Ads on Pet Talk

[mugsy]

Originally posted by lizbud
\
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?

Unfortunately Liz, I think the membership would suffer. Too many people (me included, which I doubt would bother too many people ) would not be able to continue. It would not be feasible for me. But, then, I don't own the site, so it's not my call!!

[lizbud]

Originally posted by mugsy
Unfortunately Liz, I think the membership would suffer. Too many people (me included, which I doubt would bother too many people ) would not be able to continue. It would not be feasible for me. But, then, I don't own the site, so it's not my call!!

The membership would be winnowed for sure, but how many
join, post once or twice & aren't heard from any more? As to the
cost, how can you say you couldn't afford it when we,(I anyway)
have no idea how much it might cost? It's just an idea.

[mugsy]

Right now Liz, I couldn't justify anything, unfortunately. But, if that's what decided, so be it, I would learn to live without it....guess I would have to! We'll see what plays out, all in all, it's not our decision and Karen and Paul need to do what's best for the forum and them.

[G.P.girl]

Originally posted by lizbud
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.

i agree with mugsy. i for one wouldn't be able to pay it. my allowence has been cut indefinatly(sp?). and there are alot of young members here who don't have creditcards or whatever you use to pay over the internet. plus then our familes would know how much we actually love PT

[Twisterdog]

What ads? I've never seen an ad here. Am I blind? Or are they pop-ups, because I have a pop-up blocker.

[shais_mom]

Have you seen the home page of dog/cat/pet of the day? that is where they are.
Not trying to be smart, just answering your question.

[Paul]

   On the homepage of Pet, Dog, and Cat of the Day there are often text ads (but not always) in a right-hand column that come directly from Google. These ads require javascript. They are not popups or popunders; it's just text. Ad blockers will block them. Even on many computers that support javascript, with javascript turned on, the ads will not show up. Because of the uneven support of javascript in web browsers many people will never be able to see the ads.

   I will post more of my thoughts later.

      Paul

[CathyBogart]

I just wanted to throw in that I had NEVER seen a merle pit bull before I followed one of those links! I'm glad I did...merle pits are GORGEOUS!!

[Vio&Juni]

I personally understand that keeping this site is a financial expense for Paul and Karen. I don't have anything against ads. If I am not interested in them, I just don't click on them. I am fine with ads if this makes it easier for Paul and Karen.

But then again, I have nothing against breeders too, maybe just the un-human ones. I would rather rescue than buy, but I don't judge those that buy pets.

A membership fee would keep away many good people that can't afford it.

[aly]

We trust you and your judgement Paul and Karen!

You guys keep doing what you're doing

[zippy-kat]

I recognize (and respect!!) the fact that all financial burdens fall on the shoulders of K&P. In posting this thread my intent was not to 'bash all ads' per se --the ads themselves do not bother me rather it's the content. I think I'd rather see "junk" ads than those that advertise pets.

I do support any means that keep PT up and running and that lessen the burden for K&P -- if that means ads or membership fees, so be it!

If the breeder ads can not be weeded out, maybe you could post a disclaimer at the bottom:
"REFER TO PET TALK FOR INFORMATION ON BREEDERS/RESCUE!"

[Logan]

I've been staying quiet on this subject, but I was a bit taken aback when I saw Golden Retriever puppies for sale..........no offense was taken, though, because I knew that it was probably out of the control of Karen and Paul, and just a "test" with the Google stuff. You know what, I can hardly think that many people who happen to see that ad will click on it and make a purchase due to it..........at least that's what I hope. No, it isn't what I would hope for Pet Talk to promote, but maybe those who take time to click on an ad will also click on Pet Talk and learn more about what a lot of us stand for in our rescue work.

Logan

[Cheshirekatt]

Originally posted by Twisterdog
What ads? I've never seen an ad here. Am I blind? Or are they pop-ups, because I have a pop-up blocker.

I guess I'm just as in the dark as you are!!

I've never seen any ads...

[Paul]

   I don't like the membership idea because we do not wish to prevent anyone from visiting.

   Almost all of our visitors never look at pet talk. They just visit the Pet, Cat, or Dog homepage.

   I think zippy-kat has a good idea. Perhaps we can place a link above the ads asking people to consider adopting a pet. Especially because even before these ads people have always wanted us to do more. It's easy to add a link; I think Karen and I will need a lot of help to even write an overview of all the options people should consider.

   Thank you all for taking the time to tell us what you are thinking.

      Paul

[mugsy]

If you need help writing options, let me know.