making money from advertisements

[JRobinson]

Hi, I've just read a thread where making money from advertisements on this forum was mentioned, and how it wasn't enough to cover the time and effort needed to stop spammers, but that it was welcome (google adds I think it was).

anyway, I post other fora that use advertising very well. The home brew forum have a few specialist related places that pay to advertise, and are included as clickable logos at the top of the main page, and they're quite discreet, but they do pay a reasonable sum for the privilage.
London-SE1 forum, is community based, and has google adds as well as selected adds from local buisnesses.

I think something similar could work here, maybe three clickable links at the top of the page, small square adds, made up randomly from local buisnesses who've sponsored the site. It'd be a good way to get local buisnesses some local support, and provide a bit more money for the site to be funded.

just a thought.

[admin]

I sense from some here are a little uncomfortable with the fact the site has a modest income from GoogleAds. Which is why I am always careful to stress that I don't make money from it and the purpose of the site is solely for the benefit of the community. More money could compromise that.

There is also the position with local businesses. I do get a bit of grief when they get criticised. When the comments are not too outrageous or are balanced by others then I feel comfortable resisting pressure. If they are an income stream it may be hard not to let money talk.

And I think local business to be part of the community too. Not to be soaked. That's why they get free ads and promotion now despite me not being on Sydenham Trader's Christmas Card list. Do we want to end that? (the ads not the list!).

What would be nice is more help. More valuable than money. Maybe I am at fault for not being able to get more people on board ...

Admin

[Tim Lund]

I sense from some here are a little uncomfortable with the fact the site has a modest income from GoogleAds. Which is why I am always careful to stress that I don't make money from it and the purpose of the site is solely for the benefit of the community. More money could compromise that.

As I think you know, I think you're being oversensitive here. The problem is not your getting a modest income, it's the lack of transparency which, as you have explained many times, is forced on you by Google.

[Rachael]

I don't have a problem with the Google ads. I'm more comfortable with that than donations, which other local forums (or fora if you will) solicit. We see the ads, we know the deal. But if forum members make donations, where is the line between support and a bung?

Admin - what sort of help would you find useful and is it something forum members can do?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[admin]

Yes GoogleAds is a neat barrier between you and the paymasters. Taking money directly from a business, Council or, say, the Sydenham Assembly is, to my mind creates an obligation and hence removes independence. That's why I have not tried and never will.

What kind of help? Well any you got. People are best at doing what they like to do. Tell me what that is and I can try and integrate that into useful service. So geek or greek, wordsmith or blacksmith - drop me a PM.

Admin