Ads on Pet Talk

[zippy-kat]

The past few days I've noticed the advertisements list animals, horses in particular. (Actually, horses are the only species I've seen advertised but have been told by a few others that there were dogs/cats listed.) To me, equine ads aren't that big of a concern as horses are quite expensive to raise, breed, keep, so there doesn't seem to be quite the market for them as there are puppies, kitties, etc. (I.e. to my knowledge there aren't any "foalmills" -- albeit that's putting the PMU farms aside).

I'd like to say that I realize K&P (probably) don't have control over the contents of the ads and that the ads are helping to pay for pet talk. Also, I realize that this site is not focused solely on rescue work. But --though not directly stated-- rescue work does seem to be an underpinning of the forum.

I'm curious as to everyone's thoughts on this.

[aly]

I did notice the kitten and puppy ads the other day. It disturbed me and I hoped no one would visit the links

I also understand that the ads help pay for the site. I wonder if there is a way to filter out certain ads. I even think non-pet related ads would be better than the ones selling kittens/puppies/horses/etc. Or maybe just ads about pet supplies. But I don't know how possible it would be to filter out those breeders.

[Crikit]

I have to agree with you here Tonya.

For the most part I don't mind seeing the ads on the site, as long as they don't involve the buying or selling of animals. The ones for the pet supplies, and hotels I'm perfectly fine with, but the the ones that advertise the kittens, puppies and foals (and I have seen ads for all three) disturb me greatly.

I realize that the ads are something that are required to keep Pet Talk going strong and free for us all to use, but I'm still put off by the fact that the ads are for live animals. Just look at the animals that everyone owns, the majority of them are rescues from shelters or groups, and the fact that we are now running ads for sites that could quite possible contribute to more animals in shelters and rescue groups seems wrong.

In otherwords "no sir, I don't like it. I don't like it one bit"

[mugsy]

Perhaps we could email Karen and Paul (actually I have a few weeks ago) and express concern and come up with possible alternative ads. I know that they have no control over the ads that Google sends.

One that particularly upset me was an Ebay site, but, it turned out NOT to be selling animals, just "stuff" regarding the breed.

[micki76]

I've personally not seen the ads for dogs, cats, or horses. I do have a problem with them being advertised on Pet Talk, though.

I hope there's a solution for this. I know we need the ads to help keep PT going, but at what price?

I have enjoyed many of the other ads and have checked out several of them.

[Moose]

I've never seen them either, but I'm not impressed by them. However, if that is the only way to keep Pet Talk up and running...I'll survive.

[lizbud]

Originally posted by Crikit

For the most part I don't mind seeing the ads on the site, as long as they don't involve the buying or selling of animals. The ones for the pet supplies, and hotels I'm perfectly fine with, but the the ones that advertise the kittens, puppies and foals (and I have seen ads for all three) disturb me greatly.

I agree 100%. Personally I'm very uncomfortable with it.
Ads, per se, don't bother me at all, but not if they offer animals
for sale.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Originally posted by lizbud
I agree 100%. Personally I'm very uncomfortable with it.
Ads, per se, don't bother me at all, but not if they offer animals
for sale.

Same here.

[moosmom]

The ads are a bit deceiving. I clicked into one that said "Kittens" and it turned out it was an auction for cat and kitten figurines.

I've PM'd Karen about this and am satisfied with her explanation. Like I said, at first it disturbed me too. But my curiosity got the best of me and I checked it out. I was relieved when I saw no auctions for live animals.

[Logan]

The only one I clicked on was a huge list of Golden Retriever breeders........loads and loads of Golden puppies for sale. I am just crossing my fingers that they are responsible breeders.

[Paul]

   For six years we have run with very, very few ads. Karen and I have invested a lot of time and money in Pet, Dog, and Cat of the Day, as well as Pet Talk because we know every pet is special.

   If Google allowed us to block everyone that sold pets, then I would do it. However, Google does not allow it. I am disappointed in the Google system but I do not know of better system.

      Paul

[Edwina's Secretary]

Paul...I trust in your judgement as to the best way to keep this site going without causing you and Karen too much financial pain. If it is ads...so be it...I accept that and thank you for all you do.

Sara

[tatsxxx11]

Ditto that, Sara! You do a great job Paul and Karen and whatever you need to do to keep us up and running, we understand

[dukedogsmom]

I think we've been very fortunate to have gone so long without any ads at all. So, that little google thing on the side doesn't bother me in the least. And thank goodness, no pop ups! Now that would bother me.

[lizbud]

Originally posted by Paul
   For six years we have run with very, very few ads. Karen and I have invested a lot of time and money in Pet, Dog, and Cat of the Day, as well as Pet Talk because we know every pet is special.

   If Google allowed us to block everyone that sold pets, then I would do it. However, Google does not allow it. I am disappointed in the Google system but I do not know of better system.

      Paul

I know you do Paul and I am very grateful for all the work,time
and love you & Karen put into making this site the special place
it is. I was just wondering how feasible it would be to charge a
small yearly fee to members.(payable in advance) It might be an
alternative to the ads selling animals. Do you think this might
work? I'm not being critical at all, just wonder if either of you
ever considered this idea. Thanks.