A New Leaf
It’s been well over a year since I started these daily posts. Everyday, I sit at my computer and tap out 500 words or more on topics that I believe will be interesting or informative to all of you. It takes a real commitment to sustain a daily blog and site with activity. I’ve noticed a number of other sites on high-end audio that keep their sites active by plundering or articles from other sites…including the graphics, charts and quotes. This has happened to my posts and the posts of other writers I know. I’m of a mixed mind when I think that other sites are selling expensive ads around the intellectual property of others.
So I’ve decided that if others are going to profit from the many hundreds of hours that I’ve spent writing at RealHD-Audio.com that I can and should allow paid advertising on this site. I’ve been approached over the past year but have only posted unpaid banners and ads for companies that I have a relationship with and who make really great products. Benchmark Digital has always been very supportive. They supplied a couple of DAC2 HGC models for the demos that I did at Sprint in Overland Park, Kansas last month. And Oppo has graciously contributed equipment and support for our annual “mega demo room” at AXPONA.
As you might guess, I will not be endorsing or allowing any digital enhancement disc cleaning liquids with their bogus claims, I won’t be advocating for Bybee $5500 multi outlet power boxes, or ridiculously expensive cables of any type. But I welcome ads or banners from companies that built high quality analog and digital components, download music companies, trade shows, and hardware companies like MyTek or exaSound or Bryston. These are companies that I know; I know the owners/designers and believe their products are worthy of review and consideration.
Accepting paid advertising doesn’t mean that I’ll be changing my style or compromising my standards. I regard this site as a haven for those looking for facts and knowledge. I know that I don’t get everything exactly right and I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. But, I’m open to contrary opinions (hello Craig!) and will seek out additional input when challenged (I’m waiting to hear back from John…Andrea) about something or issue.
I’ve done some checking around with some other sites that have similar numbers as my site. The rates are substantial…with banners going for $1000 or more on a “Shared Value” basis. This site engages over 3000 people per day and the site get over 100,000 impressions per month. And it’s all thanks to you. If you or your company is interested in promoting your product or service on RealHD-Audio.com, please free to contact me. For the first 10 advertisers, a paid ad on this site for the next year will also get you placed on HRA Planet, the second site dedicated to high-resolution audio (this site being the first).
Got pack up the gear and products and make the drive to SF. Thanks.
Fully understandable – go for it Mark!
By the way – why 2 different homepages (with practically the same content)?
I think it’s fine to accept ads in your case. I know that you will maintain your integrity through the process. But if I see any miracle liquids that transform MP3s into 5.1 super high resolution files, I’ll know that dementia has set in ..
Thanks…nice sentiment.
Hi Mark,
I have to disagree a bit with you on how you understand the appropriation of your posts, quotes, graphs, etc.
I think that the fact that other writers and websites on the web quote you, appropriate your graphs and your work is HIGHLY positive. It means your work has had a significant and powerful impact, be it with the consequences or interpretations that you expect or not.
I would go as far as to say that the more questionbable or objectionable the appropriations of your graphs, work and quotes, the more the impact. It means the industry people who are behind the greed and disgusting attempt to legitimize their marketing fraud are feeling the heat, and that they’re not happy about your effort to educate consumers and pros alike.
As for the intellectual property comment you make, I’m afraid I also disagree. I believe that the transparent and open way in which you have shared your invaluable knowledge, insight and sound intentions to revert publicized falsehood and criticise morally dubious business practices, is a contribution to the public. I would go as far as to write a long Wikipedia entry in your name, that resumes and offers a broad view of all the important contributions you have made through your blog. I think the entire educational, political and critical potential of your work on this blog lies in the open and public character of it. It clearly trascends copyright, as what really counts is that accurate information is publicly available and universally accessible for consumers not to be fooled, as well as to prevent people without scruples to go around spreading their ominous snake-oil.
That said, I would second the previous comment:
“I think it’s fine to accept ads in your case. I know that you will maintain your integrity through the process. But if I see any miracle liquids that transform MP3s into 5.1 super high resolution files, I’ll know that dementia has set in ..”
With the greatest appreciation for your blog and your noble efforts, I would personally oppose your decision to open up for industry ads. On the other hand, I also think that there’s few blogs out there that deserve a little financial incentive to keep going.
Cheers!
Thanks Camilo…if i were just my articles, perhaps I would feel differently. But these web sites are “borrowing” the hard work of others and profiting from it.
By the way, and speaking of the impact of your blog, check this out:
http://hiresaudiocentral.com/716/
I know you already did, but it sort of makes my point 😉
Cheers
Mark, I share Stewart’s sentiment.
Having read your daily posts for almost a year and bought several AIX disks you’ve rightly earned the status of a most credible source and contributor to the High Definition Audio debate.
You educate and explain what is sometimes usurped with “junk science” and poke holes through it while at the same time expanding our knowledge of what is really happening to the music and sounds presented in a true high definition process in an easy to understand manner.
You’re not alone with the dissatisfaction that many of us feel about the way music is mastered and mixed resulting in some truly horrible sounds that render the artist’s work as nasty over compressed clipped ugh that has no dynamic range and just sounds awful to the point of unlistenable.
Thanks for the warning about the banner adds now contributing to the financial well being of the site. I’m sure we’ll get to see some interesting and “approved by Mark” product placements.