XenForo framework, which is like $150 for the license and $40/year for the updates. Id also recommend offering two version of The Corner Forum: a free ad supported version and a premium ad free version to members who want to pay $30 a year.
But thats just my opinion, its not my site.
Id recommend switching to XenForo framework, which is like $150 for the license and $40/year for the updates. Id also recommend offering two version of The Corner Forum: a free ad supported version and a premium ad free version to members who want to pay $30 a year.
But thats just my opinion, its not my site.
Can you provide a link to a live, working example?
(The last time we polled people with options, it went over like a lead balloon).
Corner Forum is tougher because I personally think the out-of-the-box software that is out there sucks. It's that crap you see on other sites where people can put avatars and the flow seems to be screwed up. I actually hate being on those sites.
I personally don't use mobile devices. When I test something, I have to borrow my wife's or my kids' phones. I am actually surprised that the Forum works pretty decently on the devices EXCEPT it is a pain in the butt to manually make the screen larger on phones (less of an issue on a device like a Kindle).
Eric - for what its worth, I access it 90% of the time mobile. Having a version that works on a mobile device is key especially with how technology is headed
Trouble on Yahoo. Less trouble on Xfinity. Even less trouble on Outlook.com
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.
Eric, it's a great site!
I do like the idea another poster mentioned of an ad-supported free version and pay for the premium version. Most forum software these days give you options to give more perks to subscribers than just ad-free use as well. Preferred member titles, ability to post certain things that free members can't, etc. I'll have to admit my budget is very tight since retiring from my first career but I can see myself paying to be a premium member, within reason.
However, with change comes a risk. Can the new forum somehow carry over the current usernames, thread history, members historical info, etc? You risk losing some members but I doubt that. I don't see many other places for Giants fans to go to for this level of content. Still, there is a risk.
I'm a fan of the extra bells and whistles that come with a more current forum but most in this community prefer this style. You must be doing something right.
Quote:
Than other commercially available frameworks. They would immediately handle all the shit members complain about every month.
Id recommend switching to XenForo framework, which is like $150 for the license and $40/year for the updates. Id also recommend offering two version of The Corner Forum: a free ad supported version and a premium ad free version to members who want to pay $30 a year.
But thats just my opinion, its not my site.
Can you provide a link to a live, working example?
(The last time we polled people with options, it went over like a lead balloon).
Yes, 2 forums, 1 free, and the other pay like 247 does.
Your income will shoot up. - ( New Window )
Take a look - ( New Window )
From what I've been able to tell, this has no affect on desktop and laptop computers. But on mobile devices, it appears there are two ads placed within threads (somewhere between text conversations). Again, I have no control of where they appear, but they seem to appear within the upper part of discussions.
Funny enough, Eric - on my mobile device (iPhone), the ad does NOT appear in the text box, but appears right after the box (but before the next person's post). I had seen people's complaints about the ad appearing within the box and didn't understand what they were talking about, until I logged on to my computer today.
Not sure if my experience was unique, thought I would pass it along.
And FWIW, I don't find it intrusive. In fact, I actually prefer that to the ads appearing on the upper right side, as that cuts off text from posts.
Quote:
From what I've been able to tell, this has no affect on desktop and laptop computers. But on mobile devices, it appears there are two ads placed within threads (somewhere between text conversations). Again, I have no control of where they appear, but they seem to appear within the upper part of discussions.
Funny enough, Eric - on my mobile device (iPhone), the ad does NOT appear in the text box, but appears right after the box (but before the next person's post). I had seen people's complaints about the ad appearing within the box and didn't understand what they were talking about, until I logged on to my computer today.
Not sure if my experience was unique, thought I would pass it along.
And FWIW, I don't find it intrusive. In fact, I actually prefer that to the ads appearing on the upper right side, as that cuts off text from posts.
I should clarify - text gets cut off by ads on my mobile only...
So its either ads or a subscription fee. I for one, would be happy to pay a fee to ensure the sites existence. I already pay for ESPN Insider and The Athletic and BBI is still my favorite.
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 )
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.