Well, I wrote about registering for Pay Per Play in an earlier post. I urged you to sign up before they close for registration.
After signing up, after joining the 'test' phase for quite a while, I finally give up.
There are 3 reasons I quit.
First, I heard many bloggers complaint/anticipate that the readers' experience would be bad. I couldn't imagine it at first. After a few weeks, I felt it myself. Not from the ads in PayPerPlay, but more from the background music/songs from some blogs. These blogs supposed to be interesting, but it embarassed me with loud music/songs. Imagine if I surf in a public area, like in a quiet lounge? Or what about in my office, an open office? What about having my children napping around?
And I think the same would also happen if it is an ad. Why shock my regular reader with a suddenly played ad?
Second, the code caused my site loads very slowly. Maybe not THAT slow, but it is somewhat slower.
Third and last reason: The testing phase took so long. Somemore, I think there is segmentation too, based on geography. Guess it is for US? So, forget it.
That's how I also quit PayPerPlay. No big deal, nothing to lose anyway.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Quit from SponsoredReviews
After I managed to regain my Google PR for all my 3 blogs, I've decided not to break the rules, and would insist to include "nofollow" tags on all the sponsored links.
So, I went over to all the sites offering paid reviews, checked their terms & conditions. Some clearly stated that all links must not have the "nofollow" tags. For those, I just removed my blog and moved on.
There are some sites not that clear. For example, in SponsoredReviews, the terms says: You are not allowed to use a no-follow tag on the links to the advertisers, unless requested by the advertiser.
Since if an advertiser allows "nofollow" I can do that, I changed my profile and clearly stated that, "All outgoing links will have the 'nofollow' tags".
I didn't get any review offers until last week. It was a good offer on Halloween costume, and the advertiser pays $35 (I get $22). Immediately I did the post in my parenting blog here in Halloween Costumes. I attached "nofollow" tags as I 'promised' I would. The advertise asked me not to disclose it is a paid post, so I just let the category be "sponsored post" but didn't declare.
But then, after posted 1 day, the task was in query. The SponsoredReviews team asked me to remove the "nofollow" tag and the category of "sponsored post". I feel that it is a cheating they are asking me to do.
The worst thing is that, this was only told after the post was published. I don't normally bring down any posts. So I obliged. I removed the "nofollow" tag and the category. I then replied to that email (as instructed), to inform them I did that already. But in my email, I told them that I have already put in my profile clearly that I would use "nofollow" tag, so it wasn't my fault.
Guess what? Today I went in, they just removed that task from my list. So, it is just like it never existed! Clearly, I wouldn't be paid for whatever I've done - even with my full obligation of what they asked me to do, which was against my wish!
Out of anger, I've removed my all blogs from their list, i.e. I quit SponsoredReviews. Also, the links, whether follow or nofollow, they are removed.
Very angry, coz this is considered cheating. They got my follow-link for a week, fully benefited from the link juice and/or any traffics. Now they are not paying me a cent at all. This is dishonost act, from what I understand.
No more SponsoredReviews. Cheater! Cannot take any construction feedback at all - yup, I actually suggested them to allow posties choose whether we want to nofollow or not.
I don't think that comment was anything harsh at all. If they cannot take any feedback like mine, they better quit this game. Since they won't, I quit.
BTW, LinkWorth is good. They allow the use of "nofollow" - if we choose to do that. Of course, chances of getting assignment is low, but I still get it occassionally. It is my choice. I want to be able to make this kind of choices, and not to be cheated like SponsoredReviews!
Oh, don't get me wrong, this is definitely NOT a paid post. I am seriously fumed about SponsoredReviews! :(
So, I went over to all the sites offering paid reviews, checked their terms & conditions. Some clearly stated that all links must not have the "nofollow" tags. For those, I just removed my blog and moved on.
There are some sites not that clear. For example, in SponsoredReviews, the terms says: You are not allowed to use a no-follow tag on the links to the advertisers, unless requested by the advertiser.
Since if an advertiser allows "nofollow" I can do that, I changed my profile and clearly stated that, "All outgoing links will have the 'nofollow' tags".
I didn't get any review offers until last week. It was a good offer on Halloween costume, and the advertiser pays $35 (I get $22). Immediately I did the post in my parenting blog here in Halloween Costumes. I attached "nofollow" tags as I 'promised' I would. The advertise asked me not to disclose it is a paid post, so I just let the category be "sponsored post" but didn't declare.
But then, after posted 1 day, the task was in query. The SponsoredReviews team asked me to remove the "nofollow" tag and the category of "sponsored post". I feel that it is a cheating they are asking me to do.
The worst thing is that, this was only told after the post was published. I don't normally bring down any posts. So I obliged. I removed the "nofollow" tag and the category. I then replied to that email (as instructed), to inform them I did that already. But in my email, I told them that I have already put in my profile clearly that I would use "nofollow" tag, so it wasn't my fault.
Guess what? Today I went in, they just removed that task from my list. So, it is just like it never existed! Clearly, I wouldn't be paid for whatever I've done - even with my full obligation of what they asked me to do, which was against my wish!
Out of anger, I've removed my all blogs from their list, i.e. I quit SponsoredReviews. Also, the links, whether follow or nofollow, they are removed.
Very angry, coz this is considered cheating. They got my follow-link for a week, fully benefited from the link juice and/or any traffics. Now they are not paying me a cent at all. This is dishonost act, from what I understand.
No more SponsoredReviews. Cheater! Cannot take any construction feedback at all - yup, I actually suggested them to allow posties choose whether we want to nofollow or not.
I don't think that comment was anything harsh at all. If they cannot take any feedback like mine, they better quit this game. Since they won't, I quit.
BTW, LinkWorth is good. They allow the use of "nofollow" - if we choose to do that. Of course, chances of getting assignment is low, but I still get it occassionally. It is my choice. I want to be able to make this kind of choices, and not to be cheated like SponsoredReviews!
Oh, don't get me wrong, this is definitely NOT a paid post. I am seriously fumed about SponsoredReviews! :(
Monday, May 12, 2008
I can't use Social Spark
I know, SocialSpark has been launched for a while now. I still cannot use it.
It is so frustrating. I've registered, trying to upload my picture and then got stuck with funny screen.
I was stuck like that for a while. Now when I tried to get in again, it is telling me that I need to upgrade my browser to IE7.
Okay, my PC is locked by our IT department, and I cannot do anything to the programs. I cannot upgrade, I cannot install, I just cannot do anything to them.
So, it also means that I cannot join SocialSpark. I haven't even explored what it has to offer me! I don't even know whether I like it or not, and I am kicked out of its door.
Well, I don't like to have my own computer, so that is NOT an option for me. So, bye-bye SocialSpark, until the day that our IT Dept decide to upgrade the software (which is extremely unlikely).
It is so frustrating. I've registered, trying to upload my picture and then got stuck with funny screen.
I was stuck like that for a while. Now when I tried to get in again, it is telling me that I need to upgrade my browser to IE7.
Okay, my PC is locked by our IT department, and I cannot do anything to the programs. I cannot upgrade, I cannot install, I just cannot do anything to them.
So, it also means that I cannot join SocialSpark. I haven't even explored what it has to offer me! I don't even know whether I like it or not, and I am kicked out of its door.
Well, I don't like to have my own computer, so that is NOT an option for me. So, bye-bye SocialSpark, until the day that our IT Dept decide to upgrade the software (which is extremely unlikely).
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
If you have not sign up, hurry before they close for registration!!
I was approached much, much, much earlier for signing up Pay Per Play. I've been sitting on it for a real LONG time. I have been struggling between: making money versus affecting the overall experience of my visitors to my site.
I was worried if I embed the codes on my blogs, would that slow down the page loading speed? As I didn't spend my time explore the program, I also had the wrong impression that it might involve some pop up screens. As a web user myself, I hate pop up screens, and that was one of the reasons I didn't explore further nor sign up.
Whatever it was, I've just signed up today, as I found out that it is actually audio ads, and by default only 5 seconds ads were played.
I tested including the codes in this blog and my travel blog, both returning errors when I load the page. It could be my browser, it could be Bloggers. However, it works well with my parenting blog.
I tested the page loads, they seem fine. No obvious delay. Guess it is because the codes were inserted at the bottom of the page.
As they are under testing stage now, I couldn't try out the actual ads yet. I can't tell whether I like the audio ads on my sites or not. I might take it down, if I dislike them. And if I like them, I will spend some effort including them in these 2 blogspot sites.
I think it still worth a try, because as it claims, it is PAY PER PLAY. As publisher, we do not have to do anything. And even if our readers ignore the ads throughout, we still get paid. Seems a good deal.
Though it seems good, I still have a concern (apart from whether they can pay, is it genuine, is it sustainable): do they have that many ads/impressions/fund to serve so many publishers? How many ads/plays they can serve each publisher?
Guess they also recognize this issue, they are limiting the subscribers/publishers. I suggest that you sign-up quick, before they close the registration as they claim they would very soon.
--> CLICK HERE for FULL Details <--
I was worried if I embed the codes on my blogs, would that slow down the page loading speed? As I didn't spend my time explore the program, I also had the wrong impression that it might involve some pop up screens. As a web user myself, I hate pop up screens, and that was one of the reasons I didn't explore further nor sign up.
Whatever it was, I've just signed up today, as I found out that it is actually audio ads, and by default only 5 seconds ads were played.
I tested including the codes in this blog and my travel blog, both returning errors when I load the page. It could be my browser, it could be Bloggers. However, it works well with my parenting blog.
I tested the page loads, they seem fine. No obvious delay. Guess it is because the codes were inserted at the bottom of the page.
As they are under testing stage now, I couldn't try out the actual ads yet. I can't tell whether I like the audio ads on my sites or not. I might take it down, if I dislike them. And if I like them, I will spend some effort including them in these 2 blogspot sites.
I think it still worth a try, because as it claims, it is PAY PER PLAY. As publisher, we do not have to do anything. And even if our readers ignore the ads throughout, we still get paid. Seems a good deal.
Though it seems good, I still have a concern (apart from whether they can pay, is it genuine, is it sustainable): do they have that many ads/impressions/fund to serve so many publishers? How many ads/plays they can serve each publisher?
Guess they also recognize this issue, they are limiting the subscribers/publishers. I suggest that you sign-up quick, before they close the registration as they claim they would very soon.
--> CLICK HERE for FULL Details <--
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Interested to be in a survey panel and be rewarded with cash?
Here is a way that you can earn some side income from completing online surveys.
I am one of those who have taken many surveys that enter me into sweepstakes that I have never won before. Unlike those surveys, this campaign GlobalTestMarket currently running, is quite unique in the way how it rewards the panel members.
Unlike other research agencies, you’ll receive money for every online survey you take, even if it turns out you are ineligible to complete the survey. Once you reach 1,000 MarketPoints, you can redeem your points for $50 U.S. dollars.
The survey topics run by them is quite interesting, which includes:
Movies Restaurants Automobiles Consumer products Current events Many other topics that interest you!
The online paid surveys you complete directly influence the development of products and services from top companies. Make a difference today by sharing your opinion and help shape the future of what makes it to market.
If you are interested to join the survey panel, click here.
I am one of those who have taken many surveys that enter me into sweepstakes that I have never won before. Unlike those surveys, this campaign GlobalTestMarket currently running, is quite unique in the way how it rewards the panel members.
Unlike other research agencies, you’ll receive money for every online survey you take, even if it turns out you are ineligible to complete the survey. Once you reach 1,000 MarketPoints, you can redeem your points for $50 U.S. dollars.
The survey topics run by them is quite interesting, which includes:
The online paid surveys you complete directly influence the development of products and services from top companies. Make a difference today by sharing your opinion and help shape the future of what makes it to market.
If you are interested to join the survey panel, click here.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Is blogging still an enjoyable thing to do?
I discussed this in my parenting and breastfeeding blog earlier, and would like to dwell more on the topic here, which seems more relevant.
It really depends what is your intention of blogging. If you are doing a full time blogging for money, then perhaps you can still continue doing what you are doing.
For most of the bloggers like me, we have a full time career, a family to take care of. Blogging can sometimes be a luxury for us, not even to spend too much time in money blogging.
When I started blogging, I wasn't even aware that it can bring in income. Google Adsense was really the first that I've been exposed, long before PR link juice selling comes onboard.
After signing with PPP, Blogsvertise, Blogitive, Creamaid, ReviewMe, LoudLaunch, SponsoredReview, etc, I became so occupied with writing and submitting paid posts. Have to get a balance between fun blogging and work blogging. It became not fun any more.
I then re-evaluate the whole thing, and have decided to set 3 main criteria for any sponsored posts:
I raised my minimum payout rate to $10. Actually I set this 1 month after blogged for PPP. :) Topics must be in tune with my blogs Must allow "nofollow" tage
The last criteria is a little harder, and was set following Google's penalty on PR selling. With that criteria, I can't take many tasks, but I'm fine with it.
There is one program that I've never introduced in this blog, but would like to mention here now, since it is relevant.
There is a program called PayU2Blog. I signed up some time ago, but refused to get it activated due to my disagreement with the terms. They make their members agree to write for ALL assignments, and members cannot reject any assignments at all. Also, all assignments are priced at $5 only.
I cannot imagine if I've signed up, and been assigned 10 tasks a day. Well, for some people, getting 10 assignment a day may be a thrill, coz it means $50 income per day. I tell you, it can be a doom for your blog, if that really happens. Imagine, one day you have to write so many posts for: credit card, insurance, loan, plastic surgery, hotel, gambling site, etc. The next day the same topics. This goes on everyday. What fun would you have in blogging any more?
Of course, 10 tasks a day is just too much stretch in this assumption, but imagine you can't decline any assignments! Your blog will end up be a rojak (fruit salad), instead of what you intended it to be!
I'd rather have more dignity. Sit back, manage my blogs properly. Write good contents - if not for better PR, for myself then. Want blog money? There are other means too. You can read:
- Nuffnang (for Malaysians and Singaporeans)
- AdEngage
- Google Adsense
I will share in this blog later, on Yahoo's similar program like Adsense, as well as Amazon, LinkWorth, etc.
Update: Thanks to fashionasia for pointing out some facts on TLA. It gives very good income, but it is not in Google's good book. If you want PR, do not participate in TLA. However, if you don't care of PR, TLA is really a good source of income with very minimum efforts!
It really depends what is your intention of blogging. If you are doing a full time blogging for money, then perhaps you can still continue doing what you are doing.
For most of the bloggers like me, we have a full time career, a family to take care of. Blogging can sometimes be a luxury for us, not even to spend too much time in money blogging.
When I started blogging, I wasn't even aware that it can bring in income. Google Adsense was really the first that I've been exposed, long before PR link juice selling comes onboard.
After signing with PPP, Blogsvertise, Blogitive, Creamaid, ReviewMe, LoudLaunch, SponsoredReview, etc, I became so occupied with writing and submitting paid posts. Have to get a balance between fun blogging and work blogging. It became not fun any more.
I then re-evaluate the whole thing, and have decided to set 3 main criteria for any sponsored posts:
The last criteria is a little harder, and was set following Google's penalty on PR selling. With that criteria, I can't take many tasks, but I'm fine with it.
There is one program that I've never introduced in this blog, but would like to mention here now, since it is relevant.
There is a program called PayU2Blog. I signed up some time ago, but refused to get it activated due to my disagreement with the terms. They make their members agree to write for ALL assignments, and members cannot reject any assignments at all. Also, all assignments are priced at $5 only.
I cannot imagine if I've signed up, and been assigned 10 tasks a day. Well, for some people, getting 10 assignment a day may be a thrill, coz it means $50 income per day. I tell you, it can be a doom for your blog, if that really happens. Imagine, one day you have to write so many posts for: credit card, insurance, loan, plastic surgery, hotel, gambling site, etc. The next day the same topics. This goes on everyday. What fun would you have in blogging any more?
Of course, 10 tasks a day is just too much stretch in this assumption, but imagine you can't decline any assignments! Your blog will end up be a rojak (fruit salad), instead of what you intended it to be!
I'd rather have more dignity. Sit back, manage my blogs properly. Write good contents - if not for better PR, for myself then. Want blog money? There are other means too. You can read:
- Nuffnang (for Malaysians and Singaporeans)
- AdEngage
- Google Adsense
I will share in this blog later, on Yahoo's similar program like Adsense, as well as Amazon, LinkWorth, etc.
Update: Thanks to fashionasia for pointing out some facts on TLA. It gives very good income, but it is not in Google's good book. If you want PR, do not participate in TLA. However, if you don't care of PR, TLA is really a good source of income with very minimum efforts!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Adverlet's official reply to recent incident
Maybe I shouldn't be too hard on Adverlets in my last post. Anyone can make mistake, we are not saint. Like Josh Lim @ Adverlets said in his email to all publisher, some mistakes people make is small any probably not noticable by others, but some mistakes can be impactful.
No doubt, the latest mistake they made has a chain reaction effect, that affected many bloggers. This particular mistake takes longer time to be corrected as it involves DNS updates (normal when refreshing a 'new'/'updated' domain). The best way is really don't let it expire.
I give them thumbs up in handling this incident, as they openly admitted their mistake and apologised for it. It would be great to see if they are compensating the affected bloggers financially, for their lost of income during the affected period. Perhaps a pro-rated of their average Adverlets earning?
No doubt, the latest mistake they made has a chain reaction effect, that affected many bloggers. This particular mistake takes longer time to be corrected as it involves DNS updates (normal when refreshing a 'new'/'updated' domain). The best way is really don't let it expire.
I give them thumbs up in handling this incident, as they openly admitted their mistake and apologised for it. It would be great to see if they are compensating the affected bloggers financially, for their lost of income during the affected period. Perhaps a pro-rated of their average Adverlets earning?
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