"Marketplace" link

[beatle]

In light of the new advertising to generate revenue, I actually have a suggestion for MORE links! I'm not talking about intrusive new bars or popups, but rather a small link at the bottom of the page called the Marketplace. I've been a regular poster at MiataForum.com and in addition to the links to useful sections such as the garage (much akin to the FAQs at AT) they have a link for the Marketplace where there is a listing of all of the vendors that sponsor the forum. It's suggested that people planning to buy from those sites should click the link to the vendor from the miata forum's list. This way the forum gets credit for the referral. As many times as vendors like Newegg, SVC, excaliberpc, googlegear, etc. are mentioned in the forums, it'd be nice for those "word of mouth" referrals to translate, at least in part, to revenue for the forum. What does everyone think?

 

[ProviaFan]

I'm not sure if it's possible software-wise, but it would be a good idea (anything that not only generates revenue for AnandTech and remains unobtrusive would be an excelent thought, as their latest "attempts" have not been all that great - aka the left side ads).

 

[beatle]

I don't know what would be so difficult to code. Just tack some links at the bottom of the page, perhaps one for FAQs, another for marketplace, etc.

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: beatle
I don't know what would be so difficult to code. Just tack some links at the bottom of the page, perhaps one for FAQs, another for marketplace, etc.

I wouldn't think it would be too difficult to code, but around here I've never heard of any custom stuff being done, even if it is a matter of adding one 30 character line to a HTML template (they have a policy of not customizing Fusetalk for the forums, or something).

 

[Angrymarshmello]

I'd think even more people would whine about the ads/links to an ad. People as it is whine too much about the stickied "hot deals" thread from the sponsors in the Hot Deals forum.

 

[beatle]

Take a look at the Miata forum and how unobtrusive the links at the bottom are. Very rarely would I click a vendor's banner that sometimes shows up. If I wanted to support the forum, I'd click the marketplace link and visit via that referral. The reason for the Marketplace link would be for those individuals who are about to make a purchase to use the link from Anandtech so the forum gets the credit for the referral.