DCUM Sponsored Forum Program

[jsteele]

In an earlier thread:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/483921.page

I asked for feedback regarding a new advertising opportunity aimed at local and small businesses. As a result of feedback I received, we have just launched a trial period of a new Sponsored Forum program. Our initial participant is Middle C Music, DC's only full service music store. Sponsorship has three aspects:

1) mention as a sponsor on the main forum listing page:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/forums/list.page

2) mention as a sponsor on the main listing page of the forum as well as a short advertising pitch:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/forums/show/23.page

3) rights to post in the Sponsors Forum:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/forums/show/66.page

This program is aimed at local and small businesses for whom our traditional advertising has generally been too expensive. The program is currently in a trial period and will likely evolve based on feedback and experience. We will vet all potential advertisers and will be selective regarding the sponsors chosen. Outside the three sponsor benefits outlined above, sponsors are expected to adhere to all forum rules. Sponsors cannot post advertisements outside the sponsors forum. They cannot moderate, remove, influence, or otherwise impact posts within their sponsored forum.

I would appreciate any and all feedback regarding the sponsors program. In particular, I'd appreciate suggestions regarding the fonts, colors, and design of the sponsorship notices. As anyone who has spent more than 5 minutes here knows, I have no artistic ability and am very lucky not to be required to wear a tie as matching one with a shirt is well outside my capabilities.

[Anonymous]

I just noticed the Music Together sponsor and went to their page - I am looking specifically for instrumental lessons for one of my children and so I will visit their website.

It was useful to me and I can see it being hugely helpful to them.

I thought the graphics were fine. We aren't here for elaborate pictures after all, just helpful information, which we got. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just noticed the Music Together sponsor and went to their page - I am looking specifically for instrumental lessons for one of my children and so I will visit their website.

It was useful to me and I can see it being hugely helpful to them.

I thought the graphics were fine. We aren't here for elaborate pictures after all, just helpful information, which we got. Thank you.

Me again. Ugh. So embarrassed. I mean Middle C.
Of course I do.

I have flu brain. Normally not so stupid.

[Anonymous]

We can't comment on these posts? I would have given Middle C a thumbs up.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:We can't comment on these posts? I would have given Middle C a thumbs up.

As I mentioned, we are now in a trial period and things will probably evolve. I am not sure about the virtual cost/benefits of allowing replies to the sponsored posts. I can see both plusses and minuses. I will probably rely on input from the sponsors to eventually decide this, but also welcome feedback from posters.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We can't comment on these posts? I would have given Middle C a thumbs up.

As I mentioned, we are now in a trial period and things will probably evolve. I am not sure about the virtual cost/benefits of allowing replies to the sponsored posts. I can see both plusses and minuses. I will probably rely on input from the sponsors to eventually decide this, but also welcome feedback from posters.

We just dropped $1,000 on a drum kit there about an hour ago. I told my husband to mention I had seen the sponsored thread but he forgot to do it, of course.

[Anonymous]

I like it. Noticeable but not intrusive

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We can't comment on these posts? I would have given Middle C a thumbs up.

As I mentioned, we are now in a trial period and things will probably evolve. I am not sure about the virtual cost/benefits of allowing replies to the sponsored posts. I can see both plusses and minuses. I will probably rely on input from the sponsors to eventually decide this, but also welcome feedback from posters.

We just dropped $1,000 on a drum kit there about an hour ago. I told my husband to mention I had seen the sponsored thread but he forgot to do it, of course.

That would have been cool if he had remembered. Thanks for suggesting it.

[jsteele]

I'm bumping this for folks who might not have seen it over the weekend.