What is Nimbus?
Nimbus is a fun, fast, free, easy way to check in on your local weather a few times everyday. Look for Nimbus on many of America’s most popular local and national websites, as well as on blogs and personal websites. You’re likely to encounter Nimbus just about anywhere on the internet. When you do, roll over – and just that easy — get real time conditions and an accurate local forecast for whatever city or zip code you are in or going. If there are weather watches or warnings, no worries — Nimbus lets you know. Nimbus was created by PointRoll, a world leader in rich media.

What is Nimbus not?
Nimbus is not focused on isobar and pressure gradient maps, although there is lots of science behind all of it. The Nimbus display approach is to keep it simple and direct for everyday weather customers who just want to know how to dress and prepare for the weather. It’s the stuff everyday consumers tell us they want and need. It also is not one of those impossible to uninstall downloadable desktop applications. Nimbus is something in-between; a new category for local weather. And, it won’t slow you or your computer down.

How does Nimbus work?
Nimbus is placed on a website exactly like any PointRoll rich media ad tag, however, the primary focus of this PointRoll application is to deliver constantly updating and changing weather conditions, forecasts, warnings and watches across the USA. Nimbus gets its satellite-delivered data from NOAA and the National Weather Service. Nimbus’ hat, scarf, shades (so-called “accessories”), as well advertising campaigns within are tied to real-time conditions and forecasts. So, Nimbus knows what to wear when it’s hot or cold and what ads to deliver when it’s snowy or rainy (or any combination of weather conditions). Give it a try by rolling over Nimbus in the upper right corner of this page or see how it looks at any of the following test sites: www.9news.com, www.tennessean.com, www.delawareonline.com, www.news10.net, www.wusa9.com, www.statesmanjournal.com, www.press-citizen.com, www.wltx.com.

How can I advertise?
The application offers sync’d RON (run of Nimbus) and condition triggered banner campaigns. There are also opportunities for customized audio and customized Nimbus accessories (hat, scarf, shades, etc.). Ad Specs: Banner sizes 468x60 and 300x250, gifs, jpegs or .swf (.swf banners must have clicktag embedded). No third party ad tags during beta trials. Contact Thad Halcli at thalcli@gannett.com to discuss rate cards and options.

How can I become a part of the Nimbus affiliate network?
If you have a large site or large network of sites, please contact Kerry Oslund at koslund@gannett.com to discuss revenue opportunities. We deliver affiliate partners a very attractive revenue split and because of our Pointroll infrastructure we can get you up and running immediately.

What is Nimbus’ reach?
During beta trials, Nimbus is delivered via 21-million home page views each month on eight Gannett online sites. Nimbus will soon ramp to 200-million home page impressions in very quick time with the help of the Gannett Online Network and with affiliate and viral partners.

Why advertise with Nimbus?
One of the great value propositions of advertising inside of Nimbus is that your campaign does not compete with other in page ads and messages. It’s a roadblock, of sorts. Your ad message(s) appear alongside constantly changing content that everybody wants and often acquire multiple times each day. Your ad will be seen. Home page, above-the fold placement on a fast growing network of local and national sites (along with creative and effective ad targeting in a qualified content zone) make Nimbus a very attractive new advertising opportunity.

What do customers like about Nimbus?
Nimbus receives high marks for ease of use, friendly graphical interface and fit with lively brands. Initially, most customers find the Nimbus experience surprising, fun and some even called it “delightful.” The Nimbus character itself is especially well received by women and younger customers. Usability study respondents noticed how the character changes accessories in conjunction with the weather. That “paper doll” attribute was overwhelmingly considered “fun and appealing.” Test groups also suggest Nimbus is appropriate for most news & information sites and suggest it also fits well with e-commerce sites, like those for airlines, hotels and a variety of other products or services. Early customer metrics suggest brand interaction time inside the Nimbus application may be four times as long as a typical rich media ad.