"The Myth of "Driving Up Hits"" Topic

Just a quick note here to set the record straight.

From time to time, people accuse me of deliberately creating "situations" on TMP, in order to drive up hits, so that I can make more money.

For example, quoting from someone's blog:

It was because I understand how Bill's advertising system works.

It's not a "pay per click" system like if you advertise on Google. It's a weighted views system. So the more views your ad gets, the more you pay each month.

This is simply incorrect. You can read about our advertising rates here: TMP link Our advertising revenue is not tied to website hits.

So I wish people would bid this myth adieu – it's not true.

While I am grateful for the number of hits this website gets, I have never worried about doing anything unusual to somehow gin up the numbers. My belief has always been that by providing good service, we earn hits.

The blogger also accuses me of reporting his email account as spam. I guess it was just one of those coincidences. I certainly didn't report him to anyone.

He then writes:

His activities as "Monty Schwab", running a blog where he pays ladyboys to share intimate stories is just plain weird and shows what a ed up individual he generally is.

Yes, I run a blog for transgendered Filipinos. Yes, they are paid for their articles. They can write about whatever they want to write about. Those of us who work on that blog are proud of it.

Bill needs to shape up, or sell it and retire.

Bill, your time is coming.

I learned tonight that my friends' grown daughter passed away unexpectedly. So yes, my time is coming, and so is yours, and so is everyone's. I pray every day that I can accomplish good in this world, that I can grow this company, that I can provide a decent job to another person who deserves it, that I can help someone who needs just a bit extra for food, for a utility bill, or maybe some direction in their life, or just a listening ear. I keep thinking, if only I had a bit more money, I could help lift that person out of poverty so they could earn money to feed themselves, or send someone else to school, or give someone a reason not to take a bad life path.

I'm sorry this anonymous blogger detests me. He's wrong about me. He has the right to his opinion. I'll carry on anyway. TMP's best years lie ahead of us.

You're raking up the big bucks with those rates! ;)

Bill, there are a lot of jerks in the world, and the Internet gives them all more voice than they deserve.

You do you, whatever that looks like. I appreciate this site a great deal, and the rest of your life is irrelevant to me (unless you are a serial killer or lawyer).

'em.

Bill, I need a serious answer (which I believe you will give)…is any of the money earned from this site, particularly supporting membership fees, used to support the transgendered blog in any way?

I have been coming to this site for about 18 years or so because I like reading about new miniatures, rule sets, terrain making, etc. I think you do a great job running a site which I check daily. I rarely post, and do not care about your private life. What you do with the profits made here are your business. I will continue reading the posts that seem interesting, and ignore the rest.

Thanks Bill for making this site happen.

Eric

Bill, I need a serious answer (which I believe you will give)…is any of the money earned from this site, particularly supporting membership fees, used to support the transgendered blog in any way?

The blog is separate from TMP. The costs are low, and do not come from TMP.

I think responding to calumny on other sites here just muddies the water.

You are a strange and somewhat mysterious man, Bill. I've been on TMP for over twelve years. Currently this is the only forum I bother to post on or read from. As long as you are not what Mserafin said, or a child molester, or someone who talks in the theater, or into incest, or folk dancing, I couldn't care less either about your private life….

I think responding to calumny on other sites here just muddies the water.

I'm sort of "damned if I do, and damned if I don't" – I'd rather answer it and get it out in the open. I don't think any waters are muddy – the blogger is simply WRONG.

The author was happy to mention member names without divulging his own. Enough said.

You are a strange and somewhat mysterious man, Bill.

Strange? I don't think so. I lead a fairly normal life. I'm a pretty happy guy.

Mysterious? I've worked in the gaming industry all my life, so much of my life is known to you guys, from Steve Jackson Games to Origin to Electronic Arts and so forth. TMP link

Ah, but it isn't the gaming part of you that is mysterious. It's that private life part that we couldn't care less about that is mysterious….

It's that private life part that we couldn't care less about that is mysterious….

Again, not particularly mysterious. Married 28 years. No kids. Wargamer. Movie addict. Lover of history.

And you lived in TOOELE? I never knew that one. Right across the Oquirrh Mountains, I was hosting games in my house, apparently at the same time. Peter Vernon and Jay Collier live in Tooele, both have gamed at my house in years past. Small world….

And you lived in TOOELE?

Yes, I am a descendant of pioneers there… on my mother's side. On my father's side, Oregon pioneers.

My God. Some people can not just let things go. Makes me wonder why that there is so much animosity towards Bill personally and TMP in general. I have been here for over ten years and have stuck around through all the brew-ups.And it looks like alot comes from those who are disgruntled at being banned or have had their accounts locked for various reasons or even just because their buddies have been.And even when their moral sensitivities get hurt.But I couldn't care less as to why really.Just wish they could be more of an adult and just stop.

Bill, there's a saying out there "haters, gonna hate" I think that applies to this situation. Don't worry about what some people, say or think. As long as you're not hurting anyone else, and you believe your in the right, more power to you.

Keep doing what you do best, ignore the rest.

Bill, two quotes from a couple of first class presenters I have been to:

1) Those who offend us are not worth the energy we spend worrying about it.
2) Don't let them live in your head rent free.

Bill, I am thankful for this site, visit it everyday, and hope the revenue makes you a living. Someone has to be able to make a living in the world of miniature wargaming. So keep up the good work and don't let the haters get you down! However, if you ARE in fact, into folk dancing then there will be heck to pay…

Quite frankly, live your life as you see fit and the hell with anyone who doesn't like it.

Bill,

There is a saying in Spanish: "Ladran, luego cabalgamos". It means that when you achieve something relevant (TMP is relevant to the gaming community) you are bound to suffer verbal abuse from those who envy your success. So, don't let them get under your skin.

Everything you do, no matter how innocent or well-meant can and will be used by somebody to beat you over the head with.

I echo the sentiments here, I enjoy the site and come here everyday, and I really could not care less about what Bill does or doesn´t do with the money he makes from TMP.
And to put my money where my mouth is, I have just renewed my membership.

Thanks, guys! I appreciate the support.

Don't worry about it Bill. Don't waste your energy on people who are against you.

Same same. Enjoy the site. Keep doing what brings happiness to yourself and others.

To echo a prior post, 'eff'em.

Life is too short to waste one's energy on negative people.

Bill keep doing what you have been doing re enhancing and managing TMP and ignore the banal.

He's just trying to "drive up hits" and you guys fell for it.

Doing a good job Bill. Thanks for doing it.

martin

Frankly, I've had so much fun on the site, I don't even care if some of what's been suggest WERE true!

Just as long he's never worked for Microsoft. That WOULD be too much!

Doug

Keep up the good work, Bill.

Let me share two things I'm happy about.

First, I'm so happy that Editors Claire and Julia have been able to do a complete update of the Manufacturers Directory! We sent an email to every company that had an email address that we knew of, and the editors went through hundreds of updates – the Directory is up to date once again!

That's on the wargaming front. Now let me talk about the humanitarian front. There's a young lady who would like to work for TMP. She has a job now, but the economy is poor, and many days she makes no money. She's the breadwinner for her entire family. I don't have money to hire her right now. But I heard they were out of food, so I slipped her a little money for groceries – and she was able to buy a chicken for her mother to cook! She was so happy! Of course, that money came out of my own pocket, but I wouldn't have money in my pockets if it wasn't for all of you that support TMP.

That's very good of you, Bill.

Would it be out of line to mention my "favourite" charity?

Mercy ships.

mercyships.org

I give as much as I can. Could I ask some of you to consider it, too? It's a very productive means of helping the less fortunate.

Bill is such a nice person… I am so happy that I am one of his Editors. I am also working hard to help the company grow, for us to be able to support ourselves. Thank you so much.

Have a nice day Everyone! :)

Thanks to Gwen, too! She works mostly behind the scenes, but the advertisers know who she is…

After 6 months of not posting, on a whim I decided to check my account today, I was amused to see my account had gone to sleep – Zzz. So I thought I'd temporarily wake it. Not that much has changed in TMP in that time unfortunately, so back to sleep, oh poor, unused, account, wake you again in 6 months.

But one point for Editor Bill: Are you trying to upset your vegetarian supporting members, by so callously celebrating the future death of a chicken? Killing little metal men on the wargames table is one thing, but slaughtering an innocent chicken! Oh my, this is terrible….. Oh, the humanity!

Are you trying to upset your vegetarian supporting members, by so callously celebrating the future death of a chicken?

Most of us live in parts of the world where we can joke about hunger. But in the Philippines, if you run out of money for whatever reason… hunger is real.

Temporarily re-awoken, as Editor Bill has taken the trouble to respond, so a second post before full hibernation (sorry Tango01 if you posted some witty response to my post, but I choose not to read any of yours,something made easier by the setup of this site).

To some of us, in the parts of the world you refer to, charity is something we do for its own sake, for others that is not the only motive. If you are seriously concerned about helping a family in the Philippines who is at starvation point, perhaps I would have felt more enthusiastic about your posting if you had also promoted a charity that supports ALL those of every background and community in the Philippines who are in need, not just highlighted one case where a comparatively rich American plays saviour to a grateful poor family overseas.

Most reputable charities nowadays aim to provide a long term solution. Yes its great to help fund the purchase of a chicken, but to lay eggs and provide an ongoing source of protein. If emergency food is needed, a bulk starch commodity like flour or rice will provide more sustenance for the same money. Research and link to an inclusive charity in the Philippines, and many more people would tip their hat to you, myself included.

Off to hibernation, probably for a very, very, very long winter.

Zzzzzz

…perhaps I would have felt more enthusiastic about your posting if you had also promoted a charity that supports ALL those of every background and community in the Philippines who are in need, not just highlighted one case where a comparatively rich American plays saviour to a grateful poor family overseas.

I'm less enthusiastic about institutional charities than you are, and more enthused about micro-charities that are efforts directly from individuals to individuals.

Note also that the long-term goal is to provide this individual with a JOB, but I don't have the funds for that now; the food assistance was merely emergency assistance.

As for whether the charitable efforts are inclusive or not… well, I try to help those who are within my circle of friends. That's my "world." Those are the people I know well enough to be able to help. I'm sorry if you think I am deliberately "excluding" anyone.

Best keep politics, religion, and life style out of any hobbies, they do not mix! Thanks Bill for providing the site for all these years and "getting rich?" lol this is Wargames!

Seems a rather strange thread to revive after more than 2 years, wonder what motivated vonkluge to post – is there something I've missed that makes it relevant again?

The Myth of "Driving Up Hits"

What next ? No Bigfoot, Nessie, Little Gray Aliens, etc. !!!!!

Coming into this very late – and somewhat puzzled by the whole thing – I would just like to say that I have also campaigned with, and worked alongside, people of very diverse gender identities and sexuality backgrounds and I have no issue with any person, who is also a wargamer, being involved with or supporting diverse individuals or groups.

I am even more perplexed that the Filipino issue even crept into this debate as a subject at all as in: "What does this have to do with the price of fish?"

I must praise the editor for dealing with this is an open-handed and matter-of-fact manner and, unless anyone else has anything else to throw into this increasingly strange arena, would it now be time to lock this thread down and we all move on to something a little more 'on-topic'?

Barry

Warspite1: "What does this have to do with the price of fish?"

What does that even mean? And how would that be a Filipino-specific thing?

Interesting thread necromancy too. I guess I missed it when it first came out, or it might have happened back awhile, when I was taking a one-year voluntary hiatus from TMP.

Anyway, I didn't know for sure that Bill ran "a blog for transgender Filipinos" until now. Or that he even used an alias ("Monty Schwab"). I thought it was all just gossip.

So, just curious, is the work not open to other Filipinos then, such as straights?

Dan

"What does this have to do with the price of fish?" is a British expression which means the subject is irrelevant. If two people are arguing about taxes and one then blames high taxes on the weather, the colour red or blonde hair the standard response is: "What does that have to do with the price of fish?" :)

Barry

"What does it have to do the price of tea in china?" An American expression. Same meaning.

Or my favorite, "Who gives a Rat's ?!?