Re: Ad-based Server Software

From: Jim Reardon <jim_at_amusive.com>
Date: Wed 15 Nov 2000 10:30:57 -0500

BRAD JENSEN <brad_at_elstore.com> WROTE:
> What do you guys think of the idea of server software
> on a ad-based model? What thoughts do you have about
> the pros and cons of discussion boards for advertising?
> What experiences do you have?

Good idea, but it's been done. And for cheaper: free.
There's plenty of good ad-free, registration-free CGI
based message board software. There are also other
places that will host a message board in return for a
banner ad (ie: no complicated setup).

As far as banner ads go, on message boards they're
useless. People are busy reading messages, not
looking at ads. They obtain a blind spot for the ads
very easy, and typically generate 10 pageviews a piece.
10 useless, ignored pageviews. I have a friend that
runs a message board service (remotely hosted) and
gets about a .01% (percent -- not .01) CTR. That's
less than 1 click per thousand impressions.

As for opt-ins, if you post opt-in offers on the
message board that pretty much would guarantee nobody
would use it. Banner ads are one thing, people put up
with that for free hosting and the such, but big text
ads and opt-in offers are very intrusive.

  Jim Reardon <jim_at_amusive.com> 815-744-3119
  what do you want for free? http://www.freecenter.com/
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Received on Wed Nov 15 2000 - 09:30:57 CST