Ad Specs

ADPRODUCTS
Main Specs
Creative Services Process
Premium Ad Specs
Package Specs
Standard Ad Specs
Add-On Specs
Performance Ad Specs

updated 8.16.2010
 Main Advertising Specifications
Geeknet provides creative services for premium products and
supports a variety of technologies and vendors for your advertising
needs.

i generalspecs: 1
submission deadlines:
»» Email all creative and tags to creatives@geek.net if your ad does not require
additional geeknet creative
»» Maximum of 5 individual ad creatives in rotation at one time
development...
–– Unless otherwise approved
»» Client delivered ads can be updated once per week »» Standard Image (GIF/JPG):
–– 2 business days
»» Creatives developed by Geeknet can be updated once per two
weeks »» Flash/Rich Media:
–– 5 business days
»» General file size guidelines:
–– Images can be no more than 100k in size. »» Third Party Standard Image:
–– Rich media swf files must be under 300k in size. –– 3 business days

Generally accepted file types: »» Third Party Rich Media:

–– GIF/Animated GIF, JPG –– 8 business days
–– Text, Javascript/HTML
–– Flash, Rich Media if your ad requires additional
–– File type requirements will vary by ad product geeknet creative development, add
the below times to the standard
deadlines...

Acceptabilityguidelines: »» Design: 5 to 10 business days

»» Development & Testing: approx. 10
»» Creatives must comply with express requirements of federal and business days
state laws
»» Turnaround time can be reduced with
»» Political advertisements must identify the paid sponsor in every quick client delivery of assets including
frame of the ad fonts, approvals, and general accessibility
»» Creatives cannot:
… be fraudulent, deceptive or misleading Please Take note:
… be indecent, vulgar or suggestive » Please refer to specific Flash, Rich Media,
and Third Party Ad Servers and Vendors
… mimic our site content, as Geeknet maintains clear separation between
pages for more detailed information
site content and advertisments
» Please reference individual ad product
»» Geeknet does not accept creatives for: sheets for details on file weight, animation
… cigarettes or other tobacco products and other product specific requirements

… online gaming / gambling sites » Any creative not conforming to our

advertising specifications will not be placed
online and may result in delayed start dates

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 Creative Services Process
1 2
Pre Design Setup
(2-3 business days)
»» Geeknet will assign a Campaign
Manager (CM) for your program
»» Kick-off call to discuss objectives,
scope, direction, etc.
»» CM gathers all assets from client
»» CM clarifies build with client and
coordinates with Geeknet teams
Please Take note:
The estimated timeline herein does
not account for client response time
nor incremental rounds of review or
approval. Some service requests may be
fulfilled sooner than others and Geeknet
will always work to complete design
and development as quickly as possible
without compromising the quality.
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Design Process
(5 to 10 Business Days)
»» All creative files/direction must
be in before Design work begins
»» Up to 2 rounds of Design allotted
»» Ad Designer creatives initial
mock-up (First round)
»» CM provides mock-up to client
»» Second round of Design if needed
»» CM coordinates with client and
Design for design approval
»» CM clarifies click URLs and 3rd
party tracking with client
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3
Ad Build / QA /
Approval /
Trafficking Process
(5 to 10 Business Days)
»» CM passes all assets to Ad
Developer
»» Developer builds out the ad
»» CM passes live preview link
to client and coordinates for
final approval
»» CM notifies trafficking
department that the ad is
ready to go live
 Flash Specifications
Specific guidelines and instructions for Flash advertising creative

i guidelines: Please Submit:

»» Geeknet accepts Flash 8.0 or greater. »» SWF file
»» All Flash SWF files must be accompanied by backup GIF/JPGs »» FLA file
and click-through URLs.
»» Back-up GIF/JPG
»» Flash ads cannot exceed 25 FPS (Frames Per Second).
»» Details on the clickTags used in the
»» Please restrict flash creatives to only including one single Flash file and what the associated click-
video (FLV). through URLs should be
»» Ads which load additional files should load these files from »» Copies of any non-standard fonts
absolute URLs (i.e., http://www...). used in the FLA file
»» Ads trying to load external content, need to use a cross-domain
* Note: To learn more about clickTags visit
file to allow the data access from our ad server.
the clickTag section of Adobe’s Designer
»» Up to three additional loads (up to 100k each) may be loaded Guide: http://www.adobe.com/resources/
in to the ad. Each additional load must be initiated by the user richmedia/tracking/designers_guide/
interacting with the ad.
»» Any flash creative that delays load time or fails to appear on a
Geeknet site will be suspended immediately. Rough breakdown of Geeknet
users’ flash versions:
»» A click-through can launch only one new browser window.
»» 86% use version 10
»» A mouse-over interaction cannot link a user to a new web site.
»» 7% use version 9
»» Flash ads must have the following click-tracking ActionScript
code embedded on the button: »» <1% use version 8

on (release) { »» <1% use version 7

if (clickTag.substr(0,5) == “http:”) { »» ~1.5% use version 6
getURL(_root.clickTag, “_blank”);
»» ~3% is unspecified
}
}
»» 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”);
}
}

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 Rich Media Specifications
Specific details for Rich Media advertising creative

i generalguidelines: VideoRules:
»» Ads must be degradable; if a rich media ad can’t be displayed on »» .FLV and .MOV accepted
older or otherwise un-enabled browsers, an alternate ad must be »» :60 sec or less, unless otherwise noted
displayed for those browsers.
»» Geeknet hosted video: less than 9MBs
»» 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 »» Video may start without audio on load
found, it must display the alternate ad.
»» Video may start with audio on clearly
»» A click-through can launch only one new browser window. labeled click interaction only
»» A mouse-over interaction cannot link a user to a new web site. »» Play, Stop/Pause, Rewind, and Mute/
Unmute buttons are required

ExpansionRules: AudioRules:
»» A close button is required. »» Audio must start on clearly labeled
click interaction only
»» 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. »» Mute/Unmute button required
»» The close button colors should be highly contrasting to ad and not »» Audio under one second is allowed
be covered at any time by the ad. for mouse-over events (e.g. for “click”
or “beep” sounds)
»» All expandable ads must expand on click or a clearly labeled
rollover interaction, NOT on download of the unit. »» Geeknet reserves the right to require
removal of the sound if it proves too
»» Expandable panel cannot have a transparent background. distracting
»» Please program the ad with the ability to detect browser edges,
and set it to expand in the opposite direction if the expanded HTMLRules:
portion will disappear off browser window.
»» All HTML attributes must be properly
»» There is a limit to the expansion size for each ad product. See the double-quoted
ad product specification for the maximum allowed dimensions.
»» All tags should be correctly nested
»» The ad code should be submitted
FloatingRules: without the HTML, TITLE, HEAD, and
BODY tags
»» A floating ad may only launch from a clearly labeled click interaction
with an in-page ad. »» All form method attributes must be
set to “GET”, not “POST”
»» A close button is required and follows same rules as with expansion.
»» There is no capability to track clicks
»» Must not cover site navigation
through forms
»» CGI scripting must reside on client’s
server
»» The z-index must be set to below 40

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 Third Party Ad Servers and Vendors
Geeknet supports a variety of technologies and vendors
for your advertising needs.

Third Party tracking: SupportedVendors:

»» Geeknet’s default ad server is Doubleclick »» Adform (In-page)
–– Live Chat is served via MediaMind
»» AdShuffle (In-page)
–– Lead forms are hosted by a 3rd party Geeknet partner
»» Atlas (In-page & expandable)
»» All 3rd Party ad tags need to include a cache-busting time stamp.
»» Bluestreak (In-page & expandable)
»» All 3rd Party ad tags should include a way for Geeknet to pass a
click-tracking URL to the 3rd Party ad server. »» Doubleclick (DFA & DART Rich Media)
–– This method should be documented when the tags are submitted to
»» Eyeblaster (Standard/Polite/
Geeknet.
Expandable)
»» Geeknet needs to be informed at least one business day before
»» EyeWonder (In-page)
and new ads are rotated into an existing ad campaign on a 3rd
Party ad server. »» MediaPlex (Polite & Expandable)
–– The new ads need to be submitted to Geeknet for our review.
»» PointRoll (FatBoy & TomBoy)
»» If any issues arise with the 3rd Party ad tags, they must be resolved »» Unicast (In-page & expandable)
in a timely manner.
–– Or risk suspension until the 3rd Party tags are working properly
»» “4th Party” serving is not supported. * If you do not see a vendor listed here or
have a question about supported vendors
»» If using an unsupported 3rd Party vendor, an additional 5 business or technologies, Geeknet will investigate
days are required for set-up and testing. 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

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 Premium Ad Specs

wrapper immersion
Dimensions: Dimensions: 700x500
»» Larger 800x600 Immersion on download page
»» Up to 300x900 content ad on project summary page File size (per ad):
–– 300x250 Medium Rectangle okay »» GIF/JPG- 100k
–– Can expand left to 500 px »» Flash/Rich Media - 300k
»» 1400x600 static, non-click background
–– Geeknet can supply psd template for client creation Accepted File Types:
–– Lower 150 pixels fade to white GIF, Animated GIF, JPG, PNG, Flash, Javascript/HTML
–– Center 800 pixels should exclude relevant information/imagery
as it will be predominantly covered by site content Third Party:
»» Tracking - Accepted
File size (per ad): »» Serving - Accepted for approved ad servers
»» Background image (GIF or
JPG) - 100k Animation:
»» GIF/JPG/PNG - 100k »» Accepted
»» Flash/Rich Media - 300k »» < :60 sec for Immersion
»» Ads may loop twice

Accepted File Types: Video/Audio:

GIF, Animated GIF, JPG, PNG, Flash, Javascript/HTML »» Accepted as .mov file or .flv file for fastest turn-
arounds
»» Video may auto-start without audio on load
Third Party:
»» Audio must start with clearly labeled user-initiated
»» Tracking - No
click
»» Serving - No
»» Play, Stop/Pause, Rewind, and Mute/Unmute
buttons are required
Animation:
»» < :60 sec for Immersion
Geeknet Development?
and < :30 sec for 300x900
»» Optional
»» Ads may loop twice
»» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission deadlines

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 Note: if this specs sheet does not answer all of your questions,
»» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission deadlines please refer to Main Ad Specs documentation and/or consult
your sales person for further clarification

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 Premium Ad Specs Continued...

Live chat Powerswitch

Product Details: Product Details:
»» Provide brand guidelines
»» Third party tracking/serving via Eyeblaster
»» Logo with transparent background (40k)
»» 210x50 logo w/ transparent background (40k), plus link »» Up to 10 assets/items
–– Image thumbnails (50x50) and titles
»» 3 brand hex colors for 300x250 and 600x500
backgrounds
Dimensions:
–– Supply background images in lieu of hex colors (40k)
»» Expanded: 980x130 (default)
»» Up to 10 Moderators »» Collapsed: 980x30
–– 55x55 px and 95x95 px (20k max ea.)
–– First name (20 char.), Last name (29 char.) Accepted File Types:
–– Titles (50 char.) and Bio (500 char.) »» GIF, Animated GIF, JPG, PNG, Flash
»» RSS and Video (.flv or .mov) okay
»» Up to 5 Resources/Assets
–– Title (50 char.)
Third Party:
–– Short Description (50 char.)
»» Tracking - Accepted
–– Link and Vanity text (50 char.)
»» Serving - No
–– Long Description (500 char.)
–– 240x420 image (40k) or flv. or .mpeg Video file (9 MB max)
Geeknet Development?
»» Copy »» Required
–– Before (“Countdown”) unit: »» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission
–– Main (50 char.) and Secondary Title (30 char.) deadlines
–– 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)

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
Geeknet can provide a detailed specs template spreadsheet

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 Premium Ad Specs Continued...

Home Page Content Unit slashdot poll sponsorship

Dimensions: Dimensions:
»» Approximate 320x210 (subject to change) »» 185x85 for sponsorship space
–– 50x50 logo
Accepted File Types: –– Geeknet can create or provide template
»» GIF/JPG/PNG »» Program includes 728x90 Leaderboard
»» Text, HTML
–– See separate Leaderboard specifications
»» RSS
Logo File Size:
Third Party:
»» GIF/JPG/PNG - 25k
»» Tracking - Accepted
»» Serving - No –– Submit EPS in case adjustments are needed

Geeknet Development? Third Party:

»» Required »» Tracking - Accepted
»» Refer to Main Ad Specs for submission deadlines »» Serving - No

Other:
»» Standard Geeknet Leaderboard specifications apply
»» No animation/looping
»» No Video/Audio
»» Submission Deadline: 4 business days

Home Page Poll

‘Slashbox’ Sponsorship

Leaderboard and Sponsorship Treatment on Poll Pages

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 Package Specs...

Momentum
An extensive ad package driving interest, consideration
and downloads hosted by Geeknet
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

SourceForge Project: Other Media components

»» For Open Source Software only »» Geeknet development optional
»» Geeknet can assist in project creation »» Refer to individual ad specs for details
»» Require: »» 3rd party tracking/serving okay
–– Title and description for summary page
–– Related topics for proper categorization Downloads
»» Open Source: Mirror Network
Other details: –– Download data shows up in SourceForge
»» Reporting available weekly project download stats
»» Content Hub changes made 1x per month »» Closed Source: private CDN
»» Geeknet will maintain landing page and project for duration –– Initiated download reports supplied by
of media program Geeknet

Please ask your sales person for a proposal.

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 Standard Ad Specs

standard display Email snippets

Dimensions: Product Details

»» 300x600 Fusion (can expand left to 600 px) »» Text only (hyperlinked)
»» 300x250 Medium Rectangle (can expand left to 600 px) »» 4 lines of text
»» 728x90 Leaderboard (can expand down to 270 px) »» 72 text characters per line (including spaces)
»» 300x100 Spark (no expansion) »» 5th line for URL
–– Geeknet will apply vanity URL for click tracking
File size (per ad):
»» GIF/JPG/PNG - 50k Third Party:
»» Flash/Rich Media - 50k »» Not available

Accepted File Types: Other: Submission Deadline - 2 business days

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: text links

»» Refer to Rich Media Specs for details (not available
Product Details
for Spark) »» Runs on SourceForge only
Other: Refer to Main, Flash and Rich Media Specs for »» Text only
more information »» 37 text characters (including spaces)

Third Party:
»» Tracking - Accepted
»» Serving - No

Other: Submission Deadline - 2 business days

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 Add-On Specs

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

PULSE POLLS CUBE

»» Choose an ad position (Medium Rectangle or Immersion) »» Choose an ad position (Medium Rectangle or
»» Creative direction: Immersion)
Is Poll main focus or one part of multiple components »» Identify what to apply to each of 6 sides
Opinion or Trivia? –– Image sizes vary by ad position
Primarily text-based or image/video? –– Can accept video, swf or images for each side
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?

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)
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

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 Performance Ad Specs

featured download catalyst

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
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

express Choose from an extensive list of iconic buttons to match

your action objective...
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

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