2nd BANNER - POPUP TRADE-OFF

[RedFred]

It appears that DanQ has quoted himself extensively on the MOO3 announcement. I did not realise that it was germane to interview one's ownself.

Let's ask RedFred's opinion on the pop-up issue.
RedFred, what is your view on this?

"Well I have to say that I really would object to the popups. Apolyton is blindingly slow as it is and I really hate popups."

So you would favour the two ad option?

"The other option would be to not come here anymore. I am a long time fan of the Apolyton site and I would hate to see it decline in popularity due to pop-ups. For SMAC this has to be the best place on the whole net for information and meeting other players. Decimating the community is not in my interest and I doubt that even the site's owners would gain by it."

[MarkG]

Originally posted by RedFred
"Well I have to say that I really would object to the popups. Apolyton is blindingly slow as it is and I really hate popups."

perhaps if you read more carefully your interview would be better

1) it's one popup, not many
2) the option to have the popup actually removes one of the two normal ads which improves speed, not the opposite....

[Bill3000]

You guys really shouldn't be complaining. One popup (and I add that it's small) is a LOT easier to handle than 2-3 huge ads about casinos, online dating systems, and whatnot at EZBoard. I'm glad that Apolyton isn't ad-crazy like many sites that I've seen. Nor is it going bankrupt.

The best part is that it's an OPTION, not something where you have to pay $5 or more a month for just getting rid of the Godd*mned ads!

[RedFred]

MarkG, if closing the popup window causes new popups then that is more than one. If everytime I go out to the main menu I get a new popup then that is more than one. Even if I only get one per visit that would be more than one. So referring to popups (plural) is not that unreasonable.

My suspicion is that the reason for the slowness of Apolyton is not user volume or flood control but the slowness of the server that generates the ads. I don't see how moving to popups would dramatically improve the situation. Perhaps using a different sponsor would. But I freely admit that I am no expert on running a big site such as this.

[Ming]

Originally posted by RedFred
MarkG, if closing the popup window causes new popups then that is more than one. If everytime I go out to the main menu I get a new popup then that is more than one. Even if I only get one per visit that would be more than one. So referring to popups (plural) is not that unreasonable.

Uhhhhh.... maybe you should have actually read the first post MarkG made to this thread.

Notes on the pop-up:
- Dont close it! Eitherwise, the next time you visit the front forum page you will get a new one.

[tniem]

Well to continue with the tradition of the interview theme in this thread. tniem will now interview tniem.

Q: What is the popup option?

A: The popup option allows you to get rid of one ad per page on every thread during your visit to ACS in exchange for one additional popup on the front forums page.

Q: Is the new popup option an option?

A: Yes, the option is an option. You can opt to use the option or it is your option to do the default.

Q: So this option could have no effect on most of the population of ACS?

A: Correct, since it is an option and not a default, most people probably will not see a difference. If you want to use the option, then the option is in place to be opted into. It really is just an option.

Q: Do you use the option?

A: I currently use the option. I have found it to be a fantastic option.

Q: Should someone else use the option?

A: It is all about weighing your options. Do you prefer one or the other. You get to choose the option and opt into the option that works best for you.


There I think I said option in every possible situation and that should end all complaints...

[RedFred]

Ming, I did read the first post. That is why I said "if closing the popup...etc".

I am not trying to troll, start an arguement or in any way denigrate this site or its moderators. I wouldn't be here if I didn't like Apolyton. I am merely registering my strong opposition to popups.

[Ming]

Originally posted by RedFred
I am merely registering my strong opposition to popups.

And you aren't the only one... That's why the admin made them OPTIONAL

[MarkG]

thanks for the interview tniem

you are one of the 26 people who use the pop-up option

[RedFred]

Ming, call me a shameless cynic if you will, but I have seen other sites adopt popups. But I have never yet seen sites who had popups suddenly decide that they were no longer a good idea and abandon them. My feeling is that if pop-ups come to Apolyton they will never leave. Likewise that they will increase in number, size and obnoxiousness, never decrease.

Introducing pop-ups as an option is a clever strategy given the mass opposition the last couple of times that they just started appearing without warning. Particularly if the other option is made unpalatable enough that people start switching to pop-ups. Then, if they choose, in a few months the owners can suddenly say, "Some, many or most [pick one] users are now using popups. Therefore we may as well put everyone on the same system."

But I should apologize. I thought that this might be thread where people could discuss how they felt about pop-ups. And not a thread where people are expected to agree that they are a great idea, or get "special attention" from the moderators.

[MarkG]

Originally posted by RedFred
Introducing pop-ups as an option is a clever strategy given the mass opposition the last couple of times that they just started appearing without warning.

those previous time the pop-ups where not added by us or by our choice

I thought that this might be thread where people could discuss how they felt about pop-ups.

you are wrong. this thread is about the specific option that we added on the forums. not a general discussion on pop-ups

[RedFred]

Again, I apologize for going off topic.

[SlowwHand]

I use Pop Up Stopper. To access a second window, one must hold down shift or control, while clicking on link.

It can be deactivated at will.

I like it fine.





(let me try this new smiley, hmmm)

[MarkG]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
I use Pop Up Stopper. To access a second window, one must hold down shift or control, while clicking on link.

It can be deactivated at will.

I like it fine.

since you're not using one of the special styles, there are no pop-ups to stop on apolyton....

[tniem]

Originally posted by MarkG
thanks for the interview tniem

You are very welcome.

you are one of the 26 people who use the pop-up option

and acording to earlier posts by you, I am one of the few that use the light feature. I have enjoyed many of the additions that you have added to the forums and will continue to try new ones. Although the one I disliked and turned off was avitars. I hate waiting for silly images to load, I can always look in Personal if someone claims to have a good one.