I have recently switched my advertising at the top of my right sidebar from Entrecard to CMF Ads. While Entrecard was great to me when I started my blog, I felt it had run it’s course and it was time to switch.
Similar to Entrecard, CMF Ads allows me to display ads from those wishing to advertise on my site using a square 125px banner. While many may look at the widget and think it is the same as Entrecard, you will be mistaken. In this post I will look at CMF Ads and discuss the differences between CMF Ads and Entrecard.
What is CMF Ads?
CMF Ads was founded by three former Entrecard members (Turnip, Stan, and Ben) who wanted a better way of managing advertising on blogs. While there are many advertising networks available to bloggers, many of them lack certain features that the blogger’s would enjoy having.
While Entrecard did have promise, it never could live up to the expectations. CMF Ads has picked up where Entrecard has left off. There are many features in CMF Ads that Entrecard currently does not offer. While a credit system is available in both ad networks, CMF Ads’ credits actually have a monetary value.
Before going further, let’s look at a brief comparison of the two networks:
| Topic | Entrecard | CMF Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free for publishers. Advertisers need to purchase credits. |
| Blog Approval Process | Used to be automatic, which led to many spam blogs appearing in the system. Has since switched to a manual approval process. | Manual. No spam blogs right from the start. |
| Ad Pricing | Determined by Entrecard. | Determined by the blog owner. |
| Earning Credits | 1 credit for dropping your card. 1 credit for receiving a drop. 25 credits for a blog post. Various number credits for accepting an ad minus 75% for tax. | Receive 100% of credits when an ad spot on your blog is purchased. |
| Purchasing Credits | Through Entrecard at a rate of $6.00 for 1,000 credits up to $125.00 for 25,000. | Through CMF Ads at a rate of $10.00 for 40 credits. |
| Selling Credits | Credits can’t be sold (to other members), and are pretty much worthless ($1 for 1,000 credits). | You can sell your credits back at 50% of the purchase price. At this time it is $10.00 for 80 credits. |
| Ad Run Length | 24 Hours. | 30 Days. |
| Number of Ads That Can Be Displayed at One Time | 1 ad per day regardless of the widget that is chosen. | From 1 to 4 ads depending on the widget that is used on the blog. See comments below. |
| Investment Time | Drop cards. Participate in forum (if you wish). | Participate in forum (if you wish). |
| User IDs | An Entrecard ID is required to use the system, and additional one is required to log into the forums, and a third to submit a problem ticket. For advertisers, there is an additional login ID required. You could possible end up with four login IDs to use Entrecard. | A single ID for both the system and the forums. |
The Credits
Both Entrecard and CMF Ads use their own internal credit system for purchasing/selling ad space on the blogs. How credits are obtained is completely different between the two systems.
As indicated in the table above, Entrecard has many methods of earning credits. While this makes earning credits quite easy, it also leads to inflation, which has decreased the monetary value of the credits. This makes the advertising space on your blog worthless. When I had stopped using Entrecard, I had over 130,000 credits. I have since been giving them away in 25,000 increments (the most allowed per week) to whoever I think deserves them, until my account is removed or I am out of credits.
CMF Ads solves the inflation problem by allowing only credits purchased (through Paypal) to circulate through their system. This puts a value not only on the credits, but also the ad space that you are providing on your blog.
What is the value of that ad space on your blog with CMF Ads? It’s up to you. With CMF Ads, you specify how many credits are required for an advertiser to pay before displaying the ad on your blog. Entrecard, on the other hand, determines the value.
If you wish to sell the credits you currently have earned through advertising, you can do that with CMF Ads. They will pay $10.00 for 80 credits. If you have only sold the ad space, and haven’t purchased any credits to display your own ad, then you just earned $10.00.
Shoppinh With Credits
Both systems have implemented a shop that you can use to buy items offered by other members in exchange for credits. With Entrecard, anyone who is a member can be a seller, which can lead to some issues with regards to credibility of some of the sellers. There is a mediation button if there is a problem with a transaction, however, there have been many reports of the mediation button not working and many of the sellers being stuck in mediation.
When making a purchase in the Entrecard shop, their is an additional 12.5% tax on the purchase, which I believe is a way of controlling the inflation issue.
With CMF Ads, you need to first buy credits before you have seller access, although members can receive access if they have an item to sell. Unlike Entrecard, there is no tax on items sold in the shop, so the price listed is the price you pay. Also, there is a similar method of mediation as there is with Entrecard, however, the CMF Ads mediation works properly and is actively being monitored.
Ad Space
Both systems allow you to display a square 125px banner on another blog using credits that you either earned or purchased. What you get for those two credits are totally different.
Entrecard displays an ad on the blog you chose for a full 24 hours. Only your ad is displayed during that time, and only one ad can run at one time. This means you can wait for several weeks after your make the purchase before your ad is displayed. The interesting thing is that, the way Entrecard calculates the price, is the longer you have to wait, the higher the price of the ad.
The latest problem to appear with Entrecard is the fact that they are now offering partial page views to paid advertisers. This means that Entrecard members who paid for an ad to appear on a blog with credits only get about 50% of the pageviews because of the paid advertisements. There have been numerous bugs reported with the system since it was implemented, and there doesn’t seem to be any solution.
With CMF Ads, ads that are purchased on a blog run for a full 30 days. Since there are different sizes for the CMF Ads widget, a blog can display up to 4 ads at a single time. If there are more ads purchased than ad space, the ads are alternated in the widget with each page view. This allows the blog to display all the purchased ads, but means the page views are split between them.
As of writing this post, most blogs seem to offer advertising for 5 credits. This means for a full month, you can advertise on a blog for $1.25 (40 credits = $10.00).
Issue Reporting
Both Entrecard and CMF Ads have an active problem resolution ticket system. Entrecard’s system is more full-featured, which uses Kayako, however, after visiting the Entrecard forums, there appears to be huge problems with the system. There are several posts in the forums regarding issues with problems not being resolved for weeks at a time. This means if you have an issue, you could be wasting your time submitting a ticket. Perhaps asking someone in the forums for help may be the better option.
While not as full-featured as Entrecard’s system, CMF Ads also has a fully-integrated ticket system. There doesn’t appear to be anyone complaining about the ticket system in the CMF Ads forums, and from what I have seen, issues seem to be resolved rather quickly, meaning within a day. The one great benefit of a single login ID (see below) with CMF Ads is that once you submit a ticket, those responsible for handling the tickets know exactly who submitted it. With Entrecard, the multiple user IDs may be confusing when a ticket is submitted.
Have Multiple Blogs?
At this time I only manage one blog, but I know many others have many blogs that they manage. For some advertising systems, it may be a pain to manage multiple blogs as they may require you to create a separate ID for each one. On CMF Ads, your one account can contain many blogs.
Not only can you see all your blogs in one place, but potential advertisers can also see a full listing of all your blogs, and then choose which one to advertise on. CMF Ads makes it easy for the publisher as well as the advertiser.
Time Effort Required
One of the biggest issues I had with Entrecard was the amount of time that was needed to drop my card on other blogs. While you don’t need to drop your card, it is hard to build traffic through Entrecard without doing it. Trust me, I know. I was regularily getting over 200 card drops and visitors from Entrecard. Once I stopped dropping, my visitors dropped to just over 10.
CMF Ads requires very little of your time, excluding any forum chatter you wish to participate in. You simply setup your account, display the ad space widget on your blog, and that’s it. No more spending time earning credits by dropping cards.
How Many User IDs is Too Many?
We currently have many user IDs and passwords to remember. Last thing we need is more IDs. With Entrecard, they have implemented a new forum, but that requires a separate user ID to use from your Entrecard ID. To make life easier, you can just make the two logins the same, but your Entrecard ID is your e-mail address, which is not recommended for a forum ID. Just imagine the amount of spam you will get once you display your user ID all over a forum, especially one that is viewable to the public.
Entrecard has introduced two other login IDs: one if you wish to be a paid advertiser, and one if you wish to submit a problem ticket. In all, you could possible end up with four separate login IDs to use one system.
CMF Ads uses one ID for both the forums and the system. Once you log into CMF Ads you can access the forums and your control panel by simply clicking the links.
Summary
While I had used Entrecard for over a year, and it definitely helped generate traffic for Technically Easy, I found it had too many shortcomings, and promises that were never realized.
With CMF Ads, I can see that many problems that not only plagued Entrecard, but also other ad networks, are in the process of being fixed. CMF Ads may be very young, but it does have a lot of potential for both publishers and advertisers alike.
If you are looking for a blog advertising network, or would like to advertise your site, then I recommend you look at CMF Ads.
Have Your Say
- Have you used, or currently using, Entrecard? If so, has it helped your blog’s traffic?
- Do you think CMF Ads would be something you are willing to look at for advertising on your blog?
- What do you look for in a blog advertising network?
Update: I have added the 75% tax in the comparison chart for Entrecard.
Update (July 20, 2009): I have added a bit more detail, and have also updated some of the information.
If you liked reading this post, consider following Technically Easy through the following:
on January 28, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Welcome aboard Paul! I bet your Alexa rank is going to explode within a week without all those 3 second hits. Great chart comparing the two networks. One omission I see is the tax rates of each network on credits received for ads. CMF Ads has a 0% tax rate, meaning you keep 100% of the credits. That other network has a 75% tax rate. Because they create credits from thin air, credits must also vanish the same way they were created.
Also, advertisers do not need to purchase credits. Though it is true credits are required to advertise, one can earn those credits from running ads, entering contests, or even from certain CMF Ads special promotions soon to come. (Like writing this review as an example)
on January 28, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I forgot about mentioning the tax. Ah well, those on Entrecard now what it’s like to make 25% of the credits others have paid for advertising on their site. My Alexa rank has been getting better, since I stopped using Entrecard a few weeks ago. Although, I am still getting Entrecard credits for card drops (about 20) each day for some reason.
I am looking forward to what CMF Ads will become as I know you guys have been quite active on the development.
on January 28, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Very efficient and detailed comparison.
When others (that is I) were too lazy to write about CMF and their public launch, you did. They’re gonna be huge soon.
on January 28, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Thanks. Turnip, Stan, and Ben continuously improve CMF Ads, so it definitely has the potential to be huge.
on January 28, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Thanks for the review. Even though I already know the features (building the site gives me a head start in that respect!), the comparison table is particularly interesting.
Twitter: benbarden
on January 29, 2009 at 11:32 am
Thanks Ben. I can’t wait to see what you guys will be developing in the near future.
I tried to include as much important information in that table, but I’m sure others will come up with more.
on January 29, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Not because I was exitcarded from EntreBS but the point is you hit the nail on the head your comparison is great and I think quite honestly Enteexit is on its way out. Great for the hits, but its like being a robot for an hour or two a day, clunk clik clack enough to give you a heart attack, entrcard has good scope for those who want to do this ok
CMF it sounds great and your playing with real money, they cant take it off you like Exitcard they stole 14000+ from me when they decided to ban me for no reason given!!
I have just come into CMF and like adgitize I think these sites will win eventually over Exitcard.
Ok adgitize is having problems at the moment but no problem they will be back and along with CMF I shall be supporting them both.
Thanks Paul for a great comparison story and yes I have already got your feed coming in …. good value cheers all.. The bosun
on January 30, 2009 at 8:08 am
I have heard about a few people who were banned from Entrecard for unknown reasons. That was one of the major problems with Entrecard.
on January 30, 2009 at 9:44 am
Hi Paul! Great review
I *love* your comparison chart. I’m so glad you’re a part of CMF ads!
on January 30, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Thanks. I’m curious what others in the Entrecard world would say about the comparison. I’m glad to be part of CMF Ads from the beginning.
on January 30, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Thanks for the review! The chart is very helpful! Now I understand the differences of two systems much better.
on January 31, 2009 at 9:32 pm
This post motivated me to try it out. I haven’t removed EC yet, but I moved it down.
on February 1, 2009 at 9:51 am
You should definitely try it out, especially if you are looking for an alternative to Entrecard.
on February 1, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I’m still on Entrecard but certainly love reading your comparison about CMF Ads and Entrecard in this manner. Most reviews/posts mentioning CMF was full of “Entrecard is crap, CMF ad is better” without really explaining why
I know at one point I’m going to leave Entrecard so I’ll definitely switch to CMF ads when that time comes. So how much are you charging to advertise on this blog? (with CMF credit)
Twitter: michaelaulia
on February 2, 2009 at 8:13 am
I tried not to put down Entrecard too much, as it has helped build my visitors. I just didn’t see it going anywhere lately, so I decided to switch. I wanted to do a comparison to show others the differences between the two systems, and then let them decide for themselves.
Currently I am charging 5 credits ($1.25) for the 30 days. That seems to be about the average for CMF Ads.
on February 2, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Paul — Great review!
Michael — I think Entrecard does a lot of things well and is not crap. I do believe CMF does other things well. You can have both on your blog at once and should give CMF a try. Hopefully, we will see you around CMF some time soon. Best!
on February 3, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Paul, Nice review. I will read the post again and make a call. I am right now using Entrecard.
on February 4, 2009 at 8:10 am
You can always use both services, and see which one you prefer.
on February 6, 2009 at 1:55 pm
hello there friend-o!
I’m thinking of doing a post similar to this and it would make my life a little easier if I could steal your awesome comparsion chart. What say you? I’ve told the CMF boys I would see if I could not round up some new business for them and am thinking that this weekend would be the best time for a post on the matter. Anyway, stop by my place and let me know if its okay – I’ll give credit of course. Alright – I’m outtie! Cheers big ears!
on February 6, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Ignore previous comment – I just realized it is not a picture anyway.
OK – I’ll figure something else out – CHEERS!
on February 13, 2009 at 12:10 am
EntreCard is a crummy traffic exchange, definitely not a place to advertise, but instead a place to raise your site bounce rate! CMFAds may cost money, but I don’t have to invest hours a day dropping cards. Time is money and with that thought in mind, CMFAds costs me less money!
on February 13, 2009 at 10:43 am
This is a very interesting comparison. I had heard vaguely about CMF, but didn’t know the details until now. Time spent dropping cards on EC is the biggest issue for me… so I’ll be trying this one out to see how it works. Thanks!
on February 14, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I still think Entrecard is the best. if you don’t like the time investment from dropping, you can buy the credits too and not spend any time at all dropping. the credits are easier to earn and you can advertise on something like 20,000 different blogs. Plus, if you rack up tons of credits, you can buy all sorts of cool things in their shop. just my 2c
on February 14, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Entrecard is great for new blogs with little traffic. They can explode the amount of traffic within a day. You can easily use both advertising networks on a single blog to take advantage of what each has to offer. For me, it was just time to try something different.
on April 21, 2009 at 7:21 am
@ addyours
Why are you using my blog directory url as your website url? Just wondering!
- DedeAndro
on February 21, 2009 at 3:19 am
Great post! I too added CMF on all my websites and moved Entrecard further down the one website I have it on. For all the new CMF users, you can find a guide to register and install CMF ads on your blog at http://sidekickblog.com/adding-cmf-ads-to-your-website-37.htm
on March 4, 2009 at 11:26 am
I have more traffic through Entrecard than CMF Ads. Most of the people I know from CMF I had met through Entrecard. I’m not ready to toss out Entrecard. It is still a place to find new blogs and I still get traffic if I put some time into card dropping. It will be nice to make some real money from running CMF Ads but like all online ads, you just make a trickle of money. You have to decide what matters to you, what you give space to on your site and what you get back from it. I’ve got CMF running mainly for the people I met through Entrecard, to support them in their endeavour. Of course, I also like giving my brain a new project to learn, a new system.
on March 4, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I think Entrecard has it’s place, especially for new blogs. Many of the people I know on CMF Ads I met through Entrecard.
Like you, I received more traffic from Entrecard than from CMF Ads. I didn’t notice that out of all my referring sites, Entrecard always had the highest bounce rate, by far. I’m interested to see where CMF Ads will be in one years time.
Then again, if someone has the blog space, they can always use both systems.
on March 4, 2009 at 11:33 am
As addyours posted, you can sell your EC credits for items and services in the EC market. You forgot that in your review above where you claim EC credits are pretty much worthless. Last week I traded credits for a spot on a live web radio show.
on March 4, 2009 at 1:47 pm
The Entrecard market started after I wrote the review, so there is some value for the Entrecard credits, but only within Entrecard.
on March 12, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Thanks for a Great Comparison Chart Paul.
I’ve installed my CMF Widget and will be slowly phasing out some of our other ad methods. we like hits, not bounces. LOL
on March 28, 2009 at 11:36 am
Very nice review of CMF compared to EC.I like the way you included the side by side graph so people can see that CMF is more bang for your buck.
on April 29, 2009 at 3:49 am
Well EC turned me down for my blog apparantly “not being a blog” I think TBH they are being a little bit too strict. I feel as though it is there loss at the end of the day though as my blog increases in popularity. I’m glad however I came across the CMF system and am having some success in using it already. Thanks VM for your CMF review. Definitely a good primer for anyone already using and it and fairly new to its system or anyone considering an alternative to EC.
on April 29, 2009 at 3:34 pm
There have been many problems with EC recently. It looks like a dead network at the moment with very little activity.
CMF Ads is new and is used by many former EC members.
on May 9, 2009 at 12:21 am
After reading this post, I have made my decision to leave Entrecard and use this instead. Thanks!
on May 9, 2009 at 10:10 am
Many that are currently using CMF Ads have left Entrecard. In the long run, CMF Ads is better because there is very little sensorship, great support and an economy not based on credits produced out of thin air.
on June 19, 2009 at 12:52 am
I get more hits from EC still, and it’s still worth the bounce (less bounce if you have interesting posts, which at the end of the day, it’s all about!).
Still I also use CMF. However, for me Adgitise is still pretty much top dog. It earns enough money to pay for the month ad, plus a bit more, and my ad is shown on a wide variety of blogs. There is a ‘click’ list if you want, but you only have to do 50, so only takes 10 or 15 mins.
Kind of a middle ground really.
I think they all have their strenghs. I disagree EC is dying though, there are plenty of new blogs to replace those leaving. Their customer service *does* need to improve though!
on November 15, 2010 at 8:51 am
I can not add my blog in cmf ads, can you help me, when i add blog they show the message url already added and i cannot see anyting in my blog menu. pls ans if you know anything about it, thank you.
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on November 15, 2010 at 9:53 am
Did you try contacting CMF Ads support? I cannot assist with issues regarding CMF Ads. I am just a user of the system.
on March 16, 2011 at 11:44 pm
I liked this info. Thanks.