May 27 2009
sponsors and whatnot…..what do you think?
i’ve been thinking a lot lately about the possibility of getting some show sponsors. they would not only help me keep the lights on, but i’d hope the extra funding would allow me to get to different events, take more classes, and try more products to review.
as much as i would love to throw down the money myself, unfortunately, that isn’t going to happen. and with my birthday and christmas in december, well that leaves the rest of the year kinda open when it comes to exploring new products and classes.
so i thought i’d open up the conversation to my listeners to see what you think.
how do you feel about sponsors? do you mind advertising in your podcasts? do you have any other ideas?
the only other ideas i came up with are:
selling tshirts or pins
creating a cookbook of my favorite recipes to sell
having things to raffle off to people who donate funds
i just feel like i’m not always able to give you more every week. i know i’d love to learn more so i can share more! so, what do you think? i’m open to suggestions!
either reply to the post here or send me an email!
stitchitpodcast at gmail dot com
12 Responses to “sponsors and whatnot…..what do you think?”
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I think sponsors are a great idea.
But, I may be biased, since I love listening to your podcast.
Advertising and/or sponsorship is part of the podcast world now. I cannot imagine you would lose listeners based on this sort of change to your podcast. Your faithful listeners, like me, will continue to listen faithfully! Thanks for asking, but go for it!
Do eeet!
I don’t mind advertising in podcasts since I know it helps fund the goodness!
I was wondering recently why you don’t have sponsers, actually. I think it would be very easy for you to get them since your show rocks the Casbah.
Just don’t get that yelling Oxyclean guy, ha ha!
I think that we all learn more of you can learn more and if sponsors can make that happen then I say why not try it. IMHO I think it is a win win for everyone As long as the sponsorship doesn’t take away from your overall podcast message.
I think sponsors are a great idea, Meg!
Mmmmmmeeeegaaaannnn!!!!
Ok, a few things.
1) You have plenty to share and say. Don’t ever feel like the things you give us as listeners aren’t important, because you have a gift of explaining things in a different way from anyone else, and I am consistently surprised by how easily I grasp things when you say them. So no more worrying about “giving us more.” You give us plenty, lady!
2) All three of those things you suggested selling for podcast money are good ideas. Maybe the cookbook could be expanded into a cleaning/cookbook with your handy green cleaning tips or something? But anyway, they’re clever. Run with’em if you have the time.
3) Sponsors are a great idea. And also take less time than writing a cleaning-and-cooking book. So that’s a thought.
4) Expanding on the cookbook idea – I must be hungry – maybe a Stitch It! Podcast Listeners cookbook?
And finally
5) Dude. You are SO AWESOME. Own it. We love you.
-T
PS – go buy a lotto ticket and win so you can have another bouncy baby, k?
I don’t mind advertising at all. I’d encourage you to try and keep show sponsors out of the editorial content as much as possible (i.e. don’t endorse products that you really hate just because they’re sold or produced by a show sponsor), but I’m all for it if it gives you the opportunity to make an even better podcast.
I think this sounds like a great idea. You put so much into each week and as a fellow podcast I totally understand how hard it is to get stuff to review and have extra money to put towards the podcast. I say go for it! I’m sure others will tell you as they told me to just make sure not to add to many ads into the actual podcast. Good luck! Let me know if you need anything!
Meghan, I think sponsors are fine as long as you believe in the product/service they offer and you don’t feel like you’re “selling your soul.” I look up the stores, yarns, fiber and tools you discuss on the podcast and have made some purchases based on your suggestions (my husband thanks you btw, ha ha) so I’d have no problem with any of the businesses you like becoming sponsors.
Other suggestions: how about organizing knitting retreats or “fiber field trips” and you can work in a little profit for yourself. Small fiber businesses can get some attention and you can make some money (win/win). Just a thought. I think there are plenty of folks out there (myself included) that have learned a lot from you and might like shopping with your expertise along for the ride.
Good luck!
I don’t mind sponsor ads in my podcasts. It is a good break if you need to take one and a good time to hit pause if you need to get a drink, etc.
I also love the t-shirt idea and I love the cookbook. What about listeners sending in recipes and selling a stitch it podcast listener cookbook>
Sponsorships are great when the content is thought out and relevant. I love hearing about new places to get yarn and fiber and whatnot. I’d love to find a sponsor for my podcast, but it’s way too new to be noticed yet.
Raffles are a fun way to make up for costs, too. Selling t shirts or books might not offset the costs enough, depending on how much effort it takes.
I love your podcast
You sound so comfortable when you speak that it feels like listening to a good friend while knitting.
Keep up the great show!
Check out Cast On, Brenda has been working with sponsors for a while now and it works well on her show. I especially like that she uses the product she is sponsoring, ie. Audible.com You are awesome, keep up the good work and keep stitching!