TCS Opinion Poll

lilysmom

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I don't mind the ads at all. I just ignore them. I would rather have ads than have to pay, since money is rather tight around here right now. I just see ads as the price you pay for having wonderful free forums like this one!
 

mzjazz2u

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I don't mind them and occassionally visit one (when they work) that catches my eye. I'd rather they were static and not animated though.
 

abby7625

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I have never noticed any ads so they don't bother me a bit!
 

Anne

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Those of you not seeing the ads are probably running the latest version of Norton. There's a feature there that blocks out ads. It also blocks out other content that isn't necessarily ads. That means you are missing on some content when you're browsing. It also means you are denying webmasters of their income... In the long run if everyone were to block out banners (I'm not talking about the annoying pop-ups - I block those myself and would never have them here), then there will be no free websites on the internet.

Just to clarify - the dilemma is whether to add an option of paid subscriptions so that those who choose to do so can pay a monthly fee (probably $5) and get an ad-free version. Everyone else would still be able to access the site only they would get ads. Paying members may be eligible to other benefits such as a larger PM box etc. Non-paying members would still get everything they get today.

The reason I'd like to know is that I don't want to go through the hassle of arranging the subscription option if most people won't be interested. If I know that there are at least a dozen or so of members who are willing to pay - then I will look into implementing this option. Seeing as these are the results, I will thank you for your comments and participation and we'll keep things just as they are for now


I'm moving this to the feedback forum now. If anyone is still interested in a paid subscription for an ad-free forum, please pm hissy about it. She will take down the names and if the list is large enough, we'll do it.

Thank you again everyone for your pariticipation in the poll and thread! It's been very helpful.
 

rapunzel47

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The reason I'd like to know is that I don't want to go through the hassle of arranging the subscription option if most people won't be interested. If I know that there are at least a dozen or so of members who are willing to pay - then I will look into implementing this option. Seeing as these are the results, I will thank you for your comments and participation and we'll keep things just as they are for now.
Suits me, and makes sense. Keep us posted, if you need to re-think that. While I don't mind the ads, I'd certainly pay for the site if they weren't doing the job. Thanks for talking to us about it.
 

squirtle

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I voted don't mind them, but don't click on them either. The ads don't bother me at all, but if necessary I would pay to subscribe to this website. It sounds cheap enough, and I really enjoy it here. Let us know
 

abby7625

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I have no problem paying for this, it's well worth it to me. Just let me get my credit card paid off first to make room!
 

maylin

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I know this thread is over a month old and the poll is closed but I still wanted to comment.

Right now I'm staring at an ad for coffee, a minute ago it was business cards. Maybe ads that are more related to the site would help. Have you considered google adsense? They will put ads on the page that RELATE to your content. I think they pay for clicks, too. I haven't used them yet personally but I've been talking to some other webmasters that are very pleased with them. You might want to at least check them out

https://www.google.com/adsense/faq#start1

I realize sites with busy forums can be pricey, so good luck!
 

deb25

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Thanks for your input, Maylin. Up until we updated our forums we were using google adsense. I do not believe that they actually pay per click, however.
 

Anne

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They do pay per click and we are using them on other sections of this site, as well as on Meowhoo. On the forums however, CTR was so low they simply weren't worth displaying anymore.
Most ads we have here are CPM based, some are affiliations and we rotate them from time to time. We try to get cat related advertisers directly (like the catnipetc ads you see here as well). If you know of a cat related advertiser who might be interested, please do drop them a line and tell them about TCS
 
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