Site Sponsors & Hyperlinked Words

[PhilT]

Just so you are aware, we have launched a select Site Sponsorship package that offers reputable companies to have their brand name hyperlinked from the RS246 forum post text. In addition, we are offering hyperlinks on non-brand names. This is fully under the control of RS246, and is not being managed externally. We have gone to great lengths to ensure it has minimal impact on the use of the site, and have developed a unique add-on to the site software to achieve it.

This is not about sucking as much money as possible from the site, but about keeping it usable and ensuring the value in in the site/community, and not how much money we can make from it. In fact, the Site Sponsors have been surprised about how little we are charging and appreciate our stance regarding quality vs. quantity.

Now, there's always going to be some people who may not like this, so we are working on a way that you can exclude your account from the hyperlinks by means of a small contribution.

The aim is to bring better value to the Users and Site Sponsors. We have no qualms in breaking our association with non-reputable entities.

Thanks,

Phil.

[Dom81]

I think the problem with this is that it's an international site, but with single hyperlinks to individual companies. I see that Unit 20 have signed up for "Service", but that's no use to me in London, and surely prevents you from getting any more revenue for the site (or help for users) from the word.

Would it be better to link key words (Milltek, Service etc.) to sections of a sponsors area, so that if I selected "Remap" I could see all sponsors who provide the service?

Just a thought...

[PhilT]

I think the problem with this is that it's an international site, but with single hyperlinks to individual companies. I see that Unit 20 have signed up for "Service", but that's no use to me in London, and surely prevents you from getting any more revenue for the site (or help for users) from the word.

Would it be better to link key words (Milltek, Service etc.) to sections of a sponsors area, so that if I selected "Remap" I could see all sponsors who provide the service?

Just a thought...

Fair points Dom. Here are my comments:
- Whilst it is an international site, the majority of our users are UK/Europe.
- You wouldn't be the first person in London who gets their car Serviced many miles away. I do a 3 to 4 hour round trip to get mine serviced.
- Revenue is not the primary motivation. Nobody pulls a wage from this site and the money goes towards running costs.
- We want to tone down the proliferation of banners and forums for every Site Sponsor.
- All in all, it's about getting the best value for the least effort.

Appreciate the feedback.

[Dom81]

Thanks Phil - it's obviously your call, and I fully understand (and appreciate) that the site is not run for profit. For what it's worth, I'm about 60 miles round trip to Camberley and 200 to MRC, so often go out of the way myself!