pay to post sponsored builds?

[DarthBeavis]

I've seen some of those German forums that Nils' speaks of. The banners of those companies that are posted in the build logs are bigger than the ones that the site gets paid for. Also, I don't think ad blockers stop them either.

I don't think it is right to be asked to pay to post a sponsored build log if you are not planning on posting bill boards on your log. For those build logs i have seen with the bill boards, I can understand the wish to charge.

We don't see it here on XS so much thank god.

that is not the issue at the site in question

[millertime359]

that is not the issue at the site in question

Well then, it seems they are just looking for a quick buck.

It doesn't really matter though. If people don't like the idea, let the site know by not going there. If traffic drops off and new build logs are not posted there, they will have to stop doing it to be able to hope to stay on the internet.

[meanmoe]

DB,
Do you get paid to do builds for people/companies?

[DarthBeavis]

DB,
Do you get paid to do builds for people/companies?

I do builds for companies and get to keep the hardware. I do not get paid so to speak at least not yet

[meanmoe]

I do builds for companies and get to keep the hardware. I do not get paid so to speak at least not yet

So besides hardware and occasional free trip to vegas, you're just a poor (but talented) case modder being screwed by the system

Actually, the reason I asked is because it would be a completely different scenario if you were. You understand this I'm sure. Have you asked to be compensated? I've bought a couple of things after having seen you use them. e.g. reservoirs, torture rack... (mine is not quite as bright though )

I still have to say that I think it's completely up to the forum owner, and although it sucks, there are so many other venues along with your own website. If it hurts the forum owners more then helps, they'll change their policy I'm sure. Although, I doubt it'll hurt them.

Having run a business myself, I have to say that I'm surprised that it's just now happening, that forums are just now turning that commercial in this way and closing hole for 'free' advertising (from their perspective). Nils has the logic right.

[millsy_c]

Fascinating discussion, here's a thought as to what could be done as a solution(it's completely wild and will no doubt be unpopular but let's see)
You currently have a subforum for worklogs (note this could be any site, most have this setup)
We have 2 subforums,
1 for user builds (unsponsored, normal banner ads)
1 for sponsored builds (NO banner ads, BUT the sponsors have to pay a fee in order to be displayed there)

Now I can already see a flaw there, being that sponsors are far less likely to jump on board if instead of say 50 bucks of goods they have to provide 50 bucks of goods and x dollars to promote a build.

But yeah it's just a thought, or perhaps make it such that in the sponsored buildlog forum you use a different advertising 'group' say movies (I don't pay much attention to the ads, busy staring at the pretty pictures )

[DarthBeavis]

So besides hardware and occasional free trip to vegas, you're just a poor (but talented) case modder being screwed by the system

Actually, the reason I asked is because it would be a completely different scenario if you were. You understand this I'm sure. Have you asked to be compensated? I've bought a couple of things after having seen you use them. e.g. reservoirs, torture rack... (mine is not quite as bright though )

I still have to say that I think it's completely up to the forum owner, and although it sucks, there are so many other venues along with your own website. If it hurts the forum owners more then helps, they'll change their policy I'm sure. Although, I doubt it'll hurt them.

Having run a business myself, I have to say that I'm surprised that it's just now happening, that forums are just now turning that commercial in this way and closing hole for 'free' advertising (from their perspective). Nils has the logic right.

I also run a couple businesses and have been formally trained in business. You need to step back and look at the entire business model. As stated, if they earn money off of banner ads and click-through, they are taking a huge chance by possibly reducing traffic. As I also stated, their rule has nothing to do with people placing banner ads in their posts. Their rule, as written, will not prevent people from promoting or shilling their preferred companies so long as they do not disclose why they are promoting said company. At least in my work logs I disclose what I get from whom so you can take my recommendations with a grain of salt if you wish.

Not sure where you get the Vegas question. The only time I get my travel paid for by companies is when I actually work for them (Nvidia at PAX and also the last trip of NY, Boston, SF, DC, and Miami for example). This means I work shifts in the booth or at the kiosk or whatever the event dictates. This is as a contractor and on a project-by-project basis. When I went to CES for Crucial I paid out of my pocket. I have paid 30k-40k or more in the last couple years out of my pocket to do my projects. Funny you ask about my asking to be compensated. I still have to ask for products and justify what I want to use them for, even from Danger Den (not that they are not good to me - but this shows I am dealing with business people who have to watch their bottom line as well).