You've probably got a hundred questions about the site and the person behind it. Hopefully you'll find answers in the list below; if not, please feel free to send me an email.
How does it work?
The idea is simple; to try and make as many US$ as possible by selling 175,000 pixels for 20¢ each. The main motivation for doing this is to raise enough money to purchase one of my dream vehicles; a classic Volkswagen Type 2. I'm also looking to expose both new and existing Volkswagen enterprises by offering competitively priced advertising space on the site's home page.
Everyone is welcome to buy pixel space, which is available in 100 pixel blocks, each measuring 10x10 pixels. The grid on the home page is divided into 1,750 of these 100 pixel blocks or 175,000 pixels in total. 100 pixel blocks are about the smallest area suitable to display an image, logo or text and at just $20 for 3 years represent very good value for money.
As long as there are pixels available (see the stats near the top the home page) there is no limit to the amount you can purchase. Once you've purchased a block of pixels, you can then display an image of your choice (perhaps an advertisement or logo) in the space you have purchased and link the image to your web site or blog. A secondary image can also be assigned to the link. Please note, no obscene or offensive images are allowed.
The pixels you buy will be displayed on the home page permanently. The I Want A Volkswagen Bus web site will remain online for at least 3 years from date of launch (July 1st, 2008). Therefore, I believe the pixels will offer good long term value.
How did you come up with the idea?
I'd love to take full credit for the idea, but the inspiration for I Want A Volkswagen Bus stems from the innovative "Million Dollar Homepage"; a website conceived by Alex Tew, to help raise money for his university education.
Who are you?
My name is Steve Speirs; born in Wales but now living in Virginia Beach on the east coast of the USA. I've always loved the classic Volkswagen Bus (or Type 2 to use it's proper name) and am currently on a mission to save enough cash to buy my very own "Splittie" or "Bay Window".
Is "I Want A Volkswagen Bus" a scam?
Some people will view the site as a scam, but in essence the project serves to offer pixel advertising space at a competitive rate for Volkswagen related enterprises. Of course, non-Volkswagen folks are also welcome, but the initial idea was to build up a useful community of links and resources for the Volkswagen enthusiast.
What will you do with the money?
If every pixel sells, the web site will have generated $35,000 in revenue; more than enough to buy a 1960's Splittie in excellent condition. However, in all honesty, I'm just looking to raise enough cash to help fund my Type 2 purchase; I already have money set aside which I'm looking to bolster.
Why should I buy your pixels?
See above. I'm looking to create a useful community of links and resources for the Volkswagen enthusiast and feel 20¢ per pixel for at least 3 years online advertising is a great deal.
How long will the site be online?
At least 3 years from the site's launch; July 1st, 2008
Why 20¢ a pixel?
I could have asked for $1.00 per pixel like all the other online "Million Dollar Homepages", but I'm also realistic enough to realise that $100 per 10x10 pixel block is quite a high price to pay. Hopefully $20 per 100 pixels will appeal to both the large and not-so-large Volkswagen enterprises looking for their own slice of the online world.