Topic: The Skeptics' Guide is brought to you by...

[Mike]

The SGU is considering inserting one ad into the podcast and we would like to know what listeners think of this idea.

The ads would be on-topic, (promoting, say, World Science and Skepticism Magazine) last approximately 20-30 seconds and be inserted mid-podcast.  Perhaps before or after the interview segment.  The ad segment itself would be done by Steve, or one of the panelists, so no random voice.

I'm sure you're all aware how much work goes into the production of the SGU and all our other endeavours including blogs and skeptical conferences.  This has the potential of helping with, and expanding upon, these endeavours.

We're very interested in how our listeners would take this. And we would take all your feedback very seriously as it will be the driving factor in our decision.  This thread will be viewed very regularly in the next week or two by all panelists, so let us know.

Thanks,
Steve, Jay, Rebecca, Bob and Evan

... and Mike.

[Halleyscomet/Wakefield]

That sounds eminently reasonable.

[Skulker]

That sounds eminently reasonable.

Seconded.

[Lukas]

No problem at all, especially if it is for some valuable products, like scientific or skeptical magazines - or chocolate...

[Halleyscomet/Wakefield]

No problem at all, especially if it is for some valuable products, like scientific or skeptical magazines - or chocolate...

I wonder if there's such a thing as skeptical beer...

[Proto]

Naturally a project like this needs funds - so I wouldn't have a problem with this at all - but wouldn't like it to be the start of .... ahem..... a slippery slope () where the adverts became longer than 20-30 secs.

I guess it would also depend on what products were being advertised. You may ultimately find your principles challenged by the prospect of ready cash.

I also think the SGU should make some more direct appeals from the listeners/forum members to encourage contributions. Explaining what the costs are, how the money is used, what structures/checks are in place, whether the accounts are ahead of or behind budget etc. are all important aspects of encouraging folks to part with cash and ensuring funding.

[Joe B]

That sounds eminently reasonable.

Seconded.

Yep

[Halleyscomet/Wakefield]

I also think the SGU should make some more direct appeals from the listeners/forum members to encourage contributions. Explaining what the costs are, how the money is used, what structures/checks are in place, whether the accounts are ahead of or behind budget etc. are all important aspects of encouraging folks to part with cash and ensuring funding.

I don't mind NPR style ad placements. I do NOT want NPR style donation drives...

As for the lure of ready cash, I think SGU is in an interesting position there. Most of the advertising options that would challenge their values would also be very likely to drive away the listener base. That said, I think we'd all get a kick out of the irony of, for example, an ad for a homeopathic product in the middle of an episode ripping homeopathy to shreds.

"And now we come to the part of the program where Sylvia Brown pays us money for ripping her to shreds for the last 20 minutes."

[Sordid]

Yeeeaaaah... not terribly thrilled about this, especially the idea of an ad in the middle of the podcast, but I guess I could live with it. The SGU has been delivering quality content for years, so I have no problem with shutting down my ears for thirty seconds if they get money for it.

[stands2reason]

Sounds fine to me.

[Proto]

I don't mind NPR style ad placements. I do NOT want NPR style donation drives...

Oh yeah? OH YEAH? Well lucky then I give enough for both of us buddy. Cheapskate.

 

[Skulker]

I can hear it now; "The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe is brought to you by the letter Jay and the number 5x5." 

[Karyn]

My only other suggestion would be to make sure the ad changes.  Listening to the same ad every week for a year is a disservice to everyone involved.  I had to quit listening to the COI podcast because they had the same ad every single time.  I got through about 60 episodes before I went insane.

[MisterMarc]

Audible sponsors a bunch of podcasts....ever thought of approaching them? There are a lot of bookish folk who listen to this podcast, and you could offer your listeners a deal of some kind.

Otherwise, I have no objection to short, simple "thanks to so-and-so for sponsoring us, they sell yadda-yadda, we like them, check them out." I'd prefer that the gang didn't go to canned commercials, because they annoy the f*** out of me, and they might drive off new listeners. Otherwise, have at it! Make money! Grow bigger!!

[Henning]

I suppose it had to happen sometime.
You mean you guys don't already get paid for promoting the heck out of TAM, the JREF credit card, Mythbusters, and George Hrab? 
We'll let you know if the advertising becomes too obnoxious.

My only other suggestion would be to make sure the ad changes.  Listening to the same ad every week for a year is a disservice to everyone involved.  I had to quit listening to the COI podcast because they had the same ad every single time.  I got through about 60 episodes before I went insane.

So true.