RemarQ to Introduce "Midstream Marketing"

Internet discussion services provider RemarQ Communities Inc. launched a new marketing program that will link advertisers with consumers and direct its discussion group participants to product and service information.

Called Midstream Marketing, the program allows advertisers to purchase callouts or keywords within specific discussion communities. Callouts will appear as a familiar blue hyperlink at the bottom of a discussion thread, while keywords will appear as a hyperlink within a discussion thread. Charter advertisers include AboveNet and eBay.

“Midstream Marketing is the first initiative of its kind that lets advertisers tap into vibrant, Internet discussions in such a targeted, non-intrusive way,” said Bill Lee, CEO of RemarQ. “It also makes it easy for consumers to either research or purchase products and services that have been mentioned in the discussion groups they value.”

AboveNet, a provider of co-location services, will appear within all Computer and Internet categories. eBay, the online trading community, will appear in a variety of categories. Spending was not disclosed.

“RemarQ is on to something innovative. AboveNet is intrigued at the prospect of being able to subtly insert itself into discussion communities frequented by people seeking co-location services,” said Van Jepson, vice president of marketing for AboveNet.

Advertisers will be able to purchase keyword links relevant to virtually any topic, from computers and autos to personal investing and travel. The company will implement the Midstream Marketing program next month, when the latest version of RemarQ is released.