Design Open Discussion: Advertising on Some Random Dude?
1.06.07 @ 8:43 amI thought this would be a perfect topic for discussion as it is extremely pertinent due to recent events. Over the past couple weeks, I have been approached multiple times about putting advertising on Some Random Dude. I have been very clear about my thoughts on the subject, but I thought it would be even more interesting to hear your thoughts.
I was telling a colleague of mine about the present offers I have been getting and how I would most likely be holding off on them. He suggested that the opportunity for ad revenue could open up an interesting possibility for this community in the form of a community fund. If the community agrees on advertising, then ads will go up. All the money brought in from advertising (after taxes of course) will go back to the community in the way the community desires. This whole method is quite intriguing to me as it is adding a very large democratic element to the regularly closed-door environment of advertising. In addition, the advertising will be directly benefiting all the right people - the folks who bring in the revenue to begin with.
So, I leave this all up to you. Please leave your comments and/or email me directly if you feel it is more appropriate. I think giving the community a say on this topic makes sense in so many different ways. At the very least, I am pretty sure it will open up a lively discussion.ads, advertising, blog, community, discussion, money, online advertising, revenue, site, some random dude voting
June 1st, 2007 at 10:40 am
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Clearly, since I’m such a stalwart commenter all proceeds should go directly to my personal bank account. After taxes I deserve at least $0.28 for this comment alone.
Should I charge by the word, or the letter? By the letter would encourage those of us who prefer more ornate vocabulary. If you want a higher clientelle I’d recommend going with this option.
But an interesting proposition, I’ll give it some actual thought.
June 1st, 2007 at 10:45 am
Paying by the letter would definitely bring out the best in folks like you Alex. The problem is, for other less intellectually inclined peeps would just hold down the ‘a’ key and rake in the Benjamins (not that any of those type of people frequent this site).
Thanks for thinking about this - you always bring great ideas to the table.
June 1st, 2007 at 2:47 pm
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I don’t mind one or two advertising placements if it’s done very carefully and with a lot of discretion. I would make a list of personal criterias on what are acceptable or unacceptable ads. For example, if this were my site, I would list out these guidelines:
1-Ad must adhere to SRD design standards (give examples)
2-Ad must be relevant to SRD subject matters, philosophies, & audience. (No tire companies, but perhaps a non-profit)
3-If ad is not directly related to SRD content, then it must be beneficial or meaningful in some way to the users.
I think the majority of blogs/websites don’t care what goes on their site, as long as revenue is coming in. That’s the #1 problem of advertising of blogs. A bunch of crap is featured that serves as a bothersome eyesore more than anything else. Why don’t you experiment with advertising for a trial period of time and see what kind of responses you get?
June 2nd, 2007 at 5:11 am
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I agree with what kellie said. Plan design and content to fit with that of SRD, initiate a trial period and test the waters
June 8th, 2007 at 9:04 am
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I think it is great that you have taken time to ask the community. But in actuality, as long as your ads are unobtrusive then no one ever minds.
I mean if we are not paying to avoid seeing ads, then at the very least you should be allowed to monetize your site to get some income for the work you put in.