Issue 13: Can 'Tip Jars' Save Publishers?  May 17th 2016

This Article, Written 16 Years Ago, Explains The Problem With Micropayments And Tip Jars Built For Publishers

"Micropayment systems have not failed because of poor implementation; they have failed because they are a bad idea. Furthermore, since their weakness is systemic, they will continue to fail in the future."

Not a lot has changed, and the challenges remain exactly as they did 16 years ago. This one's worth a read. Clay Shirky called his shot 16 years ago.

Walt Mossberg Shares A Harrowing Ad Tech Story.

"We're going to figure out who your readers are, we're going to find out what other websites they go to that are way cheaper than your website and then we're gonna pull our ads from your website and move them there."

Ad tech has put publishers in an awkward position and given the realities over the last decade, is there any wonder why there's been an explosion in content farm practices or a massive explosion in ad blocker usage? For publishers, quality journalism isn't guaranteed to pay off where it matters most: the bottom line.

Snapchat wants a $40 CPM for new video ads

"Advertisers pay a minimum of 2 cents a view for non-interactive videos, which amounts to a $20 CPM. Now, advertisers said they are paying at least $40 CPM on the interactive ads, regardless of whether people interact with them or not."

Why People Pay To Read The New York Times

"As someone who cares deeply about independent journalism, I love the idea that our most important financial relationship is with the reader (they subscribe), not the advertiser. It clarifies our mission and helps us make tough choices about how to spend our precious editorial resources."

If you’re worried about Facebook hosting news content… you’re already dead.

Publishers that don’t become brands will be extinct within a decade.

Comcast has acquired French ad tech company StickyAds for more than $100 million

People familiar with the transaction say the Paris-based startup will be rolled up into Comcast's FreeWheel unit, which helps TV-centric publishers like Comcast, Viacom and Fox deliver digital video ads. Comcast* bought that company two years ago for at least $360 million; no word on a purchase price for this deal.

Ads Sold Programmatically Aren't Perfoming As Well As Those Purchased Directly

Overall, programmatic display and video ads – ads that are sold through automated channels – garnered lower quality ads impressions than ads bought and sold through a direct relationship with a publisher, according to a new Q1 2016 study by Integral Ad Science.

Podcasters have this figured out already, and it's why audiences are so engaged. If a publisher wants to make sure audiences are getting the best possible experience, they need to make sure they're serving the highest quality ads. The only way to do that is selling advertisements direct to advertisers.

Most Ad Tech Buyers Manage DMPs Internally

Compared to Western Europe, fewer respondents in North America—36%—said they manage their DMPs internally. More than a quarter use a use a tech vendor’s app. And more respondents in North America either use a service firm or simply don’t manage their DMP.