I already said what I think on my own world. I wasn't as polite about it as you are. >_> I'm still irritated with it though. I want it gone. ._.

~*Aaryanna*~

@James:

I don't think the presence of an ad indicates that the user chose to put that link on their site.

Agreed. However, this goes back to the basic issue of control. Worlds are set up so that the user feels as if they have control over the entire presentation. This feature infringes on that feeling; essentially, the World is no longer completely under the user's, but they now have to allow for the presence of advertising by others simply because those others had money. Some of those who now have the ability to advertise have nothing worth advertising, yet are allowed to do so anyway.

However, I do agree that the issue is not a huge deal. You see it that way because there are other, more important things to look for. I see it that way because the issue can be righted very easily, and was not announced as a be-all and end-all, and because I actually like the concept of promoting your stuff somewhere besides the random chance front page or tag search. It's a very good community thing, if done the right way.

And I want to say again, I'm not mad at Adam at all, nor am I really protesting. I am simply saying that NO, this did not work as implemented. No bias, just objective observation.

I don't think the presence of an ad indicates that the user chose to put that link on their site.

It contains an "Ad Link" tag at the front, which denotes that it's network advertising. I think most people get that.

I'm undecided on the whole thing. There are far bigger issues in the network than this, so I'm hesitant to get my knickers in a twist over something relatively minor.

However, I'm sure it can be handled better and I think it'll be interesting to see how it progresses in future.

@TwistedCyberChick:

1) Of course I have a point. ♥

2) Bah, excuses! If Shika could make time, then so can you. Hmmph.

3) Agreed again.

@Allamorph:

1) Fine, you have a point. It would be nice if there was an option to remove it from your own site if it proves intrusive, maybe as a premium feature as others have mentioned. I guess I made the rather wrong assumption that everyone reads the official updates, which explained the feature. (little Shika just proved that XP)

2) Leaving for Japan in 18 days tends to limit one's free time. I'll try harder, though. =P

3) I would say have the adds on sponsored worlds as well as all official worlds, maybe even giving individuals the option of enabling it on their worlds, perhaps with some form of incentive, just what exactly I've no clue. Having some form of control on our end should appease most.

@TwistedCyberChick:

1) True. But that is why I don't want them to be here, because if some unsuspecting person sees a link on my site to something stupid, it looks like I wanted it there, and that reflects poorly on me. More generally, it's really false advertising, since it seems as if the world's owner supported the link.

2) When are you ever here to notice, eh? Talk at me sometime.

3) Agreed. To be fair, I also disagree with the general freakout over this thing. At present it is a bad feature, but he did say it was in beta form, and I still think the general idea is sound. The location is the main gripe, not the advertisement itself.

Well, at least it is just a little line of words connected to the "Go Premium!" bit. Now a full-blown picture I would have scoffed at.

1) The kind of people who actually will follow the random links deserve whatever they find.

2) If Adam hadn't made an announcement about it, I probably would have overlooked it for several weeks. (interpretation: not too intrusive to me)

3) Adam wouldn't create something with the sole intent of being annoying (unless you happen to share the podcast boys' view of cupcakes). If it proves to elicit a bad reaction from the majority, he'll tweak it or yank it, whichever strikes his fancy.

At least the first ad on my site was for Anime Pulse. *shrug*

I just commented on the main page. Your ideas mirror what I just posted. o_O Having that on the main page since those boxes area there when you are in other areas like wallpapers, is where I think it should go. Good exposure and more fitting than on people's worlds. But then I worry about it creating unnecessary resentment between the regular member base and premium members. Even I find some of the links kind of annoying. ^^

-Sabrina

Good idea, lame execution. He'd be better creating a box on the front page under the sponsor links where those rotate on a regular basis. It would make the premium members happy and keep the damn ads off of my world.

~Crystia

It's a decent idea, as long as it isn't abused, like you said.

Yeeeah, not sure if I like the idea of members being able to advertise on our sites. :/
Well, at least Adam said if it gets too out of hand, he'll take away the privilege.