[NSC] Adverts

[schmunk]

Time to turn on the Pi-Hole

 

[Simster]

I've not changed the ad setup on NSC for many months, but it certainly seems that some of the existing units have become more intrusive.

Like you, on my phone, I've been typing a reply and something happened with an ad unit at the bottom of the page, it somehow registered I'd tapped on it and I was taken elsewhere. The only saving grace was that I was able to tap back and my message was still there for me to complete - I didn't have to start again.

Regardless, that's not a good experience clearly.

I'm going to take some time this week, hopefully beginning today, to review the whole ad setup and make it better/less intrusive.

AFTER you've updated the "score prediction" competition scores, obviously.

 

[lawros left foot]

This thread has appeared 3 days too late for me.

I got so fed up with adverts wiping out my posts half way through, I decided to pay the fiver a month just to stop the frustration I was feeling.

£1.25 a week is worth it if only to stop Mrs LLF moaning about me, moaning about NSC.

 

[Ludensian Gull]

I've started getting full page adverts that pop up and block the entire screen. The page also refreshes while typing and you end up clicking on one of these god awful ads and being directed away from NSC also the keyboard vanishes whenever a new advert loads.
I fully appreciate the need for advertising to keep the site running, but the site is becoming a massive pain in the arse and some days the ads are so intrusive I end up not bothering to stay on here. It's definitely getting worse.

I also spend a lot less time on here now due to adverts popping up all over the place. Half the time you can't see what you're typing, it's become bloody annoying

 

[loz]

Imagine my disappointment, I thought the thread might be about…

 

[jcdenton08]

I also spend a lot less time on here now due to adverts popping up all over the place. Half the time you can't see what you're typing, it's become bloody annoying

£5 a month to NSC pays for those ads. £1.25 a week to help cover server costs. Otherwise it’s the ads which fund the hosting.

 

[Audax]

£5 a month to NSC pays for those ads. £1.25 a week to help cover server costs. Otherwise it’s the ads which fund the hosting.

So, once again, the problem here isn't the *ads* themselves. Several of us have said we're more than happy to see the ads. The problem is the implementation of some of these ads technically is causing the ads to adversely affect usage of the site. I would happily scroll through a thread that was 50% ads as long as those ads aren't doing things like prevent me typing up replies (was a problem on desktop a few days ago), or bouncing back to the top of the page several seconds after loading the page and trying to read the last 2-3 posts before then loading the next page (has been an issue on mobile for a while). Or even, historically, some ads causing the entire site / browser to crash and become unusable (was a problem on mobile for a while).

There's no point having ads to help run the site if those ads cause problems that make it harder to use the site. In some cases those problems may have contributed to increased server costs because it takes those of us encountering the problems need to load more pages in order to deal with problems the ads are creating.

Edit: or if the tech isn't working properly, that the ads create problems without driving any revenue. I don't know if Bozza has done it deliberately or not, but right now on desktop I'm not actually seeing any ads. I can see where the ads are meant to be, but there's no actual ads.

 

[Bozza]

As per my post earlier in this thread, I'm well aware that on occasion the ads are making for a shit experience.

Although I could easily have no ads myself, I always run the site with full ads as all non-patrons experience.

I can only reiterate...

1. I've not changed the ads for months, probably six months or more.
2. Contrary to cynical opinion, I've not intentionally set ads to annoy people so they become NSC patrons.

I have so much shit going on away from my laptop, I simply haven't had the time required to sit down for a period of time, focus appropriately, reaquaint myself with something I've not looked at for a long time and refine as required.

It may sound simple, but it isn't completely straightforward.

It's top of my priority list - I just need to be able to sit down for 2-3 hours uninterrupted.

Sorry.

 

[Audax]

As per my post earlier in this thread, I'm well aware that on occasion the ads are making for a shit experience.

Although I could easily have no ads myself, I always run the site with full ads as all non-patrons experience.

I can only reiterate...

1. I've not changed the ads for months, probably six months or more.
2. Contrary to cynical opinion, I've not intentionally set ads to annoy people so they become NSC patrons.

I have so much shit going on away from my laptop, I simply haven't had the time required to sit down for a period of time, focus appropriately, reaquaint myself with something I've not looked at for a long time and refine as required.

It may sound simple, but it isn't completely straightforward.

It's top of my priority list - I just need to be able to sit down for 2-3 hours uninterrupted.

Sorry.

No worries. That sounds like a lot of the problems are on your providers, then. Because as an end user, the experience does keep changing. As I say, today I'm not getting any ads at all (desktop) on NSC. Hence, no problems. But last week I had these top/bottom/sides ads loading up (and refreshing themselves) and they were making typing a post a right faff.

 

[carlzeiss]

Nothing wrong with The Adverts

 

[tedebear]

What is this patron business? Does it get rid of the ads completely? I'm struggling on my PC now, they ads that run down the side of every screen actually stop me typing mid sentence.. and I have to click back into the text box to keep going....and actually sometimes give up now...probably music to some of your ears...

 

[Carlos BC]

How do you subscribe? I am happy to chuck in a few quid.

 

[Albion my Albion]

£5 a month to NSC pays for those ads. £1.25 a week to help cover server costs. Otherwise it’s the ads which fund the hosting.

Only 18p per day. My God, only 18p per day!!!!!! It's time folks. Buy one of my diamond watches, I mean become an NSC patron!!!!


FROM BOZZA:

Enough people have asked about this and I said I'd do it but, frankly, I've been too embarrassed to do so.

Well, now I am doing it, even though I feel awkward and embarrassed typing this. I'm thankful I'm hiding behind a keyboard.

However, if you do want to support NSC directly, you can now do so.

Firstly: as per the thread title: this is entirely optional, no-one has to do this and I have no expectation that anyone will. Most people have far more important things to spend money on, and no-one's functionality is going to be reduced in any way. If you are unable to support NSC directly, then nothing has changed for you.

How much does this cost?​

I have set the payments at £5 per month or £50 per year. I have set additional levels at £10 per month / £100 per year because, believe it or not, some people suggested that to me. Again, I don't expect anyone to do this.

For transparency, NSC is part of a VAT-registered limited company so from a £5 monthly payment, about 84p will go to HMRC and the payment provider takes a further 45p, leaving NSC with about £3.71.

If I do want to support NSC, what do I get?​

Let's be honest...primarily I expect those who support NSC will be doing so because of some combination of valuing the site and the community, finding it entertaining or possibly, just appreciating the time and effort it takes to keep it running.

Most additional bells and whistles I can activate for community members have long since been enabled for everyone, and I'm not going to take them away. However, as of today what you will get is as follows:

- Go ad-free​

Ads keep the lights on - this site costs a lot to run. I'll be honest and say I'm not entirely sure of the maths in terms of what a relatively active NSCer earns the site from ad revenue, but I'm hoping the £5/month or £50/year covers it. I'll find out soon enough...

- Enhanced signature options​

Pimp up your signature - more characters, more lines, more font options, colours, emojis and a link, if you want. Go to town.

- 'Loyal Supporter' marker​

A new little thi gummy under your username on your posts. The text could probably be improved - happy to take suggestions.

- Change Your Username​

Change it up - knock yourself out. Note: this is limited to once a week, and your username history will be visible for those who want to check who you once were.

- Delete your own posts any time​

Pangs of regret about that post back in 2017 where you said "Wilf Zaha is actually OK"? Go back and delete it - no-one will know any better.

- Edit your thread titles any time​

Did you start a thread and give it a stupid name? Change it.

- Unlimited Private Messaging group sizes​

This one's a bit niche, but have conversations (PMs) with a big group if that's your thing. (I found an option I didn't know existed so decided to use it)

There may well be more things later. But, as above, I'm not going to try and sell you on the additional bells and whistles. Support NSC if you want to. Don't if you can't.

I'll be massively thankful to those who can and do, and remain fully supportive of all those who can't.

OK, I'm in - how do I do this?​

Click/Tap on your username in the top right and a new option available to you is "Account upgrades"

Follow that link which will ultimately lead you to Paypal.

When you have completed payment, you will automatically receive the account changes I have detailed above immediately.

You don't need to have a Paypal account to make a payment - any debit/credit card will do. If you don't have a card, but would still like to support NSC, drop me a note and I'll see what we can work out.

 

[tedebear]

How do you subscribe? I am happy to chuck in a few quid.

Just worked it out, look at Bozza's signature above! Have put in my tuppence worth...given all the drivel I've posted over the years its the least I can do...

 

[GloryDays]

Likewise.

I’ve lost many a hot take which I ended up concluding I didn’t need to retype it anyway. Which just means less engagement to see the ads ironically.

Would like to see the number / size of ads reduced where possible. Appreciate this site which we all enjoy (sometimes) need paying for.

I also spend a lot less time on here now due to adverts popping up all over the place. Half the time you can't see what you're typing, it's become bloody annoying

 

[maffew]

Yeah something seems to have happened since today for me on android mobile, whilst typing, full screen ads pop out and take over the whole screen. I think this morning I accepted all cookies whilst I normally go in and reject non essential ones

 

[Black Rod]

Came onto NSC this evening using my phone to be entertained by the inevitable meltdown taking place. Giving up after 2 minutes because the ads make it impossible to navigate.

Hope everyone is still wetting the bed by Monday morning when I'll try again on laptop

 

[dazzer6666]

What is this patron business? Does it get rid of the ads completely? I'm struggling on my PC now, they ads that run down the side of every screen actually stop me typing mid sentence.. and I have to click back into the text box to keep going....and actually sometimes give up now...probably music to some of your ears...

Yes. It’s blissful. Absolute bargain

 

[tedebear]

Yes. It’s blissful. Absolute bargain

Agree now that I know!

 

[AZ Gull]

Currently experiencing one of those adverts that threatens to take over the entire page. Very annoying.

It also layers itself (if that's the term) over the board, with clickable links underneath it. Don't think I've ever experienced that before.