I am looking to get some feedback for www.backcountrysecrets.com. Specifically I would like to know if you feel the ads are too distracting. If so what would you do different with the ads or what ad service would you use? Note: Everything on the site is free to end users so I have to make money using the ads somehow.
Better put your right ad before top contributors not in the middle of content because many visitors feel unpleasant with ads in the middle of content
I disagree with you both. Having an ad unit in the middle of the content works very well and attracts a lot of clicks. It definitely doesn't make visitors feel "unpleasant". Kadesmith, I'd recommend you switch from Bidvertiser to AdSense, or if you've been banned by Google, switch to AdBrite or AdEngage. Bidvertiser is the worst of the top PPC programmes and you'll find that CTR will be very low due to the unrelated ads.
after 20 seconds waiting i gave up, i'm from Belgium maybe the distance is to far to get a fast connection
im no expert on ad placement or anything, but i really do like your site and think it is a great idea. the only comment i would make is in the search section (find hot spots) it might be worthwhile to add search by zip code too.