Monetization
Moderator: Modsquad
- maddiedog
- Benevolent Overlord
- Posts: 3640
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:04 pm
- Year: 2011
- Color: White
- Location: New Mexico
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Monetization
I have been hosting hondapcx.org free for a long time, and have had donations that just over break even with costs. Lately, they've tapered (which is completely fine!), and so I'm considering alternate ways to keep the site self-sufficient or even help get me some revenue to help pay for my kid's college, medical bills, or whatever else. Life has been getting expensive for me lately.
A friend of mine is a web / SEO self-proclaimed god, and claims I'm forgoing literally hundreds of dollars in revenue a month for the site by not displaying ads based on the pageviews here. I'm leery of the accuracy of his number figure -- my rough calculations lead to $60 minimum per month, not hundreds per month, which is still more than twice what the site has averaged from donations. At the high end, if the ads are successful, the site could generate up to $500 per month, which is simply insane. I can't imagine that happening. Regardless, before I do anything, I want to see what you all think. This site is all about the community -- you guys and gals -- and I'm very proud of what we've built together. I don't want my actions to put that in jeopardy, hence me asking before doing anything.
If I were to implement ads, they would more than likely appear between the top bar (right below Logout / Last visit was: ) and the top naviation (Board index >> Add-ons >> Off-Topic), as well as at the bottom of the page. They would more than likely be text, and not generate any sound or be intrusive.
What do you think? Reply or respond to the poll.
A friend of mine is a web / SEO self-proclaimed god, and claims I'm forgoing literally hundreds of dollars in revenue a month for the site by not displaying ads based on the pageviews here. I'm leery of the accuracy of his number figure -- my rough calculations lead to $60 minimum per month, not hundreds per month, which is still more than twice what the site has averaged from donations. At the high end, if the ads are successful, the site could generate up to $500 per month, which is simply insane. I can't imagine that happening. Regardless, before I do anything, I want to see what you all think. This site is all about the community -- you guys and gals -- and I'm very proud of what we've built together. I don't want my actions to put that in jeopardy, hence me asking before doing anything.
If I were to implement ads, they would more than likely appear between the top bar (right below Logout / Last visit was: ) and the top naviation (Board index >> Add-ons >> Off-Topic), as well as at the bottom of the page. They would more than likely be text, and not generate any sound or be intrusive.
What do you think? Reply or respond to the poll.
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Previously rides: 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
- maddiedog
- Benevolent Overlord
- Posts: 3640
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:04 pm
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Re: Monetization
For full transparency, here's what our views lately look like. A LOT of people look at this site, literally hundreds (if not thousands) of people view and learn from here without posting.
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Previously rides: 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Re: Monetization
Four decades on two wheels has taught me nothing, all advice given is guaranteed to be wrong
- GeorgeSK
- Forum Benefactor
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- Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 9:36 pm
- Year: 13PCX,15Forza
- Color: Both Red
- Location: Danvers MA USA
Re: Monetization
So long as some audio doesn't blat or a site-stopping banner or splash screen take over my machine, I'm pretty much OK. The value of the information found here is worth a bit of annoyance. Our contributing a bit of cash is nice, but running this site has ongoing expenses that would be nice to have covered. What the heck - Revzilla and Motorcycle Superstore are already stalking me - they can follow me here too.
And, as GN2 points out, if ads really bother me, there are ways to avoid them (besides simply being oblivious).
And, as GN2 points out, if ads really bother me, there are ways to avoid them (besides simply being oblivious).
On my scoot, getting there is WAY more than half the fun!
Please paste this address into a new tab and add yourself to the map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NlP7xk7KMdJReQnm-iDhldFBdpQ&ll=4.995760578398276%2C0&z=2
but please, don't delete anybody, no matter how badly they deserve deleting
Please paste this address into a new tab and add yourself to the map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NlP7xk7KMdJReQnm-iDhldFBdpQ&ll=4.995760578398276%2C0&z=2
but please, don't delete anybody, no matter how badly they deserve deleting
- GeorgeSK
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- Year: 13PCX,15Forza
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- Location: Danvers MA USA
Re: Monetization
Oh yeah - so long as we keep the "Singles in your Area" stuff totally off the list. THAT would change my activity on the site.
On my scoot, getting there is WAY more than half the fun!
Please paste this address into a new tab and add yourself to the map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NlP7xk7KMdJReQnm-iDhldFBdpQ&ll=4.995760578398276%2C0&z=2
but please, don't delete anybody, no matter how badly they deserve deleting
Please paste this address into a new tab and add yourself to the map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NlP7xk7KMdJReQnm-iDhldFBdpQ&ll=4.995760578398276%2C0&z=2
but please, don't delete anybody, no matter how badly they deserve deleting
- you you
- What's a wot?
- Posts: 10000
- Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2012 5:37 pm
- Location: Between Lulu and Chichi
Re: Monetization
I wouldn't leave (you might want to run an auction for that) but please don't
- you you
- What's a wot?
- Posts: 10000
- Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2012 5:37 pm
- Location: Between Lulu and Chichi
Re: Monetization
Nothing more irratating than trying to scroll down on a pad and hit an advert. Ffs
Stop being tempted and man up. Once the principles disappear.....
Stop being tempted and man up. Once the principles disappear.....
- Alibally
- Official Moderator
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Re: Monetization
I use tapatalk so might not see them anyway.
- ScooteringAbout
- Frequent Poster
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- Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2015 6:20 pm
Re: Monetization
I use a variety of Firefox adblock filters, however Maddie, I am perfectly happy to disable them for this site, so long as we don't get sfx playing adverts.
aka DrewJW
- you you
- What's a wot?
- Posts: 10000
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- Location: Between Lulu and Chichi
Re: Monetization
Monetization? Can we have a decent spellchecker?DrewJW wrote:I use a variety of Firefox adblock filters, however Maddie, I am perfectly happy to disable them for this site, so long as we don't get sfx playing adverts.
- kcpcx
- Forum Benefactor
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- Year: 2013
- Color: Candy Rosy Red
- Location: Kansas City, USA
Re: Monetization
I almost answered - not at all -.... Until I remembered the annoying ones I find on other sites. Super annoying auto play videos. Ads I can't scroll past or that pop up until time elapses. The audio ads are horrible. Someone starts yelling at you through your speakers.
Small banner under the header only? Sure, no problem. But I've found that ads are sites are a slippery slope, and they usually become overbearing after a time.
So, as long as the ads didn't gradually get more annoying over time, I'd be fine with them.
VWVortex is a good example. I used to visit that site more than I do now. They went to ads, and went to the auto play ads even though they swore they wouldn't. Once it becomes a hassle to visit the site due to ads, I started to visit less.
Not that my little opinion counts in the big picture. But I'd caution you to be very careful how far you open the door, if you decide to go the ad route. I totally understand why you would, and I might in your shoes. But the key to me would be to keep a tight leash on them.
Small banner under the header only? Sure, no problem. But I've found that ads are sites are a slippery slope, and they usually become overbearing after a time.
So, as long as the ads didn't gradually get more annoying over time, I'd be fine with them.
VWVortex is a good example. I used to visit that site more than I do now. They went to ads, and went to the auto play ads even though they swore they wouldn't. Once it becomes a hassle to visit the site due to ads, I started to visit less.
Not that my little opinion counts in the big picture. But I'd caution you to be very careful how far you open the door, if you decide to go the ad route. I totally understand why you would, and I might in your shoes. But the key to me would be to keep a tight leash on them.
'88 BMW R100RT
- homie
- Prestige
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- Year: 2015 PCX150
- Color: Pearl White
- Location: FloridaLand
Re: Monetization
Yep, you'll never make it on donations alone. They advertise on my other hobby forums and REALLY blow you out on Dodge Ram's website. But they are related to truck accessories so it's not like Viagra ads.
Cheswick says yes too
Cheswick says yes too
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- sendler2112
- Forum Benefactor
- Posts: 1412
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- Year: 2013 PCX150
- Location: Syracuse, NY, USA 13045
Re: Monetization
Ads are fine as long as they don't affect the load speed or start to take over the view as they just have at CBR250.net.
- Mel46
- Forum Benefactor
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- Year: 2013
- Color: red PCX
- Location: Dallas, Ga USA
Re: Monetization
I use my tablet to visit this site. When I am out and about it is problem enough getting the signal. I don't want to spend my time and signal on ads, but if it keeps this site going I can live with it.
Currently own:
Red 2013 Honda PCX150
Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights
Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn
Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires
Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs
NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
Red 2013 Honda PCX150
Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights
Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn
Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires
Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs
NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
- relic
- Forum Benefactor
- Posts: 516
- Joined: Mon Aug 25, 2014 8:24 pm
- Year: 2013
- Color: red white
- Location: BC Canada
Re: Monetization
30 bucks a month in donatations
ouch! you Pcx ers should be ashamed
rattle your pay pal account and buck up
ouch! you Pcx ers should be ashamed
rattle your pay pal account and buck up
- MikeP
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- Year: 2013
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- Location: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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Re: Monetization
I have two thoughts.
If everyone who used the information on this site to fix their bikes calculated how much money they saved and gave 1% of those savings to maddiedog, he would be rolling in the money to fund this site.
I know its a Mary Poppins philosophy.
Therefore bring on the ads maddiedog, make some money for your hard work and creation.
Afterall don't we all use youtube, facebook, twitter and craigslist just to name a few. We all "put up" with their ads.
This forum is just to valuable to loose. The members are great and the information shared just priceless.
If everyone who used the information on this site to fix their bikes calculated how much money they saved and gave 1% of those savings to maddiedog, he would be rolling in the money to fund this site.
I know its a Mary Poppins philosophy.
Therefore bring on the ads maddiedog, make some money for your hard work and creation.
Afterall don't we all use youtube, facebook, twitter and craigslist just to name a few. We all "put up" with their ads.
This forum is just to valuable to loose. The members are great and the information shared just priceless.
Happiness is two wheels and a full tank of gas!
- vamootsman
- Forum Benefactor
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- Location: Bettendorf, Iowa
Re: Monetization
How much $ do you need?
2013 PCX 150 with,
Givi Tall Screen, and E370 Top Case
NCY Variator and Face Plate, 12 gram rollers
Takagawa Silent Oval Exhaust, K&N R1100 pod filter mod
YSS XL Rear Shock Absorbers Michelin City Grip 120/70 Front 140/70 Rear
2013 Honda CB500X with Rally Raid kit
2005 Piaggio X9 500 Evolution
1982 Honda CX500 Turbo
1983 Honda Nighthawk S
Givi Tall Screen, and E370 Top Case
NCY Variator and Face Plate, 12 gram rollers
Takagawa Silent Oval Exhaust, K&N R1100 pod filter mod
YSS XL Rear Shock Absorbers Michelin City Grip 120/70 Front 140/70 Rear
2013 Honda CB500X with Rally Raid kit
2005 Piaggio X9 500 Evolution
1982 Honda CX500 Turbo
1983 Honda Nighthawk S
- relic
- Forum Benefactor
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- Joined: Mon Aug 25, 2014 8:24 pm
- Year: 2013
- Color: red white
- Location: BC Canada
Re: Monetization
I agree with Mike
if you have a way of putting a few extra dollars in your pocket
because of your own initiative
ps don't know Mary Poppins
but Frank Zappa
coined a phrase about being in it for the money
We all are
if you have a way of putting a few extra dollars in your pocket
because of your own initiative
ps don't know Mary Poppins
but Frank Zappa
coined a phrase about being in it for the money
We all are
- maddiedog
- Benevolent Overlord
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- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:04 pm
- Year: 2011
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Re: Monetization
It's less about how much it takes to run the site, and more about what money I'm just giving up by not doing ads. Ads are basically free money, I get paid when they're viewed or clicked, simple as that. Since ads generate so much money, websites are worth a lot of money. Part of the impetus for this poll was an offer from a non-member (just some random guy on the internet) to buy the site for $3000. I turned it down, since I felt the site was worth more than that and didn't want to allow someone else to mess up all the work I've put in here.vamootsman wrote:How much $ do you need?
Adding ads is a huge change in the way I wanted to run this site since I founded it years ago, but a lot has changed since then. It's not like I just got older and had a kid... My wife was diagnosed with MS earlier this year. We're 26. We're ridiculously young to find out, which is good because it means her prognosis is more positive from starting treatment early, but it still means we're much more concerned about our finances. I'm fortunate that I make good money at work and have great benefits, so we have no unpaid bills yet, but if she ever has a bad MS relapse, we'll have to buy a wheelchair-capable car, sell our house and get a single-level house (or retrofit ours), etc.
I don't want donations as support, I have way too much pride for that. We're far from a charity case -- I have great insurance, and we're not in debt, so we're hardly struggling. An extra couple thousand from ad revenue per year just means more padding in case things get worse, all without taking money from anyone here. In all honesty, the donation scheme makes me feel sleazy anyways. I know I save you all money by helping out on the Tech Help section and making how-tos, but I do it because it's fun, not for money.
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Previously rides: 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
- WhiteNoise
- Official Moderator
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Re: Monetization
Bring on the Ads Dave! Do what You must do!
I Truly appreciate your asking us first and explaining further what is going on "behind the Forums."
Me? I want YOU, YOUR family and YOUR forums to be All that they Can Be! Wife and Family come first. If I can help you, and it seems I can (even with a vote), I say Yes to Ads.
Those that want to donate should feel free to do so as well.
I belong to the Ridgeline Owners Club, their "motion type" ads are annoying, distracting and they tend to break up ones thoughts while participating in conversation. I don't believe you would let it go that far. What I call, Dancing ads.
Ah wait!
Dave...What about using an "Amazon Button" (like Modern Vespa) has at the bottom of their every page? I understand the owner gets slight kickback for every click. We ALL Use Amazon. Well.... I use them A LOT! Can that be done here?
On a personal note,... I'm so sorry to read about your wife's illness. "Good Lovin'" goes far. God will help. Hugs for You All
I Truly appreciate your asking us first and explaining further what is going on "behind the Forums."
Me? I want YOU, YOUR family and YOUR forums to be All that they Can Be! Wife and Family come first. If I can help you, and it seems I can (even with a vote), I say Yes to Ads.
Those that want to donate should feel free to do so as well.
I belong to the Ridgeline Owners Club, their "motion type" ads are annoying, distracting and they tend to break up ones thoughts while participating in conversation. I don't believe you would let it go that far. What I call, Dancing ads.
Ah wait!
Dave...What about using an "Amazon Button" (like Modern Vespa) has at the bottom of their every page? I understand the owner gets slight kickback for every click. We ALL Use Amazon. Well.... I use them A LOT! Can that be done here?
On a personal note,... I'm so sorry to read about your wife's illness. "Good Lovin'" goes far. God will help. Hugs for You All
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