GEwar Op-Ed.

[DeusExArgentum]

Blink-Blink for the Bling-Bling?

http://www.paul-yan.com/egghunt/images/progress/brainstorm.jpg

When I first noticed that all-too-familiar flashing box of advertising at the top of the screen there began to be a sick feeling within me. It wasn't a feeling of disgust, for it is all-too-common to criticize advertising these days, and I hate to be a part of the pack of those who simply rip on it without the full spectrum of understanding to why it exists.

I can only imagine that profits from these visual abominations go to things of importance, and that is understood. The major question that first comes is: will the profit of the advertisement revenue equalize the annoyance felt by each one of the users who simply tolerate the ads?

I have the "tired eyes" of the internet which also involves high amounts of cynicism. I've been jaded beyond all redemption into seeing these little boxes as evil detractors from my internet experience that must be ignored at all cost. I can pledge that I would never click an advertising box (in good faith), and I think anybody who uses the internet long enough will understand why.

There are those who will argue that advertisement works. Let me tell you that nobody is buying it, and more aptly, nobody is clicking it. The select few who do click these awful nuggets of profit have proven their idiocy to a point that I wouldn't trust them with doing any important task (especially one involving animals or children). This is a person who is naive and foolish enough to fall victim to a vibrating seizure box that can't possibly lead anywhere good...for anybody. That aside, it's there anyway in plain visual sight of the 97% of people who simply tolerate it.

I do not see the advertisements in their current form, I do not see the blinking lights and the distracting useless messages. I only see a surrender to an advertising machine, and this beast is a system of annoyance that does not relent. Advertising is the last thing that us poor net users need more of--and now the comfortable escape of GEwar has fallen as well. This is a war game, and those of us with tired eyes only see that ad box as a white flag of surrender that is flying high...

However, that was just the feeling that I got.

One must put these gut-feelings aside and use the brain instead. With that awful surrender to the advertising beast comes a significant amount money. With that money comes progress. With that progress a new foundation of integrity can be built: one to counter-act such awful advertising. It is a "deal with the devil" that can be pulled off effectively (only with great care)--the responsibility falls upon the shoulders of many. It means continuing the tolerance of these boxes, and to wait for the fruits of such patience. If it means more money per click...I can only encourage there to be a Click Brigade...to get every cent out of our advertising "friends" ...and that's no white flag.

--DeusExArgentum

[helo]

If you would like a new server with better qualities, a small little box at the top of the page won't bother you.

[Luke]

Very simple:
I can take the ads away...but eventually I'd take GEWar away then too :).

Or I keep the ads and use it to really expand GEWar ;).
In the end no game that can be played for free can survive without them. You can't expect the owner to keep investing hundreds of dollars each month just so you can play ;).

*Just meant for the people that stop reading your post halfway ;)*

[brobie]

That is what he said helo.

[brobie]

You can't expect the owner to keep investing hundreds of dollars each month just so you can play ;).

Yes we can. ;)


















P.S. I like the ads.

[dic101]

the unfortunately reality is, luke is not independently wealthy.

if there are enough players who'd like to pay a monthly recurring fee to play gewar, then that may come close to the cost of hosting and running the game.

advertising is what pays alot of the bills, especially online.

[DeusExArgentum]

is anyone even reading what I wrote? jeez, everyone has just repeated exactly what i said


*Just meant for the people that stop reading your post halfway *

Sadly I think that may be true

[Red Ivan]

is anyone even reading what I wrote? jeez, everyone has just repeated exactly what i said
Nope. What did you say? ;)

All I have to say about the issue is this: When I first noticed that all-too-familiar flashing box of advertising at the top of the screen there began to be a sick feeling within me. It wasn't a feeling of disgust, for it is all-too-common to criticize advertising these days, and I hate to be a part of the pack of those who simply rip on it without the full spectrum of understanding to why it exists.

I can only imagine that profits from these visual abominations go to things of importance, and that is understood. The major question that first comes is: will the profit of the advertisement revenue equalize the annoyance felt by each one of the users who simply tolerate the ads?

I have the "tired eyes" of the internet which also involves high amounts of cynicism. I've been jaded beyond all redemption into seeing these little boxes as evil detractors from my internet experience that must be ignored at all cost. I can pledge that I would never click an advertising box (in good faith), and I think anybody who uses the internet long enough will understand why.

There are those who will argue that advertisement works. Let me tell you that nobody is buying it, and more aptly, nobody is clicking it. The select few who do click these awful nuggets of profit have proven their idiocy to a point that I wouldn't trust them with doing any important task (especially one involving animals or children). This is a person who is naive and foolish enough to fall victim to a vibrating seizure box that can't possibly lead anywhere good...for anybody. That aside, it's there anyway in plain visual sight of the 97% of people who simply tolerate it.

I do not see the advertisements in their current form, I do not see the blinking lights and the distracting useless messages. I only see a surrender to an advertising machine, and this beast is a system of annoyance that does not relent. Advertising is the last thing that us poor net users need more of--and now the comfortable escape of GEwar has fallen as well. This is a war game, and those of us with tired eyes only see that ad box as a white flag of surrender that is flying high...

However, that was just the feeling that I got.

One must put these gut-feelings aside and use the brain instead. With that awful surrender to the advertising beast comes a significant amount money. With that money comes progress. With that progress a new foundation of integrity can be built: one to counter-act such awful advertising. It is a "deal with the devil" that can be pulled off effectively (only with great care)--the responsibility falls upon the shoulders of many. It means continuing the tolerance folks, and to wait for the fruits of such patience. If it means more money per click...I can only encourage there to be a Click Brigade...to get every cent out of our advertising "friends" ...and that's no white flag.

[DeusExArgentum]

Ivan, thats one of the most eloquent things I've ever seen written! well done :)

[Ghyrt]

[Slightly off topic] Does anyone understand why internet advertisements are the way they are? Maybe the masses do fall for them, but you'd think most scams are transparent enough that people see through them. If television advertisements work, why aren't internet advertisements more like them? It seems you rarely see an internet ad advertise name brand products that can be bought at the store. I really wish I knew why. :confused: [/Slightly off topic]

Anyway, I had the same feeling when I saw that ad. It won't affect me, but I think in some peoples' minds it detracts from the overall professionalism of the site. I doubt, however, that you could find any difference in the number of people who play/join, and that's what we care about.

[WILDCAT1976]

[Slightly off topic] Does anyone understand why internet advertisements are the way they are? Maybe the masses do fall for them, but you'd think most scams are transparent enough that people see through them. If television advertisements work, why aren't internet advertisements more like them? It seems you rarely see an internet ad advertise name brand products that can be bought at the store. I really wish I knew why. :confused: [/Slightly off topic]

Anyway, I had the same feeling when I saw that ad. It won't affect me, but I think in some peoples' minds it detracts from the overall professionalism of the site. I doubt, however, that you could find any difference in the number of people who play/join, and that's what we care about.

I have a friend that not only clicks on those "you've won a prize" thingies....he get's a new laptop, IPOD, whatever at least once a year...he just has to remember to cancel the credit cards, subscriptions, etc..etc..etc...he says they are not a scam..hehehehe I still won't do it..hehehehe

[Ghyrt]

<snip> If it means more money per click...I can only encourage there to be a Click Brigade...to get every cent out of our advertising "friends" ...and that's no white flag.

--DeusExArgentum

I was thinking (*gasp*): If the money made is independent of the number of clicks, then someone could just make a browser script to block the ads.

[DeusExArgentum]

I have a friend that not only clicks on those "you've won a prize" thingies....he get's a new laptop, IPOD, whatever at least once a year...he just has to remember to cancel the credit cards, subscriptions, etc..etc..etc...he says they are not a scam..hehehehe I still won't do it..hehehehe


I just laugh because i saw the "Press the Fart Button ...you know you want to" one

Sometimes its not even a scam, its just kind of a silly thing. The one that moves the box around in a circle a ton to garner attention...well I hope to see that one go.

[Red Ivan]

Does anyone know what happens when you press the Fart Button? I'M DYING TO KNOW!!! ;101

On another note, would you mind pulling my finger?

[helo]

Need to get Martok on to update his greasemonkey script so he can do a work around on the armies page. It's not working properly with Redux 2.32.

[Red Ivan]

Need to get Martok on to update his greasemonkey script so he can do a work around on the armies page. It's not working properly with Redux 2.32.
Agreed. We're talking about it HERE (http://www.gewar.net/forums/showthread.php?p=80779#post80779) .

[Nico]

Very simple:
I can take the ads away...but eventually I'd take GEWar away then too :).

Or I keep the ads and use it to really expand GEWar ;).
In the end no game that can be played for free can survive without them. You can't expect the owner to keep investing hundreds of dollars each month just so you can play ;).


Luukepuuk can you at least please use ads that dont make a noise
This one with the "Paparrazzi" let the whole office look up with this look "what are you doing during workhours again, my friend?!" :o

[helo]

Luukepuuk can you at least please use ads that dont make a noise
This one with the "Paparrazzi" let the whole office look up with this look "what are you doing during workhours again, my friend?!" :o
Most, if not all, of the ads that make sounds have been removed.

If you stumble upon one, post it somewhere on the forums and give the best description you can of the ad, as they're worded differently with ValueClick Media.

[Luke]

Thanks, though Nico's story made me laugh :D

[insouc]

I am reminded of some words by Bill Hicks, quote continues on link (since language may not be suitable for all here):

By the way if anyone here is in advertising or marketing... kill yourself.

No, no, no it's just a little thought. I'm just trying to plant seeds. Maybe one day, they'll take root - I don't know. You try, you do what you can. Kill yourself.

Seriously though, if you are, do.

Aaah, no really, there's no rationalisation for what you do and you are Satan's little helpers. Okay - kill yourself - seriously. You are the ruiner of all things good, seriously. No this is not a joke, you're going, "there's going to be a joke coming," there's no.....

continued: http://sennoma.net/main/edits/Hicks.html

[smirk420]

All hail the profit Hicks :bow

I haven't seen the adds yet because my hosts file has thier IPs blacklisted I think. I dont mind changing it for the good of the game if someone can tell me the IPs I need to remove, and I'll continue donating. I originally paid for a month while trying out the game, but I damn sure I"ll be here longer than that, so expect another donation soon.

[Melek~Taus]

Sorry to get off topic, but "If ignorance is bliss then knock the smile off my face"....

Nice quote...you know they're getting back together again? Most likely a new album.

Back to topic, the ads are the way they are because people like flashy simple things....see slot machines/accidents(lights). Money money money.

[smirk420]

Sorry to get off topic, but "If ignorance is bliss then knock the smile off my face"....

Nice quote...you know they're getting back together again? Most likely a new album.


Stoked with that news, Audioslave just wasnt the same. ;ipunk

[preschooler_at_heart]

I don't mind so much the concept of ads on the page or the space taken up. I just can't stand flashy, gimmicky ones that don't actually describe the page it leads you to. Luke, if you ever decide to change it, try Google Adsense. classier, that's all.

[Luke]

I don't mind so much the concept of ads on the page or the space taken up. I just can't stand flashy, gimmicky ones that don't actually describe the page it leads you to. Luke, if you ever decide to change it, try Google Adsense. classier, that's all.

Oh you think I totally forgot about Adsense? :p
The problem with Adsense is you still need something else to pay the bills. They don't pay very well.

[Gruss]

I think ads are a neccesary evil to help pay for us to play and shift the expenses from Luke's personal account. Unfortunately I already had Adblock blocking the service GEWar is currently using for ads because of past experience with those ads. I expect many FireFox users already had this in place or have added that after the fact.

Considering the type of ads I saw and what products they were for I'm not sure if I will change my filter. I will do some clicking when I plant resources in GE with IE, but this may be a limiting factor for revenue with the network that is currently being used.

I realize this is all a test right now so I wanted to provide my feedback to hopefully improve upon this.

Gruss

[THEOtheGREAT]

start adds stop naps

[helo]

I think ads are a neccesary evil to help pay for us to play and shift the expenses from Luke's personal account. Unfortunately I already had Adblock blocking the service GEWar is currently using for ads because of past experience with those ads. I expect many FireFox users already had this in place or have added that after the fact.

Considering the type of ads I saw and what products they were for I'm not sure if I will change my filter. I will do some clicking when I plant resources in GE with IE, but this may be a limiting factor for revenue with the network that is currently being used.

I realize this is all a test right now so I wanted to provide my feedback to hopefully improve upon this.

Gruss

That is understandable, however if I remember correctly all Firefox's built in adblocker does is create an invisible block over the ad. Indirectly it's still shown, but you can't see it.

I have been playing around with what ads show and how often. I realized that this one ad:

http://www.1000reasons.us/images/sadad.gif

is being used by several different advertisers. So I made the decision to remove all of them that payed out less than a given set amount in an attempt to get the ads that show up that payout more, more often.

These first 2-3 weeks will be the testing phases, and I'm working on getting most of these annoying ads out. However, I'll need help from my friends in the UK, Asia, and Aussie to discuss ads they see (As I'm in the US and only see a limited amount of what they do, except for the ones I've seen in the admin panel of VCMedia.)

[preschooler_at_heart]

Oh you think I totally forgot about Adsense? :p
The problem with Adsense is you still need something else to pay the bills. They don't pay very well.

Yeah, i know, i'm just saying, I can only win the "hourly prize" so many times before I get the feeling that something's fishy.