Dear Tim--
I agree with Dan about the e-mail reminders for stain solver, specifically.
I just didn't have the heart to say so (and it's not a big deal anyway).
Why do I agree with Dan? Well, the extra "reminders" about stain solver do
not actually serve to remind me (nor I suspect, very many others). It's not
as if I forgot to place my order and then I get your latest extra stain
solver e-mail and remember, "oh yeah, almost forgot to get the stain
solver, better get on that"
The ads are fine. There's not a web-site in existence without them. Why not
make one for your stain solver? You could even send it out without any
other newsletter content. People like me and Dan could delete it and others
who really "forgot" they needed some stain solver could go ahead and place
their order. Just a thought.
Again, I like the news letter, the "reminder" e-mails are no big deal, but
let's just say if they disappeared I wouldn't miss them :)
Steve
Ads and Promotions in AsktheBuilder.com Newsletters
Summary:
Why are there ads and promotions in the
AsktheBuilder Newsletter? Tim
answers that question for a Newsletter Subscriber.
DEAR TIM: I love your newsletter, but why are there ads in it for your products? You also send additional emails during a promotion to remind subscribers a promotion is about to end. I find these ads and extra emails bothersome. - Dan Rybicki
DEAR DAN: Thanks so much for writing to me. I can understand your frustration about extra emails in your Inbox, as all of us seem to be getting overloaded with messages. However, I'm hoping that you'll give me a hall pass because of the give and take of the situation. Let's look at the dynamic of my newsletter and what really happens.
Each time a newsletter goes out, you get hundreds, or possibly thousands, of dollars of tips for free. You get information about the best products for your home. You get suggestions on the best tools to buy. You get announcements about product problems and recalls. The most amazing thing of all, you pay nothing for my newsletter that contains all of this.
But look at it from my side of the fence. I have to spend a tremendous amount of money to actually send the newsletter. The service I use to host the list and send the emails does not do it for free.
My list is over 100,000 subscribers, so project what you think I spend each month to host and send the newsletter. I'll give you a clue: it could make a mortgage payment on a sizable home!
Add to that the lost opportunity cost. Instead of investing all the time testing and reviewing tools and products, writing the newsletter, etc., I could be writing columns and doing videos that make money. I'm like you; I have to support my family and pay my bills. If I didn't want to work on the newsletter, I could spend that time with my family, doing a recreational activity, reading a book or just relaxing.
With this in mind, I would think that you could tolerate promotions within newsletters for my products and reminder emails for those who want to buy them at a reduced price, but procrastinate and put off the transaction until the last moment. The money made for doing this is my reward for spending time producing the newsletter.
Add to this, I would think that you would welcome the opportunity to save money from time to time, instead of having to pay full price for my products. But perhaps I'm mistaken and you prefer to pay full retail all of the time.
You could always subscribe to an ad-free version. Would you prefer that?
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Comments:Welcome! I, Tim
Carter, don't answer questions
here. If you post a question here in the Comments Area,
perhaps another visitor will help you. You need to go to the Ask
Tim page if you want a question answered. Once there, look
closely at how many weeks behind we are. Please be patient as you use
this free service. If you have an emergency and need to talk to me,
there is an option there for you.
Steve 20 Apr 2010, 18:23
Moe Miller 20 Apr 2010, 21:39
Tim, totally is right, he is giving tons of information for free! all you
have to do is get a couple emails. If you cant handle it unsubscribe, but
i'd assume you want the wealth of solid info he gives, so tuff on you
Rick 21 Apr 2010, 07:42
I have to agree with Tim on this one. Tim could turn his site and
newsletter into pay per use, or something similar. Tim is just a person
like any of us, trying to make a living. He doesn't owe any of us
anything, yet he gives us access to his vast knowledge. A few ad emails
are a small price to pay, and for those interested in the product, they are
yet another way that Tim helps them out.
Dana 21 Apr 2010, 09:44
Dan asks "Why are there ads in your newsletter for your products?" ARE YOU
KIDDING ME? I agree there are no stupid questions but... Tim is out there
making an honest living and no doubt paying taxes on that living. A
question like that and responses that agree with it come from people who
are, and will continue to be, employees.
Chris Wong 21 Apr 2010, 15:22
Tim: Keep up the good work. People must understand that TV is free as
well, it is supported by ads. You deserve to earn a living. Most people
get this fact, and most who don't will understand when told like you did
politely today.
Mark Sullivan 22 Apr 2010, 12:54
Tim: I did not mind getting emails on your Stain Solver product.
Mark
Joe 23 Apr 2010, 03:30
Hi Tim,
Can you send me an email about your Stain Solver? Ha Ha! Joe
Jeanne 23 Apr 2010, 18:48
Tim, keep sending the reminders. There ARE people who say, "oh, yeah, I
forgot to order that!" ME. I'd been thinking of ordering 4#, but was
still on the fence not having tried it before, then I read the comment in
the last email reminder about the lady who used it to clean a smelly,
stained second hand uniform. I ordered 8# immediately!
wally 26 Apr 2010, 19:24
Hi Tim. My kids recently got a red brick house that has turned pink in sun
exposed areas. I have seen other houses this way around town. Don't know
what the brick is made of. They are thinking of pressure washing. I just
saw your ad about cleaning the wood siding and wondered if that would work
on the brick??
Nancy 02 May 2010, 15:42
Hi Tim...perhaps Dan and those in his "company" haven't learned how to use
the delete key on their computers?
You give so much valuable information...taking much time, thought and energy on your part to put on this site, which helps and benefits so many of us. The products you recommend and/or sell are tried and endorsed by one who has very high standards, and I, for one, appreciate you. Thank you. View all comments |
