Two comments for you. First, there was a fascinating article on Engadget with Bezos of Amazon:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/bezos-second-kindle-is-not-that-near-amazon-to-launch-paid-v/

The fascinating part: On the books that are available in both Kindle and regular versions, the Kindle versions represent 6% of total sales. I never would have guessed that Kindle was already generating that substantial a portion of total sales.

Secondly, regarding the ads. I don’t generally click on ads. However, I must admit to a deeper issue in my case — I run an adblock program and I don’t see most ads (the NAEB ad is visible on your site).

Personally, I find the use of ad-blocking programs controversial. As you know, I teach Information Systems at the University level. In my classes I discuss the role of ad sponsored content with my students. I talk about the fact that they get ‘free’ football games on TV because Nike and Pepsi have on field advertisements and commercials. I point out that they ‘pay’ for those games when they buy a $60 or even $200 pair of Nike’s. The shoes may only cost a few dollars to make, but they also include the embedded cost of all of the sponsorships that Nike makes.

Then we talk about the business model for the ‘free’ web sites. Someone has to pay the costs, and if we aren’t willing to experience advertisements then over the long run we’d better be willing to pay subscription fees or to otherwise finance the sites.

However, despite this I still admit that I use adblock software. The problem is one of ‘safety’. I have kids using my computer, and I don’t want them to click on an ad that says “your computer is infected”. Its not so much the ‘legitimate’ ads I am trying to block as it is the drive-by infections and other problems of the modern internet age.

Finally, I’ll wrap up with one piece of advice. I can’t see your Amazon ad, but I’ll make an assumption that it is some type of banner based on the comments. I’ve been out of the advertising game for the last couple of years, but it is pretty well accepted that generic banners don’t work. The key to the google model is that the ads are context-sensitive. Likewise, I wouldn’t expect Amazon ads to work unless they were more targeted.

So that means that you need to link to specific books on the Amazon web site, and explain why you are linking to them. A book review, a recommendation on a technology magazine, or even a listing for Kindle hardware. People are unlikely to click on a banner to go to Amazon. However, if they are interested in buying the “Tech Bible on Converting Ebooks to Open Formats” then its much easier to click on a link on your site and go directly to the book. If you have an article on the popularity of the Kindle, you can include a link to the product page of the Kindle in your text.

I realize that this leaves you with a dilemma in regard to maintaining your reputation vis-a-vis conflict of interest. However, it can be done. Just be above board about your need to support the site, and be above board about your reviews. Don’t simply put in random recommendations to boost revenue, and make sure you only recommend books that you really support.

Michael

I’d encourage you and others to tell me the kinds of ads you DO want to see. For what kinds of product and companies?

Thanks,
David

I think it’s my online shopping habits.

When I need something from Amazon, I have it bookmarked and habit takes me to my browser bookmarks. I rarely click on any ad I see in anyone’s banner on any site which probably make ad people cringe.

And I hope the horsemen give Amazon heck!