Charles is busy in the shop doing a one on one woodworking class, they’re building a beautiful walnut drop-leaf table, when done, we’ll post some photos.
But, since he’s gonna be quiet for a few days, thought I’d hi-jack the blog to let you in on a few changes that will be happening over at the web site.
First, we are going to be remodeling the DVD store to make shopping easier as well as some additional options. I’m also working on ipod downloads but that may be a little while yet, we’ll keep you informed.
Secondly, I find that I very seldom do a click through or notice banner ads on web sites that I visit, in the back of my mind, I worry about where they will really take me. Well, just want to let everyone know that the banner ads on our site are controlled by me and are only there to let you know who is supporting our on-line videos.
Yesterday I spent the day going through stats that are kept on how many times a banner is shown and how many click through-s and I must say it was disappointing. Charles and I are so grateful to these sponsors that they enable us to bring you the on-line projects and tips/techniques and we want more of you to check out what they have going on at their web sites as well. I had one of those V-8 moments and thought, “Sherri, you stupid idiot….use the banners to let your woodworking friends know when there is something worth clicking over to.” So, I’m working on the changes now and when those banners come up on our home page, check them out, we’re going to point you to the direction of great information on the sponsor’s site or perhaps a promotion or sale you don’t know about, and in some cases….well, another Charles video that maybe you haven’t seen. So, get those mouses clicking and let us know. Here’s a sample of some of the new banners.
Let us know what you think. One last thought, these are not affiliate banners, we are just trying to give you good information.
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Adding the teasers to the banners is a good idea. I’ve clicked through on all of the banners several times, but I don’t usually do it any more because I’ve “been there, done that”. When I’m shopping for an item, I usually just go to the sponsor’s website directly. Having the extra info in the banner could cause me to click on them more often. If the click-through stats help you, maybe we forum users should start using the website as a portal to the sponsors.
Ben, we do the same, we just go to the site we want to go to and to use are site as a portal is a lot of extra clicks, I think that I need to work on changing the structure of the banners will help everyone know about things available on their web sites, whether it be articles, videos, or product specials……but…..most thinking is to click on these banners when you want to actually purchase. I find that 99% of these sites offer a lot more information than just selling and I want to encourage everyone to visit these sites. The stats tell me whether we are getting the message out……Sherri
Very Very good idea Sherri!
ive done the same. Ive clicked on most of the links and most of the sites are bookmarked so i just head straight to the site. with the little deals and things i could see myself clicking on them all the time.
I’ll note that I just recently added the sponsor banners to the Helpful Links page on the site.
It does help if you use the banner to get to the sponsor site for a couple of reasons:
1) some of the sponsors have a special URL so they know it came from Charles’ site
2) we count the clicks on the banner (not who, just the fact that is was clicked) and these stats help Sherri keep the sponsors they have and maybe convince new ones to help out
In addition, I’ve gotten in the habit of mentioning that I appreciate that a sponsor supports Charles if they have a “comment” or “special instructions” box on the order form. I recently did this with EagleAmerica and got a note back from them that mentioned my comment, so I know that at least some of them read those.
I’ll also note that (at least on the home page) clicking on a banner will open the sponsor site on a new page (effective about 10 minutes ago
I like the Idea of the podcast!! I go to the gym 3 nights a week and I’m always putting new stuff on my ipod to listen too!! Wow, taking charles to the gym at night would be awesome!! Very Cool!!
Bob
“……., taking charles to the gym at night would be awesome!! …….”
Bob, I think you can forget about getting Charles into the gym, day OR night lol!
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
After I submitted that I was wondering if anyone would; well, you know!!!! : ^ )
Bob
yea yea yea…..I been to the gym many many times..just been a few years….working for a living has sorta gotten in the way…so i use the garden…done lost about 10 lb’s thank you…got 20 to go..
Good for you Charles!! And what a wonderful garden I might add! Better then mine, I’m too busy at the gym to plant a garden. Well, that and no room in town for one! Darn!
Bob
well Mr. Neil you and me both got to lose the same amount then . . . . . percentage wise i got a lot more though since God put me on a much smaller frame than He gave you. He knew you needed all the help you could get i reckon hehe.
man i sure am brave behind this keyboard and 1500 miles away. i got a serious arse whomping comin one day . . . maybe your alzheimers will kick in before then lol.