Concern for YT’s Future:
Dec 21, 2007 | 10:49 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,173
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup WA.
Concern for YT’s Future:
I just wanted to take the time and express my concern for the direction YT is heading. I know it’s mostly out of your hands now Corey, but the recent announcement from IB concerns me greatly. I really hate to hear the idea that there will be even MORE ad space, including the underlined word pop up ads, I understand that YT is now a business designed to make money for people. The hobby aspect of the website is dead, it is now all about selling the product of knowledge, which others have and will contribute. But ALL these ads and the idea of selling something seem to go against what this website was founded upon. I like the feel of YT and the atmosphere that is found here. I am a member of many other forums, including the forum I personally run, yet I still find myself always on YT. I am afraid that ALL the ads will drive me away from this place, (some of you may appreciate that 
) but I don’t want to leave. I’m sure there are many others out there that feel the same way. I foresee the implantation of the new ads being the jump off point for a lot of people on this board, the straw that broke the camels back type of deal.
Sincerely,
Chris Eakland
) but I don’t want to leave. I’m sure there are many others out there that feel the same way. I foresee the implantation of the new ads being the jump off point for a lot of people on this board, the straw that broke the camels back type of deal. Sincerely,
Chris Eakland
Originally Posted by IB Staff
The team at Internet Brands wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday season and pass on some tidings for 2008.
Site Performance
The first big job for IB -- now largely complete -- was getting the sites onto bigger, better servers. We've also set up a system for superadmins to alert the IB tech team when there are site problems and for IB Tech to relay progress or questions back to those superadmins. We expect this will speed our fixes and improve communication all around.
Ads
We will be moving all of the ads into a centralized ad-serving system over the next couple of months. The new system should be faster for many ad formats and it will allow us to fix any glitches more quickly. Our goal is to make the transition happen without any impact on site performance, but please notify your administration team if you are noticing any serious advertising-related issues.
We are also adding a new tower ad unit to Yota-Tech. The tower ad performs well for our vendors on other sites, like Ford-Trucks.com and Audiworld. It will go in the right margin to minimize impact on reading and posting in the body of the page, while still giving vendors and other advertisers new display opportunities.
Lastly, we will be adding advertising text links to certain parts of the site. These are the ads that open in little windows when you mouse over them. While some sites have had these units for a long time, we're launching them in limited fashion on new sites, on archive and article pages.
Site Improvements
The Internet Brands team has been brainstorming product improvements for our enthusiast sites in consultation with superadmins and former owners. We've now hired developers focused on these sites (in most cases people who were working on these sites before acquisition), so we'll be able to start implementing some of those ideas in the new year.
We are still working on timelines, but some of the top priorities are:
- Search. IB Tech has been testing a new search engine on LS1tech.com, ThirdGen.org and one of our travel sites, FlyerTalk.com. So far the feedback has been positive, so we're refining and planning to begin deployment across other sites early next year.
- Upgrades to vBulletin 3.7 on vB-powered sites. As some of you know, Jelsoft is set to release the new 3.7 version by early January. There are new admin and moderator controls, tagging, improved functionality and, most importantly, strong social-network options like customizable member profile pages with blogs, photo albums and friend management. The new version is being road-tested on www.vbulletin.com, and you can see a preview at http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249460. We've been in close contact with Jelsoft (which is a division of Internet Brands), and we feel that 3.7 is a terrific stride forward for all vB-powered sites.
- Video. We are in the final rounds of choosing a video partner that would enable users to upload and share their own videos on enthusiast sites. There is strong demand for video and tons of great user-generated footage out there, and we're excited about providing the tools and venue to bring it all together.
Thank you for your patience, feedback and contributions as we roll out these projects. We feel yours is one of the best enthusiast communities in the world, and it deserves the best features and functionality.
Stanley Holt
Site Performance
The first big job for IB -- now largely complete -- was getting the sites onto bigger, better servers. We've also set up a system for superadmins to alert the IB tech team when there are site problems and for IB Tech to relay progress or questions back to those superadmins. We expect this will speed our fixes and improve communication all around.
Ads
We will be moving all of the ads into a centralized ad-serving system over the next couple of months. The new system should be faster for many ad formats and it will allow us to fix any glitches more quickly. Our goal is to make the transition happen without any impact on site performance, but please notify your administration team if you are noticing any serious advertising-related issues.
We are also adding a new tower ad unit to Yota-Tech. The tower ad performs well for our vendors on other sites, like Ford-Trucks.com and Audiworld. It will go in the right margin to minimize impact on reading and posting in the body of the page, while still giving vendors and other advertisers new display opportunities.
Lastly, we will be adding advertising text links to certain parts of the site. These are the ads that open in little windows when you mouse over them. While some sites have had these units for a long time, we're launching them in limited fashion on new sites, on archive and article pages.
Site Improvements
The Internet Brands team has been brainstorming product improvements for our enthusiast sites in consultation with superadmins and former owners. We've now hired developers focused on these sites (in most cases people who were working on these sites before acquisition), so we'll be able to start implementing some of those ideas in the new year.
We are still working on timelines, but some of the top priorities are:
- Search. IB Tech has been testing a new search engine on LS1tech.com, ThirdGen.org and one of our travel sites, FlyerTalk.com. So far the feedback has been positive, so we're refining and planning to begin deployment across other sites early next year.
- Upgrades to vBulletin 3.7 on vB-powered sites. As some of you know, Jelsoft is set to release the new 3.7 version by early January. There are new admin and moderator controls, tagging, improved functionality and, most importantly, strong social-network options like customizable member profile pages with blogs, photo albums and friend management. The new version is being road-tested on www.vbulletin.com, and you can see a preview at http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249460. We've been in close contact with Jelsoft (which is a division of Internet Brands), and we feel that 3.7 is a terrific stride forward for all vB-powered sites.
- Video. We are in the final rounds of choosing a video partner that would enable users to upload and share their own videos on enthusiast sites. There is strong demand for video and tons of great user-generated footage out there, and we're excited about providing the tools and venue to bring it all together.
Thank you for your patience, feedback and contributions as we roll out these projects. We feel yours is one of the best enthusiast communities in the world, and it deserves the best features and functionality.
Stanley Holt
Dec 21, 2007 | 11:00 AM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,692
Likes: 58
From: Marysville, WA
I was just about to post a bulletin about this!!
"Nothing is going to change" should have come with a * by it which includes
"Oh by the way we will add annoying ads at the top of the page, and we are going to sneak a tower ad in there too."
And those annoying as hell pop up ads when ever you move the mouse over certain words? I agree with Chris. This place was designed for the "hobby" aspect, and now its just all going to ads and bling bling.
I would really like to know what will happen to the money I contributed? The whole purpose of contributing money to the site was to avoid stupid things like Ads, popups, and the general annoyances that other sites have. YT is super simple and easy to navigate. But start throwing ads and popups and all the other BS in there and the usability goes through the floor.
I consider myself very computer savvy, but to have to wade through all the junk is a major PITA.
Hopefully our concerns will net a change or avoid such things, but if future follows history, our thoughts will go unanswered and unchanged and things will continue to degrade.
"Nothing is going to change" should have come with a * by it which includes
"Oh by the way we will add annoying ads at the top of the page, and we are going to sneak a tower ad in there too."
And those annoying as hell pop up ads when ever you move the mouse over certain words? I agree with Chris. This place was designed for the "hobby" aspect, and now its just all going to ads and bling bling.
I would really like to know what will happen to the money I contributed? The whole purpose of contributing money to the site was to avoid stupid things like Ads, popups, and the general annoyances that other sites have. YT is super simple and easy to navigate. But start throwing ads and popups and all the other BS in there and the usability goes through the floor.
I consider myself very computer savvy, but to have to wade through all the junk is a major PITA.
Hopefully our concerns will net a change or avoid such things, but if future follows history, our thoughts will go unanswered and unchanged and things will continue to degrade.
Dec 21, 2007 | 11:01 AM
#3
Contributing Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,047
Likes: 0
Chris, I for one have to agree with you on this. While I think a lot of people "saw" this coming when IB bought YT out, I think there were alot of people, including myslf who hoped it wouldnt come to this...
I, admittedly, dont spend as much time here now, I mostly lurk the classifieds and off topic, but I think this is the beginning of the end, for even some of the most loyal YT'ers.
I, admittedly, dont spend as much time here now, I mostly lurk the classifieds and off topic, but I think this is the beginning of the end, for even some of the most loyal YT'ers.
Dec 21, 2007 | 11:30 AM
#6
Contributing Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,850
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton, Alberta
i'm with you all too, it is sad that YT is moving towards more ads than helpfull information, hopefully the nitwits at IB will remove all those stupid ads from YT ad put them were the sun don't shine
Happy Holidays from Belize!
Happy Holidays from Belize!
Dec 21, 2007 | 11:30 AM
#7
Contributing Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: People's Republic of Boulder
The homogenization is upon us. Things work fairly well as they are - I say don't mess with it.
If changes must be made - tweak the search function. A simple search returns too many threads now. For example, from now on, anyone who searches for information on Chrome Bumpers will find this thread just because I typed in 'Chrome Bumpers'.
Also, disable the ability to 'quote' pictures posted in threads. There are threads on here that are 20 pages long and only contain 4 unique pictures.
As for the ads - I HAVE NEVER, NOR WILL I EVER, CLICK ON AN ADVERTISEMENT FOUND ON A WEB PAGE! They are wasted space to me. If text-linked ads start appearing in posts I will never visit this site again. If it costs me another 10 or 20 bucks to return this site to the member supported status it used to enjoy, then I will gladly step up.
If changes must be made - tweak the search function. A simple search returns too many threads now. For example, from now on, anyone who searches for information on Chrome Bumpers will find this thread just because I typed in 'Chrome Bumpers'.
Also, disable the ability to 'quote' pictures posted in threads. There are threads on here that are 20 pages long and only contain 4 unique pictures.
As for the ads - I HAVE NEVER, NOR WILL I EVER, CLICK ON AN ADVERTISEMENT FOUND ON A WEB PAGE! They are wasted space to me. If text-linked ads start appearing in posts I will never visit this site again. If it costs me another 10 or 20 bucks to return this site to the member supported status it used to enjoy, then I will gladly step up.
Trending Topics
Dec 21, 2007 | 12:00 PM
#8
Co-Founder/Administrator
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 32,242
Likes: 21
From: Auburn, Washington
I have to agree with you on the ads.
The big FJ site I use has ads all over the place.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/index...=active_topics
And IH8MUD has the underline text words you mention.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj-cruiser/1...questions.html
The FJ forum has the option in your control panel over there to turn off the underlined inteletext ads.
Will they do it here?
I suggested it.
As far as I know those inteletext ads will be for the archives.
https://www.yotatech.com/toyota-research/
As for all the banners and side tower ads like the big FJ site I use, many there report they see no ads at all.
It is called ad blocker, a plugin extension for the Firefox browser.
I myself have been meaning to download it to give it a try over there to see how it works.
The big FJ site I use has ads all over the place.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/index...=active_topics
And IH8MUD has the underline text words you mention.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj-cruiser/1...questions.html
The FJ forum has the option in your control panel over there to turn off the underlined inteletext ads.
Will they do it here?
I suggested it.
As far as I know those inteletext ads will be for the archives.
https://www.yotatech.com/toyota-research/
As for all the banners and side tower ads like the big FJ site I use, many there report they see no ads at all.
It is called ad blocker, a plugin extension for the Firefox browser.
I myself have been meaning to download it to give it a try over there to see how it works.
Dec 21, 2007 | 12:15 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,173
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup WA.
:pat: why would you go through the trouble of installing ads everywhere....... just to tell people to get an ad blocker!?!
if anything i'd rather have the archives be virgin with ZERO ads that way i can use google and search just the archives to come up with useful chit i'm looking for, vs having to wade balls-deep in ads on the main site, AND the archives.
just for kicks and giggles, i went to ford-trucks.com, clicked ont he first thread in the first sub-forum just to see what happens...... this scares me. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/686208-uaw-bonus.html
like i said before.... i dont HAVE to be here. i RUN a 4wheelin forum (www.pacific-crawlers.com.... Zero ads, smaller, more rib-poking allowed, more PG13ish) and i am a member of WATTORA, ORTTORA, national TTORA, Marlin Crawler, Ultimate Yota, Pirate, etc etc.... but i CHOOSE to spend alot of time here because of what it USED to be.
if anything i'd rather have the archives be virgin with ZERO ads that way i can use google and search just the archives to come up with useful chit i'm looking for, vs having to wade balls-deep in ads on the main site, AND the archives.
just for kicks and giggles, i went to ford-trucks.com, clicked ont he first thread in the first sub-forum just to see what happens...... this scares me. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/686208-uaw-bonus.html
like i said before.... i dont HAVE to be here. i RUN a 4wheelin forum (www.pacific-crawlers.com.... Zero ads, smaller, more rib-poking allowed, more PG13ish) and i am a member of WATTORA, ORTTORA, national TTORA, Marlin Crawler, Ultimate Yota, Pirate, etc etc.... but i CHOOSE to spend alot of time here because of what it USED to be.
Dec 21, 2007 | 12:22 PM
#10
Contributing Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 0
From: Los Osos, CA (we can't agree on crap!)
Chris, good post and very well put. I for one also will never click on an advertisement on any page. I think they will find that it is going to drive away those long term members that have a ton of info to share but don't enjoy having ads shoved at them. Of course, because of the wealth of knowledge that is already built here, they will always get the newbs to show up and join. Therefore, they could care less about the oldies but goodies, as long as their numbers are growing. It is now all about the almighty dollar. So a few members leave because of the added ads, they could care less, it doesn't dent their pocket book at all. (When I say "they" I'm talking about Internet Brands not the staff of YT)
I guess that is just the way it is now.
I guess that is just the way it is now.
Dec 21, 2007 | 12:25 PM
#11
Contributing Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 0
From: Los Osos, CA (we can't agree on crap!)
just for kicks and giggles, i went to ford-trucks.com, clicked ont he first thread in the first sub-forum just to see what happens...... this scares me. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/686208-uaw-bonus.html
.
.
Holy Crap! I'm not even sure if I saw any posts there or not.
Dec 21, 2007 | 12:28 PM
#12
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
I was going to contribute--but why bother now--like all things--off to another site. I was also going to start adding to the Wiki on 3rd gen running gear....etc..info i have come accross while doing my build....
I wonder how many of us are going to get banned now for speaking out?
I wonder how many of us are going to get banned now for speaking out?
Dec 21, 2007 | 12:49 PM
#15
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,692
Likes: 58
From: Marysville, WA
I was going to contribute--but why bother now--like all things--off to another site. I was also going to start adding to the Wiki on 3rd gen running gear....etc..info i have come accross while doing my build....
I wonder how many of us are going to get banned now for speaking out?
I wonder how many of us are going to get banned now for speaking out?
Point is, we shouldn't have to look into this ad blocker at all! This should not even be an issue. I will NEVER EVER click on a banner link. In fact, when I do on accident, I immeadietly close it down, and re-run spyware block to prevent the spyware from getting into my system.
Dec 21, 2007 | 01:08 PM
#16
Contributing Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,932
Likes: 1
From: DFW TEXAS BABY!
Ok, i didn't read everything but here are my thought on this.
I hate ads as much as anyone but i also run some websites and know they are need TO AN EXTENT.
The banner ads at the top and bottom i don't have a problem with, i just ignore them. Although i will never click on an ad i don't really care if thy are there. EXCEPT:
The underline text ads. I CAN NOT STAND THOSE! Or those stupid ads that follow your mouse/come up over the text.
All the normal ads that just sit in a box someplace by themselves i can live with but when it starts getting in my way of reading and learning and helping it drives me bats!
I hate ads as much as anyone but i also run some websites and know they are need TO AN EXTENT.
The banner ads at the top and bottom i don't have a problem with, i just ignore them. Although i will never click on an ad i don't really care if thy are there. EXCEPT:
The underline text ads. I CAN NOT STAND THOSE! Or those stupid ads that follow your mouse/come up over the text.
All the normal ads that just sit in a box someplace by themselves i can live with but when it starts getting in my way of reading and learning and helping it drives me bats!
Last edited by Texas_Ace; Dec 21, 2007 at 01:27 PM.
Dec 21, 2007 | 01:14 PM
#17
All things change...part of life.
I love Yotatech but if it shut off tomorrow...my life would go on and I don't think I'd lose a second of sleep over it.
In the grand scheme of life...a few ads or a few banners...I could care less.
Will it affect my presence here? Nah. Will it annoy me? Perhaps.
It is the internet and all forums are being used to make folks money. Capitalism at its best...or worst.
I will continue to live inside my own little world and enjoy it regardless of a few ads or banners.
I love Yotatech but if it shut off tomorrow...my life would go on and I don't think I'd lose a second of sleep over it.
In the grand scheme of life...a few ads or a few banners...I could care less.
Will it affect my presence here? Nah. Will it annoy me? Perhaps.
It is the internet and all forums are being used to make folks money. Capitalism at its best...or worst.
I will continue to live inside my own little world and enjoy it regardless of a few ads or banners.
Dec 21, 2007 | 01:16 PM
#18
Contributing Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,659
Likes: 0
From: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ
All things change...part of life.
I love Yotatech but if it shut off tomorrow...my life would go on and I don't think I'd lose a second of sleep over it.
In the grand scheme of life...a few ads or a few banners...I could care less.
Will it affect my presence here? Nah. Will it annoy me? Perhaps.
It is the internet and all forums are being used to make folks money. Capitalism at its best...or worst.
I will continue to live inside my own little world and enjoy it regardless of a few ads or banners.
I love Yotatech but if it shut off tomorrow...my life would go on and I don't think I'd lose a second of sleep over it.
In the grand scheme of life...a few ads or a few banners...I could care less.
Will it affect my presence here? Nah. Will it annoy me? Perhaps.
It is the internet and all forums are being used to make folks money. Capitalism at its best...or worst.
I will continue to live inside my own little world and enjoy it regardless of a few ads or banners.
Dec 21, 2007 | 01:33 PM
#19
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,692
Likes: 58
From: Marysville, WA
All things change...part of life.
I love Yotatech but if it shut off tomorrow...my life would go on and I don't think I'd lose a second of sleep over it.
In the grand scheme of life...a few ads or a few banners...I could care less.
Will it affect my presence here? Nah. Will it annoy me? Perhaps.
It is the internet and all forums are being used to make folks money. Capitalism at its best...or worst.
I will continue to live inside my own little world and enjoy it regardless of a few ads or banners.
I love Yotatech but if it shut off tomorrow...my life would go on and I don't think I'd lose a second of sleep over it.
In the grand scheme of life...a few ads or a few banners...I could care less.
Will it affect my presence here? Nah. Will it annoy me? Perhaps.
It is the internet and all forums are being used to make folks money. Capitalism at its best...or worst.
I will continue to live inside my own little world and enjoy it regardless of a few ads or banners.
As a small business owner, I would think you of all people would have a problem with this. Big expensive companies on your turf! You have supported this site for many years, and it has supported you.
I noticed a Circuit City ad today when i logged in. I have never noticed a WabFab ad up there?! I know its really none of my concern, but i hate seeing the little guy get pushed out. If this website ends up like most others with an ad between every other posting, ill move on. Its not just a hassle, its rather difficult to read! I liken it to people who type in big run on sentences and refuse to use grammar or punctuation. It breaks up the train of thought, and often times is so annoying I will leave the thread or just go somewhere else.
What that means is A. i cannot gain any knowledge on the subject, and B. I cannot share my knowledge for other to benefit from.
As more and more old timers who have been here through thick and thin move on, the knowledge base here gets smaller and smaller.
Dec 21, 2007 | 01:43 PM
#20
Co-Founder/Administrator
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 32,242
Likes: 21
From: Auburn, Washington
I speak my peace, I pull no punches, I do not tissy foot around things or dance.
I told a few on the IB staff to not use the underlined links here, but the person I was in contact with said they were going ahead with it even though I said it was bad.
But I will tell you something, even though that FJ site is loaded down with ads, they are the most popular and best FJ Cruiser site on the planet bar none.
It is comprised of about 99.9% FJ Cruiser owners, and the rest that do post there probably wish they had one.
When I surf there I do not even really see the ads.
The content of the threads and the genuine enthusiasm of the members modding their FJs to the tilt like many of us are doing is what I am there for to read, not the ads.
Same with the intelitext underline links on IH8MUDs site.
IH8MUD is the best Land Cruiser forum on the planet bar none.
I am there of course to read up on the FJ Cruiser, and also the outfitting section on gear to carry on expeditions.
The underlined ads do not really bother me at all, I am use to them.
Do the ads on either site prevent me from garnishing my daily carnivorous appetite for FJ Cruiser knowledge?
No, they do not.
If they start to get on me, then I will look into that plug-in for Firefox.
Now I must admit that Ford site that was brought up here earlier in this thread would make me install the plug-in as fast as my fingers could type in the URL for the ad blocker for Firefox.
Did you say there were ads there?
I do not see any
So my point is, yes, any huge forum will have ads.
You can do something about it, I just did.
Chris, I have absolutely zero to do with the ads here, I do not install them.
