For forums, how much ads is too much ads?

I am just wondering for those who hang out in forums, how much ads do you think is too much and will turn away from a forum???
Is the ads block (like a leaderboard ad block) right after the first post on each page too much???
Do you like to see big leaderboard on top of the forum or would that turn you away from a forum???
A lot of forum owners get greedy and overdo it with ads everywhere.
I want to strike the right balance and be able to earn money from my forum and at the same time, not annoy too much my visitors.

 

you've got to find the balance that is right for you and right for your visitors.. in my forums area i have one skyscraper.. i could put more, but it's important to me not to get that greedy/spammy look.. for members I dont display any ads..

 

If placed correctly so that it's aesthetically pleasing, it should be ok. Just remember to read Google's terms of service concerning adsense. I believe (unless they've changed it) that you can only have maximum 4 adsense codes (blocks) on one page. So, max 4 for content, 3 content.. 1 search, 2 content.. 1 search.. 1 refferal and so on. But DO double check this figure before taking my word for it

 

i think you should have 3 code is better

 

start with 1 under the first post!

 

It all depends on the size, placement and noise on banners. We can't really give you a 100% correct answer on this.

Try experimenting with different adplacement, and remember to ask your users if it's ok on your way. If you upset your users, your adplacement won't matter anyways when your users are gone..

 

One block should be enough after the first post. If there are less ads on the page, Google will show the more valuable ads.

 

I've found the most successful placement so far is a Large Rectangle just under the nav bar, with a CPM network large rectangle next to it to even it out (and gain "free" money - yay!).

For signed in users, just a leaderboard under the navbar seems unobtrusive enough.

The Large Rectangle makes about 80% of the total days adsense income...

 

Feel free to check out my ad placement.

I've experimented quite a bit and found that my current layout is effective, whilst not being "too intrusive" as to cause annoyance to my users.

Link: http://www.noddegamra.co.uk/forum/

if you spam your forum with too many ads, or if they get in the way of usability, you will lose a lot of members (or not gain any). It takes a carful balance.

good luck

 

a side bar add and an add after each post (on a blog) is enough for me

 

I use all 3 and both my search boxes on my forum.

 

Since forums are acommunities, its members are not too keen to be exposed to too many ads. This is one reason whe there are premium membership without ads.

 

Use what DP has on here, it's a good balance in my opinion.

 

I've seen people try to do Adsense or another advertiser after every post. It was like reading one of those women's magazines where there is 5 ads for every one page of actual content. It was a new forum, and needless to say they never got off the ground.