The advertisements currently only show in the default forum theme which is
Sunset Romance (lite). The wide version of this theme doesn't have it yet. Eventually, all the themes will include the ads.
Previously, only guests can see them. I've decided to include all members to improve the ad's performance. The main reason we're incoporating ads now in the forum is (hopefully) to generate some revenue so we could help SLi pay for the hosting of CapturedWings.net. But then, ads aren't always effective so this is still a test. If the ads don't perform to our expectations then we'll remove them. No use in having it here if it doesn't significantly help the site.
I hope you guys understand that it's not easy to run a site as big as CW. The forum has gone bigger now! SLi's webhost wants us to move to a dedicated server. And even though we're still not on our own server, the monthly hosting fee SLi already pays isn't very cheap. The placement of ads is an attempt to find a solution to this money problem. I just discovered that YesAsia supports Paypal so that gave me the idea of sending earnings to SLi's PayPal account. If any of you buy TRC or CCS merchandise through that site, it would really help if you buy through the affiliate link ads.
Like I've said, I'm still not finished with the changes. I will find a way not to show the ads to certain user levels like Donators and Moderators (if they don't want it).
This was not an easy decision for me because I even remember myself making a vow not to plaster any ad on CWF (besides the free ad at the board's homepage). I'm trying my best though not to include highly irrelevant ads to avoid annoying our members.
Of course, most of the ads will be related to either TRC or CCS. Merchandise for other anime/manga may also be seen in the ads. Other currently popular merchandise (books and CDs) will also be advertised since we have an active General Media forum here as well. And, that's about it.
If any of you have suggestions like on how to make the ads less distracting and awkward
, I'd be more than glad to hear them.