Ads on VR.org Poll: what do you think?

[Duffey]

All opinions sought!

 

[njean]

I am a paying subscriber and have even contributed more than what the subscription was in the past.

In my humble opinion, Hank has to have financial support to maintain this site and if he does not receive financial help from the people that benefit from it, like you and I, who is the guy to turn to? It would be nice if all 1468 of VR members were to pay their share for membership fees or an amount they could afford.

You do what you got to do.

 

[Bina]

Very true Norma, many people will splash out $20 or 50$ on fastfood or whatnot, and not think of
taking 5 minutes to donate here.

 

[kfay]

I think it's very easy for all of us existing members to say we don't pay attention to the ad...we've been here and know what to expect. We aren't the target of this tasteless ad though, newbies are, aren't they? Look, my husband makes his living helping companies like this market their products, but even he thought this ad was pushing it. I'm all for Hank selling as many ads as he can to be able to keep this site up and running, but if this were my site I would never allow an ad like this one one it.

 

[Cris N]

I guess if Hank needs the ad revenue (which I'm sure he does) I have no problem with valve manufacturers advertising. I would prefer the other manufacturers to have ads as well - let the patient (customer) do the research of all the valves and then weigh that info with the doctor's opinion in order to make an informed decision.

As long as we're on the subject of ads, Hank might as well look to some of the other products useful to pre/post surgery. How about ads for testing equipment, medical id bracelets, guided imagery, bras for the women, scar treatment products, and such? Maybe someone could recreate (or buy the rights to) Al's dosing chart. The possibilities are out there and could possibly be beneficial to the patient/consumer.

But, just one ad... make it look like an endorsement rather than an ad.

 

[skeptic49]

I have no problem with the OnX ad. I have always felt that ads and other forms of support from entities that can afford it (sponsorships, donations, gifts, etc.) should ideally be the primary funding sources for this site, with free full -featured memberships for all forum participants.

Jim

 

[DebbyA]

I have a subscription, and even though I don't like this particular ad, I'll continue to subscribe. There are a lot of ads I don't like. In the rare cases that an ad makes me want to acquire something, I always do lots of product research. I suppose at worst if this ad influenced someone to get the ON-X, without any product research, they wouldn't have a bad product.
My preference would be no ads, but ahead of that is the wish to have the forum survive. For me, it'll be about 7 more years before I know how truthful the ad is...

 

[buncle]

advertising pays for many of the things we enjoy - like watching all our favorite shows and sports on tv.this is Hanks site and if he feels he needs or wants to have ads more power to him.we are bombarded by ads almost non stop in our everyday life.its no big deal.thanks Hank for starting,paying for and maintaining this site-you have helped many. you rock!

 

[Greg a]

I feel that ads are a positive site improvement as it gives Hank an opportunity to address situations such as a "member" who is posting with other motives ....one such member JUMPS to mind and he was pushing non invasive heart surgery BUT he was also contributing insight rarely found

I would say that as soon as a member shows a commercial interest that they can be blocked from posting until they pay Hank his dues and have abanner and their name changes colour to indicate a PAID member

 

[Cris N]

But, Hank, please don't accept any advertising from Dr. Gourmet!!!