I was curious, what’s your take on ads on sites and blogs. Where should they be placed? How many should there be on a given page? How many on a given site? Something new I’ve seen is having a block on every blog post page; the one where you leave the comments at. They seem harmless and sometimes play video ads which I think is cool. Plus, more ads means the potential for more money.
At the moment I have one small “tower” of ads in the side bar that at times blends into the other crap there. But these new ads that play video, I like that. But they’re square and would need to be placed on the main portion of the page. And I think you get paid for the views, not necessarily the clicks which would definitely bring more cash. So what is your take on it? Is it too much, or do you not notice them? Do you even look at ads on peoples sites? More importantly do you ever click on the ads?
I dont see any ads– I use a Greasemonkey script in my Firefox to block ‘em!
So feel free to put them all over the place!:)
It’s a tough one. I think when the ads are relevant to the topic at hand I don’t mind them at all. In fact I appreciate them cause they may bring my attention to a product or website I had no idea about. Also I think ads revenue is a great way to get a little back (money wise) for the work you put into your blog.
I’ve got mixed feelings, Clint. I don’t begrudge anyone trying to make a buck doing what they love. I think Google AdSense like you have in your sidebar is pretty inobtrusive. A video ad that played whether I click it or not? I’m off the page as fast as I can! Beyond that it sort of depends on the site and how obnoxious the ads are. If I’m there to see someone’s personal site I don’t like ads much - it’s kind of like using your personal life to hawk random products, and I feel that cheapens how awesome human beings really are. I mean, products, commerce, stuff, it should all be serving US, making our lives better. And instead we are often servants of the commerce machine instead. I hate that. Anyway, that’s it … my random thoughts.
Ads? Hate ‘em. Loathe ‘em. Despise ‘em. However, I don’t ever begrudge those who use them because I am not one to sneeze at revenue. Anyway, I have a keenly trained internet eye that filters out most ads.
But hey, I want what Schlomo has! I can has?
Personally, I keep the ads off the frontpage of my blog, but I do have some in the archives and on specific pages. That way, if you’re a regualar visitor they’re not in your face, but if you get there through a search engine they show up.
Feels like a good tradeoff
I don’t have ads but I don’t really have a problem with ads as long as they are not dominating the purpose I come to someone’s page. I hate the floating ad across the screen. I don’t mind if there’s a place for them that doesn’t distract from the bloggers/vloggers writings/video. I like how blip.tv has options for the beginning, middle, end, or even scrolling for your video. I always watch those. Matter of fact I think the way blip.tv has the ads on their own page, along the side some animated, isn’t that bad. It gets my attention but doesn’t take away from my original interest on the page. If I was to put a video, I would probably have a small one on the right side of the screen that is muted and let the reader/viewer decide if they want to watch it. Pretty much how I promote Pedal. I am always getting references to the video from readers. I figure since we read left to right, it’ll be up to the viewer if the want to stop and continue to watch the video.
Just my opinion and these are great questions ; )
Guess what I do for a living? Yep. And I hate advertising. Which makes me probably one of the lesser evils in the biz. We should talk.
E.
Better vids + longer and bigger ads = OK
Crappy vids + shorter and smaller ads = Well, OK
Crappy vids + long ads = RUN AWAY ASAP
Cool personal vlogs + no ads = ROCKS
i hate ads.
but that is just me.