*UPDATE* Notice of Closure. No Not Me!
- By Tracy Ames
- Published March 16, 2011
Tracy Ames
My name is Tracy Ames. I’m an author of interracial erotic fiction. My stories are a sensual feast for your senses; mind, body and soul.
I began writing short stories for monthly newsletters and, believe it or not, my friends. After much encouragement, I’m ready to offer you a taste of what only a few have previously savored.
A native of the San Francisco Bay area, I currently split time between Greenwich CT & New York City with my husband, children and a host of pets.
Facebook
Myspace
I fancy myself by thinking you miss me when I’m not around. In truth, I know you’re quite happy my ramblings have ceased. Well, I’m back!!
As you know, the site is growing. We’re averaging 700+ new visits a day. Daniel, Greg, and my SEO guys have been pressuring me to sale ad space. I don’t like flashy banners and ad pop-ups because it looks porn-ish and cheesy. Well, advertisers are beating down the door again.
Why are advertisers beating down your door, Tracy?
Good question. Let’s break down:
According to studies, the average person spends 5secs on a site. Thanks to my SEO guys and big pimping Google, my average visits last over 5mins. This doesn’t seem like a long time to you and I, however, in marketing terms, it huge. This is why advertisers are vying for slots....they want their stuff seen by my readers.
Here’s the drill over the past three years:
SEO streamline site
Google likey, move Tracy to the top of the search pages, more invisibility
More visitors staying a long time
Long time gets advertisers attention, they want in, contact Tracy
Tracy says ‘No thank you’
Advertisers wait a month, contact Tracy again
Tracy says ‘Beat it!’
Advertisers show Greg and Daniel the $$$, tell Tracy she’s sitting on a goldmine
Tracy gives everyone the finger and closes negotiations.
I don’t like blinking banners, sparkling ads and music playing. There’s nothing wrong with it—it’s simply not my taste. Several site use ads to generate money but I’m not in it for the money. But I can’t speak for everyone else. So last year, I asked my fellow Nut Bunchers how they felt about ads and/or switching to paid membership only.
You guessed it! They hated the idea mainly because it put pressure on them to constantly produce new work and most of them have other demands. Yay! By sticking to my guns, I’d made the right decision for both myself and my authors.
Erotica Republic, an erotic story submission site, opened its door shortly after me. January 31st they closed their doors. No warning, just gone. The upkeep on the site was continuing to take more time and effort, but due to other obligations they could not give it the proper attention it deserves. They sold a lot of ad space and there are a million reasons why advertisers pulled out pull out.
I don’t want that to happen to my site. InterracialErotica.net is my baby. I’ve nursed her from birth. I’ve watched her grow from a sapling to the beast she is today. She can’t be bought for any amount of money. I won’t allow advertisers or anyone else dictated how I rear my child.
Still, I’m willing to compromise for her betterment. The guys and I are meeting with web designers—gotcha give IRE a facelift. I’ve also offered to create a links page to house the sites/businesses I frequent….think ‘Tracy’s Picks’ or “Tracy’s favorite things”. Navigating to the page lies in your hands. I won’t have any banners or ads on my landing page…Ever!
Yesterday, we met with four design teams. We weren’t impressed. Let’s hope today’s teams are better. Wish us luck!
*UPDATE*
Damn folks! After 100+ emails, I guess I should pick better titles. Just to be clear: We're NOT closing. We're NOT going anywthere. The 'Notice of Closure' was in reference to Erotica Republic NOT IRE.net. I only meant to say that my absence was due to me doing battle with my camp and that IRE.net doesn't need advertising dollars. Greg pays for everything. We're NOT going anywhere however the site will be getting a facelift.
Sorry the title freaked you out. Holy crap! You should see the emails pouring in. I love you guys so much, really I do.
As you know, the site is growing. We’re averaging 700+ new visits a day. Daniel, Greg, and my SEO guys have been pressuring me to sale ad space. I don’t like flashy banners and ad pop-ups because it looks porn-ish and cheesy. Well, advertisers are beating down the door again.
Why are advertisers beating down your door, Tracy?
Good question. Let’s break down:
According to studies, the average person spends 5secs on a site. Thanks to my SEO guys and big pimping Google, my average visits last over 5mins. This doesn’t seem like a long time to you and I, however, in marketing terms, it huge. This is why advertisers are vying for slots....they want their stuff seen by my readers.
Here’s the drill over the past three years:
SEO streamline site
Google likey, move Tracy to the top of the search pages, more invisibility
More visitors staying a long time
Long time gets advertisers attention, they want in, contact Tracy
Tracy says ‘No thank you’
Advertisers wait a month, contact Tracy again
Tracy says ‘Beat it!’
Advertisers show Greg and Daniel the $$$, tell Tracy she’s sitting on a goldmine
Tracy gives everyone the finger and closes negotiations.
I don’t like blinking banners, sparkling ads and music playing. There’s nothing wrong with it—it’s simply not my taste. Several site use ads to generate money but I’m not in it for the money. But I can’t speak for everyone else. So last year, I asked my fellow Nut Bunchers how they felt about ads and/or switching to paid membership only.
You guessed it! They hated the idea mainly because it put pressure on them to constantly produce new work and most of them have other demands. Yay! By sticking to my guns, I’d made the right decision for both myself and my authors.
Erotica Republic, an erotic story submission site, opened its door shortly after me. January 31st they closed their doors. No warning, just gone. The upkeep on the site was continuing to take more time and effort, but due to other obligations they could not give it the proper attention it deserves. They sold a lot of ad space and there are a million reasons why advertisers pulled out pull out.
I don’t want that to happen to my site. InterracialErotica.net is my baby. I’ve nursed her from birth. I’ve watched her grow from a sapling to the beast she is today. She can’t be bought for any amount of money. I won’t allow advertisers or anyone else dictated how I rear my child.
Still, I’m willing to compromise for her betterment. The guys and I are meeting with web designers—gotcha give IRE a facelift. I’ve also offered to create a links page to house the sites/businesses I frequent….think ‘Tracy’s Picks’ or “Tracy’s favorite things”. Navigating to the page lies in your hands. I won’t have any banners or ads on my landing page…Ever!
Yesterday, we met with four design teams. We weren’t impressed. Let’s hope today’s teams are better. Wish us luck!
*UPDATE*
Damn folks! After 100+ emails, I guess I should pick better titles. Just to be clear: We're NOT closing. We're NOT going anywthere. The 'Notice of Closure' was in reference to Erotica Republic NOT IRE.net. I only meant to say that my absence was due to me doing battle with my camp and that IRE.net doesn't need advertising dollars. Greg pays for everything. We're NOT going anywhere however the site will be getting a facelift.
Sorry the title freaked you out. Holy crap! You should see the emails pouring in. I love you guys so much, really I do.
Spread The Word
10 Responses to "*UPDATE* Notice of Closure. No Not Me!"
said this on 16 Mar 2011 8:47:54 AM CDT
Good luck. It's always a tough decision. I appreciate the no-ads aesthetic that you have going, and I'm sure fans of your baby will contribute however you need to maintain your vision here. :) Looking forward to seeing your new design.
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said this on 16 Mar 2011 9:07:56 AM CDT
Thanks BJ! IRE isn't going anywhere as long as I'm breathing. lol! Having the site is a pleasure and easy to handle even with my manic schedule. But I never want to rely on advertisers or sponsors...I can't have others dicatating what or whom I post.
As far as the money goes, I'm cool! Everything comes out of my (Greg's) pocket. The money bit has never been an issue however when the guys saw the money I could be making, the flipped out! LOL! Yes, I could be making hand over fist but I don't want my site to look like Mardi Gras. :D |
said this on 16 Mar 2011 9:55:15 AM CDT
I agree with BJ (and since We are spending Greg's money heck spend away). People, read the blog before you email-see I did it and so can you. TA you are stuck with us for the long run, your baby has out grown her pig tails, she will be fine :) whatever you decide we've got your back (and Greg's money to spend YES)
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said this on 16 Mar 2011 10:03:14 AM CDT
LOL! Greg is going to kill you. He doesn't care what we spend but once see saw what I could be making...well, you know the rest. :) I know what I'm sitting on...and I'm not moving. *Folds arms*
Girl, one of the designs put forth yesterday had falling stars. Seriously? Do I look like the falling stars type? Other had two nude people plastered across the top. *gasp* I'm erotica not porn! Greg and Daniel walked out. |
said this on 16 Mar 2011 8:56:23 AM CDT
If they demand advertising and money coming in, just put up a page of your favorite books and link to them at amazon.com. That made enough money for my old college Sci-Phy club (they used the greek letters as a poke at frats) that they could stop all dues.
However you go, glory to the power of single-ownership. Corprate atmosphere wouldn't have cared one whit about sustainability or quality. (My flamingly liberal moment.) |
said this on 16 Mar 2011 9:29:42 AM CDT
WB, I love you to death man. You always put a smile on my face. Your rants are awesome.:)
I have a suggested reading list (I have to update) with links to Amazon. I'm willing to add a links page but no ads on the landing page...ever. The indy, tree-hugger in me won't stand for it. |
said this on 16 Mar 2011 2:28:43 PM CDT
I think WB might be more snarky than me!
Maybe if you show other authors how to communicate with their fans and how to keep them interested, they will learn and try harder. (You know who I speak of.) Also the bigger your fan base the more people understand kink! Winner!! |
said this on 16 Mar 2011 3:13:35 PM CDT
LMAO! Nalo, you need help! I love communicating with my readers. You guys give me energy. Some days when I'm dog tired, then I'll open an email from someone on the other side of the world and I say 'That's why I'm here' and I'm ready to go again.
I want to take the sting away from Kink. I want people to see there's nothing wrong with them if they enjoy it, there's no shame. It's not White. It's not Black. It's Kink. |
said this on 17 Mar 2011 6:45:54 AM CDT
I found your site a few months ago and have been reading through at my leisure, even considering submitting. What I REALLY like about your site, apart from the tasteful design (of course) and hot (but not porno) pics is the lack of ads. Having ads pop up, or being glued to the sides and top of my already small laptop window just changes the idea of popping in for a quick thrill, to something a bit slimier, where I wanna go wash my hands afterwards.
So, while I understand the need to cover costs, and make a living (no shame in that), I have to put my vote behind the commentor who recommended that amazon link. Judging from your reactions to the design teams, lol, I can be sure that whatever changes made will be all in good taste. So looking forward to seeing it. |
said this on 17 Mar 2011 7:23:17 AM CDT
Thank you so much and glad to have you! I wanted the site to be about the writing...not dildos and penis enlargement drugs. Aside from the stories, people come to read the blog posts (which have taken on a life of their own). So, being able to view the site in public without blinking banners (which scream 'porn') was essential.
I love the art work. The artists and photographers who keep me supplied are awesome. I want sexy art not girls sucking penis. I'm thankfully that I don't have to shoulder the burden of cost...I know others aren't as fortunate and use advertising to stay afloat. It’s simply not my cup of tea. I am willing to bend (a little) and create a links page. See? I’m flexible. |