Hi folks

I am currently looking at alternatives to our subscription model, as discussed in another thread. We currently offer a subscription account level, where you can elect to have no ads shown while logged in on Geekzone.

I am interested in testing a new paid service (currently offered for free) that allows users to visit multiple sites and have these sites not show ads - even if not logged in. Publishers get paid based on number of page views. The service is called webpass.

To make it clear:

 

• Webpass is not an adblocking service
• Webpass currently works on Chrome and Firefox desktop only
• Webpass is being designed to be a single subscription service that publishers will query when a page request comes in with special headers populated by its browser add-on
• Webpass publishers will not show ads to visitors that come with the correct headers (meaning running a browser with the webpass add-on and logged in to their webpass account)
• Webpass browser add-on needs you to be logged in
• Webpass is currently free, meaning if you join the trial you get Geekzone with no ads for free

Another interesting thing for users: like the Geekzone subscription, once we detect a visitor with webpass the pages are sent from our servers without any ad script. This means the pages are smaller and should load even faster - faster than adblocked pages in fact, if not the same.

The clear advantage for users is that a single subscription can be used in multiple sites, instead of having to worry about paying multiple subscriptions in different sites - ones that you use more others you use less. Publishers will get paid by webpass based on visits, page views, etc.

I personally think it's a great idea. The service is currently being tested so you might not find all the sites you visit there, but it's worth testing it.

I find this particularly good because of some people who says "I'd pay for Geekzone with no ads" and yet with offer this option but the uptake is low. Perhaps if people had an option for a subscription for multiple sites then it would be more valuable.

I have removed the limit of 15 people. Anyone can join now.

Requirements:

 

• Must be using Chrome or Firefox on desktop as the service requires an add-on
• Must create a (for now) free account with this service and login through the add-on
• Must post feedback here (or via PM) about page load times
• If you are a Geekzone subscriber then should go to your profile and select "Browse Geekzone with ads" since we should be able to automatically identify you're using the new service and remove ads anyway

The test will last a few weeks so we can measure satisfaction, performance, etc.

To be clear if we adopt this new service we plan to keep both the Geekzone subscription and the new service.

Interested? Click here to register for webpass and post below when you join.