Advice pleased? Print ads v net ads???

I am requesting advice from the board. I am considering purchasing a CityAmerica site for my local area. I have made contact with CA with numerous questions. I would like to pick the brains of some of the experts on internet marketing.

According to City America, many companies are moving away from expensive print advertising and doing web advertising. City America has some unique web marketing tools. Companies can put add mini videos, they get an ad with a map with directions, a spot for a coupon, restaurants can put their entire menu online. Businesses can also include photos or even write ups.

Checking Alexa you can see that many of these City America sites have thousands of daily visitors. Some of the sites are very interesting and provide lots of local information. I am wondering about selling ad space on net sites. What are the major differences between selling ads for print and selling ads for a website?

I am thinking that if the site contains valuable info then it can draw traffic and advertisers would purchase ad space if the price is right. Personally, I have a few sites that I look at daily but I must say that I never look at the advertising. Now when I read a newspaper or magazine, I will read the ads. Maybe my mind is just trained this way from print being the main method of advertising for so many years? This is just me but is this the general consenus? Please provide any insight regarding the web ads vs the print ads...Or does anyone know of anyone that owns a local community site (not necessarily City America) that is having major success?

The only overhead is the hosting fee of $59 per month. A few ads could cover that price if ads can be sold.. Your thought and opinions will be greatly appreciated. I will take all the good and the bad with this concept.

Thanks, MC

Take you cue from the big guys in business. They have sites but you see them on TV and hear them on Radio. I know it is the shotgun approach. But they have the money to do it.

But you and I can do space ads and don't forget classifieds. offline works better than on line. But email works at times too and forums. Classifieds on the net I am not sure but don't think people read them as they do in the paper or magazines. Ask your self: Do you read Classifieds on the net. I don't usually. In the papers and magazines I do.

Some personal thoughts regarding CityAmerica and the Many many similar type concepts...

There are just Too Many out there, that Got a Big head start...

Most Cities, towns and places have some type of Copy cat model.

BUT...

As Always...

"Twist" and Create your own Smart Local concept that "Stands" out from the Competition...

And Collect your Share of the $31.1 Billion by 2010!

Global Local Search and Online Classified Ad Revenues to Reach $31.1 Billion in 2010, According to The Kelsey Group
http://www.kelseygroup.com/press/pr061107.asp

Think about Growing and Building Local micro Niche concepts that Solve Problems and Helps businesses and consumers.

How can you make money in a niche market?
http://money.inq7.net/features/view_...2&dd=03&file=1

I could Dig up Hundreds of Local type concepts....

But here's just a few that you could Checkout...

Some show their site maps of all Locations down the main page...

http://www.mediapublishers.com/Deskt...ex=2&tabid=136
http://www.knowaboutnetwork.com/
http://www.sandiego.com/
http://stlouis.co-opworld.com/
http://www.gazette.net/stories/02100...40_31897.shtml
http://www.our-hometown.com/clientele.html

Phil