Sponsors...

**conalabu** · 06-16-07, 02:26 PM

Ya know, I just checked out a few other police websites for kicks and ideas (I ain't scared to pirate shit) and I was suprised to see banners ads in a few of them. While I can appreciate that you need money to run the site, I would just like to thank Brad for not using corporate sponsors to help run the site. I also realize that is dependant on supporting members and a fairly large out of pocket expense from Brad. I guess maybe I am going to have to pony up some more dough, huh?

**BEB** · 06-16-07, 03:55 PM

A clean look is a hallmark of LEF. I go to the local newspaper site only under protest now thanks to five ads on the frontpage as well as a popup. I count 25 ads on the frontpage and 11 displayed on the forum of one of those other police websites. How people can stand that is beyond me. To be able to load a site without getting a flashing banner in my face is quite refreshing.

On the other hand sponsorship doesn't need to be offensive to the user. At present there are 5 "Vendors and Friends" on the front page. Whether they're paying for that space or not the point is that advertising is there and isn't bothering a thing.

I've seen other sites refuse to put ads on the site, but instead have a "Advertisers and Links" page where such things are consolidated. (not all that unlike the classified ads in a paper in principle) That way if someone wants to use a click-thru link to help out the host site they can, but nobody ever has to see an ad if they don't want to.

I echo conalabu's sentiments on the lack of banners, and would go on to suggest sponsorship can be an element without affecting the look and functionality of the site.

**Virginian** · 06-16-07, 06:40 PM

I agree - going to weather.com is an epileptic experience sometimes.

**TXCharlie** · 06-16-07, 06:56 PM

I paid one of them a subscription fee because their claims were that all the ads would be removed for supporting members - never happened. I still have to scroll halfway down to read the forum.

**mavriktu** · 06-16-07, 07:38 PM

Damn it son,scared the bejesus out of me when I saw the title of this thread

thought you were going to reccomend sponsors and thought to self ,I said "Self (thats what I call myself,sort of a nick name)" Self I said,if they go to adds ,it is a good thing you aint sent your check to renew yet".Well am still waiting to hear back from self

But please choose your thread titles better.

Self ?? oh self??? whatever.........