Yesterday we unveiled our first video advertisement.
The idea with this new program is to approach select local businesses that have an interesting product/service/idea to share and then create a short film about it (the film is created under our direction and we will never use canned, promotional footage). We then run the video on the Front Page. The business then pays us for this exposure.
If everything works as planned;
- you get interesting/relevant content,
- the business gains valuable exposure,
- we (BikePortland) gain revenue that helps us continue to “inform and inspire”.
So far, we have appreciated the many comments (and private feedback) on yesterday’s video-ad post. It seems the majority of you liked the video and feel this is a positive new step for BikePortland.
However, as was expected, some of you have expressed concerns that this new ad program represents a “slippery slope” for the site.
Your concerns are valid. Before posting the ad yesterday, I discussed it at length with several close advisors and long-time readers. Even after the video was completed and payment was confirmed, I held off on posting it. I wanted to make sure I was 100% comfortable with taking that step. After a lot of thought I decided it was something worth doing.
However, as with everything I publish, I still have an open mind about it and I’m posting this to capture more of your feedback (when I wrote in a comment yesterday that I wanted to hear your feedback in private it was because I wanted to keep the conversation on topic).
Personally, I remain enthusiastic about this new ad program. We are growing and doing a lot of exciting new things. To make that growth work, I am seeking creative and sustainable ways to build our revenue in tandem with that growth.
Let us know what you really think. I have worked hard to maintain the integrity of this site and there is no amount of money I would give that up for.
Does this new video-ad program rub you the wrong way? Are you happy to see that we’ve found a way to increase revenue and provide good, relevant content?
Thank you.