Google Ads has become a non-insignificant contributor to the bottom line here at HeroMachine Central. As of yet I haven't put any ads in the actual apps themselves (the big blank white box in the upper right corner). The only way I can figure out how to place them there means that the ad is still present when you go to "widescreen" mode.
So my question is, how irritating would that be? You'd still be able to output the image in widescreen format without the ad being there, but online it would be present.
How would it look? I’ve had to use wide screen mode and a screen cap utility a couple times to grab an image when the export function wouldn’t work quite right. (While exporting, it kept shifting the picture up and chopping the top off.)
It would look like it does now, only there’d be a big fat 300×250 ad squatting in the screen right where it is when it’s not in widescreen mode.
Does this mean extremely annoying pop up video ads?
It might be a nuisance to me, but I doubt it would affect me all that often. I don’t spend a lot of time in widescreen mode as is. Having said, how important would it be to have an ad in that box anyway? I wouldn’t click on it while my mind is in creation mode (at least I wouldn’t click on it deliberately). And as far as i can recall, the box was there because Ugo wanted somewhere to place ads like they had on HM2 before it. And as I recall, I got pretty annoyed when those ads were expandable, and spoiled over into the creation area itself.
Just a few thoughts on the matter.
I don’t use the export feature as it still cuts off to much for my taste and take screen shots instead, the ad in the middle of the widescreen would have a major impact on my enjoyment of the app.
These would just be standard Google ads, so no crazy Flash stuff going on. It’s the same thing you see in the right column on the rest of the blog, but that isn’t there on the one-column app pages.
Meh, if it pays the bills.
Well as long as it doesnt hide any of the screen on Wideveiw so we could still work in Widescreen if we have too. And As long as it wasn’t video ads that turn themselves on and you can’t turn off. And I do say this as a guy who wants to buy a copy when that is an available optin, for times I can’t or don’t want to get online.
I haven’t been using the whole “canvas” for my pics in awhile, but to lose that option would be annoying. I also do not use the export function and lean on screen grabs instead. I find I have more control over the pic. Just think, your next “winged” character or villain with the dark flowing cape….is now pimping viagra or whatever local dating site is popular today. I understand you have to pay the bills, but is there a better location for the ads? My 2 cents….
Hey as long as were talking about facebook why dont you guys add me and play Marvel game with me? I made a page just for my apps, search for formyfacebookapps, I will be the guy with the flaming “F” I like to try different apps out without messing up my personal page. As far as ads go, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of me machining its cool.
Well, that sounds a bit annoying.
But I think a little annoyance is still a low price to pay to keep this awesome project running 🙂
What about paying for the program instead?
Well if it helps pay the bills, and it’s not annoying flash, video or audio, I say let’s do it and take a look 🙂
Besides, I’m poor. I’d gladly pay for the program if I could (And I did in the past) but right now things are tight, and a little annoyance could be put up with.
Well, I do sometimes work in widescreen, so it probably would get in the way a bit. I usually use export, but if it’s a large piece or something I’ll printscreen, and it could end up as a bit of an annoyance.
Ummmm–Jeff? Would they pay to use that spot from entry till pic making begins? It might be possible to include the ad in the startup options, while people tarry, unable to decide for however long, whether to continue a piece or start fresh. . .that way it couldn’t block anything and might actually be welcome to whoever has artist’s block. Also, some sponsors like Google might pay you to keep them on ‘toggle’ for those artists who have to double check thru Google whether certain design choices have already been done . . . and I wouldn’t mind ads in the forums at all.
@ Jeff – Just noticed when using the program that when you use the copy paint icon in the “Color” field, you don’t have the normal window that pops up to turn it off. You don’t get any window and to turn it off you have to click the copy paint icon again.
Good catch, thank you! I’ve corrected the problem and updated the app, it ought to be working normally again.
Thanks to everyone for your feedback. I think until I can have a download option available I’ll keep the ads out of the application itself.
I tend to do screenshots instead of exports so, seriously annoying. I’d sooner buy the program like I did with V1