Ads In OP of Threads...
Lasareth
1a Please <3
arcanemacabre
Agreed. 1A (now that I know how to change that) is the way to go, IMO. 1A with the 1B skin, at least.
Stockholm
I hav allready asked Inde how to delet my account.
I will not have an add in my posts, It looks like I personally recomend the site or product in the ad. It is not proper unless the OP can approve the ads next to his/her name.
I will not have an add in my posts, It looks like I personally recomend the site or product in the ad. It is not proper unless the OP can approve the ads next to his/her name.
Thargor
I say go with whatever gets the site the most money. I could care less if the ad is in the first post, inbetween posts or wherever. I see alot of people complaining about ads but only see a few people offering to make donations.
Usually in this situation only half of the people that say they would make a donation actually do, so stick with the ads.
Ads are part of life. You pass them on the road in your car, you pass them in every aisle of the grocery store, and they interupt every show on TV.This is not a new concept and everyone should be used to it by now.
I am surprised to find so many important people here that are too good to be a member of a site with ads on it and have to threaten to leave, personally i say good ridance to them!
Keep up as many ads as you need to, I will keep clicking on them.
Usually in this situation only half of the people that say they would make a donation actually do, so stick with the ads.
Ads are part of life. You pass them on the road in your car, you pass them in every aisle of the grocery store, and they interupt every show on TV.This is not a new concept and everyone should be used to it by now.
I am surprised to find so many important people here that are too good to be a member of a site with ads on it and have to threaten to leave, personally i say good ridance to them!
Keep up as many ads as you need to, I will keep clicking on them.
Inde
Stockholm, I have all ready told you that vbulletin software does not allow for a user to delete their forum account. If you need any further help or would like to discuss then please respond to the PM I have sent. 
We are still working on this everyone. I am still reading every post and responding so continue to post your thoughts and feedback.
We are still working on this everyone. I am still reading every post and responding so continue to post your thoughts and feedback.
Livingston
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stockholm
I hav allready asked Inde how to delet my account.
I will not have an add in my posts, It looks like I personally recomend the site or product in the ad. It is not proper unless the OP can approve the ads next to his/her name. Dude... lay off the prozac and take a chill pill.
At least allow them the opportunity to weigh things up and make a final decision. If they come out and say this is how it's going to be and you still don't like it, then take a hike. Otherwise, sit back and give some constructive feedback rather than 1000 killajolts of overkill baloney.
Posts like that do more to ruin your dignity than any add attached to your name could possibly do.
If it really means so much to you simply delete the posts that have the adverts on them, edit them to blank space, or write a little message saying a "I do not support said product in any shape or manner, but I must inform you that they use kittens as their main meat stock."
It is true that this is a serious situation for many people politically as well as ascetically, and you have a right to get your point across, but the bar for equal reaction only reaches so high, and you’ve done went Evel Knievel on its ass and jumped it with a motorcycle.
Livingston
I will not have an add in my posts, It looks like I personally recomend the site or product in the ad. It is not proper unless the OP can approve the ads next to his/her name. Dude... lay off the prozac and take a chill pill.
At least allow them the opportunity to weigh things up and make a final decision. If they come out and say this is how it's going to be and you still don't like it, then take a hike. Otherwise, sit back and give some constructive feedback rather than 1000 killajolts of overkill baloney.
Posts like that do more to ruin your dignity than any add attached to your name could possibly do.
If it really means so much to you simply delete the posts that have the adverts on them, edit them to blank space, or write a little message saying a "I do not support said product in any shape or manner, but I must inform you that they use kittens as their main meat stock."
It is true that this is a serious situation for many people politically as well as ascetically, and you have a right to get your point across, but the bar for equal reaction only reaches so high, and you’ve done went Evel Knievel on its ass and jumped it with a motorcycle.
Livingston
arcanemacabre
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livingston
It is true that this is a serious situation for many people politically as well as ascetically, and you have a right to get your point across, but the bar for equal reaction only reaches so high, and you’ve done went Evel Knievel on its ass and jumped it with a motorcycle.
LMAO
Dude, you are my hero.
Dude, you are my hero.
tifaRockheart
I also favor 1a’s ad placement
And I also agree with Thargor’s point about advertisements, except I feel that there is a certain limit to how much and how far advertisements can go.
GWG has not come close to that limit for me in 1a and 1b’s designs. (meaning I’m fine with both and I'd be fine with more ads if needed).
My personal limit would probably be advertisements with sounds that activate on their own and floating ads that hover over items I wish to view/read until I click them to close (I hate when flash is used to create these
). I’m not sure if I’d leave if these types of ads did start showing up, but I’d certainly be a bit discouraged from wanting to view the forums.
And I also agree with Thargor’s point about advertisements, except I feel that there is a certain limit to how much and how far advertisements can go.
GWG has not come close to that limit for me in 1a and 1b’s designs. (meaning I’m fine with both and I'd be fine with more ads if needed).
My personal limit would probably be advertisements with sounds that activate on their own and floating ads that hover over items I wish to view/read until I click them to close (I hate when flash is used to create these
). I’m not sure if I’d leave if these types of ads did start showing up, but I’d certainly be a bit discouraged from wanting to view the forums.
Syklone Xaos
If we only have a choice between the two options currently in our UserCP settings, I'll choose 1A. However, they're pretty annoying either way.
In particular, the site was pretty slow for me before the new ads, so adding to the load times by sending me more images is a big negative for visiting this forum.
I would be open to "donating" some reasonable (<=$10) annual fee that results in the complete removal of any and all advertising content from the site, a la Slashdot and similar sites.
In particular, the site was pretty slow for me before the new ads, so adding to the load times by sending me more images is a big negative for visiting this forum.
I would be open to "donating" some reasonable (<=$10) annual fee that results in the complete removal of any and all advertising content from the site, a la Slashdot and similar sites.
Bibblenorn
I like 1A as well. 1B makes long posts too squished.
I have a suggestion. I don't know if it is possible, and it might just be too much trouble if it is, but once you guys have enough ads cycling though, it would be awesome if we could select the TYPE of ad we see. For example: I would be much more likely to click on an ad that features computer/game content, or book content, or things like that. I am seriously NOT interested in an online degree or whatever. I started playing PuzzlePirates due to an ad on RealLife Comics website, and GoPets due to an ad on the PinkPoogleToy.com website. Heck, I'd rather see shampoo ads than online degree ads. That is just me though.
I fully support the additional advertisments though. I'd kinda expected them sooner, honestly.
I have a suggestion. I don't know if it is possible, and it might just be too much trouble if it is, but once you guys have enough ads cycling though, it would be awesome if we could select the TYPE of ad we see. For example: I would be much more likely to click on an ad that features computer/game content, or book content, or things like that. I am seriously NOT interested in an online degree or whatever. I started playing PuzzlePirates due to an ad on RealLife Comics website, and GoPets due to an ad on the PinkPoogleToy.com website. Heck, I'd rather see shampoo ads than online degree ads. That is just me though.
I fully support the additional advertisments though. I'd kinda expected them sooner, honestly.
Sol_Vie
Frankly put, I really hate them. They're a distraction, not all of them are picked up by my ad blocker, and they're just... well... they're so annoying!
Keep the ads out of the posts. If they need to be in the posts... eh well I suppose there's nothing I can or will do other than be silently annoyed. =\
If I had to choose one? 1a.
Keep the ads out of the posts. If they need to be in the posts... eh well I suppose there's nothing I can or will do other than be silently annoyed. =\
If I had to choose one? 1a.
Makkert
I don't know what to say, except that I agree that the ads are too much 'in your face' style.
Skuld
1A plz
Vilaptca
If the only choices are 1a and 1b, then 1a.
Phoenix Denfer
My top choice is no ads in the thread at all.
If we have to deal with it, then IA, but get rid of the block and go with a narrow banner as well as further down in the thread.
Personally, I find it annoying and intrusive to have ads for Eve Online in the middle of a GW's related thread. I REALLY find the totally unrelated ads to any game (Joke of the Day anyone?) to be on the site. ( I don't want to click the funny face, I want to hit it.)
I won't say it would drive me away just yet, because the level of information here is still very high, but I would caution that Guild Wiki has and continues to grow into an extremely invaluable wealth of information that I find I visit more and more frequently and before a fan forum. In addition, alliances have aided in creating in-game communities that were once only truly available at fan forums.
I hope that the Admins will keep this in mind when weighing costs. Livingston is speaking wisely to you that unlike the original days of GW's, the times they are changing and you may find that these tactics will in the end drive your regular posters away, and in in turn your lurkers. It won't be overnight, but it may very well be by release of the next chapter. This site which I always saw as the premiere fan forum for up to date information, is already losing ground to Guild Wiki as the one stop shop for all game related information. You see it posted here when noobies ask questions, and you see it posted in chat in world whereas before it was always the url to this forum.
Once again Inde, if you need a more solid revenue stream to keep the forum running, at least allow us the chance to donate or purchase premium memberships. We don't pay online fees to play the game so I think we can handle a one time (re: annual) membership to what is still the top fan forum for the GW's franchise.
If we have to deal with it, then IA, but get rid of the block and go with a narrow banner as well as further down in the thread.
Personally, I find it annoying and intrusive to have ads for Eve Online in the middle of a GW's related thread. I REALLY find the totally unrelated ads to any game (Joke of the Day anyone?) to be on the site. ( I don't want to click the funny face, I want to hit it.)
I won't say it would drive me away just yet, because the level of information here is still very high, but I would caution that Guild Wiki has and continues to grow into an extremely invaluable wealth of information that I find I visit more and more frequently and before a fan forum. In addition, alliances have aided in creating in-game communities that were once only truly available at fan forums.
I hope that the Admins will keep this in mind when weighing costs. Livingston is speaking wisely to you that unlike the original days of GW's, the times they are changing and you may find that these tactics will in the end drive your regular posters away, and in in turn your lurkers. It won't be overnight, but it may very well be by release of the next chapter. This site which I always saw as the premiere fan forum for up to date information, is already losing ground to Guild Wiki as the one stop shop for all game related information. You see it posted here when noobies ask questions, and you see it posted in chat in world whereas before it was always the url to this forum.
Once again Inde, if you need a more solid revenue stream to keep the forum running, at least allow us the chance to donate or purchase premium memberships. We don't pay online fees to play the game so I think we can handle a one time (re: annual) membership to what is still the top fan forum for the GW's franchise.
Malice Black
Quote:
The End
Sir Mad
^ Well let's not make this as bad as an argue about IWAY 
Concerning the "users online" feature: wouldn't it be possible to hide it as a default option instead of having it expanded? That won't solve the problem but that may save bandwidth.
Now concerning the ads, if I have to choose, I vote for the add under the first post (a banner instead of a square advert would be neater IMO).
Concerning the "users online" feature: wouldn't it be possible to hide it as a default option instead of having it expanded? That won't solve the problem but that may save bandwidth.
Now concerning the ads, if I have to choose, I vote for the add under the first post (a banner instead of a square advert would be neater IMO).
Phoenix Denfer
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Admins Bane
Thats bull, a regular poster like myself and others who have been here 1 year + will NOT leave because of a few ads. GWG is my retreat from GW when I can't be bothered to play (like now). People will leave but they are the ones missing out and they will be replaced by new players who will be grateful for such a site.
The End Feel better now?
And you know that regular posters will do just like you because?
I'm seeing feedback from others that have run game forums and they are offering their feedback from experience when the community was not listened too. People who work customer service know that for every 1 person that tells the company their opinion it is actually the same as 100 times more. People that don't care won't bother, they just stop using the product.
You very well may stay despite the ads as will many many others, but many that would have been here contributing and possibly donating via pay-pal or credit card may not.
Some of the biggest forums I'm aware of run these ads in posts, but they also offer a minimal fee to have the ads removed. Its a reasonable trade off and a win win situation for everyone.
I'm not sure why Inde has resisted this option. Perhaps the fees of dealing with pay-pal transactions out weight the support it would give. Credit card transactions are extremely expensive for a merchant. I just would hope that with the current sheer size of this forum, it would in fact pay for those transaction fees and still generate the revenue.
Now, as this is a thread for feed back perhaps you would offer more then scolding those you don't agree with?
editted to add: lol@ sir madd trying to point to the post by Bane and having it point to an "Eve-online" ad. Now if THAT doesn't illustrate how intrusive these ads are on the flow of discussion, I don't know what else would.
The End Feel better now?
And you know that regular posters will do just like you because?
I'm seeing feedback from others that have run game forums and they are offering their feedback from experience when the community was not listened too. People who work customer service know that for every 1 person that tells the company their opinion it is actually the same as 100 times more. People that don't care won't bother, they just stop using the product.
You very well may stay despite the ads as will many many others, but many that would have been here contributing and possibly donating via pay-pal or credit card may not.
Some of the biggest forums I'm aware of run these ads in posts, but they also offer a minimal fee to have the ads removed. Its a reasonable trade off and a win win situation for everyone.
I'm not sure why Inde has resisted this option. Perhaps the fees of dealing with pay-pal transactions out weight the support it would give. Credit card transactions are extremely expensive for a merchant. I just would hope that with the current sheer size of this forum, it would in fact pay for those transaction fees and still generate the revenue.
Now, as this is a thread for feed back perhaps you would offer more then scolding those you don't agree with?
editted to add: lol@ sir madd trying to point to the post by Bane and having it point to an "Eve-online" ad. Now if THAT doesn't illustrate how intrusive these ads are on the flow of discussion, I don't know what else would.
Inde
I have not resisted anything, rest assured. While we get feedback I believe I've encouraged everyone to express their opinion and crticism. Just because I can't comment on something right now doesn't mean I'm resisting any suggestion.
We are continuing to take suggestions and make plans. These take time to implement sometimes but we are still actively reading and taking everything into consideration.
We are continuing to take suggestions and make plans. These take time to implement sometimes but we are still actively reading and taking everything into consideration.
SnipiousMax
I like V1A much better Inde. That fixes my main complaint.
Phoenix Denfer
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inde
I have not resisted anything, rest assured. While we get feedback I believe I've encouraged everyone to express their opinion and crticism. Just because I can't comment on something right now doesn't mean I'm resisting any suggestion.
We are continuing to take suggestions and make plans. These take time to implement sometimes but we are still actively reading and taking everything into consideration. That is very reassuring Inde. SPEAKING FOR MYSELF ONLY (*winks at Bane*) I would definately contribute USD to keeping this site up and running as fast and often as possible. I think the very fact that Anet has given it its Elite endorsement is a testament to the level of information that is here for gamers of all levels.
The ads inside the threads are majorly bogging down my desktop system. My laptop has a duel core processor and seems to load pages faster, but I still get lots of script errors and long downloads coming from the ad service providing the ads. So that is my "technical" side issue with it, the other is just flat out, "I don't like ads within the thread." Ads on the site I can deal with, but within the thread is extremely annoying, even when placed inbetween. Again, if the choice has to be in the post or between...please put them inbetween and as banners not blocks.
We are continuing to take suggestions and make plans. These take time to implement sometimes but we are still actively reading and taking everything into consideration. That is very reassuring Inde. SPEAKING FOR MYSELF ONLY (*winks at Bane*) I would definately contribute USD to keeping this site up and running as fast and often as possible. I think the very fact that Anet has given it its Elite endorsement is a testament to the level of information that is here for gamers of all levels.
The ads inside the threads are majorly bogging down my desktop system. My laptop has a duel core processor and seems to load pages faster, but I still get lots of script errors and long downloads coming from the ad service providing the ads. So that is my "technical" side issue with it, the other is just flat out, "I don't like ads within the thread." Ads on the site I can deal with, but within the thread is extremely annoying, even when placed inbetween. Again, if the choice has to be in the post or between...please put them inbetween and as banners not blocks.
Alleji
The only ad I see showing up right now is EVE, which isn't that bad I guess. At least it's related to this site as opposed to those idiotic "get a degree NOW!!!!11shifty!" dropdown lists that we had previously.
I suppose it's not so much of a problem if the ads are actually on-topic and not brightly flashing.
I suppose it's not so much of a problem if the ads are actually on-topic and not brightly flashing.
kzap
ok thank you everyone for your feedback, ads are now off registered users
Feminist Terrorist
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alleji
I suppose it's not so much of a problem if the ads are actually on-topic and not brightly flashing.
I'm going to pick up on that one thing here, because I think it's important.
Flashing ads are extremely annoying and a health hazard. They can trigger epileptic episodes in those with epilepsy. I think it would be a good idea if those in charge make it a policy/point to not have flashing ads.
Flashing ads are extremely annoying and a health hazard. They can trigger epileptic episodes in those with epilepsy. I think it would be a good idea if those in charge make it a policy/point to not have flashing ads.
Zui
Quote:
Originally Posted by kzap
ok thank you everyone for your feedback, ads are now off registered users
/Cheer
/Cheer
Sir Mad
Quote:
Originally Posted by kzap
ok thank you everyone for your feedback, ads are now off registered users
/cheer
And thanks for the site by the way
/cheer And thanks for the site by the way
-LiamB
I prefer 1B with 1A skin TBH
-LiamB
-LiamB
Malice Black
Wtf!!!!111 No Ads!111 Im Leaving!!11
Omega X
I hope revenue from these ads will fix the problems with the site...like the blank php files it keeps sending...
Malice Black
Question: Did you keep the ads on the "lurkers" accounts?? since they can't be bothered to register you might as well put them to good use. If a few lurkers leave then no big deal, more bandwidth for the rest of us.
Sol_Vie
Quote:
Originally Posted by kzap
ok thank you everyone for your feedback, ads are now off registered users
Good call.
/cheer
Thank you!
Good call. /cheer
Thank you!
Livingston
Wow. That makes so much sense it might actually kill me...
X_X
Might I suggest, as it seems like revenue is a problem, that you still add a donate button and give out specific titles for those who have donated certain amounts of money. It's weird but if you make the top title $1,000, I can almost guarantee that at least one person will hit it, just to have the honor of being the only person to have it.
Humans are weird.
Another suggestion is to add a short little message under the current banners at the top of the screen saying something along the lines of: Banner ads generate revenue needed to keep this site running. Please click X amount of times a day to ensure that we cover our costs. Thank you.
Another weird thing, but when I see messages like that I tend to click X amount of times. Otherwise, my mind is my own add blocker and I don't even notice their existence.
Livingston
X_X
Might I suggest, as it seems like revenue is a problem, that you still add a donate button and give out specific titles for those who have donated certain amounts of money. It's weird but if you make the top title $1,000, I can almost guarantee that at least one person will hit it, just to have the honor of being the only person to have it.
Humans are weird.
Another suggestion is to add a short little message under the current banners at the top of the screen saying something along the lines of: Banner ads generate revenue needed to keep this site running. Please click X amount of times a day to ensure that we cover our costs. Thank you.
Another weird thing, but when I see messages like that I tend to click X amount of times. Otherwise, my mind is my own add blocker and I don't even notice their existence.
Livingston
Xenrath
Sell t-shirts, mugs, frisbees I dunno. Could be a variety of things to look into to help raise funds to pay for the site.
Maybe even see if you can get a deal with NCSoft to sell copies of Guild Wars even, after all GWG is listed as #1 in the fan site listings on the official site.
Maybe even see if you can get a deal with NCSoft to sell copies of Guild Wars even, after all GWG is listed as #1 in the fan site listings on the official site.
Prefectus
Well guru the in post ads (you know the green words) were annoying the rather large ad in the op pissed me off but now im quiting guru over the very large pop in window ads you have decided to deploy...
i thought you would of started akeing donations befor resorting to this well good bye all its been fun
i thought you would of started akeing donations befor resorting to this well good bye all its been fun
Inde
Prefectus, the only reason you would be seeing any of that is if you are logged out. It's for guests. If you are logged in you won't see any of it, which you had to do to make your post. So none of those ads you are speaking of are there for a Registered User.
So none of those ads you are speaking of are there for a Registered User.
Prefectus
Thanks Inde Im all calm now WooT!
Lasareth
For all you guests, that means sign up and you'll get a clean board to view. Pretty nice deal huh.
Malice Black
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lasareth
For all you guests, that means sign up and you'll get a clean board to view. Pretty nice deal huh.
It would be great to see that there is more members logged on then guests viewing BUT that will bring guru down to snails pace..
Esprit
I just got redirected to an ad site, with a banner:
This ad is brought to you by GuildWarsGuru.
Below the banner is the site, and in the banner to the right is a link to "Skip this ad".
This ad is brought to you by GuildWarsGuru.
Below the banner is the site, and in the banner to the right is a link to "Skip this ad".
Inde
You won't see the ads if you are logged in. And the forums are viewable for guests.