ScratchBack Trial

I am trying out a new advertising / revenue model on a few of my sites.  As some may remember I have had trouble with Text Link Ads, and though I like google enough google adsense makes NO money on this blog.  So what is a blogger to do?

I ran into ScratchBack from a blog post on TechCrunch.  ScratchBack has an interesting system.  People can pay for a quick link on the scratchback widget for a price you specify.  $1 - whatever.  That link will stay until it rotates out of view or for a period of time (again the webmasters option).

It is google friendly (has rel=nofollow) and very easy to setup and use. It took me all of 5 minutes to set up and install on this blog (look to the right).

I do have a few comments.

1. It is still in beta.  You may only get half the money someone tips.  Maybe more, maybe less.  No way to know for sure at the moment as they are still adjusting.
2. There are a number of colors to pick, or you can have a custom design.  However there is only one size.  As you can see its a bit too wide for this site.
3. I think the text for the links could be better.  Right now it says things like "get into my top spots" which isn't indicative of what it is.  I think the wording changes could help induce more clicks and tips.
4. There is no affiliate system.  I know my comments to a private group started a couple of other people to play with it.  Not that it is a bad thing, but many of these sort of programs have affiliate options now.  I think that could help spread the word.

I have no idea what minimum to set.  I put in $10.  I may drop that down to $5.  It would be GREAT to get reports from them to see click through to tip ratio.  How many people clicked to tip, then saw $10 and said 'no way' and went elsewhere?  That report could help me tweek the tip amount. 

If you have tried it on your site let me know how it works for you.  Or tip me... or both!