ADPRODUCTS
Main Specs
Premium Ad Specs
Package Specs
Standard Ad Specs
Add-On Specs
Performance Ad Specs
Ad Specs
updated 3.19.2010
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Geeknet provides creative services for premium products and
supports a variety of technologies and vendors for your advertising
needs.
Main Advertising Specifications
GENERALSPECS:
» Email all creative and tags to creatives@geek.net
» Maximum of 5 individual ad creatives in rotation at one time
– Unless otherwise approved
» Client delivered ads can be updated once per week
» Creatives developed by Geeknet can be updated once per two
weeks
» General file size guidelines:
– Images can be no more than 100k in size.
– Rich media swf files must be under 300k in size.
Generally accepted file types:
– GIF/Animated GIF, JPG
– Text, Javascript/HTML
– Flash, Rich Media
– File type requirements will vary by ad product
ACCEPTABILITYGUIDELINES:
» Creatives must comply with express requirements of federal and
state laws
» Political advertisements must identify the paid sponsor in every
frame of the ad
» Creatives cannot:
… be fraudulent, deceptive or misleading
… be indecent, vulgar or suggestive
… mimic our site content, as Geeknet maintains clear separation between
site content and advertisments
» Geeknet does not accept creatives for:
… cigarettes or other tobacco products
… online gaming / gambling sites
SUBMISSION DEADLINES:
IF YOUR AD DOES NOT REQUIRE
ADDITIONAL GEEKNET CREATIVE
DEVELOPMENT...
» Standard Image (GIF/JPG):
– 2 business days
» Flash/Rich Media:
– 5 business days
» Third Party Standard Image:
– 3 business days
» Third Party Rich Media:
– 8 business days
IF YOUR AD REQUIRES ADDITIONAL
GEEKNET CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT, ADD
THE BELOW TIMES TO THE STANDARD
DEADLINES...
» Design: 5 to 10 business days
» Development & Testing: approx. 10
business days
» Turnaround time can be reduced with
quick client delivery of assets including
fonts, approvals, and general accessibility
PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
» Please refer to specific Flash, Rich Media,
and Third Party Ad Servers and Vendors
pages for more detailed information
» Please reference individual ad product
sheets for details on file weight, animation
and other product specific requirements
» Any creative not conforming to our
advertising specifications will not be placed
online and may result in delayed start dates
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Specific guidelines and instructions for Flash advertising creative
Flash Specifications
GUIDELINES:
» Geeknet accepts Flash 8.0 or greater.
» All Flash SWF files must be accompanied by backup GIF/JPGs
and click-through URLs.
» Flash ads cannot exceed 25 FPS (Frames Per Second).
» Please restrict flash creatives to only including one single Flash
video (FLV).
» Ads which load additional files should load these files from
absolute URLs (i.e., http://www...).
» Ads trying to load external content, need to use a cross-domain
file to allow the data access from our ad server.
» Up to three additional loads (up to 100k each) may be loaded
in to the ad. Each additional load must be initiated by the user
interacting with the ad.
» Any flash creative that delays load time or fails to appear on a
Geeknet site will be suspended immediately.
» A click-through can launch only one new browser window.
» A mouse-over interaction cannot link a user to a new web site.
» Flash ads must have the following click-tracking ActionScript
code embedded on the button:
on (release) {
if (clickTag.substr(0,5) == “http:”) {
getURL(_root.clickTag, “_blank”);
}
}
» With multiple links to be tracked, please number each clickTag
variable. The first button’s action would use clickTag1, the
second would use clickTag2, and so on through clickTag10.
Geeknet will only track up to 10 individual links. The resulting
ActionScript code would look like:
on (release) {
if (clickTag1.substr(0,5) == “http:”) {
getURL(_root.clickTag1, “_blank”);
}
}
PLEASE SUBMIT:
» SWF file
» FLA file
» Back-up GIF/JPG
» Details on the clickTags used in the
file and what the associated clickthrough
URLs should be
» Copies of any non-standard fonts
used in the FLA file
* Note: To learn more about clickTags visit
the clickTag section of Adobe’s Designer
Guide: http://www.adobe.com/resources/
richmedia/tracking/designers_guide/
Rough breakdown of Geeknet
users’ flash versions:
» 86% use version 10
» 7% use version 9
» <1% use version 8
» <1% use version 7
» ~1.5% use version 6
» ~3% is unspecified
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Specific details for Rich Media advertising creative
Rich Media Specifications
VIDEORULES:
» .FLV and .MOV accepted
» :60 sec or less, unless otherwise noted
» Geeknet hosted video: less than 9MBs
» Video may start without audio on load
» Video may start with audio on clearly
labeled click interaction only
» Play, Stop/Pause, Rewind, and Mute/
Unmute buttons are required
GENERALGUIDELINES:
» Ads must be degradable; if a rich media ad can’t be displayed on
older or otherwise un-enabled browsers, an alternate ad must be
displayed for those browsers.
» No ad can prompt the download of a plug-in, and must be coded
to search for any required plug-ins; if the required plug-in is not
found, it must display the alternate ad.
» A click-through can launch only one new browser window.
» A mouse-over interaction cannot link a user to a new web site.
AUDIORULES:
» Audio must start on clearly labeled
click interaction only
» Mute/Unmute button required
» Audio under one second is allowed
for mouse-over events (e.g. for “click”
or “beep” sounds)
» Geeknet reserves the right to require
removal of the sound if it proves too
distracting
EXPANSIONRULES:
» A close button is required.
» The close button must be clearly visible, contain the word “Close”,
and be at least 50x16 (width x height in pixels). An “X” is optional.
» The close button colors should be highly contrasting to ad and not
be covered at any time by the ad.
» All expandable ads must expand on click or a clearly labeled
rollover interaction, NOT on download of the unit.
» Expandable panel cannot have a transparent background.
» Please program the ad with the ability to detect browser edges,
and set it to expand in the opposite direction if the expanded
portion will disappear off browser window.
» There is a limit to the expansion size for each ad product. See the
ad product specification for the maximum allowed dimensions.
FLOATINGRULES:
» A floating ad may only launch from a clearly labeled click interaction
with an in-page ad.
» A close button is required and follows same rules as with expansion.
» Must not cover site navigation
HTMLRULES:
» All HTML attributes must be properly
double-quoted
» All tags should be correctly nested
» The ad code should be submitted
without the HTML, TITLE, HEAD, and
BODY tags
» All form method attributes must be
set to “GET”, not “POST”
» There is no capability to track clicks
through forms
» CGI scripting must reside on client’s
server
» The z-index must be set to below 40
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Geeknet supports a variety of technologies and vendors
for your advertising needs.
Third Party Ad Servers and Vendors
SUPPORTEDVENDORS:
» Adform (In-page)
» AdShuffle (In-page)
» Atlas (In-page & expandable)
» Bluestreak (In-page & expandable)
» Doubleclick (DFA & DART Rich Media)
» Eyeblaster (Standard/Polite/
Expandable)
» EyeWonder (In-page)
» MediaPlex (Polite & Expandable)
» PointRoll (FatBoy & TomBoy)
» Unicast (In-page & expandable)
* If you do not see a vendor listed here or
have a question about supported vendors
or technologies, Geeknet will investigate
the possibility of support.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
» Please reference individual ad product
sheets as some may have specific 3rd
Party tracking and/or serving rules
» Email all creative and tags to our Ad
Operations group at creatives@geek.net
THIRD PARTY TRACKING:
» Geeknet’s default ad server is Doubleclick
– Live Chat is served via Eyeblaster
– Lead forms are hosted by a 3rd party Geeknet partner
» All 3rd Party ad tags need to include a cache-busting time stamp.
» All 3rd Party ad tags should include a way for Geeknet to pass a
click-tracking URL to the 3rd Party ad server.
– This method should be documented when the tags are submitted to
Geeknet.
» Geeknet needs to be informed at least one business day before
and new ads are rotated into an existing ad campaign on a 3rd
Party ad server.
– The new ads need to be submitted to Geeknet for our review.
» If any issues arise with the 3rd Party ad tags, they must be resolved
in a timely manner.
– Or risk suspension until the 3rd Party tags are working properly
» “4th Party” serving is not supported.
» If using an unsupported 3rd Party vendor, an additional 5 business
days are required for set-up and testing.
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Premium Ad Specs
Dimensions:
» Larger 800x600 Immersion on download page
» Up to 300x900 content ad on project summary page
– 300x250 Medium Rectangle okay
– Can expand left to 500 px
» 1600x600 static, non-click background
– Repeatable along x axis and fade at bottom
– Geeknet can supply psd template for client creation
Third Party:
» Tracking - No
» Serving - No
Animation:
» < :60 sec for Immersion
and < :30 sec for 300x900
» Ads may loop twice
Video/Audio:
» Accepted
» Video may auto-start without audio on load
» Audio must start with clearly labeled user-initiated click
» Play, Stop/Pause, Rewind, and Mute/Unmute buttons are
required
Geeknet Development?
» Optional with Geeknet approval
» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission deadlines
File size (per ad):
» Background image (GIF or
JPG) - 100k
» GIF/JPG/PNG - 100k
» Flash/Rich Media - 300k
Note: if this specs sheet does not answer all of your questions,
please refer to Main Ad Specs documentation and/or consult
your sales person for further clarification
Dimensions: 700x500
File size (per ad):
» GIF/JPG- 100k
» Flash/Rich Media - 300k
Accepted File Types:
GIF, Animated GIF, JPG, PNG, Flash, Javascript/HTML
Third Party:
» Tracking - Accepted
» Serving - Accepted for approved ad servers
Animation:
» Accepted
» < :60 sec for Immersion
» Ads may loop twice
Video/Audio:
» Accepted as .mov file or .flv file for fastest turnarounds
» Video may auto-start without audio on load
» Audio must start with clearly labeled user-initiated
click
» Play, Stop/Pause, Rewind, and Mute/Unmute
buttons are required
Geeknet Development?
» Optional
» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission deadlines
WRAPPER IMMERSION
Accepted File Types:
GIF, Animated GIF, JPG, PNG, Flash, Javascript/HTML
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Product Details:
» Third party tracking/serving via Eyeblaster
» 210x50 logo w/ transparent background (40k), plus link
» 3 brand hex colors for 300x250 and 600x500
backgrounds
– Supply background images in lieu of hex colors (40k)
» Up to 10 Moderators
– 55x55 px and 95x95 px (20k max ea.)
– First name (20 char.), Last name (29 char.)
– Titles (50 char.) and Bio (500 char.)
» Up to 5 Resources/Assets
– Title (50 char.)
– Short Description (50 char.)
– Link and Vanity text (50 char.)
– Long Description (500 char.)
– 240x420 image (40k) or flv. or .mpeg Video file (9 MB max)
» Copy
– Before (“Countdown”) unit:
– Main (50 char.) and Secondary Title (30 char.)
– 2 optional exit links (20 char. vanity label)
– During unit: Main and Secondary Titles (50 char. ea.)
– Expanded Panel:
– Main (30 char.) and Secondary Title (50 char.)
– Call-to-action button (30 char. plus link)
– After unit:
– Main (50 char.) and Secondary Title (30 char.)
– 2 optional exit links (30 char. vanity label)
Geeknet can provide a detailed specs template spreadsheet
Premium Ad Specs Continued...
LIVE CHAT
Note: if this specs sheet does not answer all of your questions, please
refer to Main Ad Specs documentation and/or consult your sales person
for further clarification
POWERSWITCH
Product Details:
» Provide brand guidelines
» Logo with transparent background (40k)
» Up to 10 assets/items
– Image thumbnails (50x50) and titles
Dimensions:
» Expanded: 980x130 (default)
» Collapsed: 980x30
Accepted File Types:
» GIF, Animated GIF, JPG, PNG, Flash
» RSS and Video (.flv or .mov) okay
Third Party:
» Tracking - Accepted
» Serving - No
Geeknet Development?
» Required
» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission
deadlines
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Premium Ad Specs Continued...
HOME PAGE CONTENT UNIT DEV SPONSORSHIP
Dimensions:
» Develop pages: 300x250
» Forum pages: 300x100
File size (per ad):
» Static images: GIF/JPG/PNG
» Text, HTML
Accepted File Types:
GIF, Animated GIF, JPG, PNG, Flash, HTML
Third Party:
» Not available
» Google Analytics will serve as page view source
» Clicks tracked by Geeknet vanity URL solution or
client unique URL
Geeknet Development?
» Required
» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission deadlines
Dimensions:
» Approximate 320x210 (subject to change)
Accepted File Types:
» GIF/JPG/PNG
» Text, HTML
» RSS
Third Party:
» Tracking - Accepted
» Serving - No
Geeknet Development?
» Required
» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission deadlines
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Leaderboard and Sponsorship
Treatment on Poll Pages
Home Page Poll ‘Slashbox’ Sponsorship
Dimensions:
» 185x85 for sponsorship space
– 50x50 logo
– Geeknet can create or provide template
» Program includes 728x90 Leaderboard
– See separate Leaderboard specifications
Logo File Size:
» GIF/JPG/PNG - 25k
– Submit EPS in case adjustments are needed
Third Party:
» Tracking - Accepted
» Serving - No
Other:
» Standard Geeknet Leaderboard specifications apply
» No animation/looping
» No Video/Audio
» Submission Deadline: 4 business days
Premium Ad Specs Continued...
SLASHDOT POLL SPONSORSHIP
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Package Specs...
MOMENTUM
Content Hub download page
» Geeknet development required
» Resides on a Geeknet server
» Get SourceForge domain
– Preferred URL?
– Ex: http://moblinzone.sourceforge.net
» Co-branded with SourceForge logo
» Need branding guidelines and
transparent logo
» Details:
– 10 max tracked links
– RSS (up to 5 feeds)
– Video file(s): .mpeg or .flv
– Screenshots
– Web functionality
– Social bookmarks (Share it, Twitter, etc.)
» Tracked via Google Analytics
– Advertiser may apply own tags
Immersion ad
» Geeknet development recommended
» Refer to Immersion specs for details
» Tracked/Served via DFP
Other Media components
» Geeknet development optional
» Refer to individual ad specs for details
» 3rd party tracking/serving okay
Downloads
» Open Source: Mirror Network
– Download data shows up in SourceForge
project download stats
» Closed Source: private CDN
– Initiated download reports supplied by
Geeknet
SourceForge Project:
» For Open Source Software only
» Geeknet can assist in project creation
» Require:
– Title and description for summary page
– Related topics for proper categorization
Other details:
» Reporting available weekly
» Content Hub changes made 1x per month
» Geeknet will maintain landing page and project for duration
of media program
An extensive ad package driving interest, consideration and
downloads hosted by Geeknet
Please ask your sales person for a proposal.
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Standard Ad Specs
EMAIL SNIPPETS
TEXT LINKS
Product Details
» Text only (hyperlinked)
» 4 lines of text
» 72 text characters per line (including spaces)
» 5th line for URL
– Geeknet will apply vanity URL for click tracking
Third Party:
» Not available
Other: Submission Deadline - 2 business days
STANDARD DISPLAY
Dimensions:
» 300x250 Medium Rectangle (can expand left to 600 px)
» 728x90 Leaderboard (can expand down to 270 px)
» 300x100 Spark (no expansion)
File size (per ad):
» GIF/JPG/PNG - 50k
» Flash/Rich Media - 50k
Accepted File Types:
GIF, Animated GIF, JPG, PNG, Flash, Javascript/HTML
Animation:
» < :30 sec
» Medium Rectangles and Leaderboards may loop twice
» Spark units may loop once
Video/Audio:
» Refer to Rich Media Specs for details (not available
for Spark)
Other: Refer to Main, Flash and Rich Media Specs for
more information
Product Details
» Runs on SourceForge only
» Text only
» 37 text characters (including spaces)
Third Party:
» Tracking - Accepted
» Serving - No
Other: Submission Deadline - 2 business days
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Add-On Specs
ROADBLOCK
» Geeknet roadblocks are sold by specified unit and
do not necessarily yield page exclusivity
» Refer to Main specs and those of individual
products being purchased as roadblocks
PULSE POLLS
» Choose an ad position (Medium Rectangle or Immersion)
» Creative direction:
Is Poll main focus or one part of multiple components
Opinion or Trivia?
Primarily text-based or image/video?
Require editorial assistance to decide on Poll Q&A?
» Questions and Answers
Limit answer selections to 5
» Do you want results in poll after
vote?
GENERAL ADD-ON GUIDELINES
» There should be an initial kick-off call to discuss creative direction and timeline(s)
» Provide any/all required brand/messaging guidelines
» All assets combined should be less than 10 MBs
» If this specs sheet does not answer your questions, please refer to Main specs documentation and/or consult your
sales person for further clarification
SLIDER
» Choose an ad position (Medium Rectangle or
Immersion)
» Provide images/messaging for up to 5 assets
– Image and expansion sizes vary by ad position
– Rotating thumbnail images (45x45)
CUBE
» Choose an ad position (Medium Rectangle or
Immersion)
» Identify what to apply to each of 6 sides
– Image sizes vary by ad position
– Can accept video, swf or images for each side
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Product Details
» Near-full pg ad with top 700x200 space for branding
& asset description
» Form serving and data collection by Madison Logic
» Target geos and category through the ad server
» Lead Filtering Details
– Duplicates and ‘Mickey Mouse’ leads are filtered out
– Broad filtering only
– Custom questions accepted, but without filtering
– One filter per campaign
– Company size and/or Job title filtering accepted, but
should be broad
– Please contact your sales person with questions
Space for file
size within
button
Product Details
» 50x50 Logo pixel size – GIF/JPG/PNG (30k)
» Headline (35 char.), Description (135 char.)
» Prefer direct links to initiate download
» If using direct link, can place file size in green arrow
» Flexible Download Button text within 13 char.
» Third Party tracking okay (no serving)
» No Flash/Rich Media (no Animation or Audio/Video)
» Submission Deadline: 2 business days
Performance Ad Specs
FEATURED DOWNLOAD CATALYST
EXPRESS
Product Details
» 50x50 Logo pixel size – GIF/JPG/PNG (30k)
» Headline (35 char.) - Description (135 char.)
» Select from list of icons
» Provide URL (same for Headline, Image & Button)
» Third Party tracking okay (no serving)
» No Flash/Rich Media (no Animation or Audio/Video)
» Submission Deadline: 2 business days
Choose from an extensive list of iconic buttons to match
your action objective...
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