It’s like people only do these things because they can get paid. And that’s just really sad.
Garth Algar, Wayne’s World
Incoming!
So, to give everyone a heads-up, I have another sponsorship opportunity on top of my current one with Knob Creek. A major US meat promotion group and grocery store have a fall tailgating promotion, and I’ve been asked to join in.
I’m not naming names, yet, in case it falls through.
The good part is, it’s a topic I was already planning to cover this fall - tailgating recipes. And, as a bonus, they want me to do a giveaway for my readers (that’s you). Now that I have deadlines an incentive to post, you’ll see a lot about tailgating over the next month.
The downside is sponsored posts and tweets, written by the groups. You’ll know them when you see them; they want appropriate notification of the sponsorship. That’s kinda the point - promoting their type of meat and grocery store for tailgating.
Five hundred dollars? Would you consider a bear in a frog suit?
Fozzy Bear, The Muppet Movie
On the one hand, I feel like apologizing. On the other hand, I shouldn't apologize. I hope this is the first of many sponsorships…as long as the sponsor’s ideas for posts line up with my own. For this one, it’s like they were reading my mind when I planned out my fall schedule.
If I start promoting cream of mushroom soup recipes, you’ll know I’ve gone over to the dark side.
Oh, and as another heads up - this week’s posts are not sponsored, no matter how much it looks like I’ve been co-opted by a major snack food conglomerate. (You’ll know what I mean when you see the recipes.)
What do you think?
Am I going too far? Selling out to The Man? Whining? (Yes. Yes, I am whining.) Talk about it in the comments, below.
Mike V @ DadCooksDinner says
Thanks for all the love, everyone! I hope I can live up to your opinion of me. 🙂
Samantha Kime says
Oh, and P.S. I can't wait for the tailgating recipes! I made my first batch of chili last football season, and as tasty as it was, I had nothing to go by... perhaps we may have something to look forward to in the ways of chili guidance?!
Samantha Kime says
Good for you! And thanks for being so candid!
Linda Young Rorick says
The fact that a company calls you and asks you to sponsor a product is totally amazing! Your word is spreading and that makes me happy! Plus you'll be talking about products that probably touches all of our lives - so that will be a win/win. Congrats and can't wait to see your future posts!
Lynn says
No problem here. You're up front and honest about what what you write and how you are compensated. You deserve to earn some money for all your hard work. Way to go!
cecuthell says
If you can cook cream of mushroom soup on the grill I'm up for it.
Brandon says
+1!
Blain Reinkensmeyer says
As long as you stay true to yourself and your content, then bring on the sponsors! You deserve it and it is a great affirmation your brand is growing in strong fashion. Congrats Mike!
Pat Vance says
Congrats on the new sponsor! Keep up the good work!
Dave Whittaker says
We've all been waiting for some giveaways 🙂
Seriously though, as long as you keep it true to your roots, it's not selling out. Congrats!
Stephanie says
Totally agree with others - you've worked hard to bring great content, and we appreciate it. Plus, you'd be my first stop for tailgating recipes. Sounds like a great match!
Monica says
No worries. It's a lot of work to keep up a blog like this, and we appreciate it! You should get paid!!
Doug Reichard says
It' not selling out it buying in (slightly modified SLC punk quote) If you tailgate at the browns game let me know
Noebie says
no need to apologize at all, mike - you're always really good about noting when there's any compensation involved - you consistently produce valuable content - usually my first stop when i'm researching a recipe - best of luck with future sponsorships and monetization efforts
Jeff Weiner says
Hi Mike, Long time reader, first time commenter. I don't think you need to apologize at all. Your blog has been great, and if you can improve the "profitability" of it, great. Thanks for your work!