Ad Specs | The Slate Group Media Kit

Properties	Ad Type	Size (pixels)	Expanding Size	File Size	Animation	Third Party	Notes	Submission Deadline
wp slate	Big Box	300x250	610x250; 606x280	50k	Yes	Yes	Must expand left	3 days; 5 days for expanding
	Big Box	300x250	610x250; 606x280	50k	Yes	Yes	Must expand left.	3 days; 5 days for expanding
theroot	Big Box	300x250	NA	50k	Yes	Yes		3 days
theroot	Half Page Ad	300x600; 336x600; 336x850	NA	50k	Yes	Yes		3 days
	Half Page Ad IMU	300x600; 336x850	NA	50k	Yes	Yes		3 days
wp slate	Half Page Ad	300x600; 336x600; 336x850	500x850	50k	Yes	Yes	Must expand left	3 days; 5 days for expanding
wp slate	Leaderboard	728x90	728x360	50k	Yes	Yes	Must expand Down	3 days; 5 days for expanding
	Leaderboard	728x90	728x360	50k	Yes	Yes	Must expand down	3 days; 5 days for expanding
theroot	Leaderboard	728x90	NA	50k	Yes	Yes		3 days
wp slate theroot	Skyscraper	120x600; 120x800; 160x600	360x600; 360x800; 360x600	50k	Yes	Yes	Must expand left.	3 days
	Skyscraper	120x600; 160x600	360x600	50k	Yes	Yes	Must expand left	3 days
	Skyscraper	160x600	360x600	50k	Yes	Yes	Must expand left	3 days
No sites are selected. Please select at least one of our sites on the menu at left.
No ad types are available for the sites selected.

Properties	Ad Type	Size (pixels)	Expanding Size	File Size	Animation	Third Party	Notes	Submission Deadline
theroot	Anchor Tile	234x60	NA	10k	No	Yes		3 days
slate theroot	Tiffany Tile	264x90	NA	10k	Yes	Yes	7 sec animation; 1 loop	3 days
No sites are selected. Please select at least one of our sites on the menu at left.
No ad types are available for the sites selected.

Properties	Ad Type	Size (pixels)	Expanding Size	File Size	Animation	Third Party	Notes	Submission Deadline
slate	Floating and Overlay Ads	Varies	NA	50k	Yes	Yes	7 sec animation on homepage; 15 sec animation on internal pages	5 days
wp slate theroot	Full Page Takeover (interstitial)	760x425	NA	50k	Yes	No	7 sec animation on homepage; up to 15 sec animation on internal pages. Iframes must be responsive to display across all devices.	5 days
slate	Slate Homepage "Skin"	Custom	NA	100k	No	No	Please See Skin Guidelines for Specific requirements	10 days
theroot	The Root Homepage "Skin"	Custom	NA	100k	No	No	Please See Skin Guidelines for Specific requirements	11 days
slate theroot	IAB Rising Star: Billboard	970x250	NA	Initial load 60k; Polite load 100k; HTML5: 100KB;	Yes	Yes	3 loops, 30 seconds. 24 FPS or less; Initial ad must contain 'close' button. Collapsed view must contain expand action to open initial ad. Please see Guidelines for details.	5 days
theroot slate	IAB Rising Star: Filmstrip	300x600	NA	Initial load 60k; Polite load 110k; HTML5: 100KB;	Yes	No	3 loops, 30 seconds. 24 FPS or less; Content container with max dimensions of 300x3000 displayed upon scroll in 300x600 ad unit; Max of five (5) different interactive segments within the content container; Content is viewed through click of the previous and next buttons located at the top and bottom of the unit; Audio is user initiated. Please see Guidelines for details.	10 days
theroot slate	IAB Rising Star: Portrait	300x1050	NA	Initial load 80k; Polite load 110k; HTML5: 100KB;	Yes	Yes	3 loops, 30 seconds. 24 FPS or less; Recommended content for 300x1050 dimensions - Branding areas, Primary interactive segment, secondary interactive segments 1 and 2; interactive segments can expand up to max dimension of 580x460. Please see Guidelines for details.	3 weeks
theroot slate	IAB Rising Star: Pushdown	970x90	970x418 - Must Expand Down	Regular: 50KB; HTML5: 100KB;	Yes	Yes	Must Expand Down. Please see Guidelines for details	7 days
No sites are selected. Please select at least one of our sites on the menu at left.
No ad types are available for the sites selected.

Properties	Ad Type	Size (pixels)	Expanding Size	File Size	Animation	Third Party	Notes	Submission Deadline
wp theroot	iPad App Banner	1024x90 (landscape) 768x90 (portrait)	1024x768 (landscape) 768x1024 (portrait)	100K Max; Expanded - 2MB Max	30 seconds max	Rich Media from DFP certified vendors is accepted	Creative must be optimized for mobile - HTML5 or static .jpg, .png or .gif accepted. For best results, it's recommended creative clicks through to a mobile optimized page or site. Expansion is tap to expand only. Close button in upper right corner. Rich media may require additional lead times for testing.	Static banner - 5 business days; HTML5 and 3rd party tags - 14 business days
slate	iPad App Banner	1000x90 (landscape) 728x90 (portrait)	1000x768 (landscape) 728x1024 (portrait)	100K Max; Expanded - 2MB Max	30 seconds max	Rich Media from DFP certified vendors is accepted	Creative must be optimized for mobile - HTML5 or static .jpg, .png or .gif accepted. For best results, it's recommended creative clicks through to a mobile optimized page or site. Expansion is tap to expand only. Close button in upper right corner. Rich media may require additional lead times for testing.	Static banner - 5 business days; HTML5 and 3rd party tags - 14 business days
wp slate theroot	Mobile Pre-Roll	640x480 or custom ratio		MP4: 5MB; All other: 2MB;	15 seconds	Site served with 1x1 pixel/click tracker only	.mp4 only	5 business days
slate	Mobile Web (mWeb)	320x50	320x480	15k; Expanded-35k initial load; expand -2MB Max	30 seconds max	Rich Media from DFP certified vendors is accepted	Creative must be optimized for mobile - HTML5 or static .jpg, .png or .gif accepted. For best results, it's recommended creative clicks through to a mobile optimized page or site. Expansion is tap to expand only. Close button in upper right corner. Rich media may require additional lead times for testing.	Static banner - 5 business days; HTML5 and 3rd party tags - 14 business days
slate	Smart Phone App (iPhone and Android)	320x50	320x480	15k; Expanded-35k initial load; expand -2MB Max	30 seconds max	Rich Media from DFP certified vendors is accepted	Creative must be optimized for mobile - HTML5 or static .jpg, .png or .gif accepted. For best results, it's recommended creative clicks through to a mobile optimized page or site. Expansion is tap to expand only. Close button in upper right corner. Rich media may require additional lead times for testing.	Static banner - 5 business days; HTML5 and 3rd party tags - 14 business days
slate theroot	Tablet Web Browsers	728x90; 300x250;		50KB	30 seconds max	Rich Media from DFP certified vendors is accepted	No flash files . Custom unit must be built in HTML5 to fully function cross-platform.	5 business days
No sites are selected. Please select at least one of our sites on the menu at left.
No ad types are available for the sites selected.

Properties	Ad Type	Size (pixels)	Expanding Size	File Size	Animation	Third Party	Notes	Submission Deadline
wp slate theroot	Big Box IMU IN EMAIL (Medium Rectangle)	300x250	NA	50k	Yes	No	Must be JPG or GIF. NO FLASH	3 days
slate theroot	Leaderboard IMU IN EMAIL	728x90	NA	50k	Yes	No	Must be JPG or GIF. NO FLASH	3 days
No sites are selected. Please select at least one of our sites on the menu at left.
No ad types are available for the sites selected.

Properties	Ad Type	Size (pixels)	Expanding Size	File Size	Animation	Third Party	Notes	Submission Deadline
slate theroot	On-Site Pre-Roll	640x480 (4:3) or 640x360 (16:9)	NA	All: 2M; MP4: 5MB;	15 sec. max.		File format required MP4. See Video Pre-Roll Advertising Specs and Guidelines	5 days
slate theroot	In Banner Video	Must meet Standard Unit Specs	NA	50k; HTML5 – 100KB initial	Yes	Yes	File format required MP4. True streaming progressive download; 2 mgs max	5 days
slate theroot	In Read	640x480 (4:3) or 640x360 (16:9)	NA	2M	15 sec. max.	Yes	File format required MP4. See Video Pre-Roll Advertising Specs and Guidelines	5 days
No sites are selected. Please select at least one of our sites on the menu at left.
No ad types are available for the sites selected.

3rd Party Advertising

All 3^rd Party Served Ads must be tested prior to the campaign start; To ensure that your campaign begins on schedule please submit tags as early as possible (minimum 5 business days for standard IAB ads and minimum 10 business days RM ads).

The Slate Group has worked with the following vendors, however we do not accept all products from these vendors.

Dart Motif
Jetpack
Velocity Made Good
Jivox
Flite
Polar
Flashtalking
Celtra
Sizmek
Atlas DMT
CheckM8
PointRoll
Untied Virtuatlitus
Unicast
Klimart
Eyewonder
Commflash
Interpolls
Rovion

Use of 3^rd Party Vendors not on the above list will require an additional five days of testing testing for a minimum of 10 business days.

Terms and Conditions

The Slate Group ("TSG") reserves the right to edit, revise, or reject any listing, advertisement or other content (collectively "advertising" or "advertisement") for any reason.
Neither TSG nor its parent company nor its affiliates shall have any liability whatsoever by reason of error for which they may be responsible in any advertisement beyond liability to give the advertiser or advertising agency credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; and its obligation to give such credit shall not apply unless it is notified of the inaccuracy within 48 hours following the posting error.
TSG does not guarantee any given level of circulation, distribution, reach or readership for an advertisement.
The advertiser and advertising agency jointly and severally assume liability for all content (including text representation, illustrations, updates and links to other internet content) of advertisements published and also assumes responsibility for any claims arising there from made against TSG or its affiliates, including TSG, including all costs associated with defending any such claim.
All advertising copy that may be mistaken by a reader as news, feature or other non-advertising materials must be clearly marked "advertisement".
All positions are at the option of TSG. In no event will adjustments, reinstatements or refunds be made because of the position in which an advertisement has been published. TSG will seek to comply with position requests and other stipulations that appear on insertion orders but cannot guarantee that they will be followed. Payment of a premium position fee does not guarantee positioning. In the event that TSG is unable to provide the requested positioning, the premium position fee will be refunded. Customer service representatives and sales representatives are not authorized to modify this provision or to guarantee positioning. Misclassification of advertising is not permitted.
TSG shall be under no liability for its failure for any cause to publish an advertisement.
Advertiser understands and agrees that TSG shall be the exclusive owner of any and all right, title, and interest including copyright in and to any works of authorship, derivative works, adaptations, inventions or other intellectual property generated by TSG, its employees or agents pursuant to this agreement, and any advertising and-or promotional materials relating thereto. Advertiser retains ownership of all advertising in the form delivered to TSG, and any existing trade and service marks of advertiser.
Advertiser grants to TSG the worldwide royalty-free right to redistribute, sublicense, and otherwise distribute the advertising to any third party in any medium whatsoever.
The advertiser or advertising agency shall pay the production cost of advertising created TSG but not used. Charges for changes (not corrections) from original layout and copy will be based on current production rates.
TSG will not be responsible for errors appearing in advertisements which are placed after deadline or for errors due to late delivery of material from the advertiser or advertising agency or from a third party designated by the advertiser or advertising agency as a source for material to be published.
Cancellations, corrections, changes of advertising dates and/or changes of advertising content must conform to published deadlines and must be submitted in writing. If an advertiser/agency cancels a contract before all impressions are served, TSG reserves the right to recalculate the rate (CPMs) based on the amount of impressions that actually ran utilizing TSG's rate card that was in existence at the time the contract was signed. The advertiser/agency shall be billed and pay the calculated difference.
Cancellations, corrections, changes of advertising dates and/or changes of advertising content cannot be guaranteed between the time the order is placed and the initial publication.
TSG does not assume any liability for the return of any material in any medium in connection with advertising unless a specific written request is received to hold such material for a period not exceeding seven (7) days.
On advertising where credit is allowed by TSG in its sole discretion, monthly accounts are due and payable, on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the month following publication, and in the case of weekly accounts, payments are due and payable net fourteen (14) days from the statement date. If any credit card transaction is not approved for any reason, such account shall be deemed delinquent. When any part of an account for advertising becomes delinquent, then the entire amount owed shall become due and payable and The Slate Group may refuse to publish any advertising. In this event, the advertiser or advertising agency shall pay for advertising according to the rate earned at the time of the delinquency.
Extension of credit to an advertising agency is based on the agency's acceptance of the sole liability for all advertising placed by the agency and billed to its account. No endorsement, statement of disclaimer on any order, check or letter shall act as an accord or satisfaction, or as a waiver of this condition unless and until it is accepted by TSG by a separate written agreement signed by a duly authorized representative of TSG. In the event of nonpayment of any agency account, prior to referring such account for third party collections, TSG reserves the right to contact the agency's client(s), as disclosed principal(s), for payment. If the outstanding balance is still not satisfied, TSG may proceed with collections against both the agency and its client(s). No such action on the part of TSG shall relieve the agency of liability for the debt.
There will be a $25.00 charge for any check not honored by the bank. Returned checks must be replaced with certified /cashier/wire transfer funds within 48 hours of notification. TSG reserves the right to withhold further advertising pending receipt of replacement funds.
In the event an account is referred to a third party for collection, advertiser and advertising agency agree to pay all collection fees including attorneys' fees and court costs incurred to effect collection.
Incorrect rates on orders that do not correspond to current rates will be regarded as clerical errors and the advertising will be published and charged at the applicable rates in effect at time of publication.
Orders are accepted by TSG subject to the foregoing terms and conditions. Terms, conditions, rates or agreements not set forth herein or in then current rate schedules are not binding. Customer service representatives and sales representatives are not authorized to modify any of these terms and conditions. Any modification of these terms and conditions is effective only if set forth in a separate written agreement signed by a duly authorized representative of TSG. TSG is not bound by any promises or representations made by its sales representatives unless set forth in writing and signed by an officer of TSG.
TSG shall not be liable to the advertiser for any technical malfunction, computer error or loss of data or other injury, damage or disruption to advertisements or web sites or the service.
All advertisements displayed or used on any of TSG? properties or websites, associated with any of TSG? brands or given to TSG for use in any advertising campaign shall not cause any damage to the computers, servers, software or any other technology of our end users. Further, Advertiser agrees that it shall not post, transmit or make available, in any way, any software, technology, program or other material which contains a computer virus, trojan horse, timebomb, worm or other technology or software causing damage to an end users computer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, TSG has no obligation to detect the presence of any computer virus, trojan horse, timebomb, worm or other technology or software causing damage to an end users computer in any item received from Advertiser.
These Terms and Conditions supersede any terms contained in any Insertion Orders, even if signed by a representative of TSG.

In-House Design Process

TSG is happy to be able to offer design services for its display advertising clients. In order to optimize the experience, we ask clients to follow the following process.

Work with your TSG account manager to scope the creative that is needed. They will need the following information:

If TSG is creating the ad(s) from scratch, please submit the following to your account manager:

Desired ad sizes and formats
Specific colors
Logos as vector files.
Copy or headlines
Particular stock photography or artwork that may need to be purchased
Bear in mind that all creatives should have a visible border that separates the advertisement from the website - ADS CANNOT BE WHITE.

If you will be supplying art, make sure the files are in one of the following formats and is editable

.psd (layered files)
.eps (vector preferably when supplying logos)
.pdfs are ok
.jpg/tifs if they are at least 150 dpi
if resizing an existing flash file please provide an .fla file
All desired copy and fonts

Initial concept for standard jobs generally takes five business days, after which the first round creative will be submitted to the account manager to share with the client. Non-standard jobs will take longer, and can be sized upon submission.
We will execute two rounds of revisions for each client job.We restrict revisions to two per job in order to optimize the experience for all of our clients.
Turn around time for revision is 1-2 days.
Please let your account manager know when the job has been approved so that we can launch your campaign in a timely manner.

Flash Ads

Flash ad units can be developed in Flash up to the latest version, to ensure optimal compatibility with user's browsers. Must provide a default .GIF or .JPEG in the event that a user does not have the flash plug-in. In order for us to track clicks on flash creatives, all flash creative must contain "click tag tracking" implemented in the .swf according to MacroMedia's specifications. Click Tag Tracking needs to be implemented on the .swfs sent by developer. Make sure that the variables are set to _blank so that when clicked the destination page is drawn into a new browser window.

The following URL provides developers/designers with click tag instructions:http://www.macromedia.com/resources/richmedia/tracking/ You must be prepared to supply GNM with the .fla and the appropriate fonts, in the event that click tag tracking is not properly implemented by your vendor.
Here is what the actionscript should look like on the button:

on (release) {
getURL(_root.clickTag, "_blank");
}

We do not have a flash technician in house, therefore, we prefer that the advertiser/agency provide us with .swfs that have the click tag tracking properly implemented. If you need additional instructions, refer to this page:
http://www.macromedia.com/resources/richmedia/tracking/designers_guide/
*all units must NOT have the click-through url embedded in the swf. We will redirect it on our end.

TSG can serve Flash through third party redirects.
TSG accepts Flash 8.0 or greater.
TSG accepts AS2 and AS3 coded Flash ads.
A back-up image must be trafficked along with the file for those users unable to see the Flash creative.
Invisible buttons must be placed on the topmost layer of the file.
Buttons placed on layers below the invisible buttons will not display will not respond to mouse interaction.
Please make sure that there are no spaces in the name of the file.
Ads which load additional files should load these files from absolute URLs (i.e., http://www., etc.) and should meet TSG polite load specs.
The Flash Frame Rate must be less than 24 frames per second; frame rate of twelve frames per second is preferred.

Submission Guidelines:

If sending Flash creative itself, the following information must be sent to TSG:

SWF file,
FLA file,
Any relevant .as files used,
Copies of fonts used in the FLA file,
Back-up image,
The background color of the creative,
The version of flash that a user must have in order to see the flash creative,
An indication that the clickTag method has been used,
To ensure that the Flash Ad will layer correctly with other elements on the page make sure that the wmode parameter is set to either "opaque" or "transparent".

Guidelines: For the ad to be made clickable, clickTag code (shown below) should be attached to an invisible button.
The invisible button (a button that contains only a hit state) should be the same size as the ad unit and placed on the topmost layer of the Flash file.
The clickTag code (displayed below) allows Doubleclick to track the clicks for the ads. It must read EXACTLY as shown below (no additional punctuation, quotes, etc.):

AS3

function changePage(url:*, window:String = "_blank"):void {

var req:URLRequest = url is String ? new URLRequest(url) : url;

if (!ExternalInterface.available) {

navigateToURL(req, window);

} else {

var strUserAgent:String = String(ExternalInterface.call('function() {return navigator.userAgent;}')).toLowerCase();

if (strUserAgent.indexOf("firefox") != -1 || (strUserAgent.indexOf("msie") != -1 && uint(strUserAgent.substr(strUserAgent.indexOf("msie") + 5, 3)) >= 6)) {

ExternalInterface.call("window.open", req.url, window);

} else {

navigateToURL(req, window);

}

}

}

//Where instance_name should be replaced with the instance name of the clickable object

instance_name.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK, function(e){changePage(root.loaderInfo.parameters.clickTag)});

AS2

on (release, releaseOutside) {

getURL(_root.clickTag, "_blank");

}

Submissions

Please take note of Submission Deadline for your specific Ad Unit creative or 3rd Party Ad Tag. These deadlines are set in order to ensure your campaign begins on schedule.

If using a 3rd Party vendor that TSG does not currently have a relationship with, an additional five business days are required for set-up and testing.

Please discuss lead time with your Account Manager and be aware that delays in asset submission may cause a delay in the start of your campaign.

Standard Ads

All advertising content must be clearly differentiated from editorial content.
TSG reserves the right to reject any ads that are disparaging to TSG or have potential for user confusion.
For all Slate Group properties, ads that employ an invisible overlay must also gray out editorial content.
All public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising must include a "Paid for by ___" label on all frames of the ad. It must be clear who placed the ad.
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising cannot receive roadblocks (100% ad ownership of a page or section). TSG only allows up to a 50% share of voice for political advertising.
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising paid for language must be a minimum point size of 9pt. if shown in all caps
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising paid for language must be a minimum point size of 10pt. if shown in upper and lower case.

Creative Guidelines

TSG accepts GIF, JPEG, Rich Media and Third Party Served ads. Ads in slate.com e-mail newsletters cannot use rich media.
GIF, JPEG, Default GIF required for HTML and Flash Submissions (Flash Version 7+ with clickTAG embedded). IFrame/Std/HTML5 Tags.
3 loops/30-second maximum for all animation.
Max File Size / Initial Load: 4 / 70K
Frame Rate must be less than 24 frames per second; frame rate of twelve frames per second is preferred.
Creative with a white background must have a minimum 1-pixel border to differentiate ad from editorial content.
Any sound must be user-initiated and is defined as a click based interaction rather than a mouseover or rollover. All ads must be clearly labeled with "Play" and "Stop" controls.
Up to 100K in polite download is allowed. Polite download is the portion of the ad that loads once content loads. Up to 3 additional polite downloads of up to 50K each may be initiated after a user moves their cursor over or clicks on the ad.
Streaming Video Ad Restrictions: 500K max bps, 2MB Max file size / 30 secs. / 72 dpi additional loops must be user initiated.

Expanding Ad Guidelines

Non user-initiated expanding ads are accepted on a case-by-case basis and if accepted are frequency capped at one per user per 24 hours.
All Expanding ads that auto-expand or expand on click must have a PROMINENT "CLOSE X" button, not less than 10-pt type, clearly visible to users at all times.
Expand on CLICK only, close button required, not avail on pages with flash players, Audio must be user on click.
All Expanding ads will be tested by TSG, any browsers or operating systems where the technology causes system instability will be excluded.

Tile Ads

All advertising content must be clearly differentiated from editorial content.
TSG reserves the right to reject any ads that are disparaging to TSG or have potential for user confusion.
For all Slate Group properties, ads that employ an invisible overlay must also gray out editorial content.
All public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising must include a "Paid for by ___" label on all frames of the ad. It must be clear who placed the ad.
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising cannot receive roadblocks (100% ad ownership of a page or section). TSG only allows up to a 50% share of voice for political advertising.
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising paid for language must be a minimum point size of 9pt. if shown in all caps
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising paid for language must be a minimum point size of 10pt. if shown in upper and lower case.

Creative Guidelines

TSG accepts GIF, JPEG, Rich Media and Third Party Served ads. Ads in slate.com e-mail newsletters cannot use rich media.

30-second maximum for all animation, 3 loops.
Creative with a white background must have a minimum 1-pixel border to differentiate ad from editorial content.
Any sound must be user-initiated and is defined as a click based interaction rather than a mouseover or rollover. All ads must be clearly labeled with "Play" and "Stop" controls.
The Flash frame rate must be less than 24 frames per second.

Floating and Overlay Ads

Non-user initiated floating ads must close within 15 seconds unless on the homepage.
Homepage floating ads must close within 7 seconds.
Resolving unit must adhere to standard unit specs.
All Floating ads are frequency capped at 1 user per 24 hours.
All floating ads must have a PROMINENT "CLOSE X " button on an opaque background, not less than 10-pt type, in the upper right hand corner of the floating portion of the ad.
All Expanding ads will be tested by TSG, any browsers or operating systems where the technology causes system instability will be excluded.

.

Pushdown

Auto-expand frequency capped 1 per 24 hours
Auto-expand animation length: 7 seconds
Additional expansion on click--not roll-over
Must contain clear close button in top right corner of expanded unit
To ensure correct layering with navigation, please keep z-index settings at 998 and below
Initial file size of 50k
On user interaction, we allow 50k of additional load
File Types / Required Assets: GIF, JPEG, Default GIF required for HTML and Flash Submissions (Flash Version 7+ with clickTAG embedded). IFrame/Std/HTML5 Tags
Streaming Video Ad Restrictions: 500K max bps, 2MB Max file size / 30 secs. / 72 dpi additional loops must be user initiated.
Rich Media Restrictions: 7 sec auto expand; 15 sec collapsed in banner animation; Host pushdown is 1 per user per 24 hours; Audio is on user click only; Progressive download on user click only.
Seven business days lead time

Slate Pushdown Template

To use Slate's pushdown template, please provide the following:

Two .swf files (collapsed creative and expanded creative) and a backup image.
Each .swf file must be able to call a JavaScript function to expand/collapse the creative. Please see coding examples below.

JavaScript function to expand the pushdown:

wpAd.flashPushdown.open();

JavaScript function to collapse the pushdown:

wpAd.flashPushdown.close();

Example AS3 code to expand the pushdown:

//expand the pushdown
if(ExternalInterface.available){
ExternalInterface.call('wpAd.flashPushdown.open');
}

Example AS3 code to collapse the pushdown:

//collapse the pushdown
if(ExternalInterface.available){
ExternalInterface.call('wpAd.flashPushdown.close');
}

Mobile

Rich Media:

We only accept Doubleclick certified 3rd party vendors.

Video/Audio:

We do not accept video and audio in the banners the video/audio can be included on the landing page and the client needs to confirm that these are live and working correctly on their landing page.

Premium Ads

All advertising content must be clearly differentiated from editorial content.
TSG reserves the right to reject any ads that are disparaging to TSG or have potential for user confusion.
For all Slate Group properties, ads that employ an invisible overlay must also gray out editorial content.
All public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising must include a "Paid for by ___" label on all frames of the ad. It must be clear who placed the ad.
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising cannot receive roadblocks (100% ad ownership of a page or section). TSG only allows up to a 50% share of voice for political advertising.
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising paid for language must be a minimum point size of 9pt. if shown in all caps
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising paid for language must be a minimum point size of 10pt. if shown in upper and lower case.

Creative Guidelines

30-second maximum for all animation.
Creative with a white background must have a minimum 1-pixel border to differentiate ad from editorial content.
Any sound must be user-initiated and is defined as a click based interaction rather than a mouseover or rollover. All ads must be clearly labeled with "Play" and "Stop" controls.
The Flash frame rate must be less than 24 frames per second.

Floating and Overlay Ad Guidelines

Non-user initiated floating ads must close within 15 seconds unless on the homepage.
Homepage floating ads must close within 7 seconds.
Resolving unit must adhere to standard unit specs.
All Floating ads are frequency capped at 1 user per 24 hours.
All floating ads must have a PROMINENT "CLOSE X" or "CLOSE AD X" button on an opaque background, not less than 10-pt type, in the upper right hand corner of the floating portion of the ad. Collapsed view must contain expand action to open initial ad
File Types / Required Assets: GIF, JPEG, Default GIF required for HTML and Flash Submissions (Flash Version 7+ with clickTAG embedded). IFrame/Std/HTML5 Tags.
Streaming Video Ad Restrictions: 500K max bps, 2MB Max file size / 30 secs. / 72 dpi additional loops must be user initiated.

All Expanding ads will be tested by TSG, any browsers or operating systems where the technology causes system instability will be excluded.

Interstitial Ad Guidelines

Full Page Takeover ads are frequency capped at 1 ad per user per 24 hours.
Full Page Takeover ads must close within 15 seconds unless on the homepage.
Homepage floating ads must close within 7 seconds.
Ad background must be opaque and must include approved property Header
File Types / Required Assets: GIF, JPEG, Default GIF required for HTML and Flash Submissions (Flash Version 7+ with clickTAG embedded). IFrame/Std/HTML5 Tags.
Streaming Video Ad Restrictions: 500K max bps, 2MB Max file size / 30 secs. / 72 dpi additional loops must be user initiated.

Pushdown Guidelines

Auto-expand frequency capped 1 per 24 hours
Auto-expand animation length: 7 seconds
Additional expansion on click not roll-over or mouseover.
Must contain close button on upper right corner of expanded creative.
To ensure correct layering with navigation, please keep z-index settings at 1000
Initial file size of 50k; polite load max. 150k.
On user interaction, we allow 50k of additional load
7 business days lead time

Survey Ad Guidelines

Survey may be offered only once to an individual user during the course of a survey period.
TSG must be notified of all surveys running on the site.

Slate Skin Ad Specs

The image must be in JPEG or GIF (Static) format.
The maximum size for the creative is 1600x1024.
The skin safe area is in the left and right margins, 153px wide, of the content well. The site's content area will be centered over and cover the skin.
Text and links are permitted in 1012 x 30 area above the homepage content well.
Note that the content well will be centered covering the creative.
There is a 7px white margin between the creative and the homepage on the left, right, and top sides.
Please provide us with a background color in #RRGGBB, "hexadecimal" format. This color will only be viewable for users with very high screen resolutions who make their brower window larger than 1600x1024. We recommend fading the left, right and bottom edges of your creative to this color as well, but this is not required.
All creatives should have a visible border that separates the advertisement from the website - ADS CANNOT BE WHITE.
Text in the sides of the creative may be cut off on smaller monitors.
Creative is subject to editorial review, and thus must be submitted 2 weeks (10 business days) before launch to ensure time for revision. Editorial may dictate changes to creative to ensure a good user experience.
Use of Slate's design team to create Skin ads is highly recommended to facilitate editorial approval

Slate Homepage Skin

See marked up example
The image must be in JPEG or GIF format.
The maximum size for the creative is 1600x1024.
Note that 992 pixel width content area will be centered covering the creative.
Please provide us with a background color in #RRGGBB, "hexadecimal" format. This color will only be viewable for users with very high screen resolutions who make their brower window larger than 1600x1024. We recommend fading the left, right and bottom edges of your creative to this color as well, but this is not required.
Text is only permitted in 992 x 50 area that will appear above the content area. No text can appear in the "gutters" of the site/creative.
Creative is subject to editorial review, and thus must be submitted 2 weeks (10 business days) before launch to ensure time for revision. Editorial may dictate changes to creative to ensure a good user experience.
Use of Slate's design team to create Skin ads is highly recommended to facilitate editorial approval

The Root Homepage Skin

See marked up example
The image must be in JPEG or GIF (Static) format.
The maximum size for the creative is 1600x1024.
Note that 972 pixel width content area will be centered covering the creative.
Please provide us with a background color in #RRGGBB, "hexadecimal" format. This color will only be viewable for users with very high screen resolutions who make their browser window larger than 1600x1024. We recommend fading the left, right and bottom edges of your creative to this color as well, but this is not required.
Creative is subject to editorial review, and thus must be submitted 2 weeks (10 business days) before launch to ensure time for revision. Editorial may dictate changes to creative to ensure a good user experience.
Use of The Root's design team to create Skin ads is highly recommended to facilitate editorial approval.
Text and links are only permitted in 972 x 50 area that will appear above the content area. No text can appear in the "gutters" of the site/creative.

Full-Page Takeover Ads

Full Page Takeover ads are frequency capped at 1 ad per user per 24 hours.
Full Page Takeover ads must close within 15 seconds unless on the homepage.
Homepage floating ads must close within 7 seconds.
Ad background must be opaque and must include approved property Header
All iframe interstitials should be made responsive to adjust to device size.

IAB Rising Star: Billboard

Filetypes: GIF, JPEG, Default GIF required for HTML and Flash Submissions (Flash Version 7+ with clickTAG embedded). IFrame/Std/HTML5 Tags
Looping / Animation Restrictions: 3 / 30 sec.
Max File Size / Initial Load: 60K; Max Polite Load: 100k
Max # Panels / Total Panel File Size: 4 / 70K
Frame Rate: 24 FPS or less
Streaming Video Ad Restrictions: 500K max bps, 2MB Max file size / 30 secs. / 72 dpi additional loops must be user initiated
Rich Media Restrictions: Initial Ad must contain ‘close’ button; Collapsed view must contain expand action to open initial ad.

IAB Rising Star: Filmstrip

Filetypes: GIF, JPEG, Default GIF required for HTML and Flash Submissions (Flash Version 7+ with clickTAG embedded). IFrame/Std/HTML5 Tags
Looping / Animation Restrictions: 3 / 30 sec.
Max File Size / Initial Load: 60K; Max Polite Load: 110k
Max # Panels / Total Panel File Size: 4 / 70K
Frame Rate: 24 FPS or less
Streaming Video Ad Restrictions: 500K max bps, 2MB Max file size / 30 secs. / 72 dpi additional loops must be user initiated
Rich Media Restrictions: Content container with max dimensions of 300x3000 displayed upon scroll in 300x600 ad unit; Max of five (5) different interactive segments within the content container; Content is viewed through click of the previous and next buttons located at the top and bottom of the unit; Audio is user initiated.

IAB Rising Star: Portrait

Filetypes: GIF, JPEG, Default GIF required for HTML and Flash Submissions (Flash Version 7+ with clickTAG embedded). IFrame/Std/HTML5 Tags
Looping / Animation Restrictions: 3 / 30 sec.
Max File Size / Initial Load: 80K; Max Polite Load: 110k
Max # Panels / Total Panel File Size: 4 / 70K
Frame Rate: 24 FPS or less
Streaming Video Ad Restrictions: 500K max bps, 2MB Max file size / 30 secs. / 72 dpi additional loops must be user initiated
Rich Media Restrictions: Recommended contents for 300x1050 dimesions - Branding areas, Primary interactive segment, secondary interactive segments 1 and 2; interactive segments can expand up to max dimension of 580x460px.

IAB Rising Star: Pushdown

Filetypes: GIF, JPEG, Default GIF required for HTML and Flash Submissions (Flash Version 7+ with clickTAG embedded). IFrame/Std/HTML5 Tags
Looping / Animation Restrictions: 3 / 30 sec.
Max File Size / Initial Load: 50K; Max Polite Load: 150k
Max # Panels / Total Panel File Size: 4 / 70K
Frame Rate: 24 FPS or less
Streaming Video Ad Restrictions: 500K max bps, 2MB Max file size / 30 secs. / 72 dpi additional loops must be user initiated
Rich Media Restrictions: 7 sec auto expand; 15 sec collapsed in banner animation; Host pushdown is 1 per user per 24 hours; Audio is on user click only; Progressive download on user click only
Mandatory close button on upper right corner of expanded creative; NO EXPANSION ON MOUSEOVER OR ROLLOVER

Survey Ads

Survey may be offered only once to an individual user during the course of a survey period.
TSG must be notified of all surveys running on the site.
Use of approved TSG Survey Pop-up creative is required

Sliders

Download Slider Templates Here

Slider Advertiser Asset Checklist:

Two SWF files: auto and manual versions. See demos and specs below. Must follow attached templates. Please consult step-by-step guide.
Click through URL or click command
Tracking pixel (optional)

Description

The Slider ad expands and pushes the page content rather than expanding over it. The first time a user visits the site the slider creative will ad auto-expand and auto-collapse after seven seconds. In any subsequent visit, the ad begins in the collapsed position and expansion is user-initiated. Files must follow attached templates and step-by-step guide to function properly.

Click here to see demo1 (Auto Expand) and demo2 (Manual Expand)

Specifications

Dimensions:

Slate: 990 x 600 pixels (auto and manual versions)
WP: 965 x 600 pixels (auto and manual versions)
Budget Travel Online: 965 x 600 pixels (auto and manual versions)
Newsweek: 990 x 600 pixels (auto and manual versions)

File Size:

100K per SWF file

Animation Length:

7 second maximum.

Media Types:

Macromedia Flash version 8 or below.

Materials:

Must provide flash files, fonts, etc. when submitting creative.

Timeline:

Must allow TSG at least five business days to test ad unit before launch.

Close Language and Ad Labels:

Must include a visible "Close Ad" button in the top left corner of ads in 16pt Arial font when expanded.
Must include a visible "Expand Ad", "Replay Ad", etc. button in the top left corner of the ads in 16pt Arial font when collapsed.
Must include a 1x1 pixel border to differentiate ad from editorial content.
We will accept no exceptions.

Hosting Creative:

TSG must host creative files. TSG cannot accept third party tags for Sliders, however third-party tracking pixels and clickTags are allowed. Reporting is available upon request.

Please note: Your ad will be visible to readers using Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Templates

These templates are in Slate dimensions, if creating slider for other site please adjust dimensions to match above specs:

Manual Files - Right click "Save As":
FLA example: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/adspecs/templates/slider_manual0515.fla
SWF example: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/adspecs/templates/slider_manual0515.swf

Auto Files - Right click "Save As":
FLA example: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/adspecs/templates/slider_auto0515.fla
SWF example: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/adspecs/templates/slider_auto0515.swf

Step-by-Step Guide

The Slider Ad is created as two SWF movie files (one is the auto-expand version and the other is the manual expand version). The first slider movie should begin with automatic expansion and the second slider movie begins collapsed and could be expand manually by the user. Please follow the below step-by-step instructions.

Creating the movie:

Create an ad with the above expanded dimensions. The ad should animate per the animation length mentioned above. Make sure you start the animation on the second frame, leaving the first frame blank.

The basic movie clip instances of the expanding slider are the header , full size take over ad , play button and collapse button. In addition, we need to create an invisible button instance on the top of the take over ad for the click-through.

Auto Expanding Slider on Page Load:

General : ( REF: slider_auto0515.fla )
- Movie starts from "expand" frame play ad for 7 second and starts to collapse.
- click collapse to roll back up to fixed position( header ).
- At the end of ad frame after 7 seconds ad, frame action
```
fscommand("cm8_collapse");
```

Movie Clip instances:

play again button:

on(release) {
                                            fscommand("cm8_expand");
                                            _root.gotoAndPlay("expand");
                                        }

[figure A1 - play button]

invisible button : top of the all layers . Must send out

getURL(_root.clickTag,  "_blank");

on release for Click through URL.

on(release) {
                                            getURL(_root.clickTag, "_blank");
                                        }

[figure A2 - invisible button]

collapse button :

fscommand("cm8_collapse");

roll back up the expanded ad.

on(release) {
                                            fscommand("cm8_ collapse");
                                            _root.gotoAndPlay("collapse");
                                        }

[figure A3 - collapse button]

frames:
- collapse frame :
```
stop();
```
- expand frame : transition up
- collapse frame : transition down
- 7 seconds ad playing
  
  [figure A4 - frames in auto expanding movie]

Manual Expanding Slider:

General : ( REF: slider_manual0515.fla )
- Movie stops at the first frame:
```
stop();
```
- click play button to expand the ad.play ad for 7 second and starts to collapse.
- At the end of ad frame after 7 seconds ad, frame action
```
fscommand("cm8_collapse");
```

Movie Clip instances:

play again button:

                                            on(release) {
                                                fscommand("cm8_expand");
                                                _root.gotoAndPlay("expand");
                                            }

[figure B1 - play button]

invisible button: top of the all layers . Must send out

getURL(_root.clickTag,  "_blank")

on release for Click through URL

                                            on(release) {
                                                getURL(_root.clickTag, "_blank");
                                            }

[figure B2 - invisible button]

collapse button:

fscommand("cm8_collapse");

roll back up the expanded ad.

on(release) {
                                            fscommand("cm8_ collapse");
                                            _root.gotoAndPlay("collapse");
                                        }

[figure B3 - collapse button]

Frames:
- collapse frame :
```
stop();
```
- expand frame : transition up
- collapse frame : transition down
- 7 seconds ad playing
  
  [figure B4 - frames in manual expanding slider movie]

TEMPLATES USING SLATE DIMENSIONS - FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY - Right click "Save As"

FLA example http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/adspecs/templates/slider_manual0515.fla

SWF example http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/adspecs/templates/slider_manual0515.swf

[1] Header for slate : 990x30 / Washington post : 965x30

[2] Full size take over ad for slate : 990x600 / Washington Post : 965 x 600

[3] Invisible button dimension follows the full size take over ad

Email Advertising

All advertising content must be clearly differentiated from editorial content.
TSG reserves the right to reject any ads that are disparaging to TSG or have potential for user confusion.
For all Slate Group properties, ads that employ an invisible overlay must also gray out editorial content.
All public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising must include a "Paid for by ___" label on all frames of the ad. It must be clear who placed the ad.
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising cannot receive roadblocks (100% ad ownership of a page or section). TSG only allows up to a 50% share of voice for political advertising.
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising paid for language must be a minimum point size of 9pt. if shown in all caps
Public policy, advocacy, political or candidate advertising paid for language must be a minimum point size of 10pt. if shown in upper and lower case.

Video

TSG Video General Guidelines

We always export in the following codec:

H264
2048 kb/second
current fps
key frame every 15 seconds
key frame every 15 seconds

Pre-Roll Advertiser Asset Checklist:

REQUIRED: Pre-Roll Video

REQUIRED: Pre-Roll Video click thru URL or click redirect

OPTIONAL: 1x1 tracking pixel for video

1. Pre-Roll Video

Formats supported: .MP4 preferred, MPEG, uncompressed DV25, Quicktime MOV, AVI

Option #1: Submit the Master Digital Video File to the following specification:

Video length sold as :15 units
Uncompressed 640x480 (4:3) or 640x360 (16:9) QuickTime (.mov) or AVI master file
Video Ad is clickable, please supply a click-thru URL
See Tracking & Reporting for impression tracking information

Option #2: Submit .FLV file to the following specification

Video length sold as :15 units
Dimensions 640x480 (4:3) or 640x360 (16:9)
Frame rate same as source or of source (15 - 30 fps)
Video Data Rate 352kbps
Audio Data Rate 48kbps
Total Data Rate 400kbps
Keyframe every 30 -60 frames (2 seconds)
File format required FLV, Flash 8 and greater.
It is recommended to crop to TV-Safe Area and de-interlace
Video Ad is clickable, please supply a click-thru URL
Video should not include a leader
See Tracking & Reporting for impression tracking information

2. Pre-Roll Video click thru URL or click redirect

Option #1: Submit the link to the webpage you would like your videos to click thru to.

Option #2: Submit a redirect click-thru URL. Please make sure the click-thru contains a cache-busting element to ensure accurate tracking.

3. Tracking Pixel for Video - OPTIONAL

Advertisers can provide their own 1x1 pixel that is served at the start of video ad plays that pings back to a third party server for impression tracking purposes. Please make sure the 1x1 pixel contains a cache-busting element to ensure accurate tracking.

Tracking & Reporting

Advertisers/agencies have the opportunity to employ 3rd party video and adjacent unit ad tracking, subject to supported capabilities.
Today, the following impression tracking solutions are supported:

TSG's video player tracks video ad and adjacent banner impressions as one unit. Impression numbers are available upon request and are provided through Doubleclick? DART.
Advertisers can provide their own 1x1 pixel that is served at the start of video ad plays that pings back to a third party server for impression tracking purposes. Please make sure the 1x1 pixel contains a cache-busting element to ensure accurate tracking.
Advertisers can provide redirect image tags to monitor companion unit delivery. Note: not all players accommodate both units.

Today, the following click tracking solutions are supported:

TSG tracks click for the video ad unit and .jpg/gif banner ad units, but do not break out the clicks by each individual ad unit.
For video assets, advertisers can provide a redirect click-thru URL. Please make sure the click-thru contains a cache-busting element to ensure accurate tracking.
For .jpg or gif banner assets, advertisers can provide a redirect click-thru URL. Only one click thru URL can be used for both units. Please make sure the click-thru contains a cache-busting element to ensure accurate tracking.

TSG Contact Information

The Slate Group Ad Specs Guide

Sites:

Ad Types:

Standard Ads

Tiles

Premium Ads

Mobile

Email

Videos

3rd Party Advertising

Terms and Conditions

In-House Design Process

Flash Ads

Submission Guidelines:

AS3

AS2

Submissions

Standard Ads

Creative Guidelines

Expanding Ad Guidelines

Tile Ads

Creative Guidelines

Floating and Overlay Ads

Pushdown

Slate Pushdown Template

Mobile

Rich Media:

Video/Audio:

Premium Ads

Creative Guidelines

Floating and Overlay Ad Guidelines

Interstitial Ad Guidelines

Pushdown Guidelines

Survey Ad Guidelines

Slate Skin Ad Specs

Slate Homepage Skin

The Root Homepage Skin

Full-Page Takeover Ads

IAB Rising Star: Billboard

IAB Rising Star: Filmstrip

IAB Rising Star: Portrait

IAB Rising Star: Pushdown

Survey Ads

Sliders

Download Slider Templates Here

Slider Advertiser Asset Checklist:

Description

Specifications

Dimensions:

Please note: Your ad will be visible to readers using Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Templates

Auto Expanding Slider on Page Load:

Manual Expanding Slider:

Email Advertising

Video

TSG Video General Guidelines

1. Pre-Roll Video

2. Pre-Roll Video click thru URL or click redirect

3. Tracking Pixel for Video - OPTIONAL

Tracking & Reporting