but they do realize i make no money podcasting, right?

Okay, so I'm torn.

I got an email today from the accounts manager of a major publisher of knitting publications, inviting me to submit the makings of an ad (they'll make the ad, they just want me to provide logo/images/copy for them to work their magic with) that will go into a special Canadian-focussed edition of one of their magazines this fall.

Now, on the one hand, I'm flattered.  I'm flattered that my wee podcast managed to find its way onto their radar (though I will say, I already got a mention in the most excellent "Made In Canada" column written by Lee Ann Balazuc in one of the magazines associated with the aforementioned published, an event which probably thrilled me more than the email I just received).

On the other hand.  Dudes.  I'm a writer, podcaster, knitter, and occasional pattern writer, and, most importantly -- I make no money.  Zip.  Nada.  Zilch.

Oh, I'd *love* to make money, especially with the writing stuff, but it's not happening, and I can't see it happening any time soon.

So the point here?  I do not have the $500 required to place this ad.  And honestly, even if I did have the money to do so, I'm not sure I could see the point in doing so, because I can't see how an ad in a knitting magazine (no matter how prestigious, though I suppose that is a matter of taste -- I rather like it, if truth be told) would really do me much good in the whole podcasting scheme of things.  I mean, getting the mention in the "Made in Canada" column didn't even result in a blip in my podcast stats, which caused much anguish and weeping and wrenching of hair --   

(okay, it didn't, but it did surprise me that I didn't even see *any* change in stats, though I point out that I have said that stats lie and are, thus, not a terribly useful tool for measuring much regarding one's podcast)

-- so as flattering as it is to be noticed and offered this opportunity, I think I'm going to pass. 

Comments

[zydeco fish]

$500 seems a bit steep. Maybe you could sell subscriptions to the podcast?

[k]

Even if I were inclined to do so (I'm not), who ever would buy a subscription? Seriously, you'd have to be offering something absolutely spectacular and different in order to be able to do that, and I can assure you, I'm not.

I can think of a handful of podcasts that do sell either subscriptions, or that make their back catalogue available for purchase (that after becoming intensely popular), and I only know of one I'd be willing to pay for.

The pay model for podcasts just isn't viable (which is all right with me) -- where people actually make money podcasting is in the skills they have, say, teaching others how to do it, or in creating podcasts for others (businesses, say). Or because you get some kind of deal that arises out of people liking what you do in the podcast.

I'm still waiting for my book deal, for example :-).

(That was humour for anyone who wasn't sure...)

$500 is the going rate for the magazine in question, and it's pretty much what anyone who has been invited to advertize was offered (yarn shop, designer, etc...) I suspect it's probably the going rate for most magazines of this genre, too.

If you had a business it might be worth it, depending on who you thought the ad might reach.

[zydeco fish]

I'll sell you some ad space on my blog for, say, $250...