Default Ad Substitution

As of today Cubics has launched a new feature: Default Ad Substitution.

This feature allows developers to provide ad code from another network to replace our "default views". So if Cubics is not able to show a well-earning ad, then we'll run somebody else's ads in place. It's really a way to help ensure that you're providing ads to all of your traffic.

Set-up

To set up these default ads, first login to your Cubics publisher account. Then click on the Manage Ads button and the Default Ads link.

Next you select an ad size and enter the code for your replacements ad. Ensure that you select replacement ads for all ad sizes that you're currently running. Once you've hit the Save button your changes should be active, though a few minutes may be required as the appropriate caches are updated.

Q & A

Does Cubics pay for these substituted views?
No, whenever a view is substituted that view displays an ad that is not a Cubics advertiser, so we don't pay you for that view. However, you should be logging views with the other ad network.

Can I set my own threshold for default ad substitution?

Not yet, we have this feature slated for deployment in May or June.

Of course, it's worthy of note that the value of "well-earning" tends to vary pretty dramatically from country to country. So there's definitely some extra overhead on the publisher side to make that feature work.

Does this work across all of the Social Networking Platforms?

The code right now supports a simple substitution by size. If you have apps on Facebook and Bebo, the substitution will always be the same. If you need to substitute different code for different platforms, please let us know in the comments.

Can I add larger ad sizes?

We have support for allowing larger ad sizes such as those that are wider.

If you would like to substitute ads that are larger than 468x60 (such as ads that are 645x60) you will need to modify your original Cubics ad display code in addition to entering in a larger default ad code.

After you enter in your default ad code for a size, you'll need to change your Cubics ad code.
FOR EXAMPLE: In javascript, simply add the line: var framesize="645x60"
(DO NOT COPY THIS EXAMPLE ONTO YOUR PAGE. MODIFY YOUR OWN CUBICS AD CODE)

<!--- Cubics.com Ad Code START -->
<script type="text/javascript">
var pid = XXXXX;
var plid = XXXXX;
var adSize = "468x60";
var linkColor = "%230033ff";
var textColor = "%23000000";
var bgColor = "%23ffffff";
var channel = "";
var firstName = "";
var frameSize = "645x60";
</script>
<script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="http://cubics.com/displayAd.js"> </script>
<!--- Cubics.com Ad Code END -->

FOR EXAMPLE: In FBML / SNML, modify the frame height and width properties: i.e.: width='645' height='60'
(DO NOT COPY THIS EXAMPLE ONTO YOUR PAGE. MODIFY YOUR OWN CUBICS AD CODE)

<!--- Cubics.com Ad Code -->
<fb:iframe src='http://cubics.com/displayAd.aspx?pid=XXXXX&plid=XXXXX &adSize=468x60&bgColor=%23ffffff&textColor=%23000000&linkColor=%230033ff&channel='
width='645' height='60' frameborder='0' border='0' scrolling='no'></fb:iframe>

Changes in the Cubics base CPM?

Over the weekend a few users pointed out a change in their base CPM.

Please know that payouts have not changed. Cubics has not reduced the amount of money that you make.

This change has affected a small number of Publishers who are running Skyscrapers (120x600) & Rectangles (300x250). The system is over-reporting views which caused a dip in Base CPM which was then canceled out by a rise in QR. Another way to look at it: the process for calculating your revenue is quite complex. We're showing numbers at the wrong part of the process, but we're showing the correct final value (i.e.: the money you earned).

We're aware of the issue and we are investigating the details. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.

EDIT (2008-04-21): The issue has been resolved. Publishers affected by this issue should see their base CPM return to normal levels starting tomorrow.

New Contact System

So we've made some changes to the way we handle contact submissions. The big one from a Publisher perspective boils down to this:
We have a "Contact Us" link from within the Publisher control panel. This will give you a ticket number to track your support requests.

It's also worthy of note that we do have a toll-free number: 1-877-CUBICS-0. which is available during North American business hours, from 7 PST to 3 PST.