Trusted Update
Posted Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 · Permalink
Today I’d like to give everyone a little update on the Trusted Travel Blogs Network. We have had two batches of new sites approved so far and are now busy reviewing a third. I’m very happy with the growth and, more importantly, the quality of the content published by network members. I hope that the growth continues in the current upward-curve in the future.
A few issues have also come up regarding the current network policy. This has led me to rethink it, especially the “lack of policy.” This is what I’d love to hear everyone’s opinion on. I have had some feedback from both users as well as members of the independent panel that there needs to be more clarity on what is within acceptable norms regarding advertising affiliations.
I personally have issues with in-text advertisements. In fact, all mixes of content and advertisements are sketchy as far as I am concerned. I suggest the addition of a clause that deals with this. I believe such mixes are too destructive on the user experience. They are slightly deceptive, very obstructive, and in my opinion screams “I do it for the money.” Please let me know what you think of this, especially if you disagree.
Another thing I would like to make a requirement is that member blogs provide a feed. This is especially important for future network integration. I hope to add features such as “latest network content” sometime soon, but this is only possible with RSS feeds. But again, please let me know if you agree or disagree.
In any case, the network is going well. Aside from expanding, I hope to soon also add some more “community” features. I really want to get members involved in the process. Give as well as take, et cetera. In any case, more on that later.
Responses feed9 Responses ↓
1ianmack // June 5th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
thanks for the update. a point of clarification though - does “in text advertisements” mean google ads within the main content? or things like that hyperlink generator which auto-links text to ads? i ask because tastefully done, i personally find google ads in the main content less annoying than say, the auto-underlined text ads. also, some sites just look “spammy” with how they place their ads, while others look fine, again, as long as they’re placed tastefully. i suppose it begs the question: who decides what “tastefully” means?
2Stacy // June 5th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Hi Timen,
I’m looking forward to seeing more blogs on the network, it is a great resource.
I definitely think an RSS feed is essential, and I really like the idea of having the latest network content available on the site.
As far as advertising affiliations, I find in-text advertisements distracting and annoying. Also, articles or links within a post that are paid for need to be disclosed inside that post.
Stacy
3Stacy // June 5th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
Just saw Ian’s comment, for myself, I was referring to “that hyperlink generator which auto-links text to ads”…
4Ben // June 6th, 2007 at 2:57 am
With the exception of *explicit* ads (such as Google) that are in the breaks of articles, in-text advertising (i.e. plugging) definitely blurs the lines between ads and editorial.
(For the record, Ian’s emphasis on doing this “tastefully” is key - there are definitely blogs out there with terrible aesthetics in this regard.)
But in my wandering through fellow member sites, I don’t see this as a particular concern - I’ve yet to see anything that looks like a suspiciously favorable review.
However, this is definitely something that should be clearly probited for the sake of future evaluations of TTBN members.
Happy travels all ~
5Boris // June 6th, 2007 at 5:51 am
hey,
i’m not a great fan of ads in between the content (if that’s what you mean, timen?), but i don’t mind them at the end or before the comments.
as for the feeds, i do think that they are essential. it’s just a great way of keeping up with other sites.
good work!!
6Toon Hermans // June 7th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Hey Timen, your site looks great, and has been a tremendous resource for my trip through Asia. Keep up the good work. You naughty traveller.
T. Hermans
7Mike // June 9th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
I agree with everything Ben, Stacy, and Ian mentioned above. AdSense and other clearly defined ads are fine by me. For cash-strapped travelers, such ads on their travel blogs may well be an essential means to fund their travels just a bit longer.
I loathe in-text advertising. I think it’s distracting and a bit sleazy. When I click on a link, I expect to learn more about what I clicked on, not have an ad surprisingly foisted upon me.
Just my $0.02.
Thanks for keep everyone up to date, Timen!
8Nick // July 1st, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Hey. I’m one of “the new guys” in the network now, and thanks a lot for considering my site worthy enough to join.
I’m excited about the network, and the future community features that you mentioned. Are you thinking about forums or something?
Peace
Nick
9TravMonkey // July 6th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
I think you guys are splitting hairs on the text links, I mean if people find your blog or writing entertaining then whats the problem?
If they don’t like the site they won’t come back. For example if it is “destructive on the user experience”.
I’m not sure having a trusted sites group is a good idea… after all the beauty of the net is that it isn’t policed, yet this seems to be a small step in the travel blog community to control.
“Another thing I would like to make a requirement is that member blogs provide a feed.” Come on what is this? Where’s the freedom in that?
I think you guys should focus on what is important. That is creating a good entertaining blog that people want to read.
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