Hey everybody,
We're trying something new to make more money to support Xanga.
Say you link to an Amazon product in a blog post. Here's the new part: we're going to be adding Xanga's affiliate codes to *some* of those product links.
Which links? Well, if you've already added your own affiliate code to that product link, we won't be adding our affiliate code.
Also, if your account has Xanga Premium, we won't add our affiliate code to your links ever.
Only in cases where you haven't linked using an affiliate code *and* you're a Classic member will we sometimes add an affiliate code.
I think this is an nice way for Xanga to make a little more money, without having a negative impact on the user experience. I don't expect Xanga to make a huge amount of money from this, but an increasing number of Xanga readers are using ad blockers. Hopefully, this will help replace that revenue stream for us. We're looking to try this out as a test sometime this week.
I'm hoping this will help the site support itself over the coming year, and serve as a counterpoint to the ad blocking that we're seeing. We work really hard to keep ads here as unobtrusive as possible, and I am hopeful that this fits the bill.
Could you guys let us know what you think before we move forward here? Thanks...
Thanks,
Bob
Comments (107)
Let's turn minis into tiny ads!
If money does get tight, you can also auction me off for a night with the highest (hawt female) bidder. That should keep the site financially stable for at least a few years.
Anything to help!
@Under_the_Ghillie - I can almost see the auction scene from "White Chicks" in my head.. :P lol
I have no objections. It sounds like a very benign and low impact change for users.
How about you deactivate ALL accounts using ad block software/codes. They are breaking the rules aren't they? Give them a warning be like, either remove the software/code or pay for premium.
@Under_the_Ghillie - your altruism is schmexy ;P
Do eeeeet.
OUCH!
which affiliate network are you using? Just amazon? Sign up on CJ and we can work with you guys.
Personally, I think the linking isn't the best idea. But then again, I can't really think of anything better at this point besides a complete site redesign.
I know that hulu asks for input on some of the ads. I think you should broaden your horizons by asking those not on Premium to answer some advertiser questions.
People who do not purchase premium can be forced to answer advertisment questions. After all xanga is not really free.
I don't get it.
Sounds like a good idea. Trial it and see what happens.
Sounds reasonable.
Sounds reasonable to me.
I have no clue what is going on but YEAH BOB! YEAH XANGA!
I think it's a good idea, Bob. But I'm not lying when I say my perverted tail would pay money to see @Under_the_Ghillie on a Honey Boo-Boo episode. I'm also not lyin when I say that I would pay money to see several xangans shower. (Not together, of course.)
Just thinkin outside of the box here. I tell you, I would offer my services, but I'm afraid xanga would pay me to keep my clothes on. Well, hey, that's an idea as well!
I've been here almost since the start...when it was against TOS to use scripts to move or block the ads. WE all know the ads are to make cash, and that's why you all have them where they are. So, why not just block the ad blockers? (If that's possible...I'm not a programmer)
Sounds alrite.
My main concern is margins. As long as these ad windows don't push the page left or right to make room for them, I am all for ads appearing above and below blog pages, not to the sides.
Not to say, "If dogs could blog." save that for the top and bottom of pages where they are still visible but unobtrusive to the viewers.
So I am requesting no more ads to appear left and right of the writing but instead top and bottom for free users, and if need be you would have more ad space, all the way across the screen if need be since most webpages only scroll up and down.
As far as affiliates go, provided the ads are at the top and bottom of the blogs I would say go for it, and additionally give premium members the ability to turn their 'earnings' into Xanga points, not just cash, as Xanga points are much more valuable on the site.
@Kellsbella - I like to move it, move it
@Under_the_Ghillie - But would you wear a tiara?
@Kellsbella - doesnotcompute
@RulerofMasons - You're creepy enough as it is, dude.
sounds good to me