advertising test

I know I promised that this site would always be free and that there would never be any advertising, I've decided to give Google's AdSense a trial run. I think it'll be a win-win situation. The ads will be as unintrusive as I can make them and if it doesn't generate much in the way of money, I'll remove them. If it does generate some money, then I'll use the money to purchase updated postal code databases, etc…

If anyone has any major objections, now is the time.
-dr

I don't really have an objection, but I do have a suggestion. Instead of advertising.. You might be surprised at how much people from the site would be willing to donate to the site.

I dont mind some of the ads. As long as they are in good taste and not sleezy or out to rip off people etc. as in "real" ads not cheesy. I do love a good commercial!

Small advertising banners would be acceptable in my opinion. Failing that as LC mentioned some sort of donation program would also be a good idea.

as ironies go, i really feel any advertising would "cheapen" the site. advertising would remove one of the key differences that keeps me here instead of whereswilly. i'd be really much happier to donate than to see ads.

more importantly, advertising also begins to blur the indistinct line that keeps marking banknotes legal, in my perspective. when a site goes "commercial" (even on a cost recovery basis) there then can be perceived a "monetary gain" to the marking of the banknotes with this site. as it stands now, no-one, no-how is profitting from CMT, and that, i believe, keeps us "clean". when ads appear, the bank of canada, and the many people who are against our practices, are only given ammunition.

dr, it's your baby and you may, of course, do as you please, but i do hope you consider all the contingencies here. discussion?

I for one like the donation arrangement.

Terry from Southey

I am not in favour of advertising, but I do like the donation arrangement.

For the record, I was thinking about Google's text based ads not pop-up windows or flashy graphics or whatever.
-dr

It might be a good idea to try the ads for a short period of time and then look for feedback from users. If the ads are truly non intrusive then there shouldn't be much of a problem I would think….

I agree with gouche92, if you wish to try the ads.

Okay so the donation idea has merit and the little Insignia beside the users name showing he/she is a supporter of the site is a good idea. However the different levels of supporters is not a good idea. After hearing the comments I tend to agree I was a bit hasty in setting levels. A nice Red Maple Leaf beside ones name to show them as donating to the site upkeep is good. Somewhat like being an evangilist (the rare few).

Initially I thought the level was a good idea BC.
It took some thought about it b4 I thought the level idea wasn't a great idea. But it isn't bad.
something that may be plausable is like having the amount, but if the individual user doesn't want it shown how much then you can have it confidential.
Adding to an idea that was shot down, but just to show you it wasn't a completely bad idea.

I see alot of those google text ad nicely placed on some sites, and they are programmed to display content which is included on the page, so they will be relevent to what we talk about. They won't look too bad, I bet most people won't even notice them. The spot under the "USERS" bo to the left is empty, would make a good place for the ad.

If it's effective and keep the site free and running then I'm sure most people won't have a problem.

I like the donation idea as well.

One thing that may help us decide how much is needed in the way of donation would be a target goal and continually show a bar graph how much has been met and how much is still needed.

Joycer said"One thing that may help us decide how much is needed in the way of donation would be a target goal and continually show a bar graph how much has been met and how much is still needed." now thats an idea that I like!!

Joycer said "One thing that may help us decide how much is needed in the way of donation would be a target goal and continually show a bar graph how much has been met and how much is still needed."

antics said "now thats an idea that I like!!"

gouche92 said "A most excellent suggestion, the best yet!!"

Joycer's suggestion is very good & it would show us what the money we donate would go to.

With all our ideas. Dr just has to decide what he is going to do. DR definately gave us a good discussion group.