Quoted from FilmMaker06 ...Does anyone know why an add [sic] pops up right under the first post?

Two part answer.

At a high level, there are ads (though no pop-ups) on the discussion board to help defray the cost of running the discussion board.  These costs include the domain name - simplyscripts.net, the server upon which the discussion board exists (runs about $1000 a year), software help when needed (by way of donation to e-blah which is what I use to operate the discussion board) and the occasional class / book so that I can learn more about how to operate the software.

Note: I am aware that there are free hosting sites out there.  However, those free sites aren't really 'free'.  Those sites will automatically add much more intrusive advertisements on the sites they host.  Also, they severely limit the amount of bandwidth you can use.  I have long ago outgrown those sites (in a couple of cases the number of visitors to my site has overwhelmed the servers and shut them down.  I was asked to move my site elsewhere or give them gobs and gobs of money.)

Now, as to why there are ads just after the first post: You will have noticed overtime that I have had ads at the top of the pages.  Aesthetically, it looked to me like the ad occupied a huge part of the page, so I've been experimenting with moving the ads to a somewhat less intrusive part of the page so they blend in a little better with the site.  You will notice, periodically, I will shift the ads around to maximize revenue without being bloody annoying.  


-Don

Hey Don

No problem.. Your run a fantastic board here and like anything else in life, nothing comes FREE.. We understand the constraints of commercial entities and the internet is no different..

I reckon the majority of members really appreaciate you offering this forum where script writers can exchange ideas, get readers to read their scripts and can get feedback on their work. SimplyScripts is a wonderful forum with some fantastic people, I really like everybody here..

Not all writers are at the same standard but this is not an issue, the more experienced offer help and advice and suggestions and this is great. Like wise, even newbies have something to say so it's all a good thing we have here..

This is all down to your good self Don, and I know I speak for everybody else on SimplyScripts, we appreciate your efforts. If we have to have ads and such to help fund the running of the forum then so be it..

You own and run the site anyways Don, we are in your hands and you have our full support..

If I ever make a big script sale then I'll make a substantial donation so you can set the site up on its own server connection thereby permitting total independence, that'd be cool.. For the time being, at any rate, keep up the good work Don, we all appreciate it, you're a STAR, man..


Kevan

My only question is why can't I get on the boards?

The top part loads and makes me wait a long time for the rest.

It can't be my connection because every other site works just fine, any suggestions on what to modify in the settings so I can actually load the boards?

Wesley,

I cleared out the extraneous ads and banners from all the themes.  Now (I hope) the boards should run faster for everyone.

Don

Whatever you have to do to make the boards less costly on yourself, I'm with you. When I first noticed the banners the site was working fine but two days ago when my internet went down and I wasn't here for a day when I got back on the site wouldn't work.

Maybe just use the ads banners after the first post because that never seemed to do anything to the speed of the boards.

I have no issues with the ads and never have. I know they're necessary to defray the cost of running anything without putting out more money than you have. And I've noticed our load time is back to normal...whew!

Thanks to Tomson for bird dogging the slow load times.  I forget that there are four different templates.  I stuck the "molasses" code into each of the templates, but initially only removed it from the template that I was using. So, the site responded just fine for me and I thought that everyone else was crazy.  

Also, point of order.  My explanation of why I have ads on the site was not meant to be a desperate cry for donations or contributions.  Just the opposite.  The intent was to explain why I have tarted up the sites with these damn ads.  In other words, I have the garish and obtrusive ads on the site so that I don’t have to send you emails every other week begging for money.  Also, of late, I’ve gotten several anonymous donations.  Since I did not have the email address of the donator, my only recourse was to use the site to say thank you.  Again, not a call for money.  As a kid, whenever anyone gave me anything, my parents made me hand write these ten page thank you notes.  It is still pretty much engrained in me to thank the giver.  

I do hope that you all follow my rule of thumb about donating to other sites.  Donate if you truly are inspired to do so, not because you feel guilty.  Also, if you don’t get a thank you note, never donate to them again.  

Don

I don't care whetther you have ads or not. As long as the site keeps going, I'm happy.