Should homebrewandbeer.com accept sponsorship?

Post by **Oliver** » Sunday Jun 18, 2006 6:35 pm

Hi guys,

A company has approached Geoff and I about "sponsoring" our website and forum. This would most likely be in the form of advertising, so visitors could click on a link to the advertiser's site.

I won't reveal at this stage what the company is or isn't, suffice to say it's involved in the homebrewing and/or brewing industry.

We've asked for more information about the proposal, including:

1. The form that the sponsorship would take, in terms of the presence of the site.
2. What conditions would be attached to the sponsorship.
3. What amount of money would be involved in the "sponsorship".
4. Would there be any other benefits for the website, in regard to providing give-aways to members, discounts for members who click through from our site to the sponsor's to buy goods, and other such potential "sweeteners" for members?

We're waiting to hear back, but in the meantime I thought it would be good to get a feel from members about the proposal.

Do you think it would be good? Perhaps you don't like the idea because you feel it would compromise our independence and ability to criticise and comment. Maybe you think it would be good if we could negotiate some sort of benefit for members. Or maybe you couldn't give two hoots!

Bear in mind that while any money would be welcome, homebrewandbeer.com will continue regardless of whether or not we accept this "sponsorship".

Please let Geoff and I know, as if the idea isn't popular we won't do it.

Cheers,

Oliver

Iron-Haggis · Post by **Iron-Haggis** » Sunday Jun 18, 2006 7:24 pm

I say go for it. You guys deserve to make a little bit of cash from this great website. I'm sure you guys won't say yes to sponsorship that does compromise the integrity of the site anyway, so it shouldn't be an issue.

pacman · Post by **pacman** » Sunday Jun 18, 2006 7:34 pm

Agree with Iron-Haggis.

Just need to make sure there are no restrictive clauses in the Agreement.

corks · Post by **corks** » Sunday Jun 18, 2006 8:15 pm

by all means, go nuts...as long as they arent going restrict what can be commented on and in what manner...

halminator · Post by **halminator** » Sunday Jun 18, 2006 8:41 pm

Really - it's up to you, Oliver. You guys host a great website and forum and you deserve to get some benefits from this other than the general praise from the forum members. From what you've said it doesn't sound like the site will change that much other than a few strategically placed ads.

But sponsorship can be a two-edged sword. Whilst it might be tempting, and the company may appear pleasant to deal with be very very careful about the fine print in the contract. At the end of the day the company will want to maximise it's investment, full stop.

As for me, I personally probably wouldn't click on the sponsors ad's as I rarely do on other forums/websites.

Hal.

scblack · Post by **scblack** » Sunday Jun 18, 2006 9:39 pm

Yes, go for it for sure. You are not a charity, and you host a great site.

Can I just ask for a little more moderation on posts. We are not kids here (I hope not) but there has been some dribble lately, and to see a little more active moderation would be great.

Cheers,
scblack.

Grumpywolf · Post by **Grumpywolf** » Sunday Jun 18, 2006 11:10 pm

You guys should go for it, like most have said you're not a charity and should get something in return for everything you've put in to it.

But only if the advertiser places no restrictions on what people have say (especially if someone wants to say that their product is crap).

Cat · Post by **Cat** » Sunday Jun 18, 2006 11:20 pm

I think as long as the beer sponsor doesn't have those damn annoying pop up windows you should be ok. A minimal amount of advertising can be easily ignored, but when it's totally in your face it does comprimise the integrity of the site and forum.

But go ahead - you guys deserve some pay back

r.magnay · Post by **r.magnay** » Monday Jun 19, 2006 6:15 am

Yeah, I pretty much agree with what has been said. Get into it.

Beerpig · Post by **Beerpig** » Monday Jun 19, 2006 6:49 am

As long as no restrictions are placed on criticising the sponsor (should it be deserved)

Also no restrictions should be put on praising or recommending competitors products

If you do decide to accept sponsorship, you should open it to all potential sponsors & not become beholden to the one master

My two bob

Cheers

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Monday Jun 19, 2006 12:52 pm

I agree with the 'no pop-up windows' thing. When windows pop up, I leave the site.

And a few others also mentioned, as long as you maintain your ability to criticize- even the potential sponser. And other products can be promoted/discussed.

chris. · Post by **chris.** » Monday Jun 19, 2006 1:09 pm

I voted for it. It would be good to see you recover some costs for the running of this site. But at the same time it would be nice to see the site retain it's idependence.

1. Display their logo/link to their website on the front page as a site sponsor.
2. The sponsor must register as a user under their Co. name & be limited to posting in the retail section only under their Co. user name only. (Unless the Co. owner is currently a forum member offering unbiased advice to fellow brewers) ie. it should be clear that the individual has only signed up to promote their product, & they should be open about it. Their advertising should not be in the form of offering fellow brewers veiled "advice" flogging their own product.
3. An agreed % of each sale obtained through this site.
4. Sweeteners would be nice

but not neccessary

Ash · Post by **Ash** » Monday Jun 19, 2006 3:41 pm

If it helps pay the bills & they aren't a shady company with a list of demands as long as your arm I say go for it.

Member discounts would be nice but not really needed.

DJ · Post by DJ » Monday Jun 19, 2006 3:47 pm

If its Malt Shovel I'll be happy to accept free James Squire Beers..

ACTbrewer · Post by **ACTbrewer** » Monday Jun 19, 2006 4:40 pm

Agree with many of the comments above. I think you deserve to be remunerated for creating such a great site.
So long as the integrity of the site remains intact, and you don't get lumbered with any hidden detail, I think it's a great idea. How much input do they want?

Tipsy · Post by **Tipsy** » Monday Jun 19, 2006 7:46 pm

Cat wrote:I think as long as the beer sponsor doesn't have those damn annoying pop up windows you should be ok. A minimal amount of advertising can be easily ignored, but when it's totally in your face it does comprimise the integrity of the site and forum.

But go ahead - you guys deserve some pay back

I agree

know moe · Post by **know moe** » Monday Jun 19, 2006 9:32 pm

DO IT, as long as you get money and/or beer

Shaun · Post by **Shaun** » Tuesday Jun 20, 2006 11:16 pm

As long as it is not Brewcraft go for it.

Mewshew · Post by **Mewshew** » Tuesday Jun 20, 2006 11:52 pm

I figure that as long as it's a company that you guys (Oliver and Geoff) respect then it's no problem. I'd hate to see the site being "censored" or have strange rules introduced. However, if it was a good Australian beer/homebrew co. like Coopers ot Malt Shovel then I'd be all for it. I respect your judgement Olly.

Post by **Oliver** » Wednesday Jun 21, 2006 1:21 pm

Thanks for all the feedback, people.

But please keep the comments coming.

Geoff and I will take all views into account when making our decision on whether we accept sponsorship, and if we do what form it will take.

Cheers,

Oliver