Re: Launching a new browser window

From: Brandi Jasmine <brandi_at_brandijasmine.com>
Date: Fri 02 Mar 2001 12:12:37 -0600

JOHN GASKILL <gm_at_info-central-usa.com> WROTE:

>Some people see their value to society as being
>the recipient of advertising messages.

Oh puhleeaze! What an absolutely ridiculous suggestion.

>One does not have to be anti-business to object
>to intrusive or invasive advertising in a setting
>where its presence is unexpected.

There are people who object to it where it IS expected,
which was my point, actually.

>A self-closing pop-up browser window is less
>obnoxious than one which resists closing,
>size and positioning held equal. However,
>the vast majority web surfers hunting for
>information still prefer no intrusions.

I agree with your philosophy in terms of providing only
positive experiences for my users, I think I've been pretty
clear about my personal dislike for exit popups. I was NOT
advocating their use, as I think was obvious from previous
comments I've made on the subject. I merely said "if you are
going to do it, here is a marginally better way", and I reflected
reality. The "vast majority" are in fact indifferent.

Dealing with 200,000 ISP customers since 1992 I have a *lot*
of experience with consumer complaints - probably more than
most people here. I was something of an unofficial customer
ombudsman, known for erring on the side of caution, and
for fighting with the marketing department on issues like these.

Eventually I came to see that it is only a distinct and vocal
minority who object enough to either complain or boycott such
companies, in reality. 95% of people out there click "close" or
"delete" without a second thought - and enough people do follow
through to make it worthwhile. I hated it, but the marketing
department at the ISP I used to work for bought intersitials and
the rate of response blew away banner ads like you would not believe.

There are people who WILL object to ANY ad, just like I said. These
people have a sense of entitlement. The Internet should be free,
they should be able to go anywhere and do anything without having
to see an ad. Well, maybe my disdain for that attitude is showing.
I see nothing wrong with making an honest buck, and I realize that
good content has to be funded somehow. Amazing that this concept
so often has to be defended on marketing lists.

I also realize that annoying some of my customers means I may
lose them. But then, do the math. I can gain 8-20% more customers
using an interstital, or I can save 1-2% of the customers who will
likely never buy online in any case, and limit my response rate to
less than 1%. Hmm. Tough choice that one. I have erred on the
side of caution for a long time, and have begun to wonder how
prudent that really is in terms of the big picture. I realize it is akin
to heresy to entertain such thoughts, much less dare speak them
aloud. I know what sort of knee-jerk reaction they often engender.

I don't mind if my restaurant puts an ad on the toilet stall: I DON'T
HAVE TO READ IT. I can look at my shoes. BTW those toilet stall ads
are highly effective too I hear.

Regards,

Brandi Jasmine
Writer, Digital Photographer, Illustrator
        www.brandijasmine.com
www.astrology.ca - www.twostar.com



Received on Fri Mar 02 2001 - 12:12:37 CST