Just so you guys/gals know, I’ve added “advertisements” to the site to help pay for the bandwidth this site is generating. To keep it from ruining the experience, I’ve placed the advertisements on the bottom of the pages so that it doesn’t get in the way. Of course, if you want to click through just to help support this site then that’s cool too.

The advertisements should be relevant to things being discussed on this site so there may be some good deals to be found.

Thanks,
gr00vy0ne

Good Job. I didn’t even notice them, which is a good thing. If I see something I need I will click-through to keep the site alive.

Thanks,
Erik

I REALLY hesitate to say this, but the ads should be near the top of the page to get noticed. Perhaps you could cut down the top banner a bit?

I don’t mind Google ads at all, especially compared to those hideous moving GIF ads or the terminally irritating Flash ads that randomly cover your screen. I’ve stopped visiting a lot of gaming sites due to those.

Yeah, I was going to put it at the top but not yet. I’m working on a slight re-design on the site to optimize it a bit. I will probably move the ad links higher up and make it integrate with the site better. I personally don’t like ads but it’s a necessary evil.

You said what I was thinking.

Erik

Why not both?  Run them on the top and bottom.  This will maximize your exposure and obviously double your revenues.  I was wondering who is footing the bill for bandwidth considering the number of people joining this forum.  I was beginning to think that gr00vy0ne was some rich tech nut trying to keep busy.  (even if you are, I could care less…you deserve to run your site as you please)  As long as the ads are “forum specicfic” I cannot imagine anyone here whining and complaining when there is nothing but benefit for the user.

The users who find value and at the same time have something to give (like your top 10 posters) will stay no matter what.  I personally have saved a ton of money buying needed peripherals for my TR just because of my affiliation with this forum.  Even if you had the flash ads that Drachen hates, as long as I have a TR, I’m stayin’! 

Just don’t ever allow POP-UPS!!!  :x

I’m also looking into find some sponsors who might be willing to donate free stuff to this site (assuming it can drive traffic their way). That way, I can hold contests to give out free stuff. That would be nice, no? We’re definitely not talking super huge stuff (yet) but fun kinda gadgety stuff. It’s a thought but we’ll see what happens.

good stuff groovy,
  i didn’t even notice the ads, and like some of the others said i wouldn’t mind if the ads were at the top either.  this site does so much to help tr users, i’d say do whatever it takes to keep the site going.  by the way, good luck with the sponsors.  it would be pretty sweet to have contests and give aways.  keep the ads coming as long as they pertain to the site and i’m sure all the members will be more than happy to give them all a chance.

Don’t worry about pop-ups…never ever! I hate those things with a passion. Any time one of my clients asks for one I have to give them the big lecture on good web practices and the evils of pop-ups.  :D

So far, yeah, it’s been a labor of love and I’ve paid for everything. However, it would be nice if the site could sustain itself as it would allow me to add more stuff for the users here.

I really appreciate the feedback from you all…it really helps and will definitely be useful as this site moves forward. When I first started this site, I really didn’t know what to expect. I must say that I am impressed by the quality of folks that visit here especially compared to other sites I frequent. Thanks very much for your support! 

I just wanted to let everyone know that the ad clicking has been helpful so far. It may be a few cents everyday but any little bit helps and allows me to keep up with the growing bandwidth. So, thanks again for your support.  :D

I’ll also be doing a slight site redesign in order to optimize the space used and to cut down on extraneous grpahics.

So remember, all you need to do is click on one of the links at the bottom of the page. So, if you’re done perusing the site and are about to close your browser then just do a quick click on an ad and then shut your browser. That’s it!

Many thanks!
gr00vy0ne