[AMA] I founded OzBargain 13 years ago. Ask me (almost) anything, again

scotty on 25/11/2019 - 19:14

Hi everyone. I am scotty, and I created a website 13 years ago called "OzBargain" — surprisingly that it is still around today. I actually did an AMA 4.5 years ago, and I've been getting PMs asking for another one. So here we go. Ask me (almost) anything, again.

Rules:

  • Ask questions in the top-level comments. I might miss your questions if they are posted as replies to other comments.
  • Vote up good questions and vote down bad ones.
  • I'll try to keep the AMA open until Wednesday (27 Nov 2019).

Also some notes:

  • Good idea to check my previous AMA. Your questions might have already been answered there. For example, I'm still driving that old Kia 7-seater.
  • Bad commenters will get kicked out from the thread. I'm the admin on this site, after all.
  • Don't ask moderation related questions regarding to your account/store. Use TWAM instead.
  • Don't request features or send feature-related feedbacks. Use this thread instead.
  • Don't expect me to answer all questions. I reserve the right to refuse answer some questions without giving explanation.

Fire away the questions! I'm getting off for dinners for now and will be back in 1/2 hour to answer the questions. Just in case someone asks "what are you having for dinner?" The answer would be: wife's cooking (rice + tofu with pork fillings + vegs).

Introduce Yourself

closed Comments

  • scylla on 25/11/2019 - 19:19
    +45

    hi legendary scotty! hope youre feasting on some delicious dinner. Question: How does OzBargain make money?

    • Hybroid on 25/11/2019 - 19:40
      +2

      Really curious about this too. From what I've seen, there's no affiliate links or paid promotions or anything. Not even ads. Gotta be investors somehow… But, why/how?

    • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 19:49
      +35

      OzBargain has 2 main sources of revenue:

      • Display ads, i.e. banner ads. We do not sell them directly, and they are all "programmatic", i.e. buyers of ad-space from different networks bidding to be placed on OzBargain. For example right now I can see Sennheiser & UBank's ads on this page. If you don't see ads, it's either because you are using an ad-blocker / ad-blocking browser, or you have turned off ads from your profile settings.

      • Affiliate links. See this wiki page. We might get commissions from some guest users clicking through the links & making a purchase. If you don't see affiliate links, that means you are not browsing OzBargain as a guest.

      That's all.

      • burningrage on 25/11/2019 - 21:34

        Can people donate?

        • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 21:43
          +83

          Sorry no donation. Mainly because I don't want to know whom I take the money from. That's one thing I love about programmatic advertising — most of the time I have no idea who have been putting banner ads on OzBargain so I don't feel obligated to provide favours.

          • serpserpserp on 26/11/2019 - 14:30
            +3

            @scotty: Could you not put some sort of anonymous donation thing in place? Surely there is something out there on the internet that allows this so you can avoid this exact problem.

          • jiberz on 26/11/2019 - 16:27
            +4

            @scotty: You took my BAT donation though?

        • bargdebarg on 27/11/2019 - 16:22

          I donate BAT to OzBargain

      • Caped Baldy on 26/11/2019 - 06:53

        Do you have any problems with people using adblockers?

        • ozbjunkie on 26/11/2019 - 08:08

          Remember questions in comment replies may not be answered.

          I'd guess they don't have a problem as they give you the option to turn off ads in membership settings.

          I'd also guess the preference is to leave ads on. But I'd rather die. So I turn them off.

        • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 09:04
          +31

          I measured ~3 years ago and around 30% of page views have adblockers. I believe it's a bit more these days, and moreover Safari and Firefox have privacy settings turned on by default, which you can really tell the effect on the ad performance. Basically for this year — page views are up, but ads revenue is down quite noticeably.

          Fortunately I do have a bit of buffer. However it's definitely not good for other ad-supported publishing businesses that get less page views and/or have higher operation expenses.

          So do I have problems with adblockers? From publishers' point of view, sure yeah! But we are doing alright.

          However I also know that some people are really bothered by the ads. So feel free to go ahead to use it.

          • johnwickspuppy on 26/11/2019 - 09:35
            +56

            @scotty: I just disabled my adblocker for OzBargain. Appreciate this site and the efforts of you and your staff, Scotty. Please don't ever allow Pornhub etc to advertise here though. Would be hard to explain that one to anyone looking over my shoulder.

            • Click_It on 26/11/2019 - 09:56
              +13

              @johnwickspuppy: Let's hope it doesn't show ads based on search history then

              • Clear on 26/11/2019 - 10:03
                +2

                @Click_It: Oh they sure do ;)

                • Click_It on 26/11/2019 - 10:04
                  +3

                  @Clear: Johnwickspuppy: it's probably best to use OzBargain when nobody else is home from now on.

            • Caped Baldy on 26/11/2019 - 10:04
              +2

              @johnwickspuppy: +1 The ads aren't too intrusive either. Can always press the x in the top right to close them temporarily.

            • Wystri Warrick on 26/11/2019 - 20:44

              @johnwickspuppy: Hey scotty,

              Does OzBargain get revenue when ads are displayed to users, or does OzBargain only get revenue when viewers click on a ad?
              If OzBargain does get revenue from just displaying ads to viewers I'll disable my ad blocker and enable ads on Ozbargain.
              The reason I ask is because I never ever click on ads, well actually a few times, about 3, one of them was for a Tom Gleeson stand up comedy.

              • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 21:05
                +2

                @Wystri Warrick: It's a bit of both (CPC & CPM). Big branded campaigns are usually paid by the impressions.

                • Wystri Warrick on 26/11/2019 - 21:21

                  @scotty: Woops messaged the wrong person lol…

                  Thanks for the answer scotty.
                  I'll be disabling my adblocker and enabling ads!

            • jace88 on 26/11/2019 - 21:22

              @johnwickspuppy: Me too. Honestly it's a great community and I appreciate the sensible choices you've made in what adds you allow to run and how they affect the experience.

          • whatsinaname on 26/11/2019 - 10:33
            +1

            @scotty: Mate love this site. Bargains is one thing but definitely brought me to look forward to the site everyday. So No Adblocks on here.

          • ESEMCE on 26/11/2019 - 12:15
            +1

            @scotty: Didn't realise Tracking Protection would reduce Ad revenue…

            I have turned off Adblock on a bunch of my most frequently used sites (including OzB, which I only thought to do following a forum post complaining about an Ad that I couldn't see), but didn't realise the financial impact of disabling Tracking.

            • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 12:27
              +12

              @ESEMCE: I really don't want to make people feel pressured — feel free to leave the adblock on.

              I also agree that tracking has been abused by all the "adtech" companies over the years so Apple & Firefox are doing the right thing. We are doing fine though — still profitable, and able to fund the birthday parties and charity givings next month. It would be interesting to see the effect on other smaller publishes comes next year, especially with shrinking ads spent due to bad economy.

              • ESEMCE on 26/11/2019 - 12:36
                +9

                @scotty:

                I really don't want to make people feel pressured — feel free to leave the adblock on.

                It's this kind of attitude that makes OzB great Scotty!

              • Wystri Warrick on 26/11/2019 - 20:47
                +5

                @scotty:

                I really don't want to make people feel pressured — feel free to leave the adblock on.

                OzBargain isn't just the best site ever it has the best owner and admin ever!

                I love OzBargain :)

          • BradH13 on 26/11/2019 - 15:38
            +2

            @scotty: I just whitelisted OzBargain on my ad blocker. See how we go.

          • cloudy on 26/11/2019 - 21:30

            @scotty: So with display adds, even if we don't click you still get revenue right?

            if yes, do you get more revenue if we do click on a add banner?

            just wondering if I'm bored if it helps if I click on a add or two sometimes. :)

          • virhlpool on 26/11/2019 - 22:59
            +1

            @scotty: Any plans on launching OzB app? That way you can rely on device ids and not just cookies in order to monetize the visits programmatically (SSPs and DSPs use cookies or devices IDs for match). This can be particularly helpful in two cases: 1) People using ad-blockers in their browsers, and 2) Safari/ Firefox (and even Chrome in foreseeable future) which don't support cookies greatly.

          • rakerr on 27/11/2019 - 01:33

            @scotty: Scotty your should coil enable the site. Simple update. No impact to the users. A few extra bucks to offset the reduction in advertising. No doubt will be minuscule revenue to start with but once your set up you're good to go. It all counts. And people love to sit on ozb.

          • leiiv on 27/11/2019 - 09:37

            @scotty: So if the ads revenue keeps going down, do you have other plans to keep the site up?

            • scotty on 27/11/2019 - 09:44

              @leiiv: I think it would be a bloodbath in the online media industry before it troubles OzBargain. We are trying to keep our expense low. This might mean only Domino's for the future OzBargain meetups (finger crossed that it won't happen).

          • curtturtle on 27/11/2019 - 14:46

            @scotty: Just whitelisted OzB on my ad blocker. I would still like to see and anonymous tip jar. I have saved sooo much on this site. Would like to give back.

          • ShanB on 27/11/2019 - 17:47

            @scotty: I'll deactivate my adblocker too.

      • SupeNintendoChalmers on 26/11/2019 - 10:20
        +2

        OzB is the only site I frequent where my adblocker is disabled

        • smux on 26/11/2019 - 12:03
          +3

          My AdBlocker is on by default… Never occurred to me to disable it for OzBargain, but I will now!

          • fickre on 26/11/2019 - 17:33
            +2

            @smux: Make sure your OzB profile setting also allow the ads.

      • CalmLemons on 26/11/2019 - 16:42

        Why commissions only for guest users. Don't you get affiliate commission if actual users purchase through the affiliate link?

        • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 18:23
          +3

          It's a compromise with cashback sites. Cashback sites (Cashrewards, ShopBack, etc) need to get the affiliate commission to pay their members. I am assuming OzBargain users use cashback sites so won't send the logged in users to affiliate network.

          • CalmLemons on 26/11/2019 - 20:17

            @scotty: So as a logged in user, if we purchase from the site without going through cashback, you get nothing?

            • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 21:06
              +5

              @CalmLemons: Correct. But why aren't you using a cashback site?

              • SupeNintendoChalmers on 27/11/2019 - 09:11

                @scotty: thanks for the response

              • CalmLemons on 27/11/2019 - 13:54

                @scotty: Most of my purchases are rather impulse, guess it creates a click barrier between. I'll make sure to use them from now on.

                I assume it doesn't work for ebay purchases for logged in users. E.g., bought a webber via good guys store from the ozbargain link.

      • virhlpool on 26/11/2019 - 22:53

        Any thoughts on incentivising users to keep ads "on" in their profile settings, so that more ads can be served on OzB and hence more revenue?

      • Lastchancetosee on 27/11/2019 - 10:37

        Many thanks for the site. Learnt heaps, laughed a lot. What more can you ask for.

  • spackbace on 25/11/2019 - 19:21
    +7

    Have you ever been propositioned through the website (and not some Russian bride spam)?

    • Switchblade88 on 25/11/2019 - 19:47
      +3

      Are you asking for a feature??

      • spackbace on 25/11/2019 - 19:48
        +3

        Nope, asking for a friend

    • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 19:51
      +2

      I am sure it's a "No".

      • Andard on 26/11/2019 - 16:33
        +1

        "Nyet."

      • urthor on 26/11/2019 - 21:32

        A not yet you mean

  • Diji1 on 25/11/2019 - 19:24
    +7

    Who?

    (Just kidding)

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 25/11/2019 - 19:27
    +5

    How many paid staff members does OzBargain have? Has it changed much from 2015?

  • Chiemo on 25/11/2019 - 19:30

    I see that you have a background in software development.

    Do you have any advice for a 1st year computer science student looking into a career in web development?

    • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 19:57
      +24

      "Web development" today is very different from web development when I started back in the late 90's. People should be looking at Javascript, TypeScript, various front-end framework like Ember or React.

      Advice — don't be too fussy about the technology. Learn to "learn something quickly". Every shop might be using something different so it's a bonus to be able to pick up something quickly.

      • cloudy on 26/11/2019 - 21:33

        On the side note of looking back in time on tech jobs (web dev).

        Have you noticed over time, with rise of the big sexy billion $$ tech companies (FB, insta, and even the newer Afterpay etc) that tech/software engineering jobs are more expensive to hire, and less in supply, etc? and is it an issue for ozb?

        • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 22:17

          Software dev / web dev are indeed getting expensive. Most compsci grads I know have no problem securing a job after graduation, with relatively good initial salary. They are just in high demand.

          We haven't hired a dev recently though, so not really an issue for OzB.

    • khell on 26/11/2019 - 23:30

      Get an internship.

  • CyberMurning on 25/11/2019 - 19:36
    +2

    What is the value of this website now?

    • Hybroid on 25/11/2019 - 19:44
      +36

      Somewhere between $734, $1,035,548 and $68,250,000.

      • ThithLord on 26/11/2019 - 08:57
        +10

        Accurate

    • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 19:58
      +5

      Is this "how long is a piece a piece of string" kind of question?

      • manshrew on 26/11/2019 - 09:59
        +4

        Twice the length of one end to the middle?

        • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 10:28
          +20

          You mean, OzBargain is double the price of half its value?

        • porcho77 on 26/11/2019 - 11:37
          +1

          WOAH! Mind Blown!

    • TopCat on 26/11/2019 - 18:24
      +1

      Like a house, it is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

  • Sergeant Salami on 25/11/2019 - 19:38
    +1

    What kit/services does the site run on? Who's done the design work? How many hits does the site get per day?

    • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 20:02
      +16

      What kit/services does the site run on?

      See OzBargain Architecture. Not comprehensive, but it's a start.

      Who's done the design work?

      Yours truly.

      How many hits does the site get per day?

      According to Google Analytics, yesterday (a Sunday) — 1.44M page views. 1.64M page views last Thursday. We might be expecting ~3M page views on the Black Friday.

      • capslock janitor on 25/11/2019 - 21:28
        +4

        We might be expecting ~3M page views on the Black Friday.

        Dude I'm HYPED! What's the record?

      • nomoneynoproblems on 25/11/2019 - 22:15

        That's huge for an Australian based site. Scotty is making absolute bank and is sitting on a gold mine. The site is easily worth north of 7 figures. Source: in data/marketing.

      • YoursTruly on 28/11/2019 - 03:50

        Yours truly.

        Did someone call my name? ;-)

  • Ghost47 on 25/11/2019 - 19:42
    +2

    How much money has OzBargain made you? If you have a background in software development (as mentioned in another comment) what kind of things have you created?

    • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 20:05
      +32

      How much money has OzBargain made you?

      Not enough to make me not using OzBargain anymore :)

      what kind of things have you created?

      One of original architect for this financial planning software.

      • CalmLemons on 26/11/2019 - 20:18

        holy shit you made iress, the same one we use for trading?

        • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 21:08

          No. Just founding team of Xplan, which got acquired by IRESS in 2003. I've never worked on the trading side of IRESS, just the FPS side.

          • Chazzozz on 26/11/2019 - 21:38

            @scotty: O.M.G. You helped to build Xplan? If that's the same Xplan we get asked about every other week and have no idea who supports it any more can we send questions your way? (Just kidding!) . On a serious note, that's an interesting background to end up developing OB. I suppose it's still loosely 'financial' in nature.

  • FireRunner on 25/11/2019 - 19:42
    +2

    What's your favourite deal and favourite forum post?

    • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 20:09
      +9

      Sorry really have no idea on how to answer this kind "favourite deal" question. When you are looking through hundreds and thousands of deals over the last 13 years, it's difficult to remember the exact favourite deal.

      I do like deals I can use though. For November 2019,

      • Macaa's
      • AmEx Shop Small
      • Kogan's 50% off selected items that got posted today. Bought sport shoes for wife & kids.
      • Keeegs on 25/11/2019 - 21:34
        +1

        I, too, like the Macaa's deal.

      • Tafe on 25/11/2019 - 22:08

        You finally got an Amex then… Absent from the 2015 AMA :)

        Platinum Edge?

        • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 22:15
          +10

          Yeah, Shop Small won me over. Just got an Essential for all those statement deals.

      • Neilzy on 26/11/2019 - 14:32
        +1

        Anyone remember the Dick Smith legit closing down/liquidation sales? ahhh good times /pats $50 Nikon 1 V1 display stock camera

        • scotty on 26/11/2019 - 14:39
          +1

          Like this? The moderators were just talking about it today.

          • Neilzy on 26/11/2019 - 14:41

            @scotty: EXACTLY THAT! was chatting to a work mate about it the other day haha

            shizzzzzleeeee

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 26/11/2019 - 15:20

          Or the recent mavic 2 from Bunnings?

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 25/11/2019 - 19:44
    +3

    What are your thoughts and views on the pro-democratics steamrolling the Hong Kong elections?

    • scotty on 25/11/2019 - 20:13
      +33

      Answering this could take a while, especially when I have family & friends on both side of the fence. I'm pro-democratic, but also a realist. I'll leave it at that.

  • mrtenacious on 25/11/2019 - 19:46
    +8

    When your out meeting new girls or guys, do you ever drop a "You are talking guy who founded Ozbargain"?

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