Ad Specifications

Requirements

Guidelines:

• Animated banners may not loop indefinitely (maximum of three loops, or 15 seconds' run time).
• Animated banners must end with a frame that makes sense when viewed after the animation has ended (your company logo and call to action, for example).
• Ads must have at least a one-pixel border.
• Ads must link to a destination that relates to the advertisement.
• Ads that resemble content, such as text links, must be clearly labeled as advertising.
• Advertisements should not contain graphics that simulate interactivity (i.e. dropdown menus, search boxes, alert messages, etc.) or styled to simulate editorial content.
• TBO.com adheres to IAB (Internet Advertising Bureau) standards (http://iab.net).
• All advertisements will be reviewed by TBO.com and are subject to approval by TBO.com. Furthermore, TBO.com reserves the right to reject or remove any advertisement from our sites at any time.

Rich Media

Rich media advertising is evolving and comes in many shapes, animations and sizes. Consequently, standards are tough to set. The following are general guidelines/procedure/consideration for accepting rich media ads:

• IAB rich media guidelines (http://www.iab.net/standards/guidelines.asp)
• Should come from reputable agency/creative such as Shoshkeles, Eyeblaster, etc.
• Should have visible 'close' button
• Run-time of 15 seconds (IAB standard)
• Audio/Video should come with visible 'pause' or 'sound off' button
• GM has final approval

Political advertisements

• Must follow election rules. Responsibility is on the advertiser/candidate.
• “Paid political advertisement” should be legible at 800-wide screen resolution. Or, consider using a “ribbon” like the 300x250 ads.
• The tagline, “This message approved by (candidate name)” must appear within the ad.
• Unless page-specific, targeted ad serving can be guaranteed, ads can be sold everywhere on the site but the election-specific content pages. This is to prevent one candidate from sponsoring another’s profile pages.
• GM has final approval.

Recommendations

Although the paying customer has the final say with respect to their message (within the TBO.com guidelines and standards), we strongly recommend the following:

• Animated banners should end with a frame that can stand alone (company logo and call to action, for example)
• Banners should be easy to read and eye-catching
• Banner copy must be legible and limited to a reasonable amount.
• Gratuitous flashing, blinking and rapid movement are annoying, outdated ways to attract attention.
• All advertisements will be reviewed by TBO.com and are subject to approval by TBO.com. Furthermore, TBO.com reserves the right to reject or remove any advertisement from our sites at any time.
• TBO.com makes efforts to adhere to IAB (Internet Advertising Bureau) standards (http://www.iab.net/standards/guidelines.asp)