Google Ads

[Mark Greenfield]

Anyone have any objections if I remove the Google ads from the right margin throughout the site?

[Michelle Cryan]

Let me find out how to lose 55 pounds first. ... .... ... ok go ahead.

[Michael Fienen]

Heh, too late, I already have (woo Greasemonkey!)

[Derek Tonn]

Agreed. I honestly didn't even know there were ads in here until Mark asked the question. God Bless Firefox and the AdBlock Plus extension. Now I'll have to go out and visit the site in MSIE...to see what folks are talking about! :-)

[Scott Crevier]

Removing the Google ads would allow more real estate for other stuff. But if we need them to bring in a few bucks to pay for stuff, that's fine too. I've never really minded Google ads. They are targeted (usually), and all text so they load fast. So, either way.

[Terry Calhoun]

I thought they were mandatory and how Ning was supported, financially. If they can be removed, why not?

[Mark Greenfield]

Although the folks at Ning probably never intended it, people figured out how to remove the adds on the free networks. It takes all of 30 seconds to accomplish.

[Terry Calhoun]

Oh, you know, if this is how it gets paid for, I can live with 'em - I don't even notice them anyway, except as a "here be there dragons" part of the screen real estate. :)

[Mark Greenfield]

How's this sound: We'll leave them throughout the main site, but if people want to remove them from their "my page", they can go ahead and do so. (I've done this on mine.)

I respect the people behind Ning and agree that this may impact their business model. The only down side is that they do take up valuable screen real estate "above the fold"

[Terry Calhoun]

Maybe you can move it below the fold?

[Mark Greenfield]

We can do that, but it will involve a little more work.

I think it's time we ask for access to the source code. I think you have to do it as site owner. Here's the page:

http://www.ning.com/help/feedback/request-code.html

[Anne Petersen]

No protest here. I think leaving it up to individuals is best, though. I don't mind them terribly, and it does help fund Ning.

[Kareem]

Does it help fund Ning? Don't ask me why, but I HATE clicking on ads. If I do a google search for Sears, I have 2 options. I can click on the sponsored link for Sears, or the organic link for Sears (#1 spot). I always choose organic for some inexplicable reason.

Most of UWEBD (I hope) is tech savvy enough to recognize unwanted targeted ads and ignore them. Since we are on here to exchange information, will anyone ever find an interesting ad to click on? I can save 20% on SLAPPA.COM! WOW!

If nobody here ever clicks on an ad, we are not funding ning.com at all. If we are not funding them, why be subjected to weight-loss ads? Off topic: Do you think those weight-loss people target geek words?


Summary: If people here do not see themselves clicking on those ads, then this group is not funding Ning by having them displayed.