Announcing WCF PRO - sneak preview

By Brian Potter
June 26, 2009 11:37 AM
Filed Under: Announcements

Since the beginning of WCF one of the most common complaints we receive is about the banner ads. For years WCF readers have been telling us there are too many and they are too intrusive. We couldn't agree more. Getting rid of the banner ads would clean up the appearance, make WCF more efficient to navigate as well as make the site load faster. Also, removing the banner ads would allow us to streamline our photo galleries with Flash based controls and full screen hi-resolution images with a click of a button. However, like any publication, WCF depends on advertisements to sustain its operations. Therefore, the possibility of an ad-free WCF has never been possible... until now.

In addition to the standard WCF site you see today, starting some time this summer we plan to launch WCF PRO, an enhanced version of WCF that has several features. They include:

fast loading AD-FREE site (except videos)
fast flash photo galleries
super high-res photo sizes (1600 pixel width – whenever possible)
batch photo download
VIP member status within WCF Social community
Formula 1 high-res photos (1200 pixel width – whenever possible)

Formula 1 Pitbabes high-res photos (1200 pixel width)

Perhaps you've already noticed, this article page is a sample of what will be offered in WCF PRO. In addition to the absence of banner ads, the photo album is now positioned at the top with fast scrolling thumbnails which are controlled simply by hovering your mouse. One click and the entire album goes full screen with super high-res images. On this article page just above the photo album is a link to download all images in the album via a pre-prepared zip file.

Since the end of 2008, WCF has been covering Formula 1 quite heavily with approximately 10 stories per day. As one of the first content enhancements for WCF PRO we are proud to announce the addition of professional F1 photography in high-res with most F1 stories.

To compensate for the lack of ad revenue, access to WCF PRO will be on a monthly subscription basis only. More details regarding pricing options will be announced at launch.

The WCF PRO features listed above represent the initial base package. Hopefully, if well received by WCF readers, additional exclusive content such as supercar test drives and videos as well as exclusive spy photos will be added.

WCF PRO is intended as an alternate viewing option for those who wish to have an enhanced WCF experience. The standard ad supported WCF site as you see it today will remain the same.

As always, we depend on your feedback. Please sign in and add your comments below and tell us what you think about the WCF PRO concept. We also welcome your emails via: feedback[at]worldcarfans.com

Note: If you are having difficulties viewing the flash gallery please make sure you have the latest Adobe Flash Player 10 plugin installed in your browser. If difficulties continue please let us know what operating sytem and browser version you are using.

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Tags: WCF Pro

Check out WCF PRO high speed photo gallery now! (12 comments
Introducing WCF PRO (21 comments

Comments

June 26, 2009 11:56 AM

faster photo loading is a plus. now it is ssssslow in looking at pics Onnne by Onnnne.

"VIP member status within WCF Social community" - so kids can shout at each other and feel like an VIP.

BrianWCF

June 26, 2009 1:05 PM

I strongly urge everyone to read the article above completely before making comments or asking questions.

We're already receiving confused emails/comments asking about details already addressed above.

The purpose of WCF PRO:

"WCF PRO is intended as an alternate viewing option for those who wish to have an enhanced WCF experience. The standard ad supported WCF site as you see it today will remain the same."

EMPHASIZE: News stories and photos will remain freely accessible.

Narco

July 16, 2009 8:08 PM

Brian, sometimes I really feel sorry for you having to deal with all the idiots on this board who hide behind the internet to say stupid things that they would never say to someone's face. Kudos to you for all your hard work.

Fishes,

Narco.

Edited by user on July 16, 2009 at 8:11 PM

BrianWCF

July 20, 2009 6:20 PM

Yes, of course it's hard to take comments that are way off base without taking it personally because we work really hard to make WCF as good as we can. But that's part of the job so we roll with the punches and get back to work.

However, for every poor comment, there are ten productive ones that actually make a difference. We are very appreciative of that.

I appreciate the support Narco! :D

Kepe

June 26, 2009 1:16 PM

Cool. I like the flash-based image gallery. But other than that, the whole pro thing is quite unnecessary. I use firefox with the adblock plus, so I don't have any ads on the site.

I'm sure some users (with a bit more money than a pesky student has) will buy into this. That of course depends on how large the monthly subscription fee is.

gto

June 26, 2009 1:26 PM

Can't wait...!!

noworkday

June 26, 2009 1:29 PM

you said: Also, removing the banner ads would allow us to streamline our photo galleries with Flash based controls and full screen hi-resolution images with a click of a button.

what are you talking about? you could do the same with all the banner ads today. no difference technologically.

also what do you mean by exlusive spy photos for pro members? Lets face it same spy photos are at dozens of web sites.

and for final there is no way I am going to pay to read news.

you do have way too many banners. IT is not the quantity that counts but quality of ads. So if you ad more and more it only makes readers more frustrated.

BrianWCF

June 26, 2009 2:08 PM

noworkday, you said "what are you talking about? you could do the same with all the banner ads today. no difference technologically. "

The difference is that banner ads are currently shown with every photo or page view. The flash gallery allows photos to be shown without a page view, therefore, the ad revenue generated from these photo page views would disappear.

You said, "there is no way I am going to pay to read news. "

Once again, I must emphasize, news and photos will remain free and openly accessible for all to read.

Lastly, we have the opportunity to license/create spy materials exclusively, particularly videos. They will not appear anywhere else but WCF. If they do appear on other sites, measures will be taken towards the offending sites.

We also have the possibility to bring back an old colleague of ours, Nick Hall, who can provide supercar test drives once again. And this time with exclusive videos.

But it all depends on how well WCF PRO is initially received.

fujiturbo

June 26, 2009 1:34 PM

A GOOD IDEA. Live Motorsport event coverage possible? That would be good.

BrianWCF

June 26, 2009 8:51 PM

It's definitely possible.

zoolander

June 26, 2009 1:50 PM

I like the concept, and will probably buy in. Not so much for specific content... but more for support of one of the few non-biased auto reporting sites. I do like the idea of high-res pictures though, as they make for great desktops!

XtremeMaC01

June 26, 2009 2:05 PM

yes finally! awesome full screen app, download all button!! i hope it will be at an affordable fee. and also I hope there will be paypal and CC billing options. I hate ccbill.

Kepe

June 26, 2009 2:27 PM

So, how much will it cost? I've bought a VIP status for one site. It costs 10€/year. That's the maximum amount I'd pay for the PRO membership in WCF.

noworkday

June 26, 2009 2:55 PM

@Brian

google adsense is CPC based so I dont understand it. I do understand that with flash gallery there won't be ads as user pay to read news and there is no need to show em ads.

another thing. You guys had "supercar" tests long time ago. So now they are coming back and only for paid readers?

sry but I dont understand that either, as all test drives can be read elsewhere.

id rather see test drives about everyday cars, cars that people really buy. If I want to entertain myself and see what supercars can do I watch Top Gear.

BrianWCF

June 26, 2009 3:43 PM

noworkday, just to clarify, users will not have to pay to read news. News and photos will stay freely accessible for all visitors.

If we proceed with supercar test drives and videos, they will be our own proprietary materials exclusive to WCF. Otherwise we wouldn't be offering them to Pro members. Yes, you will be able to read different stories about the same cars elsewhere, but again, it won't be the same as WCFs.

Noworkday, I appreciate your ambivalence, but clearly WCF Pro will not be for everyone nor is it intended to take over WCF. Is is merely an alternative viewing option for those who would like to help support WCF (thanks zoolander), and place value on what we are offering.

Adsense is only one part of our revenue and it is not solely CPC but CPM as well.

LeonOfTheDead

June 26, 2009 3:51 PM

I always disliked flash and java sites. Good to update the site getting rid of ads for those who feel to pay for it, it's so on many other sites, and seems to work. I just think the using flash is a worng idea. I like to browse pics, and when I like one, I prefer to right-click and save it or use the browser commands rather than using another button and being limited on what I can do with the pic. I'd keep them in normal language, like they do on serioushweels, for instance. I hate when the image is a link to something else, even the next page, or isn't an actual object and not something taken out of a library by java, flash or php archives. My 2cents.

PS there used to be more spy-shots a while ago, and more accurate (less speculated) stories about them. I'd like to see this again too.

mclaren_f1

June 26, 2009 5:33 PM

Good ideas, as long as you don’t start getting greedy and start taking away photos and articles for non-paying viewers or only develop the VIP part and not the free part. For example you can easily use the flash photo player/Gallery w/ads. Just don't forget, the moment you start taking photos and articles hostage you will start loosing viewers to bigger guys like autoblog or next auto.

benz_man

June 26, 2009 6:15 PM

I am an avid WCF enthusiast. I've been here since before there were "other" car fans (remember GCF?). However, I'm a touch too computer savvy to pay for ANYTHING online (free porn corrupted me long ago). As much as I would love to support WCF and the hard work required to inform and entertain, I doubt very seriously I will subscribe to anything...and, more than likely, I'll still view the premium content too. Great ideas though guys. Keep up the good work!

joshg_5

June 26, 2009 6:57 PM

"The standard ad supported WCF site as you see it today will remain the same." Thats a very important thing for me, even though i will subscribe - given reasonable pricing.

Viewing photos faster is definitely very important too.

Looking forward to it!

BrianWCF

June 26, 2009 8:50 PM

Thanks for the great feedback everyone.

@joshg: "Thats a very important thing for me, even though i will subscribe - given reasonable pricing."

Thanks joshg, the last thing we want to do is alienate our most loyal hardcore readers. Certain death would be inevitable if we were to try and take any content away.

If anything we would hope WCF Pro will give us the leverage to improve the quality and quantity of news articles. And not just develop WCF Pro solely.

alamak

June 26, 2009 7:32 PM

@noworkday

dude, WCF 'will remain the same'!!! WCF Pro is 'not required'!! So if you are not willing to pay, then you can always visit the 'regular' page, what's all the fuss? Believe it or not, I do understand your frustration, but no one in the world would go to great lengths just to ensure that they satisfy all your needs....especially when its free!

Like you are asking, why don't all car manufacturers make their cars run forever? duh? Of course they can, but then no one will wanna pay for a $100K Ford Fiesta that will run forever. Also, they will no be able to sell newer cars, parts and suppliers will not exist, it will not make much economic sense.

Dude, you wan free lunch? U got it, WCF 'is' free. U wan caviar with your lunch? Well then, buy your own caviar.

alessandro

June 26, 2009 7:50 PM

Let see what it is the money can buy in carworld.

dmanero

June 26, 2009 8:10 PM

I like the idea, right now waiting for the images to load up is very time consuming and tiresome

dmanero

June 26, 2009 8:11 PM

oh for got to ask, will there be a fee to pay?

Bristol411S3

June 26, 2009 9:11 PM

I have speed read this so may have missed the cost. Cost?

Viking79

June 26, 2009 10:04 PM

Brian WCF I have been an avid visitor to WCF for a couple of years now, and have converted all of my "car guy" friends to use WCF as their home page. The depth of coverage, lack of bias, and message boards are truly what separate you from the rest. As long as the pricing is reasonable, I'm sure I would subscribe. Beyond what was mentioned with motorsport coverage (great idea) I would also like to suggest a faster update available for paid subscribers. When Chrysler and GM declared bankruptcy, or any of the drama surrounding F1, it could be a day or so before it's posted on WCF. Maybe a faster update for paying customers? Just a thought. Thanks, and keep up the great work!

carcrazy1234

June 26, 2009 11:43 PM

omg not this again. THE SIMPLE SOLUTION for this is downloading and using mozilla firefox with the ad-block plus add on. its fast, easy and load up times are far quicker. it blocks every single ad that comes with this site.

Razz

June 27, 2009 1:46 AM

I would rather see the wcf without banners for a monthly fee than seeing it with all this advertising around. Also yahoo and hi5 are having such a service as premium user or mail plus to delete the banners for your account. SO, let me know wcf when you will put the new option online. PS - Some paypal payment option should be considered. Razz

Edited by user on June 27, 2009 at 1:47 AM

lucifa

June 27, 2009 7:40 AM

I like it all save for the "exclusive spy photos". Any spy photos should be available to any and every person who reads from the site, not just users or paying members.

EH?

June 27, 2009 12:57 PM

to be honest I have never got the banner ads so if I had to pay for it wouldnt bother

Sedaer

June 27, 2009 11:16 PM

You mashed up the writing on the screen and I dont like this look It's all gone to the left, I liked it better in the centre.

BrianWCF

June 27, 2009 11:28 PM

Forgot to mention, the hi-res F1 pics also include hi-res Pit Babes photos as well. :D

Keita

June 28, 2009 12:44 AM

Meh. I can't really be bothered with PRO. I get everything I really need from the free site. I'm here for the cars and the news. I read this site because I love its style of reporting...no more, no less. The adds never bothered me. Okay, so the slow loading of the images was a major peeve, but I'm willing enough to put up with it because the content is good. I'm not sure paying for PRO would really add value.Just as long as you realise that the vast majority of your visitors will always be the "free" crowd, I don't suppose adding a "pay" element would do much harm...but I'm not convinced it would be worth it.

Aesthetics

June 29, 2009 9:05 AM

now we have WCF(ex-GCF) PRO, fantastic. so WCF is free, WCF PRO is for the upper class....and now introducing, the lower class.... WCF AMA (amature)...where WCF is filled up with maximum adds. WCF AMA will pay people to enter the site so the site get more hits to increase ad prices!! just kidding.

Edited by user on June 29, 2009 at 9:11 AM

Aesthetics

June 29, 2009 9:10 AM

i am a loyal fan of WCF since GCF because the galleries and detailed article (generally, good work) has been for us, free. i must say thank you to WCF and will continue support because you have been loyal to us. you have fed my(our) passion and desire on my adopted culture of the automobile, motorcycles and motor racing(although i go elsewhere for the two latter)

anyone who can afford the PRO take it.

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