"Helpful links" on front page

[Lirodon]

I've noticed that you've begun disclaming the Stardock ownership thing when doing articles on their software on the front page. Yet, on the very same page, you also include three, undisclamied Stardock advertisements, labelled as "helpful links"

 

That is all I will say.

[xendrome]

The disclaimers have been on the articles with their info for awhile now.. but I would just venture to say and this is my own personal opinion, but I don't see anything wrong with it. The site is free and if you or anyone else doesn't like it, sign up for a subscription to show support. Then the ad's should remove, if they do not remove then maybe it's a coding glitch because of the latest update. I dunno I can't speak for that.

[Dick Montage]

I can see his point.  I don't have a problem with it, because without Stardock I don't think Neowin would be where it is today.  However, labeling them as "Helpful links" when they are adverts... Well there's sorta laws about that in certain countries.  It would be more honest and transparent to call them "Sponsored links" or something?

 

Then again, the 3 things they are pushing are 3 likely candidates for what people may be looking for at the moment.  I just think a little transparency would feel a bit more honest. :)

[Steven P. Administrators]

Yes, as stated the site is free to you, and I will decide what links to place in the sidebar. We're about to shell out over $8000 in hardware upgrades for the site, and Stardock is carrying out that work for us (but not paying for it, that is covered by us) I just don't understand why people have issues with any mention of Stardock on Neowins pages, they have been nothing but a huge support to this site and if you don't like that I'm sure there are other places that will happily accommodate you.

[Haggis Veteran]

I can see his point.  I don't have a problem with it, because without Stardock I don't think Neowin would be where it is today.  However, labeling them as "Helpful links" when they are adverts... Well there's sorta laws about that in certain countries.  It would be more honest and transparent to call them "Sponsored links" or something?

 

Then again, the 3 things they are pushing are 3 likely candidates for what people may be looking for at the moment.  I just think a little transparency would feel a bit more honest. :)

 

 

Yes, as stated the site is free to you, and I will decide what links to place in the sidebar. We're about to shell out over $8000 in hardware upgrades for the site, and Stardock is carrying out that work for us (but not paying for it, that is covered by us) I just don't understand why people have issues with any mention of Stardock on Neowins pages, they have been nothing but a huge support to this site and if you don't like that I'm sure there are other places that will happily accommodate you.

 

I dont think your understanding what they are complaining about, its not that there are Adverts for Stardock its the fact you are labelling ADVERTS as Helpful links as Nik said there are laws about that in particular countries and it would be better to call them Sponsored links

[+Frank B. Subscriber²]

I don't see what the big deal with the three links is. Stardock owning 40% of Neowin has been known for years. If the three links to Stardock products (which are not too prominently placed anyway) contribute to keeping Neowin alive I have no problem with them whatsoever.

[FiB3R]

[DKAngel]

ahah ive never noticed them at all

[Lirodon]

I dont think your understanding what they are complaining about, its not that there are Adverts for Stardock its the fact you are labelling ADVERTS as Helpful links as Nik said there are laws about that in particular countries and it would be better to call them Sponsored links

 

Yeah, this is what I was talking about. Not the fact that they are there,

[Dick Montage]

I just don't understand why people have issues with any mention of Stardock on Neowins pages

I don't think anyone has an issue at all.  Heck, I'd more than welcome a sidebar area dedicated to Stardock, thanks to their awesome support of the site.  I like their products, I like their blog posts.  I think it's the LACK of mention of Stardock that is causing some people (1 person?) some concern here.  Personally, I don't feel that Stardock have ever received preferential treatment over other such companies, and have basically shelled out time and cost for very little return.

 

We're about to shell out over $8000 in hardware upgrades for the site, and Stardock is carrying out that work for us (but not paying for it, that is covered by us)

As a subscriber I am in awe that the money is being spent on this - astounded that so much can be raised from subscriptions.  Applauded.

 

if you don't like that I'm sure there are other places that will happily accommodate you.

While it is your site, and not a democracy, that's a shame to say to a subscriber and member who has been here nearly 10 years for offering a little feedback :(

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

I am perfectly alright with the links being there and have fully supported the connection between Stardock and Neowin for rather sometime now.

[Shaun N.]

 

While it is your site, and not a democracy, that's a shame to say to a subscriber and member who has been here nearly 10 years for offering a little feedback :(

 

I don't think it was directed at you but overall I think it is a bad attitude to take.

 

 

I don't think anyone was complaining about the links, more pointing out something that has probably not been noticed and just been that way since during the war

[Brian M. Veteran]

I don't really see the problem with them. 

 

It's no secret that we have links with Stardock (our own about page says "Neowin LLC is part owned by Stardock (40%)") and they're in a very unobtrusive place - in fact, until I saw this thread - I didn't even know they existed.

[Dick Montage]

Hence my point of making MORE of a deal of them, push the Stardock thing.  Firstly it's more transparent, and secondly it gives Stardock a better return :)