Okay, I've run eight different banners on Diaryland so far. With each going out to members for 500 different hits. Since some of you asked, the results are in:

2 clicks = 0.4% clickthrough

7 clicks = 1.4% clickthrough

10 clicks = 2.0% clickthrough

6 clicks = 1.2% clickthrough

14 clicks = 2.8% clickthrough

8 clicks = 1.6% clickthrough

12 clicks = 2.4% clickthrough

8 clicks = 1.6% clickthrough

So, what did we learn from all that?

First off, never put "Grousin' in the Sage" on a banner, since those two had the lowest clickthrough rate of the eight. Apparently, if you give folks too good of an idea of what they're getting into, they won't come.

Secondly, contrary to popular wisdom, bright colors don't do squat. I love the sunset banner, but that is probably because it is mine, I know the landmarks in the photo (wolf country, now), and I remember that evening. But it did not have the highest clickthrough rate.

That honor went to the blandest, plainest banner of the eight. Since it has a bit of an oriental look, I assume that either 1) folks were looking for that kind of content, 2) folks still feel kinda fall-ish and like the grey tones now or 3) they're looking for depressing diaries, and expect to find that behind a grey banner.

Now, the banner most representative of what this diary actually is, the strutting grouse, had the second lowest click rate. So truth in advertising is not a good thing, here.

I was disappointed in the owl banner. I thought he would at least generate some curiosity. More importantly, I expected someone to leave a note pointing out that that bird is not a grouse. But none of the seven did.

So, they were plain, small and did not have any flashy promises or witticisms. But they were fun to make. If I actually got a new reader out of these, please let me know. Got a whole series of others on tap now, trying to decide if I'll use them.

How about one with that rattler that says "I touched this"?