I stumbled upon a site yesterday that was riddled with adverts, and they cheekily gave you the option to surf the site advert free, for a fee of course:
30 days US$5.99
6 months US$35
12 months US$60
It got me thinking.
Some people here might prefer to pay a small one-off fee which would make the site ad free for them, forever, rather than seeing the adverts on each story page. It would also be safer viewing the site in public that way (!).
The adverts of course go to paying for the servers, design work, competition prizes etc, so we need to recoup costs somehow.
If the idea was well received, and the revenue raised more than covered costs, it would be divided up between the Moderators and our Programmer, who all volunteer their time freely on a daily basis, verifying stories, and taking care of the site housekeeping.
What are your thoughts?
I voted no. I'm not a big fan of the ads, but I don't find them intrusive. If they were to become intrusive, then maybe I would consider changing my vote. Right now you can see the ads, but they don't really detract from the experience.
I agree with Jebru. I rarely notice the ads.
We limit the # ads to 3 per page, and most people are accustomed to a header banner, side and footer banner on almost all sites these days, so they are easily ignored.
Some people have asked though, so I thought I'd bring it up, especially after seeing that site yesterday, it reminded me.
No, I wouldn't. I had a problem here using AdBlock, and have disabled it for Lush. I just tune out the ads now. One reason I use AdBlock is because at another site I'm a regular at, they have pop-up ads, ads that have roll down banners, things that float across the screen, pop-up surveys that come on, etc, and it drives me crazy. I couldn't do without AdBlock there, but Lush is very well behaved without blocking the ads.
As wenkinnoc said +1
I think you're worrying about a problem that doesn't exist.
The site looks great and the ads don't detract at all IMO. Some are even quite sweet and sexy.
I like tha Adult Virtual World ones best.
Thanks Steffanie, I think you're right.
I voted no I mean the ads that are there help pay for the site to keep our fun free. I personally would not be able to come back to the site for a long time if you had to pay for it. No money right now cause of being out of work though I think Lush would be the first and only site I might consider actually paying for.
I don't mind add's as long as they don't flash, that gets a tad bit annoying.
However if there was a paying option and there was an advert flashing id use the paying option.
Great idea Necho, I'll try and find some sponsors that have those flashing banners that give me seizures!
I try to keep those totally off the site.
There are only the 3 ad areas on each page, it's hardly overkill by any means. At the same time, I wouldn't want any more.
Sassy Red-haired Beach Kat/Dune Goddess
Ads? What ads?
Just kidding. But I really don't notice them unless they flash.
Purveyor of Poetry & Porn
I voted "No"...I wouldn't say I like the ads, but they really don't bother me...the presentation here at Lush is top notch...really...
I voted no but with disclaimer that I don't like the animated adds they hurt my eyes!
Bunny12
Bunny Rabbits cute and fuzzy they want to love you but they have razor sharp teeth - don't piss them off! First and foremost i came here because it is free and the ads don't detract from the experience IMHO
job.
