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Wow Banner Ads That Do Not Suck
We all know banner ads that suck. This go without mention and for all I care they and their creators can burn in hell for their sins against reasonable online advertising and digital graphic design.
But banner ads do not have to suck by nature. It is rare but it is wholly possible to make a banner ad that is worth looking at and actually adds content to the site.
The best web comics out there are Penny Arcade and Player VS Player. Here is how they got banner ads right.
1. Both comics run almost exclusive banner ads that were created by the site's designer
2. The subject matter is appropriate for the sites readers. There are no ads for vodka, cable de-scramblers or newbie targeted products. They do not insult the reader.
3. The ads are custom made for that site and are directly targeted at the reader instead of the shot gun approach of buying a lot of space for a generic ad.
4. The ads feature the art style and characters that are native to the site. This is not product placement in the strip story-line but it is endorsement in a way that is not disruptive to the comic.
5. No flashing banner punch the monkey ads.
6. No giant flash overlays or interstitials that take up half the screen.
7. No popup or pop under windows.
Jake at April 22, 2003 
WebDev
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Comments
cool. I like those because they are funny....oh damn i pissed myself.
Posted by: pete at April 22, 2003 4:20 PM
hehe...too much! and very savvy...i like it! :-D
Posted by: Lilly at April 22, 2003 6:52 PM
WHAT!? You mean there are still sites out there that DO NOT CARRY J-LIST ADS!? I will notify my attorneys at once! This nonsense and poppycockery shall not be permitted to continue any longer!
Posted by: A very irate walrus at April 27, 2003 2:42 PM
