Website ownership, new software delay, and ads
 

[Update at bottom of post - 2023-07-09]

Dear AnimeOTK users. A lot to cover today.

First and foremost, it’s well past time that I announce that over two years ago I was handed over complete control of all the websites on the AnimeAI network by AI, at which point he disappeared. I had planned to share this news after upgrading the site to the Xenforo database software, but that upgrade never materialized. Since taking over, there have been no significant changes to the websites, except for minor functionality updates and the addition of the Artificially Generated image sections. I want to assure you that our websites will remain the same places you care for and love.

While I’d really love to get our sites updated now and get all the little problems fixed, I’ve been checking into our software and have some unfortunate news. Many aspects, particularly the image software that primarily drives our websites, are more antiquated than I anticipated. Converting them to new software will require a lot more work than initially expected. This doesn't mean it won't happen; it simply means it will be more challenging than I had hoped.

We are still receiving some donations through Patreon, which is very appreciated and helps the site stay up by covering server costs and other related fees. However, at the moment, for multiple reasons, it is not nearly enough to help fund the conversion to new software. Additionally, there are concerns about the viability of Patreon as a platform in the near future due to other factors.
If we can demonstrate that regular donations are worthwhile, such as users pledging at least an additional $200 per month for a year (but please, only make a promise if you are certain you can fulfill it), I will work harder to explore other platforms like SubscribeStar or alternative options. However, based on past indications, I don't expect donations alone to generate a substantial amount of money. I would love to be proven wrong, though!

Considering these circumstances, I have decided to reintroduce ads to our websites on a trial basis to assess their potential income. I will conduct multiple experiments over several weeks, including ad placements at the top and bottom of the site. During the testing phase, VIP Donators will also see ads for at least a week. To support the site and help us gather accurate ad revenue estimates, I kindly request that you disable your ad blockers, at least during this test period. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

If ad revenue proves to be significantly helpful, I will seek input from our community on software suggestions for the future before making any decisions. If anyone has substantial experience in the field and can recommend software other than XenForo or assist with the migration process, your insights would be invaluable at that time.

We are also assessing our current moderator situation and considering the addition of more moderators if needed. I will provide further updates on this matter as we gather more information.

Thank you for your attention, and I appreciate your continued support as we navigate these challenges.

Sincerely,
Akuma

[Update 2023-07-09]

Testing out exoclick network since google adsense does not support NSFW sites. I tried to place the banner where there was just blank space before. I will be playing around with its settings and placement in the coming days and have not decided on a permanent ad network.

Akuma, If push comes to shove (and I'm provided with a link to AOTKs patreon page), I could for 3 months, pledge USD 200 per month, yes it would put some strain on my finances, but that is why I only offered to make this pledge for 3 months. If you are looking for a longer term pledge (over 1 year) then my monthly pledge limit is around USD 50 per month (to not put any strain on my finances).

PS: could you also share with us how many of the USD 200 you mentioned when you made your post have already been covered by other users ? (If any).

Thank you very much for offering, but I'd really rather no-one strain themselves financially to help. Nothing will be "lost" ATM if there are no more donations, but all donations would help out a lot.

The combined user donations of $200/month request was just to see if it would be worth setting up a subscribestar (or something similar).

I can send you to our patreon page on Monday if you'd still like to help. Thanks.

Akuma, after paying all my bills I'm left with around USD 500 of which I only need around USD 200 for food, so I'm still left with USD 300 to spend anywhere I want to, now granted, using 200/300 would leave me with "only" USD 100 left for spending with mobile gaming and things like these, but that's not really essential, which is why I said it would only put SOME strain on my fincances, as opposed to being something I can't afford ... that being said, I do prefer to, if possible pay only USD 50/month since it would still leave me a bigger margin for these usually variable spendings.

PS: besides these USD 300 I do have a certain % of my wage that I leave untouched in my bank account each month to use for unplanned spendings (e.g.: if car breaks down, or I need to go to the doctor)

As for subscribestar, I never used it and don't know how it works, but the above mentioned USD 300 that are "left" for me to spend, is the money that goes into my PayPal account each month, so if subscribestar doesn't accept payment through PayPal, then I'd be unable to keep supporting AOTK (if patreon closes and only subscribestar remains).

and yes, I'd like to be sent a link to AOTKs patreon page, if it's not too troublesome for you, since I couldn't find it after searching (maybe animeotk or akuma are not the keywords I needed to search, but then what would that keyword be ?)

50/month would be great. You're the first person to offer so its not enough for me to try getting subscribestar setup (unless patreon does end up kicking us off, so then I'd have to do it no matter what), but we can route you to the patreon still. I'm waiting until Monday to see if anyone else is willing to help out too.

I just wanted to say thank you to Akuma for taking on the management of these sites. I know ad revenue can be annoying for users but I think it’s a worthwhile way to keep the sites running without putting strain on any individuals.

While I’m not comfortable with committing to any monthly or annual recurring payments if I know of specific goals needing to be met I’d be open to a one time contribution to help meet said need or goal.

I have not been very active in recent years and am not sure how active I will be able to be in the future, but this site was a formative and supportive place for me and I hope it can continue to be that for others. Thanks again for all you are doing.

Your welcome, and thanks for the offer. I'm more looking for permanent revenue streams though at the moment.

i fully support ads if it brings some revenue. most free nsfw sites these days have much, much worse ads than a couple of banners. what you've done so far is tasteful and unobtrusive.

even if the ad money doesn't amount to enough for software upgrades, you certainly deserve to make a few bucks for the work you do.

Hopefully the adds will be enough I've herd that ad rates are the worst anyones ever seen because so many tech news sites were cooking the books and faking there numbers.

Yeah, the current ads I have up aren't gonna cut it. I'll be taking them down and trying something else. Maybe I just picked a bad service but so far hopes are pretty dashed of ads generating any real revenue.