Ad-Free Apolyton: THE POLL - Page 10

Tamerlin · March 13, 2004, 16:48

Quote:

Originally posted by Locutus
This is not about democracy.

I agree, but I don't think this is a reason to dismiss any one's opinion or to say "who cares about what you think"... if yes I don't see why someone is asking my opinion about the subject.

Bloody Monk · March 13, 2004, 18:11

Quote:

Originally posted by Tamerlin

I agree, but I don't think this is a reason to dismiss any one's opinion or to say "who cares about what you think"... if yes I don't see why someone is asking my opinion about the subject.

You have to be very prickly to think that is what was meant. In point of fact, a no opinion doesn't matter as long as a sufficient number say yes. This is because the proposal is voluntary.

It should not be too hard to "see why someone is asking" if you want to be a volunteer. Relax, all will be well and good soon.

Monk

Tamerlin · March 13, 2004, 19:17

Quote:

Originally posted by Bloody Monk
You have to be very prickly to think that is what was meant.

I suppose I am and I have certainly over reacted but posters should sometimes think twice about what they have written before hitting the submit button (including me from times to times).

Quote:

In point of fact, a no opinion doesn't matter as long as a sufficient number say yes. This is because the proposal is voluntary.

It should not be too hard to "see why someone is asking" if you want to be a volunteer. Relax, all will be well and good soon.

OK, I know that but I am still worried and mainly because of the "small bonuses" offered to paying members. Who can be sure that the said bonuses will stay "small" over the years? New features will certainly be implemented in the future of the ACS, will these new features be reserved to paying members or will they be designed for everyone?

In my first post here I said that I was fearing that this could be the beginning of a new process, this is my main concern. If some members want to pay to get rid-off the adds it is their right and we should thank the administrators of the ACS to think about giving them this option. But I am indeed worried about the advantages paying members would have or rather about the advantages the non-paying members would be denied.

In every stratum of our occidental societies I can see everyday the disastrous effect of money replacing moral values one by one at an increasing speed. You can call me an idealist, a romantic, an old fashioned s*d or whatever you want but free sites like Apolyton are a real puff of fresh air in this world. I perfectly know that the administrators of the ACS are not trying to enrich themselves in the process but I am still worried about the future of Apolyton.

alva · March 13, 2004, 19:57

All my answer are as far as I know , ok.

Quote:

New features will certainly be implemented in the future of the ACS, will these new features be reserved to paying members or will they be designed for everyone?

Paying members only, but the features are to my mind more symbolic then of any real value. (slightly bigger avatar,...)

Quote:

In my first post here I said that I was fearing that this could be the beginning of a new process, this is my main concern.

Don't worry, won't happen
All members will be treated equally.

Quote:

You can call me an idealist, a romantic, an old fashioned s*d or whatever you want but free sites like Apolyton are a real puff of fresh air in this world.

Bloody Monk · March 13, 2004, 20:06

If you are really concerned about the long term future of this wonderful site, then that is the reason to say yes to this plan.

The long term future of the NET in general is under great stress due to new browsers coming out with auto popup blockers. Some means must be found by site owners to defray the costs of running a site. What to do??

This is a plan fostered by concerned users of this site, hoping to find a solution that makes sense for all. The Owners have been "dragged" into this by a persistent clamor. In other words, this is not a money grab by Mark and Dan (or Dan and Mark

).

It has been stated that the site will remain "as is" for those who do not pay. It MAY even happen that enough comes in by way of subscriptions to make the "goodies" available to those who don't pay. What are you worried about?? Perhaps it is just change that upsets you??

Monk

PLATO · March 13, 2004, 20:32

Bloody Monk

Tamerlin · March 13, 2004, 21:17

Quote:

Originally posted by Bloody Monk
What are you worried about?? Perhaps it is just change that upsets you??

Your post was very sensible until this sentence...

Bloody Monk · March 13, 2004, 21:24

Like I said before, too prickly, by half.

Tamerlin · March 13, 2004, 21:58

Quote:

Originally posted by Bloody Monk
Like I said before, too prickly, by half.

PRICKLY... ME!?!

MarkG · March 14, 2004, 00:58

Quote:

New features will certainly be implemented in the future of the ACS, will these new features be reserved to paying members or will they be designed for everyone?

just before implementing subscriptions we are announcing new services or upgrades to services to everyone(civgroups, search system). i believe this gives some answers...

mrmitchell · March 18, 2004, 00:32

Can I get a free subscription if I allow Markos to sell out every single word in every one of my posts to an advertiser?

MarkG · March 18, 2004, 00:45

we're already working on it

Skanky Burns · March 18, 2004, 00:50

The scarey part is you probably are telling the truth.

MarkG · March 18, 2004, 00:58

so far we've sold the words "free" and "forum". we're in discussions with firaxis on "civ*"(civ2, civ3, civ4, etc) but we're in disagreement cause they want royalty for the use of the word "settler" as our server's name

Gilgamensch · March 18, 2004, 04:15

Mark,

just change it to Settler and now they can't complain anymore. Maybe Europe shall ask for royalty on the word as well, as we send the settlers over to America. So how can they argue it is their idea

Dauphin · March 19, 2004, 15:10

Did MarkG just sink to Google ads in posts?

MarkG · March 19, 2004, 15:15

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=111070

alva · March 19, 2004, 15:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Big Crunch
Did MarkG just sink to Google ads in posts?

Me thinks (and hopes) Mark is trying for more yea's on the board.

Bloody Monk · March 19, 2004, 16:57

Quote:

Originally posted by Big Crunch
Did MarkG just sink to Google ads in posts?

They ARE less obnoxious compared to popups. At least one can still see the page. This is the Angelfire Alternative, I suppose.

Monk

pchang · March 19, 2004, 17:38

What is the rate of posts with ads? Will it eventually grow to every single one?

Jamski · March 19, 2004, 20:56

How long till there's a blocker-programm for in-line advertising too?

-Jam

mrmitchell · March 20, 2004, 01:24

I will not let Markos rest until I can have posts where every single word is sold out and linked to advertising.

Or alternatively, in every other post my name could be changed to 'HOTELS 50% OFF AT PRICELINE.COM' or 'ALL-NATURAL PILLS WILL ADD 3 INCHES GAURANTEED!' or such.

MarkG · March 20, 2004, 01:29

there are actually already new technologies that allow that. in fact, one of the ad networks we're using has started implementing it on select sites.

Skanky Burns · March 20, 2004, 03:26

I wouldn't consider the OT a "select site".

mrmitchell · March 20, 2004, 12:44

Is Ming involved with this? Can he cut you guys a special deal?

Inverse Icarus · March 20, 2004, 23:05

Quote:

Originally posted by Jamski
How long till there's a blocker-programm for in-line advertising too?

-Jam

it's there.

err, not that i would know or use it.

Solver · March 21, 2004, 14:25

Google ads in OTF threads are awful. Rather honestly, I'd rather have three popups per a day of browsing. And yes, my ad blocker allows popups from Apolyton.

Theben · March 21, 2004, 17:08

to in-line ads. It looks like the poster is advertising the product.

Rommel2D · March 21, 2004, 17:27

$30 a year looks like the popular figure, but I wouldn't mind twice that much. More than that even if necessary to keep OT posts from counting.

This is the only site I frequent that has pop-ups, so I never bothered looking for a blocker before. Next time that Dungeon Siege sword gets jammed in my processor, I might change my mind...

MarkG · March 21, 2004, 17:40

an update

on deciding the benefits and prices, we're 50% done

on the technical side, we're 10% done(but a significant 10%

)