Archive for June, 2006

…because she never comments here anymore. (Courtesy of Cute Overload.)

For all you non-Squidooers, there’s been quite a controversy stirred up by the abrupt switch (made without notice) in AdSense placement on user-created lenses a few weeks back. (Whew!) In the midst of seemingly universal opposition (outside of the Squidoo offices, of course), they have announced things will stay as-is until August 1st, at the earliest.

I got a note from someone who was surprised to see a competitive product at the top of his Squidoo lens. He was miffed, actually, not surprised. What surprised him is that his sales went UP after the ad appeared.

So, no promises about what happens next to our ads, other than that we’ll keep trying new things and letting you know about them and listening to your feedback. But for now I wanted to share the thinking with you.

— Seth Godin, 2 Cents on AdSense

Well, at least now we’re hearing more of the thinking behind the scenes. We’ll see what happens. Me? I figure August 1st is far enough ahead that most folks will just be tired of arguing the issue. Quite a few “lensmasters” at that point will have only ever know the ads as having top-placement on Squidoo lenses anyway. Maybe it’s just not worth it…

I can’t help but wonder about a project that, just a month or two out of beta, is already selling out and ignoring their biggest fans and promoters.

(I’m re-posting because of all the changes, bugs, etc. that have gotten tossed in the mix since Monday. For the latest updates, be sure to check the MMA 10 Giveaway category page!)

I’ve got two (2) copies of Mickey Mouse Adventures #10 (on sale July 5th) to give away! Here’s how to enter:

1. Visit the Mickey Mouse Adventures lens at Squidoo.
2. In the section highlighing Mickey Mouse Adventures #10, find the “win a free copy!” link and click on it.
3. Fill out your name and e-mail address (required), type “The Farce Is With Me!” in the message box, and send it in!
4. You can get an additional entry if you have a blog: just link to this post! (Be sure to include your blog’s URL in the contact form when you enter — that way I know who to credit.)

This contest is open to U.S. residents only. Entries must be received by June 30, 2006. Winners will be selected at random on July 1st. I’ll post the results here, and winners will be notified via e-mail. If you win, I’ll need your mailing address so I can send you your book (via USPS Priority Mail). If you include it with your entry (in the “Contact the Lensmaster” message box), I can send the books out that much quicker!

Ah, irony.

(This post is now out-of-date! Check for the latest updates in the Contest category!)

Gemstone Publishing (that’s where I work) puts out a bunch of Disney comic books each month, including two 128-page manga-size series: Donald Duck Adventures and Mickey Mouse Adventures. This month, I’ve got two (2) copies of Mickey Mouse Adventures #10 (on sale July 5th) to give away! Here’s how to enter:

1. Visit the Disney Comics: This Month Mickey Mouse Adventures lens at Squidoo. (Oy vey! Squidoo accidently deleted the lens! No fear, I’ve got a backup…)
2. In the section highlighing Mickey Mouse Adventures #10, find the “win a free copy!” link and click on it.
3. Fill out your name and e-mail address (required), type “The Farce Is With Me!” in the message box, and click “Send”!
4. If you have a blog, spread the word and you’ll get an additional entry by linking to this post! (Just include your blog’s URL in the contact form when you enter — that way I know who to credit.)

UPDATE: This contest is open to U.S. residents only. (Sorry I didn’t specify that sooner!)

Entries must be received by June 30, 2006. Winners will be selected at random on July 1st. I’ll post the results here, and winners will be notified via e-mail. If you win, I’ll need your mailing address so I can send you your book (via USPS Priority Mail). If you include it with your entry (in the “Contact the Lensmaster” message box), I can send the books out that much quicker!