I have been working on a new strategy for WebWord. As you probably know, WebWord is an important usability destination. (If this is your first day here, welcome!) My primary goal is to make WebWord the top destination for usability news, articles, reviews, and more. What does this mean? First, I want to publish a lot more material. I will be asking people to write for WebWord in exchange for excellent exposure and referral opportunities. Second, I want to give consultants, organizations, and companies the opportunity to advertise on WebWord and sponsor a wide variety of usability material. If you take a look at ClickZ, you will get an idea about how the new strategy will work. The benefits are numerous. For Webword readers, there will be more content and it will stay free. For advertisers, there is an excellent marketing opportunity. I honestly think that everyone wins.

I value your opinion. Please tell me what you think!

Edited by author 07-18-2001 03:47 AM
To be honest, I'm surprised that this service is free in the first place - such detailed market intelligence normally has a fairly hefty price tag attached. The ClickZ approach is fairly subtle - so long as any advertising conforms to this, and does not detract from the content, I find it difficult to see a problem.

I completely agree that it would be more beneficial for everybody. Giving an opportunity to those who want to contribute to your site, and those who are just waiting for something to get them started to write a few words! It would probably stirup more discussions about HOT usability issues. Just as long as the advertising is not distracting, and the site doesn't loose it's simple and straightforward look. I can't wait to see the new design! Since we benefit from the services you provide us, please let us know if we can do anything to help you!

I think it's a great idea. Your dedication to this website is very clear and by that fact alone others will stand by your side to help. On a personal note, it was your site alone that got me interested in Usability in the first place. I thank you for that.

I think it's a good idea and one that could work well. I have been reaping the benfits of your hard work for over a year, and this sounds like a great way to keep the site going strong. One question, though - how will you, or will you, regulate the ad space? Will you give advertisers the freedom to do what they want with their space, or will you limit them in any way to ensure that they keep the site's design usable and clean?

I would happy to contribute just to see my name in lights and I don't mind being told that my output is rubbish and not worthy of publication.

perhaps there could be a facility to pre-submit an article of interest, e.g What the article title is and a summary of its content before it is written.

I'm with Ian on this one... I've been absorbing all this usability and markerting knowledge for the last 8 months... I'd definitely have something to say. I also agree with Ian's title and summary method. It would make life easier for whoever's moderating this initiative. It'll also make sure that we're not rehashing old stuff.

Edited by author 07-18-2001 01:12 PM
Wow!

I did not expect such a high level of support. First, I want to thank everyone for throwing your comments here. Don't be afraid to add more to this discussion. Summary: Keep this thread alive. if you have something to say, please talk about it.

Second, I am glad that people are willing to contribute. Most of us know that usability is perceived as being aloof and out of touch with reality, or that it is not realistic. There are many talented WebWord readers -- I know because I get your emails. Your comments are awesome. Summary: Keep the email coming. Keep some our private conversations alive.

Third, I think the comments here clearly indicate that this is an opportunity for "regular folks" to contribute to the community. We can show everyone how usability is really done. Summary: Get your name in lights, as Ian states. Use this opportunity to build your resume, gain industry recognition, or get a load off your chest.

Fourth, I am trying to be as sincere as possible. I hope that the integrity is obvious. I really am trying to make this a win-win-win (you-me-advertisers). I think advertising and sponsorship will work. If nothing else, we can all build traffic and flow together and have a good time. Summary: Use the internet for what it is good for! Communicate, network, work with the medium.

Fifth, do you have other practical ideas? I like the article submission form idea. Ian, that is a great thought. I think that I can whip something up in the next few weeks.

Sixth, regarding the advertising placement, I am going to try to be very strict. Very strict! However, I haven't moved along enough in this process to know what advertisers expect. I really, really like the minimalistic Google approach. It totally makes sense here. Clearly marked text ads and sponsorships are the key. That is the hope. If you would like to advertise your business or consulting firm, let me know. Let's talk about it. If you know a lot about how to set up and manage an advertising system, let me know. Please share your knowledge! Summary: The advertising model is not yet finished. Details will be coming out in the next few weeks.

Thanks again for being here. Even if you are just reading this, it means a lot to me. If you are contributing, rock on!

A great idea! However, I would be interested in some further discussion regarding the logistics of such a website.

Upkeep of a site that contains multiple authors AND is concerned with quality vs quantity is very time-intensive. This is, I should say, assuming that the format would be more organized than other multiple-author sites (such as metafilter or slashdot).

I am also slightly concerned about the mechanics of the submission idea. As in any situation where one set of people determine who/what is discussed, there is a distinct potential for abuse. This is not to say, John, that I don't trust your judgement, but that you would most likely not be the person making the determinations - not unless you have a lot more free time than I think you do.

As you say, this has the potential to become a win-win, but I want to be certain that you think through some of the implications of your decisions before you go forward.

And now that I've said all of this, I need to say that I look forward to the changes you have proposed - it sounds exciting! You may also want to consider an area for potential authors - writing tips, subjects that have been (over)done, article ideas, upcoming themes, etc.

Edited by author 07-19-2001 02:06 AM
An excellent idea. Actually I found WebWord when searching for a ClickZ replacement. ClickZ feels quite burnt out right now. Several excellent writers have stopped and others are turning out the same-old-same-old.

As far as starting something up goes, Dana Blankenhorn (ClickZ former lead writer (ie. the only guy that wrote every day) has some articles at SitePoint which are worth reading in relation to this project, The Purpose of Visitor Registration, Membership has its Privileges and New Technologies Deliver the Branding Message.