Lore writes about how two webcomics creators just received free Sumo beanbags and subsequently posted about it on their well-trafficed websites:
Scott Kurtz posts on PvP that he got a free sample beanbag from Sumo Lounge and he loves it. The same day, Tim Buckley posts on Ctrl+Alt+Del that he got a beanbag from Sumo -- he doesn't say where he got it -- and he likes it. Not casting aspersions here, I just think it's interesting that the "send free stuff and hope for a good review" approach is moving beyond the video games and accessories you'd expect to be associated with a gaming comic. Maybe in the near future Kutrz, Buckley, and company will be able to outfit a small apartment or clubhouse with free swag, just for doing their things.
It does seem to me you should disclose this kind of free swag if you're going to endorse it (which Kurtz did). Otherwise it's interesting as another bit of evidence that perhaps some webcomics are - in marketing speak - influencers.
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Comments
I won't lie. The first thing
I won't lie. The first thing I thought of when I read both PvP and CAD recently was "I wonder if those guys will send *me* a beanbag chair?"
Truthfully, I've been trying to get on the mailing lists of movie studios and DVD distribution companies in an effeort to get stuff for the site. It's worked once. I was given a bunch of promotional copies for "The Long Good Friday" - a 1980's British movie about the English mafia. Haven't been able to get back on the gravy train since.
The whole schwag thing is nothing new and I don't think we should expect web comic to be above the fray. I mean, Penny Arcade was just talking about getting FREE DS Lite's in the mail, fer cryin' out loud! Of course they're influencers!
It's no different than a guy who starts up his own music review site and gets promotional copies of albums for review. Exactly how bean bag chairs are tied to gaming is somewhat tenuous - but I see the connection.Â
Theater Hopper -::- Comics about movies every Monday, Wednesday and Friday -::- http://www.theaterhopper.com
I get free schwag offers
Most certainly! Get me the
Most certainly! Get me the hook up! I'd be more than happy to tell my readers about new DVD releases and such. It all folds together well.
 How did you get on these mailing lists? Did a representative approach you out of the blue?
Theater Hopper -::- Comics about movies every Monday, Wednesday and Friday -::- http://www.theaterhopper.com
Whoa. Let me clarify
Well, the Sumo bags tie into video game and geek culture very easily because they are comfortable and fun seating that skews to a younger audience of people who spend a lot of time on the floor looking at the TV screen.
Trust me, I tested the thing this weekend by introducing my 14 year old cousin to it. And he almost went home with it. "This is an awesome Xbox chair" were his exact words to me. So that's the audience Sumo hopes to reach.
This concept of "comp items" going out for review purposes is not new at all. It's a standard practice and it's nothing evil or bad, so long as everything is up front.
I've been sent free stuff for a while now, but this was the first time I was sent something and specifically asked to review it on the site.
So it's very important that when you get free stuff like this in exchange for a review that you let your constituency know what's going on and why you're reviewing this particular product.
Especially if you run a site like mine where many of my anecdotal blog posts involve me talking about geek-culture, gadgets, movies, comics....real products. My readers need to know when content is coming from a genuine experience, when something is advertising and when something was comped to me for review.
I'm very very serious about making those distinctions. And I think that as long as you do so, and are up front and honest with the readership, you can enjoy the spoils of having a popular website and retain your credibility with your readers.Not being one who has
Not being one who has recieved any freebies from any companies, I will admit that I don't have a problem giving a shout-out to a company that sends a gift, especially if it's a good item. (Hint, hint, distributors of geek-related merchandise.)
Don't hesitate to procrastinate. See my stuff at http://www.cuteninjagirls.com
And beyond gaming geeks and
And beyond gaming geeks and stuff which that SUMO is ideal for, I was actually thinking about getting one of those big orange ones for my tiki bar hangout as just extra seating. OR... I bet it would be fun to have sex with my wife on.
That's a WHOLE other market though! WEEHAH!!!
DJ Coffman yirmumah.net
DJ Coffman
yirmumah.net
Retroactive Product Placement
My buddy, Steve Campbell, creates the Warhammer -niche webcomic Turnsignals and has received a few things AFTER the fact. He's drawn a product in context of the strip and later received it as a "thank-you" from the company - that's pretty cool. Not product placement per se - he had no idea he'd get anything in return.
So, following his lead, Toyzville will soon be filled with Roboraptors, Pleos, Stikfas, iMacs and iPods all interacting and bringing the funny...
Larry - toyzville.com
Larry - toyzville.com
A bus of my own!
Ah, what the hey - let's go for broke! There's a naked female assassin in The Spires. Who do I get to send me one of those?
Broken Voice Comics
Because comics are not just for kids
Maybe one of you can suck up
Maybe one of you can suck up to a major car manufacturer and get a free automobile. It's worth a shot anyway.
__________ Please Rewind - Pop culture humor in bite-sized chunks! www.pleaserewind.com