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Morning Poll: Sponsored Content

By ARLnow.com

ARLnow logoARLnow.com is considering adding a new type of sponsored content, and we’d like our readers to weigh in on it.

Currently, we have two types of sponsored content: that written by us, and sponsored by an advertiser (e.g. Pet of the Week and Startup Monday); and content that’s written by an advertiser for the purpose of being informational and useful to readers, not directly self-promotional (e.g. Your Beermonger, Ask Adam).

So as to not flood our homepage with sponsored content, we limit the amount of sponsored articles to 1-2 posts per day.

Due to inquiries from advertisers, we are now considering adding a third type of sponsored content to the mix: a directly self-promotional article written by a local advertiser. The article would be clearly labeled as such. You’ve probably seen examples of such articles in newspapers and magazines, labeled as a “special advertising section.”

We would only accept articles from local businesses and organizations, and would not accept anything political in nature. Such articles would be published up to once a weekday, at 5:00 a.m., before the Morning Notes and other daily content.

Whereas newspapers and magazines are able to print extra pages to accommodate more advertising, the nature of the web means we have a fixed number of advertising positions. We think this type of sponsored content would allow us to generate extra income to fund our local reporting, would provide advertisers with an attractive new marketing option and would not clutter the page or be intrusive to readers.

What do you think?
 

If you’re a local business or organization and would like to know more about this potential opportunity, please email scott[at]arlnow.com.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Lifeguard by Ddimick

County Invests in Supportive Housing — Arlington County has matched a $500,000 grant from the Arlington Community Foundation to convert 10 units at the Marbella Apartments in Rosslyn to Permanent Supportive Housing. The apartments will be offered to the county’s most vulnerable homeless residents at a rate affordable to those making about $22,500 per year. [Arlington County]

Spring Athletic Achievements — Sportswriter Dave Facinoli recounts some of the most notable achievements of Arlington teams and athletes this spring. [Sun Gazette]

Advertising Firm Moves to Rosslyn — Local ad agency LM&O Advertising is moving to Rosslyn. The 94-person company signed a 10-year lease for the top floor of the new office building at 1776 Wilson Blvd, which will also soon be home to Pier 1 Imports and 100 Montaditos. LM&O plans to move from its current office in Courthouse in December.

Ribbon Cutting for New Apartment Complex — A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 9:30 this morning for the new Sedona and Slate apartment complex at 1510 Clarendon Blvd in Rosslyn at 9:30. According to developer JBG: “Sedona is 271 units, and is about 70 percent leased. Slate is 203 units and will begin leasing soon; delivery is expected in July.”

Flickr pool photo by Ddimick

Another Anti-Obama Ad at Clarendon Metro Station

By ARLnow.com

Earlier this year, an anti-Obama advertisement in the Clarendon Metro station containing the words “Go to hell, Barack” sparked controversy. Now, the same group behind that ad has another incendiary advertisement in the station.

“Obama: Socialist or Fascist?” the ad reads. “Just listen to the dead before you vote.”

The ad is from the maker of a DVD documentary called “Sick and Sicker: When the Government Becomes Your Doctor,” which — as we reported in February — sharply criticizes President Obama’s health care reform law and compares it to publicly-funded health care in Canada.

In a statement previously issued to ARLnow.com, a Metro spokesman said the agency cannot legally refuse ads based on political content.

WMATA advertising has been ruled by the courts as a public forum protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution, and we may not decline ads based on their political content. WMATA does not endorse the advertising on our system, and ads do not reflect the position of the Authority.

Photo courtesy Frank G.

County Board Considers Regulating Metro Ads

By ARLnow.com

Is the Arlington County Board trying to give itself the power to remove inflammatory political ads from Metro stations? It sure sounds like that may be the case.

Two weeks after the brouhaha over an ad in the Clarendon Metro station that told President Obama to “go to hell,” the County Board went into its closed executive session with a curious objective: to discuss “the county’s authority to regulate the content of advertising on Metro property.”

All we know about the discussion is that quote, read by County Board Chair Mary Hynes before adjourning the Board’s Tuesday afternoon meeting. The executive session is legally considered private and, reached for comment, a county spokesperson said they’ve been advised by the County Attorney to not discuss any details.

Even if the county can find the authority to regulate ads in Arlington Metro stations, though, there remains the question of whether removing political ads would be Constitutional. In explaining why it allowed the inflammatory “go to hell” ad, Metro issued the following statement: “WMATA advertising has been ruled by the courts as a public forum protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution, and we may not decline ads based on their political content.”

Happy Anniversary to Meghan and Nathan

By ARLnow.com

We wanted to give a quick shout out this afternoon to readers Meghan and Nathan.

If you haven’t seen it already, Nathan took out an ad on our homepage today to say “Happy Anniversary” and “I love you, always and forever” to his lovely wife. The ad links to a YouTube video of the Etta James classic “At Last” — the first song they danced to at their wedding.

Happy anniversary to both of you.

Thank You to Our Advertisers

By ARLnow.com

Web servers and mobile broadband subscriptions don’t pay for themselves. Our advertisers make this site possible.

If you like engaging, original community journalism, please check out what these sponsors have to offer.

ArtJamz: The Crystal City Sessions — Unleash your inner artist. Starting tonight, the 12th floor of a Crystal City office building will be converted into a giant art studio, featuring amateur artists painting at 50 canvases while jamming to great music and eating tasty hors d’oeuvres. Reserve a canvas here.

TripperBus — Heading to NYC for the holidays? Why schlep to a bus stop in the District when TripperBus departs just one block from the Rosslyn Metro station? Tickets are inexpensive and you get free WiFi and power outlets for laptops.

Arlington Community Federal Credit Union — ACFCU is Arlington’s better way to bank. Check out their low rates for car and home loans here.

Alexan24 — This brand new apartment community, conveniently located near I-395 and Glebe Road, is offering up to two months free rent. Plus, the apartments look sharp and the building has great amenities.

Dudley Chapman — If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, give Dudley a call. He grew up in Arlington, knows the area like the back of his hand, and can help guide you through the particulars of the local real estate jungle.

So What’s the Deal — You know Groupon? WTD is similar to Groupon, but it’s a homegrown, local company that has some pretty sweet deals you won’t find elsewhere.

Quick Note on Political Ads

By ARLnow.com

You may have noticed some political ads on ARLnow.com over the past couple of days. Those ads have appeared in spaces that are filled by Google AdSense, an advertising network. We do not control the ads that appear in those spaces.

Starting today, however, you will see a political ad that was sold directly by ARLnow.com. Here are some quick facts about political advertising on ARLnow.com:

  • We don’t actively solicit political advertising
  • We charge all political ads the same rate as commercial businesses
  • Political ads are placed in the same rotation as ads for commercial businesses
  • We don’t pick and choose between candidates — any local candidate or cause is welcome to advertise on the site
  • Just because we sold an ad to a candidate’s campaign does not mean we will in any way alter our coverage of the candidate or the candidate’s opponents. Our integrity and reputation for fairness are much more valuable than a three-week ad buy.

Please feel free to spread any advertising-related conspiracy theories in the comments section.

Support Our Advertisers, They Support Us

By ARLnow.com

Without sponsors to help us pay the electric bill, how could we possibly turn on the computer to bring you the latest goings-on in Arlington?

Advertisers make this site possible. Help us thank them by checking out what they have to offer.

ADORE Child and Family Services — Adore is an agency that helps place children in loving homes. Find out more about adoption or becoming a foster parent by attending a special breakfast at Metro 29 Diner (4711 Lee Highway) from 7:00 to 8:30 tomorrow morning. Guest speakers will include Jack Dalaba and county board member Barbara Favola.

Gossip on 23rd — Visit Gossip’s boutique on 23rd Street in Crystal City and find the latest in women’s fashion — all for under $100. See some of the store’s latest arrivals here.

Dudley Chapman — If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, give Dudley a call. He grew up in Arlington, knows the area like the back of his hand, and can help guide you through the particulars of the local real estate jungle.

Pathways 2 Independence — If you’re between 16 and 25 years old and you like money, this free financial fair will help you figure out how to keep more of it. There will also be prizes and the promise of a “surprise celebrity sighting.” Mark your calendar for the afternoon of Sunday, October 17.

Business owners: Click here to learn more about reaching the largest local audience in Arlington.

Help Us Thank Our Awesome Advertisers

By Scott Brodbeck

Earlier this week, I thanked our readers for sticking with us while our old server wheezed its way through last week’s heavy web traffic. Now I’d like to take the time to thank our local advertisers, who are helping to keep this site in business.

In no particular order:

The 2010 ABBIES — The annual Arlington business awards ceremony is looking for nominations. If there’s a local business that you think is doing a bang-up job, give them props by filling out a nomination form.

So What’s the Deal — You know Groupon? Yeah, WTD is basically Groupon. But it’s a homegrown, local company that has some pretty sweet deals you won’t find elsewhere. Today, they’re offering six games of Laser Tag at Ultrazone in Falls Church for 20 bucks.

Pathways 2 Independence — If you’re between 16 and 25 years old and you like money, this free financial fair will help you figure out how to keep more of it. There will also be prizes and the promise of a “surprise celebrity sighting.” Mark your calendar for the afternoon of Sunday, October 17.

Dudley Chapman — If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, give Dudley a call. He grew up in Arlington, knows the area like the back of his hand, and can help guide you through the particulars of the local real estate jungle.

Business owners: Click here to learn more about reaching the largest local audience in Arlington.