NetZero 2011 Annual Report Download - page 123

Table of Contents
UNITED ONLINE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION, ACCOUNTING POLICIES, AND RECENT ACCOUNTING
PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
users utilizing the partner's Internet search services, amounts generated from display advertisements, and amounts generated from referring
members to third-party websites or services. The Company recognizes such advertising revenues in the period in which the advertisement is
displayed or, for performance-based arrangements, when the related performance criteria are met. In determining whether an arrangement exists,
the Company ensures that a written contract is in place, such as a standard insertion order or a customer-specific agreement. The Company
assesses whether performance criteria have been met and whether the fees are fixed or determinable based on a reconciliation of the performance
criteria and the payment terms associated with the transaction. The reconciliation of the performance criteria generally includes a comparison of
the Company's internally-tracked performance data to the contractual performance obligation and, when available, to third-party or customer-
provided performance data.
Advertising revenues for the Company's online loyalty marketing service consist primarily of fees generated when emails are transmitted to
members, when members respond to emails and when members complete online transactions. Each of these activities is a discrete, independent
activity, which generally is specified in the sales agreement for each advertising customer. As the earning activities take place, activity
measurement data (examples include the number of emails delivered and the number of responses received) is accumulated and the related
revenues are recorded.
Probability of collection is assessed based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the customer and the
creditworthiness of the customer. If it is determined that collectibility is not reasonably assured, revenues are not recognized until collectibility
becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash.
Cost of Revenues —Cost of revenues primarily includes product costs; shipping and delivery costs; costs associated with taking orders;
printing and postage costs; costs related to FTD's product quality guarantee; systems installation, training and support costs; costs of points
earned by members of the Company's online loyalty marketing service; telecommunications and data center costs; depreciation of network
computers and equipment; license fees; costs related to providing customer support; costs related to customer billing and billing support for the
Company's pay accounts and floral network members; fees associated with the storage and processing of customer credit cards and associated
bank fees; domain name registration fees; and personnel- and overhead-related costs associated with operating the Company's networks and
data centers.
Sales and Marketing —Sales and marketing expenses include expenses associated with promoting the Company's brands, products and
services and with generating advertising revenues. Expenses associated with promoting the Company's brands, products and services include
advertising and promotion expenses; fees paid to distribution partners, third-party advertising networks and co-registration partners to acquire
new pay and free accounts; personnel and overhead-related expenses for marketing, merchandising, customer service, and sales personnel; and
telemarketing costs incurred to acquire and retain pay accounts and up-sell pay accounts to additional services. Expenses associated with
generating advertising revenues include sales commissions and personnel-related expenses. The Company has expended significant amounts on
sales and marketing, including branding and customer acquisition campaigns consisting of television, Internet, sponsorships, print, and outdoor
advertising, and on retail and other performance-based distribution relationships. Marketing and advertising costs to promote the Company's
products and services are expensed in the period incurred. Advertising and promotion
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