Advertising Taking Over the Forum?

The advertisers are trying to survive during this time and I have no problem with that.

Side Rod

Not off-base, but I think the alternative is us paying to play.

I’m OK with the advertisements as it’s not too difficult to scroll down or click to move to page 2.  These guys are trying to survive without a storefront so I’m supportive and grateful for their continued sponsorship of the Forum.

I have no problem with the advertising, it is totally necessary for this to remain a free forum. 

I do not mine the advertising, in some cases I learned about new products and it helps to pay the bills.

I have no problem with the ads either.  This is a very difficult time.  I would also suggest that if you have the financial means and you need or want something, this is the time to buy it from one of the advertisers.   We need to support the people that provide us the products for this great hobby.  

I would also suggest that anyone using this forum that doesn't subscribe in print or digitally to OGR that this is the time to signup.  NH Joe

Skip over them, it is very easy to do.

The ads pay the bills. Just scroll on past.

dwp425 posted:

 Am I off base? 

I think you have your answer.

jay jay posted:

The ads pay the bills. Just scroll on past.

 

I would rather pay a reasonable annual fee. 

Even at a time like this we can still find something to complain about. Sad

If you have the wherewithal you should be ordering something  from them so later when you need something our great suppliers will be here for us.

The length and frequency of ads on TV nowadays has fully prepared me for such on forums, like this one.

I agree with all of the above......it's not a mole hill to die on.

As for ads on TV....I switch to "mute", get up to stretch, grab a snack and/or libation, drain the crankcase, give the four-legged some attention, etc., etc....   Re the forum ads?.......without a 'hook' to my personal interests in the title, they're passed by.......like billboards along the highway.  And, yes, I accept their existance and necessity to the forum's health and well being.

Moving on....

KD

I LIKE THE ADDS YOU GET TO FIND OUT ABOUT SALES AND SPECIALS , THEY PAY TO KEEP THE FORUM FREE TO US  THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS , KEEP THE ADVERTISING COMING . REMEMBER THIS A BUSINESS FIRST AND FOREMOST IT IS HOW THEY GET PAID ,THEY NEED A PAYCHECK  JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE DOES !!!!!!!     TECHMAN   

I have absolutely NO issue with advertising posts or sale announcements from Forum sponsors.  I very much appreciate their continued support of this Forum, making it one of the few places I’m not having to look at pop up ads (despite pop up blocker being activated on my phone) or troll posts for Amazon.

 Curt

What ads ??? - no big deal 

I have ordered 2 items from this weeks specials, keep em coming.

I look at them as a well targeted information block.  When I need something... there it is!

Jon  

Wow.  In less than 2 hours we have almost 20 posts that say they have no problem with the ads (okay, one doesn't).  I'm with the "no problem" group. Sit back, relax, stay healthy.

I bought 2 Menards boxcars because of M being here.

If there were ads within EVERY POST, that would be a headache.

I just wish in the post there would be a direct link to the items on sale or new.  People do not have the time to go through the whole site just to get to the items mentioned.

And if the post does not have anything I am looking for, I bypass it.

I have no problem with the ads, they are supporting this forum. It is a good way to see what the sponsors have, if there are specials, and after all it is easy to skip over them if you aren't interested, better than commercials when streaming stuff and you can't fast forward. I suspect if we didn't have sponsors, that if they started charging for this forum it wouldn't be as cheap as people think and I suspect a lot of people would leave if they charged *shrug*.  Personally, I am waiting for the Ross Custom ad for the big blowout sale so I can buy everything I need without my wife doing something nasty to me *lol* (and yes, folks, this is said tongue in cheek....).  

Since you asked for opinions.....Way off base in my opinion. Just scroll past them....takes about 5 seconds. These folks are just trying to survive and they are the ones who pay OGR to keep this forum free.

Besides, I am retired and it gives me something to do.

Donald

New Haven Joe posted:

I have no problem with the ads either.  This is a very difficult time.  I would also suggest that if you have the financial means and you need or want something, this is the time to buy it from one of the advertisers.   We need to support the people that provide us the products for this great hobby.  

I would also suggest that anyone using this forum that doesn't subscribe in print or digitally to OGR that this is the time to signup.  NH Joe

I totally agree with Joe about the ads and about supporting OGR. This is an terrible time for almost all small businesses. OGR is a small business, and IMO they deserve our support. I've gotten a lot out of the Forum over the many years I've been on it. If you are reading the Forum, and have the time to interact and reply to posts, I submit that you are finding it worthwhile. So help keep it going.

Gerry

No problem with the ads, everyone's got to make a living. They're a lot worse if you try to look at stuff on your phone.

dkdkrd posted:

The length and frequency of ads on TV nowadays has fully prepared me for such on forums, like this one.

Not a problem for, think DVR.

Not only off base, but out in left field. The advertisers have paid to play, unlike forum members. Some can't even show support by being a subscriber. If it ever comes to a forum fee, I am totally on board.

I have no problem with the advertisers,they are financing the Forum.Find another place where you can learn so much without paying for it.

Mikey

dwp425 posted:

I understand the need for sponsors and ad revenue,  but when 13 of the first 25 posts I see are advertisements, I think it's gone too far. 

Well,,,,,,that's your opinion.

 At that frequency, it really detracts from the fun and purpose of the forum. 

Again,,,,,,just your opinion.

Am I off base? 

Yes! In fact, WAY OFF BASE.

Way back in the day when a fee of $18 annually was proposed to maintain the Forum, the hue and cry in opposition was very high ..."explosive" one Forumite said later. At the time, for those 3 rail dummies like myself an annual fee was a small price for the education we received from OGR personnel and certainly from the other more experienced members. 

Nevertheless, I am glad advertisers came to our rescue. 

If the purpose of the ad is to draw my attention it works.  I generally look at what is being offered.  So far haven't bought anything but you never know. If it helps these vendors during a challenging business cycle I am all for it.  To address another comment, start charging a participation fee for the forum an I am out of here.

dwp425 posted:

I understand the need for sponsors and ad revenue,  but when 13 of the first 25 posts I see are advertisements, I think it's gone too far.   At that frequency, it really detracts from the fun and purpose of the forum.  Am I off base? 

Thank you for posting.  I felt the same way when I came to the forum this morning.  I agree that this is a problem.

Well!  I normally do not have a problem with advertisers posting but when ONE Advertiser post individual ads for each item he wants to sell and takes up one half of the first page with his ads alone, I do believe it is out of line.  It is the first time I have seen this done and I think he is abusing the privilege.  If all the other forum sponsors were follow suit, one would be hard pressed to find anything but sales ads.

Maybe each advertiser should limit their new ad postings to one per day like the For Sale forum does for individuals.

Just how much trouble is it to move the cursor? Yikes!

jim911 posted:

Even at a time like this we can still find something to complain about. Sad

If you have the wherewithal you should be ordering something  from them so later when you need something our great suppliers will be here for us.

Thanks Jim...WELL SAID.....hang in and keep the faith...Joe FDNY ret.

I’ve said this before, and it seems appropriate to say it again.

If some of you were given $1 million in $100 bills, you would complain it was too heavy to carry.  

RICH: GOOD ONE! LOL!

DGJONES posted:

dwp425 posted:

I understand the need for sponsors and ad revenue,  but when 13 of the first 25 posts I see are advertisements, I think it's gone too far.   At that frequency, it really detracts from the fun and purpose of the forum.  Am I off base? 

Thank you for posting.  I felt the same way when I came to the forum this morning.  I agree that this is a problem.

Well!  I normally do not have a problem with advertisers posting but when ONE Advertiser post individual ads for each item he wants to sell and takes up one half of the first page with his ads alone, I do believe it is out of line.  It is the first time I have seen this done and I think he is abusing the privilege.  If all the other forum sponsors were follow suit, one would be hard pressed to find anything but sales ads.

Maybe each advertiser should limit their new ad postings to one per day like the For Sale forum does for individuals.

i agree with DGJONES comments. limiting  sales postings per day would be a good place to start.....2 or 3 a day  is plenty.

I realize OGR Publishing is a small business, and I personally have always supported the "moms and pops" of our hobby over several decades. Our sponsors are FINE, reliable folks who presently have a more difficult time due to the annullment of train shows for the interim. I meant NO disrespect to Pat of Pat's trains yesterday in my rant, and I sincerely apologize. It was inappropriate and discourteous! I have been a member of this outstanding forum for nineteen years and it has been a great resource for both knowledge and fellowship, thanks to Alan and Rich.

A million dollars in $100 bills weighs 22 pounds.   I'd give it a shot.

I've always considered the advertisers on this forum to part of our community.  I don't read all the ads, it's easy enough to bypass when I'm not interested. 

I don't mind them a bit.