The two big updates we will have rolling out after the first of the year are going to be smaller widget widths and personalize tipping “buy” pages.
Small widget sizes - Right now the only size available is 200 pixels wide, which seems to work for a lot of people, but also does not work for many blog designs. So we’re working on some smaller widgets. Right now the plan is to make them about 160 pixels wide in size, based upon our research and feedback from our users.
Do you have some feedback you’d like to share about sizes? What size do you need? Let us know in the comments.
Customized tipping “buy” pages - This means that when someone goes to tip you, and click on your tip link (example), you will now be able to add a custom message to that page, as well as an image. For example:
“My blog is all about television and celebrities. For only $5.00, you can tip me and get a nice little promotional link back on my site. Thanks for visiting www.sitename.com”
You’ll also be able to add an image to the page. More like a banner where you could up a special offer, or tip cost, or whatever you want!
As always, we appreciate your feedback during our beta. Feel free to leave a comment below, we’re listening!
16 responses so far ↓
webduck // Dec 15, 2007 at 2:58 am
I am looking forward to the smaller widgets! I have a 4 column blog and that makes the sidebars more narrow than most. Thanks for listening to the feedback on smaller widgets.
monawea // Dec 15, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I am very happy to hear that you will be offering smaller widget sizes. Offering publishers more options is always a good idea. I really do like all the different widget looks that you offer but would love it if we could customize with our own picture/avatar/logo through the create widget page. Not sure that is a possibility but it would be nice.
Personalized buy pages is also a very nice feature. Thanks!
Robin Sampson // Dec 15, 2007 at 6:37 pm
I just signed up. Is there a way to get a widget without Santa? My reader will be offended.
Shalom
ScratchBack Team // Dec 15, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Hi Robin,
There are plenty of other design choices to use. You don’t have to use Santa. A snowman, or a present… Plus the non holiday designs.
Custom designs wanted? Go here.
http://www.scratchback.com/design.php
Irene // Dec 16, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Goodie!
Finally narrow width widget! Thanks!
Jordan McClements // Dec 17, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Yes - 160 px wide would be much better!
PixelWit // Dec 17, 2007 at 11:38 pm
I agree with Monawea. The custom tipping/buy page is an excellent idea and anything that enhances customization/personalization is a welcome feature. The sooner I can change that white background, the better.
Jordan McClements // Dec 18, 2007 at 8:38 am
ALSO - please, please, please add an option to open sponsored links in a new window rather than the current browser window!
Justin Dupre // Dec 21, 2007 at 2:37 pm
I just reviewed ScratchBack, and I really love the idea. I hope it will fly on my site.
“Add a Tip Jar to Your Blog
…You certainly won’t lose money by adding the widget to your blog however, so it is worth a shot. My ScratchBack spots are only one dollar so make sure you buy them fast!…”
http://www.moneyandblog.com
mhel // Dec 28, 2007 at 12:16 am
hi! i have designed a poster to put with my topspot widget, i dont know how to link it with my scratchback account so when they click it, they wud be redirected to my account and ready for tipping me!
ScratchBack Team // Dec 28, 2007 at 12:25 am
Mhel, I’m not sure what you mean?
mhel // Dec 28, 2007 at 12:30 am
oh ok, sory about the confusion. I have designed my own image of scratchback to go with your widget and made it hosted by photobucket but if you click it, it wont link the clicker to my account here at scratchback, i want this image to link the clicker to my account at scratch back so he’ll be ready for tipping me.
i hope im clearer this time. I have uploaded this image in my blog at http://www.marikenya.com
ScratchBack Team // Dec 28, 2007 at 12:34 am
Click the “buy” link on your widget, copy the URL. Then link your image to that copied URL.
Douglas // Jan 3, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Well, its the new year! Still waiting on the narrow tip jar
Julia // Mar 18, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I am very much looking forward to having the option of a smaller widget. I cannot use the widget on my blog’s current design, because though it looks wonderful in Firefox, it pushed my right-hand column down to the bottom in Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, not everyone uses Firefox yet, so I need to make sure my blog isn’t broken for IE users.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for the new smaller widgets! Thanks!
ScratchBack Team // Mar 18, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Julia,
Yes, we know, smaller sizes!!! We’re on it! I promise!
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