NEWSLETTER
Hey – Just wanted to drop a quick meta post for the regulars, so we can talk about some of the issues and other things going on. So first and foremost, to those reporting some issues with their mobile experience: Please drop some comments explaining what’s going on and be as detailed as possible. Screenshots and screen recordings are useful. And please let me know what device/browser you’re using.
From what I understand, some people are seeing the page refresh automatically. I haven’t experienced that myself, but these problems can be idiosyncratic, so please let me know and we can see what’s going on.
A couple of weeks ago, we had some reports of the screen displaying weirdly for certain tablets but we were able to clear that up. If anyone is still experiencing that issue, please let me know.
Next up: Disqus. It sucks. I know. It’s not our product, and it has tons and tons of issues. I get emails every day of users asking why they’ve been banned or why their posts won’t be accepted. When in reality, it’s just a Disqus bug (not me moderating). So in the short term, if that happens try logging out, clearing your cache, quitting your browser, and logging back in.
In the long term, I am exploring options to replace Disqus entirely. There are other providers out there and I’m sick of dealing with Disqus. I have found a few, but I am also asking you guys to let me know if you use any other sites with commenting systems you like. You don’t have to know the name of the product, just drop the link to that site in the comments and I’ll check it out.
Finally, I’m going to work on an ad-free subscription option for Bleacher Nation. Whether you believe it or not, I am in a constant battle of trying to protect the user experience on this site, while ensuring we are able to monetize it in a way that lets us all keep our jobs. You can believe that or not, but that’s the reality.
Indeed, monetization has become increasingly difficult in an era where ad rates are WAY down and traffic is more difficult to come by than ever (changes to Google search, social media being crippled, AI, etc.). That’s why those deals with Ankin and Old Style are so important, for what it’s worth.
In any case, I at least want to provide an ad-free OPTION for those who really can’t deal with the ads. There will not be any articles behind a paywall ever. It’ll just be an alternative for those who want an ad-free experience of Bleacher Nation. I’m sure we’ll throw in a t-shirt from Homage or Obvious Shirts and some other perks or whatever, but the point will be the ads disappearing. I’m sure the mere mention of that option will unnerve some of you, but I really don’t think it should. This is a free site and will remain a free site if you want it to be.
To be even more transparent, the people who run Betsperts have it in their business model that BN is the “free” arm of the company, because it allows us to attract a wide user base (wider than their several subscription sites). So yes — really — BN will remain free to use no matter what. The ad-free subscription is just meant to be a benefit to users who want it. We’re a ways off from that happening, but just giving you the heads up now.
