Dodgy ads . . . yikes!

[Tori]

So, I was browsing EMTB on my phone this morning, when I was assaulted by this atrocity :

Rob, get some better ads mate . . . at least something mountain bike bling related?

I run a small business (rock-climbing tour company) and I think ads are an affront to sensibilities and I've never acquiesced to requests for ads and various other shitty 'offers' in all my years of business.

Thankfully; I don't see any ads on my desktop browser - probably due to my fastidious use of AdBlockers. I know a lot of folks are adverse to advertisements - and if possible they should be kept off websites at all costs. However, I know there ARE costs - so I assume you're trying to make some $$$ on the site? Unless you plan on quitting your day job, I think it'd be better to minimise or completely remove advertising on EMTB, as it can adversely affect new sign-ups. I can't speak for everyone, but I think they are a blight (especially when completely off subject).

It's your website, and you've done a bloody good job. I commend your efforts and I hope you keep it up - but have a think about how you present ads here - I know plenty of other people who share my views.

BTW - do you think I should have clicked on the ad? Maybe you'd be sent a few pence, and I would have been the lucky 1,000,000th visitor winner of some AMAZING APPLE PRODUCT? Win-Win, right?

PS> I saw you have started using Patreon - good move, a much better source of revenue than these Apple product raffle ads . . .

What do other members think?

 

[Tori]

I just had a thought . . . perhaps being logged in as a member to the site can negate the presentation of ads; but casual visitors to the site would see ads? It might encourage non-member 'lurkers' to sign up?

 

[Biscuit]

Agree 100%, since the new update to the forum, bloody adds are appearing everywhere, shame as for me has spoilt what was a brilliant well run Forum. Even if the adds were ebike relative that would be acceptable. See below. Anyone need a new rug !

 

[Doomanic]

I use the Adblock Plus extension on Chrome and don't see any ads.

I get ads on Tapatalk, but that's Tapatalk, not the forum.

 

[Gary]

Only me expecting something a bit more spicy here?

never seen ads. UblockOrigin plug in on Chrome deals with them.

 

[Kernow]

I am Using an iPad , Iam not seeing anything untoward , I gave up with my windows pc , I only ever got to see half the screen for ads

 

[R120]

I don't get hem on safari on my mac, but do only iPhone

 

[njn]

I didn't know this site had ads. I gave up on adblock plus a year ago, now using ublock origin on firefox and adguard on mobile.

 

[Stu-k]

The one I get is also unrelated as Im unfit and married

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Hey @Tori

I’ve tried to limit ads (by the way they are automated Google Ads I don’t get to choose them!) and tried to make it so they are not so invasive. Ads do help generate (some) revenue for the site, just by being displayed.

Let me try to work out a better balance ?

Perhaps I could look at removing ads completely for Patreons? Does that seem fair?

Thanks for the feedback ?

Rob.

 

[R120]

Its a difficult line to tread as nothing is more off putting than loads of adds - as the forum grows i am guessing you can look for sponsorship?

 

[Tori]

Hey @Tori

I’ve tried to limit ads (by the way they are automated Google Ads I don’t get to choose them!) and tried to make it so they are not so invasive. Ads do help generate (some) revenue for the site, just by being displayed.

Let me try to work out a better balance ?

Perhaps I could look at removing ads completely for Patreons? Does that seem fair?

Thanks for the feedback ?

Rob.

Hey Rob, no worries - I hope you work it out. My advice would be - if the money you are earning from ads is marginal - consider whether it's worth listing them at all?

Go for the premium forum look, don't mar it with random ads you have no control over.

This discussion has been had to death over on advrider.com . . . and of course you will have server costs etc to take care of, and it's your baby to look after anyway. All the best with it, I'm sure you'll find the right balance.

 

[Doomanic]

Perhaps I could look at removing ads completely for Patreons? Does that seem fair?

Sounds good to me.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Sounds good to me.

Done