Um... I know that the FF section really should contribute to Mugglenet, but the ads are REALLY distracting. Maybe they could be more fitted to the layout? I think it's a little bit awkward having them where they are. They kind of ruin the "Harry Potter" feeling. I think they should be a little toned down.
I agree with the Harry Potter ads idea, and the google ads thing. If they were Harry Potter themed, I think that you might get quite a few people clicking on them. I also dislike the big add on the left, the ones on the top and bottom don't really matter to me.
I respect the idea of the adds but like several people have said above the one on the left messes up the page. It would look much better if it were on the bottom of the page. As for the one on the top..I didnt even notice that one until someone said something about it.
like most people, i understand the need that mugglenet needs money to survive, but I really don't like the ads. I think that if they could be toned down a bit (aka not as flashy and less movement) that it would be less distracting. Also if the add fit with the layout it would be less obnoxious. I fell like im a bad person when I say this, but I really, really don't like the adds. However, if you must.
I find it very distracting considering the ads move quite a lot.
There's one with tarantulas and it's kinda creepy. I second the "move it" suggestion. Or the google ads one. :)
There are some really great suggestions here! I do hope they are considered. Google ads are wonderful, customizable, and pay nicely. Also, as Snapes_secret said, I would be willing to pay a small fee to not see them. These particular ads really upset me, especially the animated ones. We are not allowed to use animated banners on the boards for the same reasons: they make loading time lag terribly, and are very distracting and tacky. If we need to find a way to create a new layout that supports ads, contact me please.
Note to everyone who's lagging a lot (like me!). If you use the Simplicity layout, the ads are much less obtrusive and smaller in file size, so it makes the pages load faster.
Two words for those who are unhappy about the new ads:
Firefox + Adblock.
Merlin's Flaming Balls of Fire! O.O
That Adblock works wonderfully! The only thing that it didn't block was the BlogHer stuff on the left-hand side. But since it's very dark grey on black, it's almost invisible.
Thanks, Rome!
I'm sorry that it's come to ads, but I'm not going to stop visiting the site just because of them. I just don't like the one on the left, only because I keep accidentally clicking on it trying to use the sidebar.
Still love you guys!
Susan
I'm fine with the ads (if not their layout, but that's been discussed). However, could we perhaps get rid of the pop-ups? They make it impossible to read a story without getting distracted.
Personally, ads do not distract me so its fine. Though the page loading business is kinda annoying. Its slower. But anything to support MNFF.
~Alexa~
Wait,,,what? There are ads on the internet???
I love Firefox
I think that the ads are a horrible addition to this wonderful sight, and I would agree with other commentors on making the ads either smaller, non-moving, or non-existant. While I appreciate the need for money, I think it would be best to operate like wikipedia, and have one small ad enticing browsers to donate money to the site.
I don't really mind the ad's that much (I only noticed them when that ad at the top talked. it scared me to death) I think that you should just do everything to keep this site running as it is great and I love it! Maybe everyone should just click on one of the ad's to help.
-Raffles
They definitely need to be smaller and they have to blend in to the layout in some way. I know what's here is not permanent, but it's just so frustrating to be reading something great, and not give it the complete attention it deserves. While the idea of having users pay a fee to not see the ads is a good one, most users online are still in high school, or are like me - in college and don't have realistic monetary means to avoid these ads.
As well, might I suggest coding the ads to each individual layout? Because some layouts have the navigation on the right side, while others have it on the left. I know this may seem like tedious busywork, but it's just a thought.
Another suggestion - Perhaps limit which pages have the ads. For example, have ads on the main menu, and on story searches, but refrain from them on pages where you're actually reading. This would take the "distracting" element away from them.
I may post again if I think of new ideas.
- Jacie the Cat
Oh, and if I hear one of those "Congratulations! You've been selected to receive a free (insert mundane apple product that will be obsolete in six months here)" ads, I swear I will stop coming. (Or only VERY rarely, and even then I would make a point to mute the audio on my computer before visiting.)
- Jacie the Cat
"Love Match! Calculate your Love!" ... so we can collect your information and sell it to third parties who can analyze everyone's insecurities to give you the lifestyle we want you to need!
And as for moisturizers, we should soo use them before we start to shrivel up from severe dehydration, ladies!
OK I know I'm pretty critical of these ads, but when it comes to selling moisture creams to a mainly young group of people... well, that's just plain weird.
If ads are necessary (and here I understand they are) they should at least be related to Harry Potter.
So far many have offered really nice suggestions. I hope the MNFF staff will consider them and define what boundaries shouldn't be crossed when it comes to future advertising of our beloved MNFF.
Love MNFF, thanks to all.
"Love Match! Calculate your Love!" ... so we can collect your information and sell it to third parties who can analyze everyone's insecurities to give you the lifestyle we want you to need!
And as for moisturizers, we should soo use them before we start to shrivel up from severe dehydration, ladies!
OK I know I'm pretty critical of these ads, but when it comes to selling moisture creams to a mainly young group of people... well, that's just plain weird.
If ads are necessary (and here I understand they are) they should at least be related to Harry Potter.
So far many have offered really nice suggestions. I hope the MNFF staff will consider them and define what boundaries shouldn't be crossed when it comes to future advertising of our beloved MNFF.
Love MNFF, thanks to all.
"I think it would be best to operate like wikipedia, and have one small ad enticing browsers to donate money to the site."
I think this is the best solution. Ads really do bother me.
the ads are very distracting, but if you must have them, it would be a better idea to place them at the top and bottem of the page, not the sides. it would look better. that, or make the ad skinnier and place it on the right side instead of the left. it looks too crowded on the left.