This site needs to rethink advertising

[admin]

No change in policy. Our paid members don't see ads. I have sent you a PM.

Has there been a change of policy on ads lately? Over the past couple of days, I've noticed ads appearing on the forum pages: it seems that there's an ad every 2nd or 3rd post now, easy enough to ignore on a desktop but really intrusive on an Android. Yes I understand how capitalism works, but I thought $75 per annum freed you from adverts.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I was unemployed when I discovered this site and I'm a student now, yet I found the value in a subscription to the site. Everyone has differing needs and expectations, but the site fulfilled what I needed so I was happy to support it, and of course that lead to the subscription being worthwhile as I spent a lot of time in an ad-free environment.

I'll agree that really intrusive ads can turn you off a site, but if you feel a connection to the community and it helps save you money, then supporting it with $50 isn't a hard ask. I love the community here, I don't know where I would be without the people and the friendships I've made here.

I realized quite quickly when I joined in 2009 that the information gained on site was worth well more than the cost of the membership.
Seeing ads would annoy me but I understand that the forum doesn't run itself and there are ongoing costs which need to be paid.

 

[Buzzard]

I happily pay my dues every year. Nothing in life is free. If it wasn't for AFF and the contributors on the site I'd still be flying down the back.

 

[boomy]

See, this isn't the case for me. I value this site, but not to the tune of $50/yr

If you don't get enough value on AFF to cover $50 annual fee then you are wasting your time here. It's seriously such a tiny amount to pay compared to the money one can save if they use the information here wisely. Avoiding annoying adds is just an extra bonus.

 

[jbman]

I would like to see more paid member only areas. Too much can be viewed for free

 

[samh004]

I would like to see more paid member only areas. Too much can be viewed for free

That's certainly an interesting view. The main idea behind AFF is that there isn't anything hidden though, as it priorities some members over others and could lead to public discussion dropping off. Besides, who's to say an airline spy couldn't pay to see the 'private' posts anyway? We do offer something similar to what you're talking about, we heavily promote social gatherings. In removing anonymity at a social event you generally know exactly who you are revealing information to.

I've learnt many a trick or useful piece of info at a social event that I wouldn't dare type up on AFF, but would be happy to share the next time I saw you. If I wrote it up in a private space of AFF I may share it with more members, however it's a two-fold fear that I might share it with the wrong member, but also that future discussion would start to predominantly happen in that space, to the detriment of the rest of AFF.

 

[boomy]

That's certainly an interesting view. The main idea behind AFF is that there isn't anything hidden though, as it priorities some members over others and could lead to public discussion dropping off. Besides, who's to say an airline spy couldn't pay to see the 'private' posts anyway? We do offer something similar to what you're talking about, we heavily promote social gatherings. In removing anonymity at a social event you generally know exactly who you are revealing information to.

I've learnt many a trick or useful piece of info at a social event that I wouldn't dare type up on AFF, but would be happy to share the next time I saw you. If I wrote it up in a private space of AFF I may share it with more members, however it's a two-fold fear that I might share it with the wrong member, but also that future discussion would start to predominantly happen in that space, to the detriment of the rest of AFF.

Agree about your view regarding social events, they are good for sharing sensitive info but this channel is very limited. Many members can't attend those events for various reasons and a lot of useful info is lost. Further more, there are many loopholes and mistake fares that pop-up for very short time and there need to be a more effective way of sharing this data.

I support the idea of paid members only area with monitoring the numbers. It's not the best solution but I can't think about any other way of effectively sharing sensitive info that is relevant for short time.

You know better than me that when AFF was smaller people felt more comfortable discussing and sharing.

 

[dairyfloss]

It didn't take me long at all to realise that a clean-running, app-accessible AFF was easily worth more than $4 and 16 cents a month, to me. Actually, subtract the discount from EF premium that I use each year, and it's more like $2.50 a month. If you can't cope with the advertising style here, then you can always try Flyertalk?

 

[kyanar]

It didn't take me long at all to realise that a clean-running, app-accessible AFF was easily worth more than $4 and 16 cents a month, to me. Actually, subtract the discount from EF premium that I use each year, and it's more like $2.50 a month. If you can't cope with the advertising style here, then you can always try Flyertalk?

Flyertalk's advertising is worse, believe it or not. At least AFF doesn't crash my browser.

But to the admins, a suggestion? People balk quite easily at $50 a year, but many won't bat an eyelid at $5 a month. Have you considered offering monthly payments instead of annually?

 

[theblank]

I dont mind the adverts, what i do mind is the embedded popup that suddely appears and accuses me of running an adblocker, and as a result I cant use any feature of the site.

The problem is, i dont have any adblocker. Annoying

 

[kpc]

I dont mind the adverts, what i do mind is the embedded popup that suddely appears and accuses me of running an adblocker, and as a result I cant use any feature of the site.

The problem is, i dont have any adblocker. Annoying

Agree! I get this on one of computers and it is bloody annoying! I'm Gold member so don't see ads anyway.

 

[marki]

I am a paying member have enjoyed the AFF experience and some great pieces of information. I usually do not because I am unable to attend any meeting or gatherings. Not sure whether private members area would be useful. I do hate advertisements especially the intrusive pop up ones......meaning I would departing the list for ever if it happened. Most people are friendly some have an axe to grind, and sometimes you're not allowed another contrary opinion. AFF just works so thanks for keeping out the really annoying advertisements.

 

[samh004]

People balk quite easily at $50 a year, but many won't bat an eyelid at $5 a month. Have you considered offering monthly payments instead of annually?

There is a Silver membership offered for $6/month that removes advertisements. However, that would add up to $72 a year, and a year of Silver is just $50. Gold membership is $75, but can not be offered as a month-to-month as this level includes discounts on such things as Qantas Club.

Not sure whether private members area would be useful.

Such an area would discourage the free flow of information that AFF is built on.

 

[Deleted member]

I paid for a subscription as soon as I knew I was able to. Without hesitation.
just my first FASA alone with Mrs GPH, (SYD-LHR return) saved us HUGE $$$$$.
Yes we used points, but without AFF, we would never have known how to maximise our points earn, and in turn how to best use those points to burn.
That is without the advice around gaining higher status , and the advantages that brings in the daily hum drum of domestic flying, not to mention the joy of premium lounges on international flights.
Who among you here has not enjoyed or aspired to enjoy the delights of a Flounge run ex SYD?
Frankly at $50.00 PA I think it's undervalued. Less than $1.00 per week.
That said, we live in a world where subscriptions are king.
So .96 cents per week is fine for the value I have found here .

 

[BettyB]

I don't have a problem with the advertising. Although given how much work it has taken me to get up to speed with the (very poor) new interface perhaps AFF should be paying me!

 

[marki]

Yes BettyB you would be in your own members area then

 

[mrsterryn]

I hate ads so much easier to pay the fee.
In relation to the information and fun I have o the forum definitely of value.
I spend a lot more on flights.

 

[JohnK]

Agree! I get this on one of computers and it is bloody annoying! I'm Gold member so don't see ads anyway.

I'm a Gold member as well but I had to install adBlocker as I have low PC memory and bandwidth. From memory I've still had to exclude AFF from adBlocker as instructed.

Ads destroy my browsing on most websites.

 

[whatmeworry]

You are granting us with a non-exclusive, permanent, irrevocable, unlimited license to use, publish, or re-publish your Content in connection with the Service. You retain copyright over the Content.

I don't like this clause in the ToS for AFF. So AFF can make money off content I provide eg Flight loopholes but I don't get a royalty when AFF makes a guide but I am subjected to ads unless I pay the subscription fees? Seems like double dipping.

 

[VulpesVulpes]

Credit where credit is due! The new layout is great. Yes it has ads (I even white list on my adblocker) and they are much better behaved. They are well integrated without being obtrusive.

Well done AFF!