I have a relatively popular web forum that does just over 6.5Million pageviews/month with a hefty number of unique visitors. How are people seeking out independent advertisers to fill CPM advertising slots on their site to get a decent CPM rate versus the lower-than-low rates from google and other large networks?
So, you don't want network ads? While direct ads are great, maybe something from Tribal Fusion or ADSDAQ might fill the void. They have performed the best for me on the CPM front.
Google ads are pretty much the best because it is related to your topics.You should try emailing some people on this forum and see if they are interested in working with you.
Have you placed an "Advertise" link on your site? Why do the heavy work when you can let the advertisers come to you ... With that sort of traffic youll make good cash on banner ads
you should try ADSDAQ. It allows you to name whatever cpm you want to earn. if ADSDAQ can't pay it, you can re-direct to any other network. https://www.adsdaq.com/adsdaqcreateuser.aspx as for AdSense or Tribalfusion, all are a good compliment to ADSDAQ. the thing I'd recommend is running with either one of those two, figure out what their eCPM (effective CPM - earnings per 1000 ad impressions) is and then ask ADSDAQ for 10 or 20% more. there's no reason to not work with ADSDAQ unless you have some sort of exclusivity clause. You always make AT LEAST what you were making with other ad networks.