Sponsored Links

Sponsored links - a blessing and a curse both at once. They are great in helping pay the bills, but they just don't belong in some places.

When I was a member of EntreCard (yes, I actually was a member), they rolled out sponsored links. They way EntreCard introduced sponsored links even turned me off. My disdain for EntreCard's approach to sponsored links really drove how I implemented them in the AFTR widget.

Most importantly, for me, was the ability to turn off the sponsored links instantly. Two ways are provided:

1. Through style sheets
   .AFTR2spon { display: none; }
   
2. Adding a NoAds clause to the script line.

Here are two widgets, one with the sponsored links and one without. First, the 125 widget with sponsored links:



Now for the 125 wide widget without the sponsored links:



Now for the actual HTML. For the regular widget, with the sponsored links:

<script src="http://tsswd.net/aftr2.xjs?ID+1" type="text/javascript"></script>

And without the sponsored links:

<script src="http://tsswd.net/aftr2.xjs?ID+1+NoAds" type="text/javascript"></script>

ID is the member's site ID. The NoAds clause on the script line takes effect immediately. While I understand the need to pay the bills, I understand the importance of a blog owner not wanting sponsored links and I make sure AFTR honors that.

AdBrite closing

First CMFads, then Adgitize, and now a major player in the advertising world - AdBrite is closing it doors.  Ironically, AdBrite had some serious cash going into it.  As a start up, it had $1.1 million invested in them.  They were actually the closest real competitor AdSense really had.

Here's the official notice from AdBrite:

Dear adBrite Publisher,

Over the last few weeks, adBrite and its management have been evaluating the go-forward plan for the business. Given market conditions and certain financial liabilities, in working with our lenders, we have decided to cease operations on Feb 1, 2013. 

This is a difficult decision for all of us at adBrite. However, after much deliberation this seems to be the best course of action despite the impact it will have on all the employees, clients and partners who helped build this business. There will be a team in place as needed to assist with winding down. Thank you for being part of the adBrite community. 

The adBrite Team.

This actually was a bit of a surprise as I really didn't think they would fold so easily. Sheesh, I remember watching AdBrite open its doors and was one of its first publishers.  I have to admit, I will miss this advertiser as they did do a very good job and their pay-outs were quite nice.

I personally believe the economy and the over-the-top taxes have had their impact with many businesses and sadly, AdBrite is another victim of the bureaucratic stupidity rampant in Washington right now.

Along for the Ride! will be five years old this April. Nothing lasts forever I guess... I'm just glad AFTR is still doing so well.  I suppose seeing a company like AdBrite collapse and fold under has made me think about the longevity of AFTR as I've had to make the same decisions AdBrite did in closing its doors.

Its never easy throwing in the towel...  I wish the best for all of AdBrite's employees.