Charles Morrison
PO Box 881
Portage la Prairie MB R1N 3C3
(204) 239-0993cmb@xc.org
www.chazm.com
http://www.chazm.com/ccbnMay 4, 1999 - For Immediate Release
Canadian Christian Banner Network Launched
(Portage la Prairie, MB) - A new website promotion service for Canadian Christians launches May 4th, 1999. Canadian Christian Banner Network (CCBN) uses a now familiar promotional method to place internet 'banners' or advertisements on Network member pages, in exchange for credits on the network. This allows web-surfers to move easily to other sites of interest.
"Originally, I was looking for an effective way to promote my own sites to a targeted Canadian Christian audience. However, after finding none that meet my own needs, I investigated starting my own network," says net entrepreneur Charles Morrison. "And here we are."
Morrison indicates that his searches included investigating the current Christian and mainstream Banner Exchanges targeting features, which allow members to choose to whom their banners are shown. "There was always something not quite right. Some lumped all 'Religious' banners into one group. I don't want to show other religion's banners on my page. Some were operated by Christians, but had no features to allow me to just reach Canadians."
"I've seen the growth of online communities through the banner exchanges in the States, and I've seen some attempts to create a Canadian Christian Internet community. However, I believe that community is a by-product of activity. I hope that this Banner Network is the kind of activity that is a catalyst for growth."
"I'd also like to also see a truly Canadian Christian search engine or directory, because that would be a huge step. If no one has done it by the time this is a 'success' then that may be the next project. But if you are going to do it, you might as well have the time and money to do it right."
The Banner Exchange or Network concept has been popularized by such big names as Link Exchange (recently purchased by Microsoft) and HyperBanner. Exchange members place a piece of code on their own page, which allows members to show banners in exchange for credits in the advertising pool. Credits are used up when the member's banner is shown on other pages.
In the US, several Christian Banner Exchanges and Networks have been operating for the past year, and can be seen on many Canadian Christians' Websites.
Morrison also indicates that he'll be charging for banner impressions if Canadian Advertisers wish to reach his audience. He plans to accept no advertising from outside of Canada, and will only accept Canadian currency. Morrison hopes to recoup the cost for software, online charges (and slurpees) through paid advertising.
Morrison currently operates several other websites including Northern Sites - a directory of Canadian Christian Music Links (200+ links) www.chazm.com/ns and CMB - Canada, Music, Biblical Faith - www.chazm.com/cmb