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Your Feedback is ImportantSunday Jan 20, 2013
For the past few months, I have been thinking about adding adverts to the DX World website, something I have always been against.
Firstly, let me explain there are some very good reasons behind doing this – and most importantly to me - there will be no personal profit gained. (I always asserted that to make money from this website would absolutely take the shine off updating and maintaining it).
However, by placing (non-flashy, neat) adverts on site allows the following to happen – and I hope you can appreciate why:
- DX World has a large global readership which means potential for company sponsors to see their (new) business grow with every individual site visit. Potential sponsors would only be amateur radio related.
- With revenue received from adverts, a DXpedition Fund would be set up – which in turn can be publicly viewed for transparency. In other words, you will be able to see the “ins and outs”.
- This enables DX World to provide financial support to upcoming DXpeditions of choice, whether for further scientific research, humanitarian aid, educational purposes or simply because a particular DXCC entity or IOTA is difficult and costly to activate. A criteria outlining how large (or small) a grant available would also be made public.
- Ultimately, with every $ received via adverts, that sum would then be re-directed to assist a teams efforts in putting an expedition on air.
- Any cash residue remaining would also continue to keep the site running and maintained.
I write this post because I’d like your vital feedback on the advertising subject, either by leaving a constructive comment or privately email me at dxer59[at]gmail.com
Thanks for your time and be assured DX World.net will continue to provide free news.
Col, MM0NDX
DX World.net
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35 Responses to “Your Feedback is Important”
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I think this is a wonderful idea. The cost of DX-peditions has gotten to the point where some entities may not be activated without very significant support – some almost seem priced out of the market.
So – any creative way to generate funds is critical IMHO.
I have always liked the idea of having a red “thermometer” on a DX oriented site to show how much money has been raised.
Transparency is also very important – which I know you are fully aware of and fully support.
I think it would be a distraction in my opinion. Noble idea but would diminish the site.
Col, websites are expensive to host and operate. The DXpedition community would welcome another potential source of funding.
You provide an outstanding service with your site, as does QRZ and Eham. The bottom line is that it is your site and you should run it however you like.
Go for it. This isn’t an in the air activity and you have every right to leverage it to help fund worthy efforts. For that matter, there’s nothing wrong with making a personal profit. It’s your site. If the content is good, users will accept the advertisements.
Col, i think this is a very good Idea. DXepditions need support and this would be a good way to make that happen.
If it were not for DXing and Contesting, we would not have the HF bands to use for ham radio. We must continue to encourage new hams to upgrade to have HF priviledges.
Keep the fires burning Col, we need you.
Col,
I think that this is a very good idea indeed. It will be a credit to your site and we would ALL benefit from the funding whether we are DXpeditioners or DX chasers.
Adverts can be tasteful and if they are presented correctly on site need not be distracting in my opinion.
I welcome this very much and i would certainly be clicking the ad links to see what the advertisers have to offer me as a DXer.
Tim M0URX
GO-FOR-IT, Col !!!
73 & GL…
Rick, K6VVA * The Locust
Fully support – excellent way of raising much-needed dxpedition funds.
73, Chris
Col, I think this is a great idea. I don’t have a business to advertise, but I would still like to donate to DX World.Net. Make that option available as well. good luck, I’m with you. Keep up the great work & cheers , from Hawaii………
Thanks for the comments and emails so far. Do keep them coming as I’d like to gather as much feedback as possible.
Col, MM0NDX
Good idea Col. I can tolerate a few ads and everybody wins.
73 Bob
It is a very good idea, financially transparent and useful to the ham operator for a short view of goodies. Advertising must cover all the areas of our interest.
Good idea and as long as it is not in my face 24/7 I wish you well. The site is very helpful and funding si ok by me as you see fit.
Russ K5OA
Col:
I fully support your idea. I have my own website and the costs seem to be skyrocketing these days. If possible try to keep the sponsorship to the hobby, perhaps some of the bigger Amateur Radio Companies and or Stores can help out some. Good PR for them.
73 De Mike
VE3YF
I appreciate your intentions and see from the comments that you have lots of support.
Count me in the minority though. Like another fellow said, whenever I see ads on a site, it is diminished in my opinion. Some of my fellow bloggers have “Donate to me” PayPal buttons that are the epitome of tackiness.
I applaud your desire to establish a DX fund, however I can donate directly to a DXpedition and don’t see the need for a middle man. As for the “transparency” aspect, I now donate to DXpeditions after the fact rather than prior, due to the two VK ops who “lead” ZL9HR.
Col, like Paul, N6PSE said. Go for it. It would benefit us all in the long run and maintain the longevity of this website which is an important asset to the DX community.
73, Delwyn KH6DC
Col i agree 100 % with you ! On the other end the money is not the only problem! We are in a world where getting a qsl is harder than win an olympic medal !! So why individuals like me has to send xtra money for qsls when we dont get them ! I payed 25 usd for 7o6t and still getbnothing ! Now i consider this new one as lost ! the exps who will follow will pay for them ! They will get NADA.
Not bad idea , I support .
Yes, yes yes, go for it, ultimately every buck for a DXpedition in the air is rising the chances for many hams to get a new country. I was always curious if anybody can do a small analysis money spent/ per qso for various DXpeditions let’s say in 2012 and than compare with 2011…2010. At least for the 1st 5 ranked DXpeditions of each year. Now is this amount linear?…for example pushing more 5K for a DXpedition is gonna increase the number of qso’s accordingly. What is the breakpoint? Of course there are so many factors to take in consideration but a dry analysis could give the community an idea of what’s mean a DXpedition from financial perspective, from behind the lines. Everybody is waiting for example e.g.KP1, lobby is probably the most efficient way to get a permission, I would be the 1st to donate money for a lobby company to facilitate Navassa permit. Just my 2 cents
vy 73 de ve3gno Daniel
hello Coll,first off all thanks for your open letter to the Dx Community,its typical Dx World style !
I like the idea,you have my support,go for it !
73 de PD9DX Dervin.
I feel that hosting adverts on this site is a poor idea, particularly when the reasons given are that the funding would support DXpeditions firstly, and the cost of the website after that. Do you really want to be in the DXpedition fundraising business, or is maintaining this site not time-consuming enough? Who gets to choose which DXpeditions are deserving?
I’m assaulted by ads on many ham radio-related sites. The ads convey the message that the site’s visitors are merely commodities to be exploited. And no matter how pure your motives, I feel that your integrity and independence will be compromised once you open the site up to ads. You say that the ads will be “non-flashy, neat” but that’s not what potential advertisers are going to want; then there’ll be pressure to test the limits of what’s acceptable.
If you need money to cover the site’s expenses, then use a PayPal donate scheme. This seems to work at other amateur radio sites.
Hello Col – I have absolutely no problem with commercial advertising on this site.
I do however feel that you original post on the matter is somewhat misleading.
The stated purpose of the commercial advertising is to raise money for dxpeditions but buried at the bottom of the list is the statement:
“Any cash residue remaining would also continue to keep the site running and maintained”
When is there ever going to be a cash residue? Dxpedition funding is an ongoing, never ending exercise? Just ask the boys at zl9hr.
I think what you are saying is that the commercial advertising dollars are going to pay for the maintenance of the site and what is left over will be used for dxpeditions?
I have no problem with this but why try and dress it up as something a little different.
It all seems we are tip toing around financial issues in ham radios these days. The ARRL dictates that a premium cannot be charged for a qsl card yet we have OQRS charging $5 per qsl.
Again, I fully support OQRS and the $5 charge, it is just the “smoke and mirrors” that accompanies these initiatives which I find a little frustating.
Cheers
Paul – vk4ma
by all means, go ahead and do it – don’t even hesitate -
Go ahead!
GOOD IDEA , I SUPPORT IT 100%
Col: following my yesterday comment about degradation of qsl behaviour by some ‘managers’ why dont we create a qsl agency for major expeditions? That thing is possible now with the numerous online log sites ! The YASME foundation was doing a marvellous job in his golden years !
Go for it… As long as it is amateur radio ads only. I very much enjoy reading your web site.
Good DX to all
Ken K3JWI
In the future it will be very difficult for new HAM operators to work all DXCC country’s : No money, no rare DX peditions I’m affraid. So good idea but to much ads will not be good for your site. You’re site is the best, so I’m sure that you will find a way to keep it the best, even with ads. Keep the money in your hand, in you’re own dx fund with only a small number of people in the fund and I’m sure that many HAM operators will be very happy to work a new country with your sponsor money. Look also for a good qsl service, paypal and don’t forget a BURO QSL manager also. I still like the good old buro cards. All in the same package would be great.
Hey all and thanks very much for the replies. Without feedback it’s always difficult to judge / gauge. You’ve certainly helped me come to a decision which I’ll announce fairly soon.
I’d like to answer a few questions or points raised, in no particular order, which were addressed by AI5I and VK4MA.
Q) Who gets to choose which DXpeditions are deserving?
A) Firstly, I can’t bare to use the term “deserving” so please no mention of this word again!
Considering I run the site, the choice of Dxpedition to receive some $ would be down to me, however, it’s a good point and perhaps some scope for others to get involved. Certainly a publicly viewed criteria will be drawn up.
Q) You say that the ads will be “non-flashy, neat” but that’s not what potential advertisers are going to want?
A) DX World.net is not QRZ.com or eHam littered with flashy annoying ads. If a company is keen to see a neat looking banner about their ham radio business, it will be placed on site in an area highly visible, but hopefully not too off-putting in your overall reading.
Q) If you need money to cover the site’s expenses, then use a PayPal donate scheme?
A) Everyone should be aware the site is hosted and run for free. The host is also a radio ham but prefers to remain anonymous. Without their great help, DX World would indeed be looking to help offset some running costs. Alas, paypal donate is not actually needed, although I could incorporate a button on site. It’s very important that you understand running costs are minimum to nil – for that I am very lucky.
Q) Any cash residue remaining would also continue to keep the site running and maintained?
A) Yes, if a plugin or special tool is required for the back office and costs, say, approx $30, I think a little residue cash can pay for that. Again, through transparency, you will see the ins and outs..
Q) I think what you are saying is that the commercial advertising dollars are going to pay for the maintenance of the site and what is left over will be used for dxpeditions?
A) Absolutely the opposite. The prime aim is to assist future Dxpeditions with a further cash injection. As explained, the running and site maintenance is covered, so it’s a win-win for expeditions if, of course, I go down the adverts route.
Thanks again for all the feedback. I’ll leave the comments open for a few more days then update on next stage.
Col, MM0NDX
Hello Col
There was an earlier thread here on DX News a few months ago regarding smarter ways to fund activity from rare dx locations.
In this regard can I propose an alternate application for the funds raised from commercial advertising here on Dx News.
There are a number of antarctic island bases that are permanently manned and receive reasonably frequent visitations by hams. Most recently we have reports of possible activity from FT5W and FT5X and vp8sgk has recently visited South Georgia.
When these visits occur the operators generally have limited time and very poor equipment and as a result the number of qsos made are usually quite low.
I wonder if it would be possible to fund a program whereby the dx community pays for the delivery of some decent ham gear to these antarctic islands with a view to this gear remaining at these locations permanently for the use of personnel that may visit from time to time.
A first off obvious target would be the British base on South Georgia which is much wanted and permanently manned.
The same program could possibly monitor the change of personnel to South Georgia (and subsequently other islands) and with the permission of the governing body make prior contact with the new team with a view to encouraging some Amateur radio activity.
Obviously the success of such a program would be significantly enhanced if the potential new operator already had equipment on site and only had to arrive on base with license in hand.
I was interested to read on a website recently that around one third of the operating budget for the French antarctic island bases was provided through the philatelic (stamp collectors) program. Although I cannot verify this claim, what is factual is that the staff at these bases dedicate a significant amount of resource to the philatelic program with a view to raising funds and maintaining the history of this program.
Amateur radio also has a longstanding history in Antarctic exploration and in providing communications to and from these bases for many decades. Although this has largely been replaced by satellite based communications, I think there is an avenue to sell the historical importance of Amateur radio and the possibly of raising revenue for the base via the OQRS program (this last part will no doubt be controversial but even if fund raising was not possible this does not invalidate the other aspects of this idea).
In selling ham radio to new base personnel (prior to their departure) we could emphasise the important history of ham radio on base and how a new operator could assist in keeping this history alive. Ham radio is also a great way to pass the time during antarctic winters and can also be used to promote some of the scientific work happening at base via a suitably themed qsl card.
Just a new idea to “throw into the hat”
Cheers
Paul – vk4ma
Good idea Col. I love your website and read it diligently every day – keep up the great work!
Adverts are OK – one comment…please limit it to ham radio advertisers – please don’t pollute it with dating sites and viagra ads.
Good luck in your endeavors!
Dan – KBØEO
It’s your site Col, go for it. Any revenues from ads can be used any way you want, there’s no reason they couldn’t be used to help pay for the site so it stays “on the air” – maybe that should be the first priority, I’m sure it’s not cheap.
Dear Col,
I do not see any problem with adv if they are not too invasive (i.e.pop up).
Regarding the destination of funds, well, I think there are a lot of foundations helping big dxpeditions so you would be one of the many.
I think you should find something different to be financed: interesting ham project/innovative ideas, projects to develop and form the “ham radio culture”, webinars, small dxpeditions (IOTA), and so on.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to contribute to your decision.
73
Andrea, iz2lsc
As others have said, Col, it’s your site and you run it as you see fit. Personally I’d rather see DX World stay ad free, but I also understand what you’re trying to do. Also there’s no guarantee that your costs for site hosting will remain free, so it would be good to have some stream of income in place should you ever be forced to start paying for hosting.
Coming from someone who doesn’t have a lot of money for donations, I think if you can find a new source of income for DXpedition donations then so much the better. Believe me, I would love to be able to make healthy personal donations to DXpeditions, but after paying the household bills, putting gas in the car and food on the table, and taxes taxes taxes, there’s not much left over for ham radio. So even though an ad free DX World is great, I could live with unobtrusive ads that are ham radio (and maybe computer) oriented. And as KB0EO observed, please stay away from the junk advertising.
73,
Vince K4JC
Col, a publicity is a good idea if this will support the site life.
But, I hope, you have not thought about google advertising.
It will be a waste of time… and load a site with no avail.
I have 3 blogs, that I had google advertising, and my earnings for the period 2009-2012 was 5.6 Euros…!
Only direct contracts will bring some money.