File Types and sizes

File size: Up to 30k
File types: jpeg, gif, animated gif, Shockwave Flash, Javascript

Important notes about Shockwave Flash:

For Shockwave Flash files, the files must be delivered with the landing page URL embedded in the file; we are unable to alter Flash files to add the landing page URL.

Also, for Flash files, we need a default, non-Flash ad (we suggest an animated.gif file) to display in case the user does not have Flash installed on their computer; while most individual users have Flash installed, many of our users are viewing the site on workplace computers which are more likely to not have Flash installed.

Design, Animation & Audio

Animation rotation: for animated .gif files, we recommend no more than four panels.

Ads may not employ rapid flashing animation of any graphic, copy, or background element(s).

Banners should be encased in a border and distinct from the content. If borderless, a banner must contain the advertiser's name to signify that it is an ad creative banner, not content.

Banners must have an end-frame or continuous looping.

Audio can be initiated by mouse-over or click only. The Contact List banner audio must be user-initiated! Max time for audio on banners is 15 seconds. Audio banners must contain clearly visible mute/stop functionality and may offer the option to select additional loops with a play functionality.

URL Specs

All Banner ads that are .gif or .jpg images must be tested in browsers versions 4.X and higher. Ads hosted from a third-party Ad server must include placement instructions.

No banner ad should extend the physical dimensions of the banner ad pixel space that was purchased.

The target URL or click-through URL may not exceed 250 characters. The URL provided must be viewable in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x, 7.x and Firefox 1.x and 2.x.

Capital or lowercase letters (A through Z or a through z), Numbers, 0 through 9, Special characters / ~ _ ? - # = | ; $ @ & + % ! * " ' ( ).

No Commas are allowed.

Close Button

A mandatory "CLOSE X" button(s) must be prominent and obvious for floating, out-of-banner, and expandable banner initiated by a user's click.

Close button font size must be 11 pixels, bold text, and 4 pixel padding around the text. Reminder ad may not cover core page navigation or other ads.

Where applicable, the "ON/OFF", "STOP/PLAY", and "CLOSE" button must be prominent and obvious.

Banner Sizes

Flash Coding

The banner should be one flash file (*.swf, version 8.0 or older)

The flash banner must have a button symbol (not a movie clip) with the following clickTAG on the action tab:

on (release){ get URL (clickTAG + "http://The desired URL should be written here", "_blank");}

When publishing the SWF file it will generate an error - please disregard!
Backup gifs must be submitted
Animation cannot continue past 15 seconds
Frame rate must be no more than 18fps

File size must not exceed 30K