In general, I don't mind ads and sponsored links as long as they are not annoying (e.g. rapidly flashing reds and yellows), and as long as they are relevant (I've seen a lot of sponsored links that are completely irrelevant to the web page or search I had requested), then they're not that bad a thing. While I don't like pushy marketing, I also understand the need for at least some modest passive marketing.

Besides, some of the companies you already link to, such as AOR and the LEF, may be hard to find on accident if one is not looking for them, so it's nice to have the links. And the money is going to a good cause, so that helps make it more palatable as well.

But I have decent bandwidth, so I'm not as affected as people on dialup.

[Posted by: Jay Fox at November 13, 2004 3:00 AM]

I agree with Jay. I don't like ads that: move, flash, make sounds, or pop up. But I have no problem with Google text-only ads.

I would love to see more advertising on this site if it (i) supports the blog, (ii) supports the Methuselah Mouse Prize, and/or (iii) supports companies like AOL and LEF. These latter promote "vitamin milkshakes" but also remain committed to life extension--whether that is accomplished through milkshakes or gene therapy.

[Posted by: Kip Werking at November 13, 2004 9:06 AM]

As long as I know a) that the money is truly going to support the prize and b) that the advertisers are vetted to be of interest to the readership and are not selling junk that promises to help you lose weight by eating eclairs as fast as you can, I'm for it. Thus, you would need to continue to exercise "editorial control" of the sponsors. This would be appreciated by the viewers and would make the placement of sponsor's info of much greater value and cachet - thus increasing the value proposition to the sponsor as well.

[Posted by: David Gobel at November 13, 2004 2:45 PM]

As the guy who is picking up the checks, one would hope you are noticing the monies coming in to the prize fund :)

[Posted by: Reason at November 13, 2004 4:46 PM]

Certainly the checks are coming in and they go straight to the prize fund :-) I was answering your question as a civilian - not wearing my Foundation hat.

[Posted by: David Gobel at November 13, 2004 8:06 PM]

I agree with most of the comments concerning the advertising. If it is not annoying, is relavent and not just hype then I say go for it. I like the fact that revenues would support the Methuselah Mouse Prize fund.

[Posted by: Guy Bryant at November 15, 2004 7:05 AM]