It has been quite a while since we had a site update and there have been lots of changes so I thought it would be a good idea to fill you all in on the latest happenings in the Listverse world. A lot happens behind the scenes that hopefully you, our readers, don’t realize but benefit from. So read on and get up to date!
Traditionally on my birthday (August 31) I write an extra vanity list about myself. Previously I have done a list of my favorite books, films, and lists. This year I want you to tell me what to write my list on. I will take all suggestions and pick my favorite (it is my birthday after all!)
After three years of running we finally decided to start managing our own ad campaigns (well, at least some of them). We are now able to serve adverts based on geolocation and a variety of other variables. This will help us to provide adverts that are more intuitive and of interest to our readers. An extra benefit to doing this is that some ad serving should be faster and less clunky.
We are considering offering a special premium type of user account at Listverse. For a small monthly fee (most likely 5 – 10 dollars) premium users would have access to three extra lists each week – lists written by both me and paid premium content writers of my choice. In addition, these users would see no adverts on the site. Non premium users would continue to get their usual seven free lists per week – so this would mean an addition of content for some and no change for others. It would be entirely optional. I am very interested in hearing what you all think about this option and whether you would become a premium user.
You may have noticed that we are running a survey on the site. This is entirely for demographic information as advertisers often like to know more about the audience of a site. We could use cookies to track you all and gather the information that way (as many sites do) but I hate that idea and am sure you all do too. The best solution is to let you disclose what you want to us. The information is completely private – we don’t even get to see your IP address – just your answers. The survey request will only appear once per person so if you ignore it, you won’t see it again. And thanks to all those who have participated so far.
We now have a facebook fanpage! Previously our only presence on facebook was through my personal facebook account. If you haven’t already liked the fanpage, do so now. You can also find us on Twitter and on youtube.
Our site redesign is almost complete! Zack and Alex have been working extremely hard to bring us a stunning new site which brings us up to date with some of the latest trends on the Internet (specifically, social networking). The new design is very different from what we have now but care has been taken to ensure that it is an easy transition. It has a whole new color scheme as well as a few new features. We are sure you will love it.
Our publisher has expressed an interest in doing a third book of lists – the subject of which I can’t disclose at present but it is one that I think you will all love given the popularity of lists in the category. That would give us a trilogy of Listverse books which is very exciting. Our publisher is also running a special offer for listverse readers right now – you can read about that next:
The Ultimate book of Bizarre Lists is now complete and ready to go to the printers. At this stage it is looking like it will be larger than the ultimate book of top 10 lists (our first book) which is over 700 pages! In preparation for the launch of the new book, our publisher is doing a special offer. If you review the first book (and promise to review the second one when it comes out), they will send a free copy of both books to you when the bizarre book launches in November. There are ten sets of books to give away so the first ten reviewers will win the prize. Once your review is complete, send me an email and tell me what name you wrote the review under and your name and address for delivery of the books. Here are the pertinent links:
The Ultimate Book of Top 10 Lists
The Ultimate Book of Bizarre Lists
You can also purchase the first book or pre-order the second if you don’t want to write a review.
I want to be the first one to wish you Happy Birthday (in advance) from Romania. I absolutely love your site and all the lists on it and I'd like to read one of your favourite songs or memories. >:D<
Thanks Laura
Whil I don't always agree with the lists, they are (almost) always interesting and entertaining. I like the website as a good distraction from work and am happy that you've seen so much success. Personally, I would like to see more lists that are about facts (most deaths from a car accident, most fans at a minor league baseball game, most calories in a single dish from a chain restaurant…stuff like that) and less that are opinion based, like that recent one that had the birth of Jesus as the most important moment in human history without a mention of Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius and many other important religious figures in the top 10. In fact, a lot of those lists are highly Eurocentric and really hurt the credibility of the website.
Personally, I would like to see more lists that are about facts
Listverse has made me a better person because it is always teaching me some new facts that I previously did not know. Like the fact that donkeys can talk. Wow! I did not know that.
Happy birthday!
While I like most of these ideas, I don't like the idea of premium content. I know that this will be coming a lot, but this is one of the few free sites that are well maintained and interesting, but premium content will make me feel like I'm missing out on way too much and I am most likely speaking for many others.
I agree with Wither. I check this site everyday, and enjoy that it's free and entertaining, but would feel as though I'm missing out on some things if only people who could afford to pay a monthly fee could see these lists. I can't tell you if I would pay or it if I could, but I know for a fact that I'm a college kid with no income, and certainly can't pay for it now.
But, better yet! Happy Birthday, JFrater!
I think your vanity list should include your account deatails, your pin, your address…
Only joshing! Happy (advanced) Birthday!
Hmmm, what about the worst places or the scariest/ creepiest places you have been??? Oo-er!
*details
Omg i love this site, its funny how you can learn so much, now im becoming more smart, haha im only 17.
so yea Happy early bdayyy, from Mexicooo
Thanks for your devotion to Listverse, Jamie. How about a list of favorite opera performances (that you've either heard or performed yourself)?
Man, I hate to offend you, but that's a horrible idea for a birthday list.
I am very much against the premium content idea. I think the idea that you provide free knowledge is fantastic, and putting a price on extra features, especially ones so integral to what the site is about (aka "more lists"), well…I personally don't agree with it. But I love this site, have been reading it for years, and I'll keep coming back!
Yo bro-namely JF,and happy birthday for it. But please yeah, no premium content crap. The greatest thing about this site is that its free, cheap, and you can post comments without registering and that. I obviously understand financial issues arising now with the sites popularity, but personally, I would prefer no premium content. But then down to you.
Good luck bro,
I too am against of a premium account for listverse. Is not necessary to walk down that road, specially if list writers (besides you jamie) are no going to gain a share of winnings and if they do, i'm afraid that they become greedy and the quality of the page decreases.
On a second subject, i would like to know about "Top 10 great Ideas that JFrater has had"
I don't like the idea of the premium user thing. I'd join it- if I weren't a minor with no access to a credit card (tightwad father). I'd personally be jealous of the users who got the extra lists- and therefore, the extra information. But that's just me.
Additionally, I'm not saying my father is a tightwad for not letting me have a credit card. It's because he wouldn't be willing to pay for this.
The premium content is a bad idea.My birthday is on the 1st of december,i would be happy with a list of my choice(vanity) and a free book please many thanks.
Always amazed that you can come up with such inventive lists!I am a daily reader, and have been for a long time now.
I think the premium content would also make me feel as though I am missing out, and agree that this site has been free for a long time, and continues to be a great free site!
I think for your birthday maybe you should do a list of your 10 places you would love to visit.
No premium content!! Knowledge is free and should be kept that way.
cool listverse must have been a long time in the making if u put that effort into it – or at least it would be for me!
How about for your birthday list: Top 10 Things I Learned From Your Lists. Like, your favorite items from user submitted lists that you didn't previously know about before the list was submitted
Your comment reminds me of that demotivational poster: “all girld like it in the a**, they just dont know it yet”
??
Happy Advanced Birthday!
And I'm not quite sure premium content would work. Then I'd just meet a guy in an alley to get my lists.
ps- where is the site survey?
It pops up to a random selection of readers
Happy Birthday, and congratulations on all of the progress listverse has made.
I am enthusiastic over a premium account in listverse however I feel that frequenters and visitors of listverse should all have equal access to what it has to offer (as in it’s primary content). If you tinker with the idea, maybe you can find something other than more lists to premium users (whereas others would miss out). Also make sure the fee seems appropriate for the service.
I suggest a brand new feature that allows premium users to help out incoming lists that haven’t been published yet. One major criticism to many lists is that they haven’t stated sources or other credible information, this could be a team of dedicated members who help fine-tune lists of others while protecting the “listing” of someone’s lists. Though this seems that they pay to work, at that point, incentives can range to a number of things and a dedicated member of the website who contributed and assisted to the quality of the list might feel satisfied with this ability alone.
I second this idea, that premium members could help fine tune incoming lists.
Capitalism: you get money for your work.
Communism: you get nothing for your work
Denizen: you pay money for your work.
Hmm dude. Do you see my dilemma?
Terrible idea. Segues would take over every list because she worked in that field, read all those books, had an aunt who knew that person or lived in that neighborhood, etc. I vote for no premium memberships.
Yay, tiz u'r birthday:D lotza happiez and funziez from Romania. Anywho, getting serious, 5-10 bucks a month wouldn't be all that much, problem is I wouldn't know how to pay. I barely turn 18 next january, and I don't have a credit card, preferring to keep my money physical, feelable, if you could understand. And my parents wouldn't really agree with me spending money on a site(having already argued with me on countless occasions on the OBLITERATING effect of the internet on my feeble, young mind).
“my money physical, feelable”
Whats so great about plastic money? Yeah you can wash them but its still plastic.
Romanian notes are quite funny, they are created of a strong material so you can't rip it to shreds and they have a see-through part
Funny money….
Romanians. Bleah. Never trust a country that makes cheap cars like dacia.
Norwegian coins are cool. They look like polo mints.
What new features are in the new site design?
Happy Bday Jfrater.
make a list so selfcentered it would have 40 “i/me/mine”s in it.
How about them submarine stories?
Well its nice to see that this site is getting bigger and bigger. Its also nice that we get informed about the changes that this site might suffer (makes us feel more informed).
I guess the second big issue here is premium accounts. Well some lists are very interesting and it would be nice to see people like blogball get something from their work but on the other hand its obvious that those premium lists would get the atention from you and probably the best list would get published there. I personally wouldnt pay (mostly cuz im tight. 10 bucks are you kidding me? Its 1/3 of my metro pass and that one gets me to see the eiffel tower or to my uni where i have knowledge //rant off) by i would imagine why some people would want a premium. Maybe the regulars but i hope not cuz some of their comments are quite interesting.
Ps: talking about money and a bday creates mix feelings. Quand on aime on ne compte pas but still.
when you love you dont add? what in hell does that mean, dude? i *have* to have screwed up a word in there somewhere.
yanno what jafe?—-i read this post an hour ago (the whole post (list) not just the comments, or arsnl's comment here). if listverse is a bugatti veyron, the mobile version is a kia. i can still drive the damn thing, but it sucks ass.
– so this whole time i was thinking: well, premium content isnt going to be all that bad — i was able to read a couple comments, like
—-@wither: ""premium content will make me feel like I'm missing out on way too much""
me: (i would only miss out on the 5$ a month — i smoke one less cigarette per day, and i come out ahead for the month).
—i got home and read more comments, and was kinda surprised at how many people did not want premium accounts. now, the quick negative responses reminded me of everyone complaining about those damn cursor adds a few months back. i didnt understand that either, but i just go with the flow a lot of the time.
*then* i read this comment from arsnl. his point completely swayed me.
@arsnl: ""on the other hand its obvious that those premium lists would get the atention from you and probably the best list would get published there""
ok — this is no good — and i do believe arsnl has the point of the day. the free site, hell man, its good. if you have a pay site, *in addition to* the free mainsite, –great. if you are able to have them co-exist sanctimoniously, and run a premium site – clandestine style – so as not to alienate peoople who dont want to pay (because that would be elitest and retarded), then great. however, im not sure that could stand time. eventually, i believe arsnl is right — and the better lists would go to the premium site, and the mainsite would suffer a touch.
additionally, even if you work hard to keep them running – each with their own purpose – then it could actually work — *but* — everytime you published a donkeys talking list, you would get an asston of negative comments accusing you of treating mainsite as a red-headed stepchild, and shuffling the lists that are not up to the standards we all expect away from the premium site, and of showing favouritism, and being an overall giant pink dick (whether any of that is true or not), — honestly, that realisation itself is enough to make it not worth while.
All of these ideas are great except premium content. No one likes premium content.
Happy b day! That book sounds really cool, id pick one up.
As for your personal list, how about top paranormal events that happened in your personal life if enough occured? I think I remember you saying you seen the shadow figure before, but mightve been someone else..
Happy early birthday!
i'll be sure to wish you happy bitrhday on the day aswell, so not to worry!
Can't wait for the re design and new books!
But, i've got to agree with everyone else here, i don't like the idea of premium content, as i don't own a credit card, and my dad, who does, doesn't believe in using it.
Maybe just get more ads to increase financially?
Because tbh – the ad's don't bother me too much.
I love that listverse is free, and making it cost would feel like an insult to it's original cause.
If that's not too melodramatic!
Best of luck nonethelses, and i'll still be an avid reader regardless of your choice!
Danny
Happy Birthday JF! Been reading your site for about a year now. I'd like to see a list of your favorite songs. You can tell a lot about somebody by their taste in music!
Happy birthday! You could publish a list about 10 Ways Listverse Has Changed Your Life.
I do not like the idea of premium content. The beauty of listverse is that you get one very interesting, informative list every day for free. But, that's just my opinion. It's all up to you, JFrater, but I know I won't be paying for premium content.
Also, congratulations on the third book! I read "The Ultimate Book of Lists" almost every day.
Happy Birthday! Love love LOVE the site…
How about a list about the top 10 most bizarre list submissions or ideas for a list that have been suggested to you? You know, those ideas/submitted lists that make you shake your head and say "wtf was THAT?" The list, with the accompanying explanation about why the list idea sucked or was a really bad list would give us an idea about what you go through creating/selecting these awesome lists for us.
I'm not liking the premium account idea, information is free and listverse is one of the best free services on the internet. Having to pay for extra (and most likely, better) content just seems like selling out.
I've been reading for years now, near the beginning of the site and ever since my general knowledge has drastically improved, please don't take this away from your many faithful viewers. I will definitely not pay.
I definitely have to say that I'm not a fan of the premium account idea. I come to listverse for the free high quality lists. I don't want to look at my list for the day and wonder if I'm getting shafted or something.
As for the birthday list, how about your top ten personal favorite listverse lists? You can say why you like them, and then include the link. It's like a listapalooza!
I did that list last year
It is mentioned in the top item on this list. Here is the link: http://listverse.com/2009/08/31/top-10-favorite-l…
Sweet, thanks! It's like an early Christmas (or birthday) present!
Happy Birthday from the UK!! Just registered today and I'm a bit surprised and disappointed about the Premium Content. I know this is your business and I wish you luck, but just that bit of ruthlessness does not look good from the point of view of a new member. Don't we have enough commerciality in our lives already? It's your decision, but with the financial climate as it is, this is the last thing I would spend any money on.
Idea………….'Top 10 Most Expensive Homes in the World' with pictures………let's see how the other half live.
No premium content. I already pay enough for tv/internet a month, and, although I love the site, paying for any addition content seems superfluous to me. Although I know it's not your main objective, I just feel as if there's too many hands in my pocket already.
Hello JFrater. Happy birthday in Advance. I'm a fan of this site and I can't wait for the new site coming. I will wait for it. By the way, i can't see any survey forms here or I miss something?
Thanks.
Birthday list idea: Your top 10 favorite vacations you have taken, or top 10 places you have visited.
Okay – I am definitely reconsidering premium content based on the comments above. I am glad I posted this list!
so are we
otherwise you would have re-lived the may/june cursor-ad debacle, or the podcast uproar (which reminds me — you are waiting longer and longer between podcasts — you didnt just give up on em did you?) — you probably answered that, and i just missed it…. if so: *sorry*
I didn't – I just felt like I had had a lot done in a short time. There should be a new one out soon.
JF-It seems people would be upset about 'missing out' on the extra lists, so would I. I was however inspired by my iphone aps… What about an "ad-free" membership? The ads don't bother me at all usually, but I know plenty of people hate them. You would probably need to go even lower on the price since the only benefit is the lack of ads…maybe you could set it up as an annual fee…$30 a year or so? I would think it's easier to manage one larger transaction each year than 12 little ones. It would be less profitable than the other way, but also require less work on your part!
I was actually just going to suggest this very thing.
:)
No one was going to be for something they have to pay for that they were getting free before.
They wouldn't be losing what they get free – they would be getting something EXTRA for a price.
Happy Birthday Jamie.
How about posting a list that you wrote and liked and then you had 2nd thoughts about it and decided not to post it for one reason or the other. (There must be at least one)
After all its your birthday so you can just respond to all of the nagitive comments and say "Hey it's my BD and I can do whatever I want plus it was Blogball's idea so blame it on him"
I started the survey, and only got partway in. The page that asked about what fiction I like wouldn't scroll to the next button, so I had to quit.
happy birthday frater — heres what you should do for a list: something — anything — highly subjective. this llistverse dealy bob is awesome, and sometimes a list pops through that sucks balls, but most of them, however, are *at worst* a learning tool.
a great topic that causes much pussydom, is the presence of highly subjective entries — a little too much so — at times.
you have a unique opportunity to do something that reads like — 'i like lost in translation' — 'i like lost highway' — 'i like pulp fiction' and no one is gonna hop on and tell you that youre being a self-centered ass (b/c, in an obvious stroke of genius, you arent even coming up with the topic yourself in the first place).
just dont do something where the info is out there, albeit, scattered in a lot of different comment sections. – we all know you like atlas shrugged (those that dont could easily find out, though) — that info already exists, even if its highy unorganised at current
—15 experiences on my bucket list
—15 cross-country-type excursions (by train) – (by motorcycle) – (etc) that i would love to experience.
—15 people i would like to spend an evening with, in a pub. (mostly real i suppose, but if snoopy is on your list, that can be justified, i suppose) — snoopy was cool.
—i think someone mentioned top things youve learned from lists submitted by others, that you didnt know when you woke up that morning — which i would change to be — top things i learned from *comments* submitted by others, that you didnt know when you woke up that morning.
—15 potentially primo bare knuckle boxing matchups among listversers (like jimmysclark v. bluesman87, lerker v. brock, armadillotron v. the field, ibangedyourmom v. mom24, and the clear #1, arsnl v. randall)
—15 list topics that you begun, and could not finish (due to writers block, too much wine too fast, or an epiphany that the subject was dumb, or whatever) etc etc
—or, of course, 15 animals that look cooler upsidedown (#1#1#1 bats — vampire bats)
bats, any kind of bats, look cool living in caves…but I tend to have bats find the corner of my front porch a happy place to live. They definitely do not look cool living there.
I take extreme action.
I scream at them and swat at them with a broom.
They are not impressed.
@segues: ""bats, any kind of bats, look cool living in caves…""
baseball bats look extremely out of place in caves.
wait……
::) 
may i suggest that the bats look cool, it's your porch that doesn't look cool with the bats on it.
subjective, i suppose.
screaming at bats, makes bats upset. and unimpressed.
"may i suggest that the bats look cool, it's your porch that doesn't look cool with the bats on it."
each looks cool on its on…it's the combination that turns them uncool.
Last year, I actually had one which turned out to be rabid. It began to be active during the day, and then attached itself to the wall near the kitchen door.
After calling the county animal control people (our little village has no services of any kind, not even police), they told me that rabid bats were a problem in our area and that the behavior mine was displaying was indicative of rabies.
"Oh, great!", I thought, now what am I to do?
Well, I did the only humane thing. I shot it through the brain.
That made *me* upset, though I was fairly impressed that I could actually handle doing it.
I think the bare knuckle boxing matchups are a fantastic idea!! Just don't forget doug13. I think that would make a great list. Oliver, since you already have it half done, finish it off and submit it!!
hell, i might have to……buckethead v. waterbearer / lala v the "first" commentor of the dday
i get doug13….. ha….. this idea may be okay yet…
too bad the fricken comments can be managed better – which web sites list ALL comments on one page???
I like it this way jerk…I hate having to go through a ton of pages.
Not this one. Comments are split into pages of 100 comments a page.
Guess what? You have the option to not read the comments. This is a great free list. Quit yer *****in'.
nay on the premium content.
I'm with Freiamaya with the list idea. The most bizarre list ideas.
As far as the premium content goes, there might even be a premium member that leaks the three extra lists to us poor listverse readers therefore making the premium content worthless. I understand the business aspect of it but from a consumer and loyal fan I don't like it one bit.
I'm proud to hear that you are able to create a business with a simple idea and how it has grown in the past three years for you Jfrat. I'm happy for you and wish you many more years of success.
listverse if by far the best website ever and what makes it great is that its free!! and what makes it even greater is that you really do consider what your fans have to say!!!!!! thank yoU!! i agree with all of the suggestions except for the premium content! =)
I,(and as i can see most people are) am also against premium stuff. i just think there is so much crap on the internet now u have to pay for and one of the things i love about listverse is that i no i am seeing everything for free and its great!
How about a list on your favorite pastimes? Could be interesting.
The premium part sounds interesting and I can't wait to see the new site.
I would definitely pay for premium content. I love this site and would love to support it more than I do now by visiting it every day.
Alright! We're up to a total of $5-$10 now!
How about your top 10 favorite TV shows?
As for premium content, I'm not a big fan. If it must be done, I'd suggest an annual fee in the $20 range. $5-10 a month is too expensive, imo.
Happy Birthday JF. How about a list of the worst list ever submitted, obviously never posted, I think that would be interesting to see what diatribe lurks in peoples minds. Please no premium content lets keep it free for everybody. Keep up the good work
That list would be kind of mean-spirited, don't you think?
I guess I'm one of the few that would pay for premium content….i don't particularly like the monthly fee idea, but I would pay a one time fee for less ads and more lists.
Happy B day Jamie. I don't comment much but I agree with most everyone so far – please no premium content.
Hi JFrater! I have just signed up for WordPress and now because of one fact.
Your birthday is August 31. Mine is September 1st!
What a cowinkidink!!!
Happy Birthday jfrater! I have loved your site ever since I stumbled on it accidentally, it's true that you can learn something new every day. I can understand why you would be putting on a premium for extra bits but I am also concerned about the quality of the free stuff once that happens. Also, what would happen if a submitter wasn't a premium payer and their list was only published in the premium area. What a let down! Reading the comments of a submitted list is part of the fun!
How about your top 10 best presents ever received? Or even top 10 worst presents ever received!
For your birthday list….what about a list of your favorite recipes!?!?!?! I love when you post food lists!
I think you should make your birthday list something about vehicles. =]
Yeah I like that one. Like, cars you would like to own one day.
Or maybe things you like to collect (if you're anything like me you probably have several collections of things, likely for no good reason).
Places you have been.
Favourite ghost stories.
Things people on LV probably don't know about you.
Happy birthday in advance, and I'd like to add that Amazon.com is mean and won't let me review your book because I won't pay their exhorbitant postage prices to buy a book I can get elsewhere WITHOUT promising my first born child to the post office. Otherwise I'd totally review that *****, yo. *insert gangsta arm wave thing*
Make a list about your favorite commenters (I of course being number one), and ***** a premium section!
been a big fan of the site since i was about 15, i would be up for doing a survey to help out in any way, personally i would not pay for a premium account, but i would like to wish you all the best with that if you feel you can use it to help improve the site and keep the consistency of good quality lists
Happy Birthday Jamie! Hope you have many more happy and healthy.
I recommend this site to all of my students and I know they couldn't pay. It would be too bad for me to have read an informative interesting list that thet couldnt read. We have had a number of cool debates and discussions based on your lists.
I think a list of people who have hooked up through Listverse would be fun. There are a lot of us who found love among the lists. <3 <3
it looks to me like youve found ice cream cones
<3 <3 <3
say hey to mpw…………
Theyre supposed to be hearts, but they didnt work. Oh well. And I sure will!
Say "hi" for me, too! And tell him I miss him on here…:-)
I am sorta new to this site. I can spend hours on one page. Instead of premium content (if low funds is the issue) add a "DONATE" button. I would be more than glad to donate just to keep this site going as I'm sure thousands of others would also.Please not paypal…too complicated …Visa,MC ok
Here are just a few suggestions for the list:
Top ten greatest things about Listverse
Top ten directors
Top ten favorite bands?
Top ten miscellaneous favorites (favorite food, favorite drink, favorite TV show… etc.)
Hey fraternal, Happy advance birthday! Hope you have a good one.
I would suggest you to write out a list of 10 different people from the past, whether murderers or heores, and what you would you do if you meet them and what your relationship with them will be, maybe a bromance with a murderer? haha. Just a suggestion.
I love this site. I visit it daily and I just wanna say keep up the awesome work!
Thanks
I will probably post the results
Happy Birthday Jamie!
My Birthday list suggestion:
"Ten Bizarre Foods that JFrater has Tried and Would Eat Again!"
like strawberries and tarragon?
actually, shifty, you have me hooked on: stout and chocolate,
it was from some msg you wrote in april or may — damn good…………..
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! you cant make us pay! one of the main things that make this sight so good is that it is free. also, what about us under 18s who dont have a credit card, how can we pay?, some people may ask, 'wont your parents do it?' but chances are, for most underages, they will not!