Blockpage changes

[lschafroth]

I assume these ads aren't going to be for untangle? Meaning you're going to earn marginal revenue by integrating a pay per click scheme into the free web filter block page?

You realize that pay per click crap is half of the reason we need Untangle at all these days? And you're forcing this content into a mechanism that isn't controllable by any rack.

If this happens then I will be taking out UT in a few locations. Seeing the ads will be unacceptable.

Lannie

[dknyinva]

security appliance and ad don't go together. It's like UT going one step forward, two steps backward....make no sense

[BOFH]

I'm really torn about this. On the one hand I like UT and want to see it grow and become even more successful. On the other hand I would be absolutely terrified that UT would show ads to users that may be inappropriate. Say context sensitive ads for Vicky's-not-so-secret whenever someone searches for porn, or Viagkra, or grannysgonewild.com (NSFW), or a competing technical support contractor. I can only imagine the sheiss-storm that would cause.

The value of serving adds is greatly enhanced by making them context sensitive. The danger of context sensitive ads, is that users are perverts. To properly monetize UT you will have to start injecting exactly the sort of filth that we are trying to get rid of by using UT.

Perhaps if it was an intermediate level of UT. Totally Free, Ad-Supported with Some Commecial Modules or limited support, Purchased Packages. Perhaps it could be a "feel good" opt in button.

To me, it just sounds like a Very Bad Idea. Unfortunately, I don't have a better idea to help you generate capital yet. I'll crunch on it.

BOFH

[sky-knight]

My idea was the smtp insert... this message certified by untangle. Personally I see that as a better idea. No it isn't pay per click... but the thing is we need to spread the word about untangle not bog it down in debates about ads.

[dmorris]

Thanks for the feedback guys. We went into this knowing that no one *wants* to see ads just as no one wants to see ads when watching TV or using other products. That being said, we must explore ways to monetize our users. The continued need to evolve and improve the product is in the best interest of all of our users.

If ads really bother your organization that much, install Ad Blocker. It will remove tons of ads at the expense of just a few on the blockpage. If you can't stand having even the ads on the blockpage then install Branding Manager. It is by-far the cheapest app and lets you do a whole lot of other customizations.

As far as inappropriate ads, we talked with our ad partner and they have disabled inappropriate and gambling ads. Evidently they were serving up some gambling ads for a while but those have been banned.

[BOFH]

Since it appears the ads are going to be non-negotiable, I would request that they be heavily filtered. If I'm using Eset, I don't want to see adds for Symantec, or McAfee saying that they are the best on my corporate websites. That makes me look like an idiot. I don't want to see ads from my competitors on my corporate website. Of course no porn/gambling/pharmaceuticals/religious organizations/competitors &etc. Those could definitely get someone fired.

Boss: "Why am I, at Spacely Sprockets, seeing ads on one of our websites for Cogswell Cogs, Mr. Jetson?"

Not to mention the legal ramifications of having something like ads on our local network that have a chance of being offensive to someone. Oh to be that lawyer with the 50% take!

More thoughts later...

BOFH

[sky-knight]

BOFH, you have the branding manager, you shouldn't see a single ad ever...

[raditude]

I am hoping that UT will put in writing what the levels are to avoid ads, so everyone knows IF they dont want to see them, what it is they can do to avoid/stop them. Even a little chart that says, nothing but free apps = ads will be served*, 1 paid module = no ads will be served, or whatever the qualifying levels are.

* = acceptable ads, no porn..etc.

BOFH, I think it is going to be difficult for them to "qualify" ads, without them knowing hey this company uses Symantec so no ads about McAfee or Eset or.....

[dmorris]

Users who have Branding Manager won't see the ads (and can also customize the blockpage looks already). This includes all bundles which include Branding Manager. (Pro Pack, Ed Pack, Super Bundle, etc) Additionally eSoft Web Filter blockpages don't have ads because its a paid product.

what he said

[joemailey]

Ads don't bother me that much to be honest.
It isn't the best solution.

As untangle grows the more time and effort and money needed to support it will grow with it. More money Untangle make the better the product will become.