We're Going to Try Some Banner Ads for Guest (Not Logged In) Users

[Chicken lights]

I paid as a premium to support a good forum however this form of ads interfere with the use, if it continues, the forums usefulness has come to an end.

Hopefully that is clear enough to shut it off.

The IT we have, I believe, is volunteer hours only

I understand the frustration, I appreciate the forum support, however getting pissy over one day of access seems trivial

Yes, the new ads are annoying, I can deal with it while knowing admin are working to fix it

It’s not perfect but most of the time it’s a good system, that our admin team try to keep working

 

[VicHobbyGuy]

while knowing admin are working to fix it

How do you know that? I haven't seen a lot of posts here from admin. Who knows if it's even possible to back out of the agreement/contract/commitment (?) admin has made to host ads for pay?

 

[Chicken lights]

How do you know that? I haven't seen a lot of posts here from admin. Who knows if it's even possible to back out of the agreement/contract/commitment (?) admin has made to host ads for pay?

We’re largely volunteer run for IT, I believe

We’ve had previous threads on this, our admin largely stays in the background besides asking for input once in awhile

Look, I’m broke down 400 miles from home. Dispatch / IT can’t fix broken junk any faster than the guy pulling wrenches(IT doing whatever they do)

It’s annoying but IT/mechanics can only fix broken junk so fast

More than likely our IT went out drinking, tripped across a cable and we’re all paying the price for our IT dudes having some fun

 

[Susquatch]

I have created and managed a few forums in my time. It's not easy and it's volunteer. However, the service itself is not free. The connection to the internet, our domain, the servers that operate the forum and run the forum software, and the specialists that maintain those servers and their backups cost money.

The admins were able to manage those costs through premium memberships.

This problem was originally at the request of members who thought we were missing an opportunity to raise revenue by enabling some advertizing.

Most of us voted against that. And the idea was dropped. Then it was discovered that advertizing could be selective.

Therefore, the admins recently decided to try some advertizing ONLY FOR NON-MEMBERS. Unfortunately, the programming went bad and now everyone is getting the ads.

Right now we have a temporary problem. If it was easily fixed it would already have been done. So obviously it is taking some time. My advice and opinion is that we all just need to be patient. It will get fixed in time.

In the meantime, I am grateful for the forum and the generosity of our admins.

 

[darrin1200]

Take the time needed to make it right.

Just for information purposes.
I see ads on every page except the home page, while logged in.
I’m using Safari on an iPad Pro running iOS 15.5

 

[gmihovics]

my biggest issue with the ads are they keep showing me ads for dog kennels. I have one of those already, it's called my parents. Come on Google, show me the cool AliExpress gadgets I want to buy.

 

[calgaryguy]

Banner ads are fine, but the BULLSHIT popup ads that require me to click-to-continue have to go. Pardon my language, but fuck that nonsense. If you want a sure way to drive me from visiting a site, popup ads are it.

 

[Susquatch]

Banner ads are fine, but the BULLSHIT popup ads that require me to click-to-continue have to go. Pardon my language, but fuck that nonsense. If you want a sure way to drive me from visiting a site, popup ads are it.

Don't worry. They will ALL be gone soon. We all need to be patient for a while.

 

[whydontu]

my $0.02. Ads are annoying, banner ads at the top isn’t a deal breaker, pop-up ads that require me to find the hidden (X) to close the window are beyond aggravating.

Math: pick a number that represents the expected revenue from ads. Pick a number that represents the expected percentage of forum members that would pay to acheive a forum with no ads. Pick a number that provides for the cost to run the forum plus a reasonable buffer for contingencies. I will support this forum at a percentage of the calculated values above. I pay $400 a month to watch tv, surf the web, and answer my phones. My shop isn’t super sophisticated, but I know I have at least $40k in machinery and tooling. I pay $25 a month for access to my chosen news sources. So whatever number the admins come up with is probably not even close to what I already spend for other media that isn’t as enjoyable as CHMW.

 

[Susquatch]

The banner adds screw up my phone top menu so I hate them just as much as any other ad type. All are horrible.

I agree totally with @whydontu. I would happily pay more than my premium membership to avoid ads. But frankly, I'd also pay more than I am just because of the value (and entertainment) I get from the forum.

 

[calgaryguy]

Don't worry. They will ALL be gone soon. We all need to be patient for a while.

Oh I get it. I'm just voicing my hatred for popups and how they drive me from viewing websites.

 

[calgaryguy]

This. F This. Twice. In the Ear. With an Ice Pick

To be clear, this is the popup I got once I clicked on ducdon's 'Yard Sale' classifieds link.

 

[DavidR8]

Folks an ad blocker is working fine for me.
Might consider using one till this get sorted out.

 

[calgaryguy]

Its a small community, the admins of the site better be listening.

 

[Tomc938]

Best ad ever!
View attachment 24933

Even I could get a job there, with no more than 2 years training.

 

[Former Member]

If I need an add blocker the site is not worth visiting.

Aside from the drop down ads, the full screen blocking ads are brutal.

Seriously, please make it stop!!

If its a matter of cost, I'll share my provider with you, extremely low cost.

 

[eotrfish]

This is what I get even though logged in.


No pop-ups my ass!

 

[Tomc938]

In all seriousness: I agree with Mr. Chicken Lights.

I appreciate the forum and the willingness of people to help others out. At the top of that list are the admin folks who no doubt give countless hours of their time with no compensation.

They tried something different in an attempt to make the board an even better place for all of us. Yes, something has gone wrong. I think after three pages of people complaining that they have likely got the memo. Perhaps their paid employment, family commitments or the fact that we are in the two months of summer that is all that Canada gets each year has them a little distracted. Or they are working behind the scenes to get things going again. I'll be patient.

Have fun with it. Some of the ads are hilarious. Click on the moving [X], ask questions or post help for a fellow hobbiest.

Or maybe even step out on a limb and offer to help our volunteer admin fix the problem. Assuming you have the skill-set.

And I for one will be upgrading to premium today.

Thanks Admin!

 

[calgaryguy]

Another option, which I have seen implemented on other sites, is that 'premium' members arent subjected to ads to the same extent that the unwashed masses (joking of course) are.

 

[Susquatch]

Another option, which I have seen implemented on other sites, is that 'premium' members arent subjected to ads to the same extent that the unwashed masses (joking of course) are.

The plan was (and still is) that only non-registered visitors would get ads. All registered members will have a no ads experience.

I personally don't think it should matter whether or not they are premium members. A member is a member is a member is a member in my view. I didn't get a premium membership to get premium features. I got it to help finance the best forum that I have ever had the privilege of participating in.