In particular, these days I'm very much interested in how I can turn this time-consuming hobby into a bit of a revenue generator. Since I receive a small stipend from SB Nation to run OTF, I declared that income on my taxes last year, and realized that I should also be recording my expenses (for example, parking fees downtown when I go to cover a practice or press conference, mileage, etc.). It was a bit of a reality slap to see exactly how much I was spending on this endeavor, and with 3 kids heading off to college in 9-10 years, there's a bit of a financial imperative to turn the tables there.
So here's a few ideas I'm considering/pursuing:
- A website devoted to hockey gear and accessories, HockeyGearHQ.com. The idea there is to build off the reputation I've developed online to provide news, reviews, and deals on hockey equipment and related items. People stopping by OTF aren't looking to buy anything when they visit, they just want to read about and discuss the Predators, so this site can be more of a straightforward sales effort. A couple examples there are the series on Father's Day Gift Ideas I'm running, and a post pointing people to Boston Bruins 2011 Stanley Cup Champions gear that's now available online.
- Setting up another site specifically devoted to the art & science of sports blogging - I've learned a lot of lessons over the last several years, and perhaps that information could be of interest to folks from beyond the world of hockey.
- Kindle Singles - these are mini-books that one can publish and sell on Amazon, typically for $0.99. Perhaps I could put together some long-form pieces of hockey analysis (more detailed than what goes into the blog) and sell them through there?
I'd be interested to get your input on possible directions here. It's not about shoving ads in people's faces, but providing real value to people in appropriate venues, and carving out my fair portion along the way. Is it possible?
19 comments:
Great ideas Dirk!
I take it SB Nation gets the ad revenue instead of any of it going to you. Ever considered going solo, or do you feel like you get more exposure by being on SB?
I do get a monthly stipend from SB Nation for running OTF, but I'd make more scrubbing toilets at Bridgestone during the games. Just the expense of driving downtown and parking once a week to cover a practice or press conference eats it up.
Very interested in the Kindle tie-in. Whose work would be eligible?
I'm not sure I understand your question, Richard.
I think he means, can any of us write stuff and put it up for sale with the proceeds going to OTF. If not, then there's an idea for you.
An interesting topic for future discussion would be the advantages/disadvantages of being a part of a network versus being independent. We recently saw Predlines make the jump from a network to being an independent for several reasons.
Thanks, Buddy, that's a good topic, for sure. There are some major considerations that I think people sometimes overlook, and just signup with a network thinking it's a no-lose proposition.
Why not create your own site and create a membership sort of thing. You're doing a lot of work and if people really like it they should be willing to pay something for it. You'll lose some people sure but at least you'd be getting something from the people do enjoy what you provide enough to pay. I like what Shawn Blanc is doing with his stuff. Check this out his spiel
With a high traffic site like yours I would have thought there'd be good money in banner advertising. Why are you reluctant do that?
Also, why stay on the SB Nation network? You have a loyal following now. There must be more in it for you to go independent at this point.
Or what if you struck a deal with a local print publication to share your online material?
Grey, SB Nation handles all the advertising at OTF, that's how they make their money (and unfortunately banner ads don't bring in very much).
The platform with SBN is very powerful, it's a pretty tall soapbox, so to speak. You do raise good points, though.
John, thanks for that suggestion, a membership site is something I'm strongly considering; not necessarily about the Preds, but about sports blogging in general, as I think it could be a good resource for others who enjoy the hobby and want to take advantage of some of the mistakes (and successes) I've made along the way.
Dirk,
When Huffington Post was sold to AOL, commentators said that the unfortunate thing was that it was the uncompensated contributors that made Huff Post so well known...yet they received none of the purchase price. Suspsect SBN does not receive as much revenue as Huff Post but maybe there is a way for them to share more.
Ads would seem the way to go but if SB Nation won't share, then an membership fee seems the way to go. I would charge anyone who wishes to post $12/yr - if you had 1000 posters, that $12k. And there is really no reason we should not pay - this shouldn't come out of your pocket....
on otf, I'm keepellisingoal
it shouldn't be a problem for we posters to pay a little money each year....that shouldn't be a big deal....
To join a network or not is pretty tough. With me having not written in a while, HockeyIndependent came along at the right time for me. It also allowed me to obtain credentials probably a little faster than normal, but I don't know that.
That said, I don't think there's much money in it even for the owners (Gallof brothers) as they all have regular jobs as well.
Dirk, my naive assumption was that experienced and credible bloggers like you and Buddy (and others) might be able to garner some time of payment once you get invited onto radio/TV round tables or shows. I take it that was a silly notion I had?
David, unfortunately the TV/radio spots don't pay (well, apart from the nude scenes).
KEIG, SB Nation's still in "startup" mode, so I don't see them drastically changing their business model. Putting a coin slot on the Comment or Posting functions would be a great idea, but I doubt the higher-ups would go for that. Trust me, then you'd really see some "Legwand rox" posts!
I really think you should start a blog concentrating on the finer aspects of dog walking, but that's just me. ;)
Dirk -
Are you familiar with Maple Street Press? They make annual sports guides written by bloggers and several of the sports blogs I read have used them as a way to generate revenue. It would be a large amount of work but I'm sure a lot of readers would pay the $12.95 for a Preds-centric guide.
SSF - thanks for the suggestion. I've actually contributed to Maple Street Press annuals for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the last two years, and will have an article in the Pittsburgh one this fall.
So far, however, they're approaching hockey very tentatively, and aren't up for doing a Nashville one yet (believe me, I asked!). I do think there's an opportunity there, though.
Post a Comment