Comments on: FAQ: What’s with the ads on LP? http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/ Blogging politics, culture, sociology and life from Brisvegas Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:27:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Kim http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-452620 Kim Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:11:13 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-452620 Yes, Peter! Yes, Peter!

]]> By: Peter Hollo http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-452619 Peter Hollo Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:09:54 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-452619 Interesting dilemma. Like some others using Firefox, I had no idea there were ads until I read this post. Obviously I really want LP to keep going. Equally, I have no desire to see ads on teh intarwebz, even on LP. Am I allowed to keep reading even if I block the ads? ;) Interesting dilemma. Like some others using Firefox, I had no idea there were ads until I read this post.
Obviously I really want LP to keep going.
Equally, I have no desire to see ads on teh intarwebz, even on LP.

Am I allowed to keep reading even if I block the ads? ;)

]]> By: murph the surf http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450772 murph the surf Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:30:09 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450772 "Well, I’m not sure what your point is ...." Good question Gandhi. Jinmaro has the measure of Liam - he is an apologist for every action of the priviledged or those " involved " in ownership of power positions in the self elected elite of the left wing collective. The party line is declared and Liam fronts the barricades denouncing the splitters. His moniker of President for Life isn't a joke. “Well, I’m not sure what your point is ….”
Good question Gandhi.
Jinmaro has the measure of Liam - he is an apologist for every action of the priviledged or those ” involved ” in ownership of power positions in the self elected elite of the left wing collective.
The party line is declared and Liam fronts the barricades denouncing the splitters.
His moniker of President for Life isn’t a joke.

]]> By: gandhi http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450642 gandhi Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:55:14 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450642 Well, I'm not sure what your point is but I do think blogs like this one serve a social purpose, particularly where the corporate media is repeatedly compromised. Well, I’m not sure what your point is but I do think blogs like this one serve a social purpose, particularly where the corporate media is repeatedly compromised.

]]> By: Banal Hussein al-Sarcasti, President-for-Life of Lowbrow Snarkistan http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450639 Banal Hussein al-Sarcasti, President-for-Life of Lowbrow Snarkistan Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:35:48 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450639 I know, Gandhi. Wouldn't we all like to spend more time reading blogs and less time working. If it weren't for capitalism and the tyranny of markets, the business plan would make sense. I know, Gandhi. Wouldn’t we all like to spend more time reading blogs and less time working.
If it weren’t for capitalism and the tyranny of markets, the business plan would make sense.

]]> By: gandhi http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450608 gandhi Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:42:05 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450608 Interesting thread, and an interesting dilemma with which I can seriously <a href="http://howardout.blogspot.com/2008/03/experiment-in-blogging.html" rel="nofollow">relate</a>! The best idea would be to change your politics, Mark. I'm sure that if you wanted to embrace the right-wing vision of corporatised government you would have no trouble growing this site into a profitable enterprise. Tim Blair has already claimed the snarky, low-brow space, but there's a big opening for a more intellectualized version (if such a thing is possible). Assuming that's not gonna happen, you are probably stuffed. Ozblogistan today just doesn't seem to support the readership numbers which would make a blog like this pay for itself (in terms of hours spent v. having a life). I see only two possibilities: either bring in new readership, or get the site sponsored by a modern-day Medici Family. With regards to new readership, one path to financial stability would be to start breaking real news on this site, and thereby become a part of the MSM "story". Consider Drudge or Josh Marshall's TPM as a model. OTOH this is something Crikey! has been trying to do for some time, without much luck. Perhaps if there are any senior whistle-blowers out there who would like to contribute some exciting tidbits to LP via email....??? The other option I see is some kind of altruistic sponsorship by a reader with deep pockets. Anyone got Dick Smith's mobile number? Sadly for the strength of our democracy, there are not many wealthy Australians with that sort of attitude. You could always apply for a government Arts grant, but my understanding is that it would take about three weeks just to fill in the forms... Interesting thread, and an interesting dilemma with which I can seriously relate!

The best idea would be to change your politics, Mark. I’m sure that if you wanted to embrace the right-wing vision of corporatised government you would have no trouble growing this site into a profitable enterprise. Tim Blair has already claimed the snarky, low-brow space, but there’s a big opening for a more intellectualized version (if such a thing is possible).

Assuming that’s not gonna happen, you are probably stuffed.

Ozblogistan today just doesn’t seem to support the readership numbers which would make a blog like this pay for itself (in terms of hours spent v. having a life). I see only two possibilities: either bring in new readership, or get the site sponsored by a modern-day Medici Family.

With regards to new readership, one path to financial stability would be to start breaking real news on this site, and thereby become a part of the MSM “story”. Consider Drudge or Josh Marshall’s TPM as a model. OTOH this is something Crikey! has been trying to do for some time, without much luck. Perhaps if there are any senior whistle-blowers out there who would like to contribute some exciting tidbits to LP via email….???

The other option I see is some kind of altruistic sponsorship by a reader with deep pockets. Anyone got Dick Smith’s mobile number? Sadly for the strength of our democracy, there are not many wealthy Australians with that sort of attitude. You could always apply for a government Arts grant, but my understanding is that it would take about three weeks just to fill in the forms…

]]> By: FDB http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450606 FDB Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:35:44 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450606 Tell that to Peter Singer. Tell that to Peter Singer.

]]> By: Spanner Cushion http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450563 Spanner Cushion Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:18:21 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450563 Go nuts I say. Last time I checked ethics didn't pay the bills! ;) Go nuts I say. Last time I checked ethics didn’t pay the bills! ;)

]]> By: Adrien http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450495 Adrien Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:09:38 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450495 I know Mark I know. > So I know what I'm talking about. Someone was talking about Bill Hicks - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDW_Hj2K0wo > He's right. We all deserve to die. :) I know Mark I know.
>
So I know what I’m talking about. Someone was talking about Bill Hicks - [link]
>
He’s right. We all deserve to die. :)

]]> By: Mark http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450493 Mark Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:42:54 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450493 Not sure, Nick, will pass on the suggestion. Thanks! Not sure, Nick, will pass on the suggestion.

Thanks!

]]> By: Nick Caldwell http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450492 Nick Caldwell Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:40:24 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450492 Has your techie done anything about possibly optimising the site's markup to slightly (or substantially) reduce your bandwidth overheads? Or, for instance, offloading static files like images and CSS to a distributed content host like Amazon's S3? That could cut costs a bit. Has your techie done anything about possibly optimising the site’s markup to slightly (or substantially) reduce your bandwidth overheads? Or, for instance, offloading static files like images and CSS to a distributed content host like Amazon’s S3? That could cut costs a bit.

]]> By: Mark http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450490 Mark Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:31:50 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450490 Many thanks, Debbieanne, I'm really pleased you appreciate LP! Many thanks, Debbieanne, I’m really pleased you appreciate LP!

]]> By: Debbieanne http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450485 Debbieanne Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:17:50 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450485 You deserve anything extra you can earn here Mark. Love this site, just keep up the good work. You deserve anything extra you can earn here Mark. Love this site, just keep up the good work.

]]> By: Mark http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450483 Mark Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:16:16 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450483 What's your occupation again, Adrien? ;) What’s your occupation again, Adrien? ;)

]]> By: Adrien http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450481 Adrien Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:12:30 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450481 Advertising! > Yikes! Evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil!!!! > Sellouts! Advertising!
>
Yikes! Evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil evil!!!!
>
Sellouts!

]]> By: Klaus K http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450478 Klaus K Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:58:42 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450478 In light of that information, I've disabled ad-blocker for this site and a couple of others, and encourage others to do so for other sites that they support. In light of that information, I’ve disabled ad-blocker for this site and a couple of others, and encourage others to do so for other sites that they support.

]]> By: Mark http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450477 Mark Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:58:08 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450477 Klaus, it just occurred to me that it would be a good idea to add something to the "About" pages - since obviously this thread won't be on the sidebar forever, so it would make sense to have an FAQ and I'll be consulting with the rest of the collective on what should go in it, and will certainly take the comments on this thread into account. I should also note that I think I've picked up an eye infection (fingers crossed it's not but it's a bit yucky at the moment) and looking at a computer screen isn't doing me any good at all so if I don't respond to further comments and if I'm away from here for a while, that'll be why! Klaus, it just occurred to me that it would be a good idea to add something to the “About” pages - since obviously this thread won’t be on the sidebar forever, so it would make sense to have an FAQ and I’ll be consulting with the rest of the collective on what should go in it, and will certainly take the comments on this thread into account.

I should also note that I think I’ve picked up an eye infection (fingers crossed it’s not but it’s a bit yucky at the moment) and looking at a computer screen isn’t doing me any good at all so if I don’t respond to further comments and if I’m away from here for a while, that’ll be why!

]]> By: Klaus K http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450476 Klaus K Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:53:25 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450476 Pollytickedoff, the way I see it is that it could be as simple as confirming that it's a not-for-profit organisation (and I note this is mentioned on the 'About' page), and having a formal statement about advertising revenue. Questions about who owns and who gets paid, and the nature of that payment. I mean, is writing a post voluntary and unpaid? Will there be scope posters to be paid a gratuity? Not all organisations have to disclose this, and I'm not necessarily saying that LP should either as it may be impractical, or involve too much formalisation. Personally, I trust Mark and the rest of the LP crew totally, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be transparent to newcomers, and that as these things change we shouldn't be informed. In this sense it could be a model for others conducting such an enterprise. Pollytickedoff, the way I see it is that it could be as simple as confirming that it’s a not-for-profit organisation (and I note this is mentioned on the ‘About’ page), and having a formal statement about advertising revenue. Questions about who owns and who gets paid, and the nature of that payment. I mean, is writing a post voluntary and unpaid? Will there be scope posters to be paid a gratuity? Not all organisations have to disclose this, and I’m not necessarily saying that LP should either as it may be impractical, or involve too much formalisation.

Personally, I trust Mark and the rest of the LP crew totally, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be transparent to newcomers, and that as these things change we shouldn’t be informed. In this sense it could be a model for others conducting such an enterprise.

]]> By: Mark http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450473 Mark Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:47:47 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450473 I use ABP, which I've just disabled just for this site. Basically, the ad server doesn't work on any stats we might report to it (for understandable reasons!) but counts an impression for each time it successfully serves an ad. So obviously if something blocks the ad server, it doesn't count. I was wrong about Google analytics - I sought some clarification on that and it's just that it gives you a better approximation of what the Nielsen Net ratings count is than stat servers. I've also been just informed that we do have a stats program installed on the new server, and FWIW, these are the stats for the last fourteen days: 80371 524286 1463600 20.27 GB That's visits, pages, hits and bandwidth served. About 30% of browsers are Firefox so imagining that most of those will have an ad blocker installed, that should probably be factored in. I'm also unsure of what discrepancy will exist between the server stats and Google analytics. There will be one. The server stats do exclude robots and crawlers from the count. I use ABP, which I’ve just disabled just for this site. Basically, the ad server doesn’t work on any stats we might report to it (for understandable reasons!) but counts an impression for each time it successfully serves an ad. So obviously if something blocks the ad server, it doesn’t count.

I was wrong about Google analytics - I sought some clarification on that and it’s just that it gives you a better approximation of what the Nielsen Net ratings count is than stat servers. I’ve also been just informed that we do have a stats program installed on the new server, and FWIW, these are the stats for the last fourteen days:

80371 524286 1463600 20.27 GB

That’s visits, pages, hits and bandwidth served.

About 30% of browsers are Firefox so imagining that most of those will have an ad blocker installed, that should probably be factored in.

I’m also unsure of what discrepancy will exist between the server stats and Google analytics. There will be one.

The server stats do exclude robots and crawlers from the count.

]]> By: David Rubie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450471 David Rubie Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:33:57 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/03/26/faq-whats-with-the-ads-on-lp/#comment-450471 That means, if you're using Firefox and running Flashblock (like me), it's probably nice to check the "allow flash from this site" for LP. There is no way in hell that I'm ditching flashblock though. That means, if you’re using Firefox and running Flashblock (like me), it’s probably nice to check the “allow flash from this site” for LP. There is no way in hell that I’m ditching flashblock though.

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