Zoomba Zoomba

Weekly Poll: Site Sponsorships

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Weekly Poll: Site Sponsorships

An incredibly important poll for subscribers!

https://www.wincustomize.com/webpoll.aspx
from WinCustomize Forums

This week's poll is a little different from what we usually talk about.  This week it's all about how we support and fund the site.  Currently we support WinCustomize primarily through subscriptions and web ads.  However we have repeatedly turned away the much more profitable ads because they're just so darned annoying.  We know that at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how well an ad pays if it drives users away.  That's why you'll never see pop-ups, hover ads etc on WinCustomize, even though they pay extremely well.

That said, we are still looking to find additional revenue sources, especially as the cost of the site continues to climb.  One of the ways is through a "Site Sponsorship" program.

A "Site Sponsorship" is basically where a company decides to sponsor WinCustomize for a month or more at a time.  They would get something akin to the image to your left as a static image placement on the site.  In the case of the example here, it would be a box added to the WinCustomize sidebar.  It's not a typical ad.  It doesn't bounce, flash, play sounds or in any way impact your browsing.  It's merely a logo placement, perhaps with a brief text message that would be a part of the site.

There's a catch though (there's always a catch).  If we were to secure these sponsorships, they would have to be displayed to ALL users, even subscribers.

That's where today's poll comes in.  For all of you who are subscribers, or who are thinking of subscribing.  Would a sponsorship placement like what I've described be acceptable to you?

Of course, you'd get something in return for such a placement.  Sponsorships like this one, run over the course of the year, would directly fund projects like new Subscriber Suites.  We could actually afford to hire skinners from Stardock Design to draw up and build several Subscriber Suites in the course of the year.

So, if you were to get additional subscriber suites, would that make the sponsorship placement more acceptable?

Go ahead and vote.  We'll tally it up next Monday.  And please use the comments here to discuss the proposal, and what would make the addition acceptable to you if it were to happen.
43,725 views 127 replies
Reply #51 from WinCustomize Forums Top
aw c'mon... let's just do like themexp did. Let's bundle every skin with spyware and ads...  
Seriously, as long as it isn't intrusive or overbearing I don't have too big an issue with it. I wish there were another means to accomplish the end result but I sure don't see it at this point...

Now, If you'll excuse me, I must go gargle. The mental image of Jafo in a speedo has caused me to throw up in my mouth a little to much..  
Reply #52 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The mental image of Jafo in a speedo has caused me to throw up in my mouth a little to much.
End of quote
"too much"?  What is the acceptable level of bile before you need to gargle?   :SURPRISED: 
DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #53 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This thread is getting hard to swallow! :d
Reply #54 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Well, seems to me if you don't have to do it, then don't. If it is essential for the site, then why ask? (or is this a notification?) Just get on with it! No big deal in the over-all scheme if things.
End of quote

I am actually looking for honest feedback, be it positive or negative.  A change like this, if implemented, could be a pretty big deal to folks who have subscribed for years.  There was actually a lot of internal discussion on the issue and it was decided that it would be best to put it to a user vote and discussion.

This is a chance to stand up and say yes or no to the idea, state your case either way.

Reply #55 from WinCustomize Forums Top
There was actually a lot of internal discussion on the issue and it was decided that it would be best to put it to a user vote and discussion.
End of quote
A user vote?  I'd call it more of a valued opinion.  :)

If there was a thunderous clamor against a sponsored ad program would that mean a change in subscriptions?  Would th price go up or would the renewal policy change?

If that's the case and I have to pick between them footing the bill (and getting a little product placement) or me footing the bill and being totally ad free . . I pick them.   :D 
Reply #56 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If that's the case and I have to pick between them footing the bill (and getting a little product placement) or me footing the bill and being totally ad free . . I pick them.
End of quote


The man has a way with his words, doesn't he.  ;) 

Ah, what Zubuz said.  ;) 
Reply #57 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A user vote? I'd call it more of a valued opinion.
End of quote


I agree Zubaz and that was my point. I disagree that it would be a big deal "to those that have been subscribers for years" (I am one of those) UNLESS it was phase one of the slippery slope routine which it has been stated it is not. What's the big deal of a single logo stuck in the WC sidebar? None that I can see. It would keep the WC Store ad company!



So, my opinion is bring on the logos, and perhaps we will not need to all be subscribed until the year 2050! (Just a joke,
Reply #58 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The question should be how many are we talking about? Once the community agrees to open the door to this and allows one to be posted, is this going to become the norm? One little ad can become 2, 2 turns into 4 and from there it can grow into more ads than content.
Will there be a agreed upon limit to the amount per page? I not against one small ad but I do know what it can grow into.
Reply #59 from WinCustomize Forums Top
CarGuy1 lets not forget what we are talking about. From what was presented they won't be ads, more in the style of logo placement. If that holds true then as other people have said they won't turn into a distraction.

I do agree with you that ads usually turn into banners, that would not be good. I have a feeling though that this is not what is going to happen.
Reply #60 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Zoomba..comment 38

To the concerns that this may be a stepping stone to more and more ads for subscribers as time goes on. That's not how this is going to go down. If nothing else will calm that fear, let me say this... I browse the site on the same subscriber settings as every other subscriber. Everything that I have placed on the site that impacts subscribers, I have to live with too. So does Brad, KarmaGirl, T-Man, Jafo and everyone else who have been with the site forever. Do you think a single one of us wants ads getting in our way?
End of quote
Reply #61 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I wonder how people feel when the Republican or Democratic Parties sponsor the site.
 ;) 

Reply #62 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I get to approve/reject prospective sponsors  :)

Reply #63 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The question should be how many are we talking about?
End of quote
Will there be a agreed upon limit to the amount per page?
End of quote

The fact is that we really don't have a choice if Zoomba goes this route.  We will take whatever he decides the site needs or we will leave the site.

You have to figure that he wants to find the balance to keep the site running and updated with some extra stuff to keep us user happy.

Can he make a promise to maintain one ad (or whatever limit he sets)?  Sure, but he could break it too; it's "his" site.
Don't get me wrong, I trust that he has the best interest of the community in mind and doesn't want ads . . but we aren't owed a guarantee of anything.
Reply #64 from WinCustomize Forums Top
From what was presented they won't be ads, more in the style of logo placement.
End of quote


Call it what you want, it's an ad.

Zoomba..comment 38
End of quote


Missed that one, thanks for pointing it out.

As long as Zoomba keeps his word, and I am sure he will, I have no problems with it.

I've seen this done before and it turned out badly, hince my concern.
Reply #65 from WinCustomize Forums Top
In context it makes more sense.
End of quote


Wow Zu! I'm jealous.........I've been coaching for 8 seasons and never got my own web page........think I'll have to complain next March ;)
Reply #66 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Wow Zu! I'm jealous.........I've been coaching for 8 seasons and never got my own web page........think I'll have to complain next March
End of quote
I've found that the web page makes communicating with the parents much easier.  I create one for each team I coach each season.  The parents love being able to get all the info and share with their extended families.
Check out the scrapbook I got this year.

Now back to topic:  NEVER Trust a guy that hides behind a nom de plume!
Reply #67 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As long as Zoomba keeps his word, and I am sure he will, I have no problems with it.
End of quote


This really should have nothing to do with Zoomba keeping his word. Some one gave him the authority and someone can take it away. He could leave tomorrow for another job. The only thing that is certain is that everything will change. It seems there is a financial need for "non call to action ads" (called logos here). The earnings from the master's program, the subscription drives, etc. apparently aren't enough, so what else is there to do? Raise the rates? or as Zubaz noted, find someone else to foot the bill through advertising (oopps, sponsorships!)
Reply #68 from WinCustomize Forums Top

!.  If WC starts accepting sponsors, is it 1 sponser a month or are we going to hve a handfull of sponsers each month?

2.  If the sponsers start paying for WC, does that mean there wouldn't be a need for subscribers?

3.  Will this turn into something else down the road?

These are some of the questions I've been asked and couldn't answer but I see no one has asked them.

Reply #69 from WinCustomize Forums Top
!. If WC starts accepting sponsors, is it 1 sponser a month or are we going to hve a handfull of sponsers each month?
End of quote
I'd be interested in knowing why this is critical and if it makes a difference.  For me, as long as it stikes that balance between being obtrusive  enough that folks click on it and make it worthwhile for the sponsor and unobtrusive enough to stay out of the users way.
2. If the sponsers start paying for WC, does that mean there wouldn't be a need for subscribers?
End of quote
I'd hope that there was always a place for subscribers who want a little something extra.  :)
3. Will this turn into something else down the road?
End of quote
  See reply #38 . . but who knows what the future holds.
Reply #70 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No problem here, great idea, and I am sure the sponsors would all appreciate it too! :)
Reply #71 from WinCustomize Forums Top

1.  Sponsorships as they've been explained to me work one at a time.

2.  There will always be a place for subscribers.

3.  Hard to say for certain what the future holds.  The intention is to never let it get bad, to keep it to one sponsor logo/block. 

How ads are done on the site in general is going to undergo some changes when we do the next site update next year.  They're not done particularly well now and I think they hurt the user experience in places.  My overarching goal is to do three things:

  1. Increase revenue
  2. Improve the user experience
  3. Offer more features and goodies to subscribers

I specifically mentioned more subscriber suites as something this sponsorship ad would make possible.  There are other things I want to do, more goodies I want to add to the site.  And again, the balance here is user experience.  It has to make the site better for us to do it.

Reply #72 from WinCustomize Forums Top
When I think of sponsors Zoomba, I imediately think of the nascar drivers plastered with logos. While it's easy to focus on the driver him/herself, you can't help but notice the graphics. does this mean I have to purchase their item to enjoy watching their sponsored driver? nope. does this mean I have to go to their website to view the race? noope. does it make me curious to know what some of those logos represent? yep.
do I sometimes surf to the websites of those logos or google the name? yep.
does this give them revenue? well only if I feel confident enough to purchase their product. but it's always my choice. my browser usually doesn't get hijacked,I don't end up with stuff I don't want on my computer(with exception of cookies I choose to accept) and I can still see the driver anytime he/she's racing or in the public.

this is what you're referring to when you mention sponsors right?
Reply #73 from WinCustomize Forums Top

this is what you're referring to when you mention sponsors right?
End of quote

Yep...;)

Reply #74 from WinCustomize Forums Top
it seemed reasonable to generate a different point of view
Somethign of an "alternate setting" as it were.
Good feedback AS.
End of quote


Hehe, I'm just grateful we had notice. If we hadn't been told what it was, then within 2 days we'd have rated it, submitted 2 walls based on the theme and tried to sell the artist a subscription of their very own. :D

Seriously though, aligned with the visual impact, the question I had to answer for myself was, does this level of promotion keep faith with the idea of 'ad free' subscriptions? I've double checked and while this phrase has been used around the site, when you look at the actual wording on the Wincustomize Subscriptiion Information page, it says here (Edit additional: and has done since at least March 2006) Click Me:-

No Banner Ads. By becoming a wincustomize subscriber, you help support our website in many ways. We recognize this by removing banners and other ads from the website [color="#FF0000"]that may hinder your surfing experience. We want all of our loyal patrons to have the most enjoyable surfing experience possible.[/color]

It's a little unfortunate that the distinction didn't filter through to all the posts that it would have been appropriate for. That said, when faced with the actual wording, I see no reason why a reasonable person would suggest that the proposed level of sponsorship, even if you prefer to describe it as an ad, should be felt to be in violation of those terms.

I think that's important because it speaks in part to integrity, which to my mind is an important subtext of this thread.
Reply #75 from WinCustomize Forums Top
as long as the sponsorship images are discreet and don't interfere with the site then i say yes. hopefully it won't end up being a free for all with images in every corner.