Hey. It’s time we talked.
I’ve made many tough decisions in my business.
I’ve said “no” to thousands of pitches, turned away countless advertising requests, and made difficult choices about content and tone.
And sometimes I don’t know whether or not I’ve made the right choice.
Today’s podcast episode is a painfully personal one. I open up my mind, explaining exactly how I make decisions about how to lead this online community. I’m frank about the doubts I hold and the choices I’ve questioned in hindsight. I’m blunt about the things I still do not know; the ethical quandaries that plague me.
Today’s episode, perhaps more than any episode I’ve ever done, comes from my heart. I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks to our sponsors!
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Mrs. Adventure Rich
As “original” listeners of Afford Anything (we started at Episode #1 when it was first released!), I want to thank you, Paula, for your hard work, honesty and guidance over the past 1.5 years!
My husband and I love your podcast (oftentimes, our greeting after work on Monday is “have you listened to Afford Anything today?!? It was _____ (awesome/inspiring/funny/interesting/etc)”). Your approach and philosophy has inspired us and changed our lives. I cannot tell you how many of our more impactful conversations have been triggered by a comment, guest or topic on your podcast.
Today’s podcast was incredible. We admire your integrity and willingness to put yourself out there. Know that you have loyal listeners over here in Michigan 🙂
Thank you again!
Taryn
Hi Paula,
I have been listening to your podcast for some time now. I have been rigorously straightening out my finances for the last few years and have discovered some great podcasts, yours being one of them. Personal finance is exactly that – personal; and there is not just one way to deal with your money. I find that your podcast focuses primary on intentional spending and I really enjoy it. I love hearing different perspectives and hearing new ideas so I don’t mind if our opinions about money differ occasionally because I can then mull over what and why I disagree and either change my opinion, or be more certain of my own. I would not worry about those who critique your choice of adds if they do not promote a frugal lifestyle because your focus is about choice – choosing what you do with your money.
I do admire your ethical standards and appreciate that you don’t promote products you would not recommend. I also understand your concern that adjusting your standards would lead down a slippery slope towards no standards. That being said, I see nothing wrong with promoting products that you do not use but would use if you had the need to do so.
I look forward to your future podcasts,
Taryn
Becky Nelson
Fine with you not using a product, like the shipping company. What if you need to help a listener pay down credit card debt or student loans. Not a product you (or may listeners) need, but a trustworthy company could help may people out. Be genuine in your ads and its all good!
Sam
Why don’t you simply loosen your original standard from companies/services that you *do* use to ones that you have at least tried and would certainly recommend to a friend? For instance, for ShipStation, you could say, “I don’t personally have a need to ship stuff, but if a friend asked me for a ideas for a service to help with their shipping business, I would definitely recommend ShipShape. I tried it for a week, sending some little things to my family, and it worked beautifully!” Or something.
Chad Carson
Paula. I admire that you’re struggling with this because it shows you care about your audience. I resonate with that in so many ways myself, and I’ve been struggling with the same issue on my blog.
But I agree with Sam’s comment above on this one. I think your current criteria (that you’ve used a product or service) is too narrow. I think the spirit vs literal interpretation of the rule is the main consideration. To me – the spirit seems to be “do what’s best by your audience.” That may include products you don’t use because you aren’t like everyone in your audience. And everyone is at different points in their journey.
Yes, it’s subjective to use this standard. But you’ve obviously got good judgment. So I and I’m sure others in your audience TRUST that judgment.
Perhaps you can apply more strict processes in other ways. For example, all new sponsors have a step 1, 2, 3 vetting process. Perhaps there is a period of time you have to wait before adding them (like a pre-trail period). And perhaps, like screening tenants, you could apply some objective criteria like references from others, ratings within their industry, etc.
And beyond that, I know you’re already working on it but I think monetizing with courses/books makes a lot of sense for someone in your position. It allows YOU to create what you sell, and that’s the ultimate vetting. This is also the angle I’m pursuing with my online business.
Best of luck Paula! I appreciate everything you’re doing!
Cameron Bethuram
Paula, I’ve enjoyed your podcast very much and remember it is YOUR podcast and we get to decide whether or not to listen to it. So my suggestion on your conundrum is supply ads which you believe would help your listeners and also monetize the podcast. I cannot imagine the “hustle” needed to keep this going but you seem to be at a point wherein you can make adjustments for the next iteration, i.e. AAv2.0.
As for the critical people, well, we’ll always have them with us and people are great at throwing stones until they find themselves in a similar situation. Honor them and listen, but determine which one’s are gnats and which one’s are the wise owls.
Keep up the great work and hustling and as long as you are providing good quality podcasts, everything else will fall in place.
Grace and Peace!!
Cameron
Leah
Hi Paula,
You Rock, just wanted to say that!!!!!
I will keep this short and sweet as I know you will get heaps of comments regarding your episode #83.
We your loyal listeners know that you will make the right decision re: your sponsorship. The fact that you are making this decision with so much thought and <3 is evident.
I understand your predicament and the fact that you have such a high moral standing is to be commended and is why, to be honest I follow you. However at the end of the day follow your gut!! You can not be responsible for us your "tribe" as you are offering advice and your truth as you see it, its up to us to do the research and decided what suits us and what doesn't.
I never normal leave comments as I figure others will. But felt you needed to hear more positive feed back and affirmations that your doing the right thing esp after listening to the episode. #83
I am a Aussie Girl so although some of the podcasts financial laws and tax info doesn't apply for me, I and absolutely love your financial/life philosophies!!! They are easy to apply and customise to meet individual needs, no matter who you are or where you live.
I was very disappointed to hear that you have received slack about who you have had as a sponsor in the past. When you should only be commended for putting yourself out there for us all. so THANK YOU.
On that note: Your Loyal Listeners know that you will follow your gut and the decision will be the right one.
Charlotte
Giiiirl, you’re overthinking this – you can do both!
If you use a company & like ’em, go ahead and promote ’em.
If you don’t use a company personally but know that you like ’em and that they can actually be beneficial to your audience, go ahead and promote ’em too!
It’s not a slippery slope and don’t freak out, you have a great podcast and a few minutes of sponsorship is NOT a big deal.
Some people will wail about podcast sponsorship either way, but remember that they are still choosing to consume your free content because it’s good. And frankly, they aren’t the ones paying the production costs so who cares! They’re going to be cranky no matter what.
You do you, Paula.
Kirsten
I was coming here to write basically this same thing, so I am going to make it easy and just second it! 🙂
Claudia
I came here Paula to tell you basically the same thing.
1. No man would ever question this so much.
2. You produce QUALITY content for FREE and if people don’t like the ads then go listen to someone else.
3. Dave Ramsey says he will not promote products he wouldn’t recommend to family or friends. Use that as your barometer. Boom Done. No guilt. Go make the money girl! I am quite certain you have earned it.
Wishing you continued Success in all you do!
Claudia- Phoenix AZ
Virginia Chu
Hi Paula,
Really enjoy your work! Listened to your podcast this morning and here are my 2 cents since you asked:
I come to your site and podcast because I like what you do. I understand your message and put stock in things that you use yourself. I don’t mind the sponsorship ads and like that you do them. I would also be interested in things that you might not use, but you could see yourself using within the “scope of your message”. Maybe that could be a compromise: Get sponsorship of things you use or would use. “Would use” being within your message of frugality, real estate, savings and so on. If I want to learn more about selling things online, I can find that our for myself.
Keep up the good work!
Stephanie
Hi Paula,
Thank you for all of the wonderful content you’ve created over the past 5+ years. I loved binge reading your blog when I found it about a year and a half ago, and while I was a bit of a late bloomer to the podcast, I have to say I get a spark of joy when I see a new one uploaded on Stitcher.
I listened to this episode because after all of the advice and guidance you provided, I wanted to be able to be helpful in some way (however small). Early on in this episode, I realized something important, for me at least: while I truly appreciate that your blog is not chock full of credit card offers and affiliate links, *cough cough The Points Guy*, I don’t seem to mind as much for the podcast how you choose your sponsors. I think in part it’s that I feel pretty immune to advertisers in general, and have a pretty frugal outlook on life. Or its a reluctance to try new things that cost $$$. Now I just need to flex that same frugality muscle for eating out. #Chipotleburritobaby
The thing that prompted me to write this, was not in fact your decision over sponsorships, which clearly you put a lot of time, heart, and thought into making, but I realized that I miss your blog posts and your writing. Call me a visual learner, a laggard or an old-fashioned fuddy duddy (maybe medium fashioned since it is a blog after all)…but I like being able to reread content and it feels easier to me to share content in a written format. So often, a podcast goes in one ear and out the other for me, and some of the questions you answer, especially last week, are already answered on your blog! I know, I know…you’re reaching a new audience that has evolved beyond reading and needs all content in audible format.
So in staying true to your fans/longtime readers, I ask that in your multi-million company strategy to not forget about those of us that started with you at the beginning (or binged to catch up to those that started from the beginning), and love written content. Of course I will continue to listen to the podcast, and probably fall down the youtube rabbit hole one night to binge all of your video content, but I would love an even bigger spark of joy in my day from an email or Facebook notification that you have a new post. Even if it’s just a monthly financial report to tide us over.
Best of luck in all of your endeavors. I know it’s going to be fun watching you continue to grow. I’m glad you’re taking us along for the ride.
Cheers,
Stephanie
Mimi
I say AD-AWAY!! I LOVE your podcast and your time is worth something. I am smart enough to know what to buy on my own. I have my own financial goals and I can decide for myself what to buy. I no longer listen to radio or watch TV and I am so thankful for podcasts like yours and I’m not paying you to educate me on so much that I have learned from you, so I’m thankful to the sponsors who are.
Denise
Hi Paula,
Love your show and wanted to respond to episode 83. What a dilemma! I teared up a bit listening to you describe the struggle of trying to provide a quality podcast supported only by sponsors that meet your ethical standards but also having to face the reality of the financial costs of that decision. Your show provides such valuable content and I’m sure your listeners would love to see it continue even at the cost of listening to ads. I think it’s fine to use whatever sponsors make the most financial sense for you (and still allow you to sleep at night) – whether only those you use personally or those you honestly think might be of interest to your audience. And if you choose only those that you use personally don’t worry about the haters that think you shouldn’t support some luxuries in life. After all, you are teaching people how to think and act responsibly so that they can afford the things that they want, whatever those things may be. My only hope is that your choice of sponsor will not negatively impact your content, i.e., you don’t provide your true position on an issue because it might contradict a sponsor’s product.
Keep up the great work!
Heather Evans
Hey Paula, huge *new* fan over here. I thought I’d jump in and offer my perspective regarding your ad-dilemma because I have a good bit of experience working in the media and advertising industry. I also have a bachelor’s in communication design, hey-o! And I love studying people and observing behavioral patterns. <3
I worked for a few years at a local news station as the digital media department head, and it was so very enlightening as to how "the world" works. Somehow I managed to land a job like that at 27! I was one of 5 people who basically ran the station, I was the only one under 40, and I was the only woman, plus I was so starry-eyed and naive to boot. One thing that I learned, and one of the reasons why I quit that job to pursue my dream of being an artist (full-time painter for a year now) was that it was just so dirty and "schmucky" with how they earned their money. It seemed like such a scam. The only people who benefitted from the advertiser-TV station-audience scenario were the top-tier managers at the TV station. It was gross.
I can elaborate on this at length, but to keep it short and to the point, I really appreciate how much thought you put into discerning who to partner with. It's obnoxiously important. I'm going to go ahead and make a blanket generalization and say that most people do not, cannot, comprehend the direct/indirect impact of an advertiser-media-audience relationship. While I do think that you've got enough ethical and moral convictions to "not slip too far down the slippery slope" should you want to take on advertisers that have products that you don't use, I also think that you can stick to your guns and still be successful if you want to.
Remember that we live in a world where the niche market is becoming more and more powerful. You live a minimalistic lifestyle (as do I), probably because you realize there is value in limiting what you bring in and continuously removing things that aren't necessary. There will be days when you'll feel weird and stubborn and maybe a little like a contrarian, but that's ok. The default of the general population is to consume and hoard and be flippant with the day-to-day decisions. The farther away you get from that behavior, the more people will surface and try to get you back into the fold. Nine times out of ten, it's not worth it. There is value in being different and standing out from the crowd (trust me, I'm an artist haha)!
You may feel like you're hitting a wall at the moment, but if it were me, I'd keep searching for your ideal sponsor. It's a big, big, BIG, world out there. Perhaps consider "things" within the intellectual spectrum, maybe partner with a financial convention or maybe a tool that helps you learn a new language? Maybe connect with a city somewhere trying to attract business owners or tourists? I left the ad industry in 2015, but I was really good at it and I'd be happy to toss ideas your way if you ever need any. I literally spend my days studying and painting at home, feel free to connect, and keep up the good work!
Erin
Hi Paula,
Don’t fret over this sponsorship issue. You are not following the letter of the law by trying new products or services before endorsing them. No one expects you to know all the products and services you will use throughout your career at any given moment. Listeners expect you to try new products and learn about new services. From my perspective, it is better for you to test them out before I waste my time or money.
At the same time, it is silly to worry about being selfish or self-centered in your ad selection standards because your podcast would be all about you. Of course it’s about you; it’s YOUR podcast. I listen because I want to hear YOUR opinions. If I wanted to agree with all opinions in a podcast, I would host my own. Your podcast is not a democracy; it is a ship, and you are the captain. Listeners are counting on you to steer them with ethical standards. Ship Station is ethical; obviously, payday loans are not. We trust your judgement, otherwise we wouldn’t listen. I happen to be interested in Ship Station because I recently started selling on eBay on my path toward financial freedom. Blue Apron doesn’t interest me at all. Other listeners have enough discernment to know what is right for them too. There is only so much credit, blame, and responsibility that you can take for other people’s choices.
I listened to the Scavenger Life podcast through YouTube long before I discovered Afford Anything, but it was your interview with Jay and Ryanne that pushed me to finally start selling. My husband started driving for Uber and other TNC’s because of your interview with the Rideshare Guy. Your interview with Clark Howard opened up a wealth of resources on how to save money wisely, and your interview with Jean Chatzky led me to her podcast, which led me to the Criminal Podcast, one of my new favorites. I listen to Gretchen Rubin, and I am decluttering my house and streamlining a lot of my everyday decisions because of your podcast. My point is that the information and advertisements I hear from these other podcasts I learned directly or indirectly from you. So thanks, and keep moving forward with what you know to be true, good, and helpful.
Claire
Paula-
My first thoughts when listening to your podcast this morning is that the thing you’re struggling with is one of the biggest reasons I enjoy your work so much. I never feel like you’re trying to pull the rug over my eyes or are doing anything that is incongruent with your message…. Isn’t the point that you can afford small “luxuries” (whatever you define that to be) because you’re not spending money mindlessly? While I can’t say I love the ads, I know they’re necessary and the ads on your podcast are the most reasonable out there. I say keep trusting you gut and branch out a little bit, see how it feels and move on from there. Isn’t that what you have done with other aspects of your life like real estate investing?
Anyway, in a nutshell, I’ve always thought of you as a class act and that perspective hasn’t changed. I am accountable to myself and don’t feel like you have promoted anything that has not sat well with me. Keep up the good work!
Ashley
Paula,
What struck me most about episode 83 was your emotions. It’s so clear the you’re distressed over these decisions. As an avid listener, I have not found any of the ads offensive. I feel your decisions regarding sponsorships have been quite responsible. I encourage you to create new revenue, as that will provide more excellent content. I respect your choice to avoid financial services companies. However, I feel you could make an exception regarding HSAs since you’re such a champion of them, HSAs are underutilized, and shopping for the account is somewhat more difficult than other accounts.
Finally, we close on our first rental property in late July. Afford Anything has been a major inspiration along the way. Thank you! I love that your philosophy is ruthless prioritization, rather than extreme frugality.
J.
I suppose I don’t necessarily see your decisions as mutually exclusive. I find it unlikely you will start advertising for companies unscrupulously because of your desire to just monetize the podcast and blog. You can advertise ethically even if you don’t personally use a product.
Perhaps, as a follow up, you could prepare a survey for your listeners to answer, so at the very least, you can better target your audience and their potential interests. That way, maybe to start, you can keep your companies only relevant to what your listeners have expressed interest in, and then go from there. By all means, keep having companies you use advertise, but if you really want to monetize, I think it best you branch out.
As you can probably tell, none of your fans will disparage you for making that decision. You do you, Paula!
Craig Pett
Long time listener (since episode #1) but first comment. The sincerity of your podcast #083 compelled me to write this comment.
I am perfectly ok with you recommending products you believe are worthwhile without you having to use them personally. Honestly, no problem at all. I do not think you are selling out or compromising your relationship with your listeners as long as you believe the product is worthwhile. You do not need to personally use or enjoy a product you believe your listeners or readers may enjoy.
Some background about me. I am 61 years old, retired and financially independent. I very much enjoy listening to your podcast. We have six adult children (ages 31 to 21). Your podcast helps me think about financial issues my children are confronting and helps me when I discuss finances with them. Thanks very much! Keep up the good work. No need to reply. You are too busy with good work to do.
Kyla
Long time listener here and I think you are a class act. Don’t feel bad recommending things that you don’t personally use (for all the reasons you mentioned) but I think that if you’re doing your homework and would recommend to a friend to try it then its all good. You’re not a sell out to recommend something just because you don’t use it, because like you said, there are so many companies out there that are top notch and some listeners might be able to use it. Just keep the mantra “I will do whatever the F I want” because you can’t make everyone happy!
Amanda
Hi Paula,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This episode was very insightful and transparent – it’s definitely been a useful listening experiences.
I will be honest – hearing you sponsor Le Tote, Blue Apron, and other such services left a bad taste in my mouth. I realize you are not a penny-pinching blog, and your actual blog name is Afford Anything. If someone wants to spend money on Le Tote, or Blue Apron, or whatever, then they should! But I think the main thing that really bothered me was the fact that these are subscription services for unnecessary consumer goods. While you are not a penny-pinching, coupon-clutching advocate, you do emphasize “growing the gap” between your expenses and income…and products and services like Le Tote are the exact opposite of growing the gap. Companies such as Le Tote and Blue Apron are entirely unnecessary expenditures which ultimately only bring temporary, consumer-inspired happiness. They do not contribute to financial well-being, and I would argue that they only marginally improve mental well-being.
I have to say, I agree with both of your friends’ comments. The fact that you only tried out a lot of these sponsors only because they approached you, and otherwise would very unlikely bother with them, makes you adhering to your ethical standards difficult. And what your second friend said about how there may be awesome companies your listeners would benefit from but you don’t personally use is extremely insightful. I’d argue that you sponsoring a company that you don’t personally use but seems to be incredibly valuable for the right market carries more weight than you sponsoring some consumer-goods company. It just really leaves a poor taste in my mouth, hearing you talk about these material products. That being said, I sincerely enjoy reading your blog, I love getting emails from you, and seeing your posts on Facebook are awesome. You are incredibly insightful, inspiring, and honest. These are the reasons I visit your website and listen to what you have to say, more so than any other sites, because I feel I can trust you. Sponsoring goods that don’t jive with your financial-based platform takes away that trust I feel in you. It’s akin to a brand changing their logo’s style – people who have been long-time customers of a brand, who have gotten used to a particular logo, feel very disconnected and negative towards the company when they have a logo change versus people who aren’t that invested in the company. So ultimately, for your hardcore reader base, these types of sponsorships (Le Tote, Blue Apron, etc.) may be extreme turn-offs, but for readers who are more casually invested in your content, it might not matter so much.
Ultimately, it’s a values call. Do you want this site to be specific to YOU, or do you want to provide a service to your readers? Adhering to your ethical standards makes this site mostly about you, which is obviously a totally fine avenue to pursue, but will ultimately send a different message than if you reconsider the way you choose sponsors and take into account your reader base and what may help them.
I also don’t necessarily agree that it will be a slippery slope if you decide to loosen your ethical standards & sponsor products/companies that you don’t personally use but believe will be helpful to your readers/listeners. If you do your due diligence, research the company and product, read reviews, those are very objective measures by which to decide whether you should sponsor something or not. You don’t have to use a product to see its use or “goodness” or potential, but you do need to believe in the company’s values, its mission, its quality. It’s hard to go from sponsoring good products and companies to subpar ones, at least in my opinion.
Anyways, this was an incredibly long comment. I hope it was helpful. You are sincerely such an inspiring woman – you are the first finance blogger that made me feel like I actually can achieve my financial dreams. I will always listen to what you have to say, unless shit hits the fan, but I truly don’t believe that will ever happen. You are simply a very grounded, thoughtful, and ethical person, so I have faith that whatever route you choose will still result in excellent material.
Best,
Amanda
Lisa
I agree with Amanda that the clothing and Blue Apron sponsors surprised me a little as well, however it didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth. I have listened to all of your podcasts after first hearing you on Stacking Benjamins, which I love your added thoughts every Friday (and am disappointed whenever you aren’t on Joe’s show each week).
Having heard your thoughts over the past few years you not only share your thoughts on money, but time and efficiency as well. My take on those two sponsorships was the time saving aspect. I trust you as a good first introduction to a product if I am in need or want of something. Usually I just skip past the sponsorships part of your podcast though.
There are people who are born crab asses, and will always be a crab ass. However, if multiple complaints, from a variety of people seem to have the same complaining theme on sponsorships, thoughtfully ask yourself if you feel at least part of your audience could find value out of a specific product and you feel good about the product.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness and all of the hard work you and your team put forth to create a great show. Thank you for all of your thoughts and guidance in all things financial and time efficiency!
Vincent
Hi Paula,
The very fact that you are agonizing over a decision that 99% of people wouldn’t think twice about is precisely why you shouldn’t worry about compromising your ethics or alienating your base, whatever you decide.
My $0.02 would be in favor of you setting the bar at advertising businesses you would recommend to a friend or family member.
It is worth mentioning that this is a false dichotomy – I would certainly support your work via Patreon as I do several other podcasts. You could even offer a parallel ad-free podcast.
Thank you for for being so generous with you expertise and wisdom.
Sharon
Paula,
I love your podcasts!
At the end of the day, you need to do what makes you happy.
Being able to support yourself and produce the podcasts and blog makes us happy 😉
So, introducing us to sponsors that you believe will interest us / benefit us seems to be a good path.
I don’t think it has to be a product that you personally use – though I appreciate your integrity.
Ads are a very short time commitment for great content (most people are quite good at tuning out whatever doesn’t interest them).
Keep up the great work!
Steve from Arkansas
Paula, I might be your oldest listener, so theoretically maybe one of the wiser? Nah I don’t buy that either. But listen. You are amazing, I don’t even do real estate but I’m a huge fan because you are so smart, wise, funny and open. Take the path that earns the most! They are both ethical and your tribe needs you to survive above anything else. You are over thinking this. Be free to win!
Ramona
Hi Paula,
I have been a reader of of your blog for many years and I have listened you podcast from begining. Thanks for all your great work 😉
For me, you should continue by recomending / accepting sponsorship from all companies that may bring value to the community, irrespective if you use them or not. Of course it is important to choose only the companies in which you belive in and that are really offering something of value to your audience.
Thanks and kindest regards.
Ramona
Dalton Ackley
Hey Paula!
At this point I have listened to all of your podcasts at least once (and a bunch with you on Stacking Benjamins) and I through that have come to really trust your judgment. If you think people could benefit from a product, then a lot probably can, whether or not you use it. The fact that you’re putting this much thought into this decision makes me think that there is no need to fear the “slippery slope”.
Thank you so much for producing this content! As a recent graduate it has really helped shape my goals…
Dalton
Shane
Hi Paula
Love this podcast series/website and your effort in putting it all together.
So Thank you Thank you Thank you !
Just my 2 cents:
I’d say recommend any product that you think would be beneficial to your listenership (even if it’s something you don’t need or use personally). This will hopefully increase your revenue – the podcasts deserve every penny they can generate.
I think you may be paining (is that a word?) yourself unnecessarily with the idea of only advertising what you use personally.
Also on a side note – as an Irish listener, a lot of the products aren’t available to me anyway but that makes no difference to my enjoyment of the podcasts.
Finally please please don’t let people upset you with the mind-frame of “ordering meals in is a luxury”. This website/podcast has never been about coupon-clipping (there’s enough of those out there). You are free, under the Constitution if nothing else :-), to express your opinions freely and we, the listenership, are free to agree or disagree.
You can’t please all of the people all of the time – or as my mother says “There was one perfect man on this planet and they crucified him” (referring to Jesus).
When you are successful like you are, in life and podcasting, you gotta deal with haters now and then – and not even haters – but people from a more “traditional” personal finance mentality e.g. coupon-clipping to wealth.
Ok – I’ll stop now.
Thank you again
Kirsten
You are wringing your hands too much over this. I get paid to do my job. That doesn’t mean I don’t love and care about my work and have a sense of mission.
The problem arises when a person becomes are inauthentic. I remember when the Amateur Gourmet did a sponsored series of blog posts about Miracle Whip and it put his fan base into a tailspin – because Miracle Whip is disgusting and he would NEVER promote/use it unless he were being paid big bucks. That’s the danger to be avoided. Saying you like a product that you actually like? There’s nothing wrong with getting paid to tell the truth.
Jamie Britton Blanck
Hi Paula,
I’m glad you were so forthright about your struggles. Whatever your decision, the fact that you wrestled with the matter is a reassurance.
I see your quandary. In your shoes, I think the criteria I would use would be, if I were to need this service, is this provider one I would use? Do they have a user-friendly service, with plenty of customer support, at a price that commensurate with the service they offer? I’m with you on the whole – the cheaper, the better thing. I’m happy to pay a reasonable price for a service I can benefit from. As a matter of principle, one should not feel that one should insist that those who provide us a service impoverish themselves to do so.
Hang in there! You do wonderful work, and I appreciate the knowledge you share. Rest assured that the fact that you wrestled so much with the idea indicates to me that you are in no way a mercenary.
Best,
Jamie
Matt
Hey Paula,
Long time reader, first time commenter. I get your hesitation to promote things that you don’t use. But I think it’s a reasonable thing to do, and here’s why:
Your site is Afford Anything. You can afford anything. Not everything, but anything. The whole idea behind the site is that you need to pick what’s important to you, not to stop spending on anything non-essential.
So I can totally see you running something along thee lines of “I don’t actually use this, but it’s something that you might find interesting. My personal goals and choices haven’t led me to using this regularly, but the reviews and the idea strike a chord with me, and I’d say if it interests you, you should definitely check it out. This is how I afford anything: I choose to not buy Product X, so that I can afford to buy Product Y. And this is why I love and use Product Y…”
There’s a path somewhere that leads to you doing the advertising you need to keep the podcast going without alienating your audience.
A couple of side thoughts to go along with this:
-You could think about providing a freemium model; give readers/listeners the choice of reading/listening without any ads if they pay a small monthly fee. The people who despise ads get their way for a couple bucks a month, and they show that they truly care about your content, and aren’t just being spiteful people. Totally fair, in the same way that people are OK with buying a book that’s just a repackaging of free website content.
-I have wanted to say for a while that I’m not fond of the juxtaposition between content and ads; the transition is too sharp. I thought about this for a while, because I’m guessing you do this to make it 150% clear that you’re entering ad mode, and I came up with the idea of putting in an intro and… outro to the ads. Something like an announcer saying “And now for the Afford Anything Halftime” and “And now back to the show!”
-Finally, I just wanted to say that you’re awesome. I’m a big fan. I’ve been reading your articles for years, and have listened to the podcast since M.O.N.E.Y. episode 1. Keep up the good work!
Matt
Jorge from Mexico
Hello Paula!
I’ll be brief, since I know your time is valuable.
Your concern is that you’ll be on the way to betray your own principles, regarding Ads. What I’d say is:
– Your principles are yours to change, adapt; if it passes the “gut test”, I’d say do it.
– Don’t “penny-pinch” quality services offered to your listeners. It’s about being smart about spending/ad-ing, not super-strict, right?
– You can always trust your listeners (us) to provide you with perspective, so the “slippery-slope” can be avoided (if it were to happen).
– Trust your instincts. They got you here, and you’re in an awesome place.
We all could feel how emotional this episode was, and I’m sure we all appreciate your honesty and openness.
Keep being awesome!
PS: I love your IG!
Angie
Hi Paula,
I’d be more than happy for you to have sponsors who you felt were of genuine use to your listeners. You know your listeners through questions, comments, emails and surveys and that information means you have the big picture on what may be helpful for people.
Thank you for your very open and honest podcast – that was brave! I love your show and have been listening for over 6 months now and it has really helped me focus on my goals and learn heaps about investing. Keep up the good work.
Suz
Oh Paula, don’t worry about negative comments from other people. I agree, you are not a “frugal clipping coupons” podcast and there are plenty of those for people to listen to. I think the negative comments from others stem from those too afraid to do what you do.
I just read another blog post from someone I like and he said he is an affiliate marketer and proud of it. He feels he provides a service.
Good luck.
Megan
Hi Paula,
As a longtime listener, I appreciate the care you put into deciding your sponsors and ensuring that you’re only passing on good information to your listeners. As far as deciding whether or not to change your criteria for choosing them, I think if after doing your due diligence you determine that you WOULD use this company if you required this service, that’s about as good as you DO use a given company. You’re still doing the same research and giving them the same seal of approval, you just aren’t spending money on products/services that don’t add value directly to your life. As you said, just because you don’t use a certain company, that doesn’t mean that none of your listeners would be interested in using them. If it were me, “I would use this company if at some point in my life I decided I require this product or service” is just as credible as “I do use this company because this is a specific product or service that I need or want.” Personally, taking on sponsors that you would consider using but currently do not would not negatively impact my opinion of your show. Keep up the good work, and thanks for allowing us to give you our input!
Rena
Hi Paula,
I admire you for holding yourself to an ethical standard, especially in finance! It sounds like you are at a point where it makes sense to revise your ethical guidelines to reflect your current situation. You really should feel good about the fact that you are even having this dilemma, it says a lot! I bet your readers/listeners could be a great source of ideas on what types of businesses and services would be of interest to them. Great show!
🙂
Ellie
This reminds me of an episode of Frasier. Frasier felt an ethical responsibility to his listeners to only run ads of companies he felt he could recommend since he’s a doctor.
I say cash in! Do not run ads for super shady companies, but I think it’s fine to expand your ads to other companies.
In the end, I want a listen to a FREE podcast. Do what you need to make sure this stays free and high quality. That’s up to the adults who listen to your podcast to decide if we use the company sponsored.
Andrea
Hi Paula,
I am a long time reader of your blog and have been listening to your podcast since episode 1, when it was the money show! I love your mentality when it comes to resources and how you spend it. You have inspired me and through that inspiration I have actually made huge changes in my life. In the time I started following along with your work, I expanded my real estate properties from 2 to 4, and I am hoping to purchase another in the next year. I wanted to say that I love your podcast so much that when I saw the title of this episode I became so nervous, truly physically nervous, that you were going to say it was over! I’m SO glad its not over. I also am sorry to hear that you have had such negativity in feedback. It made me realize that as a long time reader/listener I needed to give some positive feedback.
Personally, don’t have much advice in terms of who should sponsor the show. I believe as consumers we need to be media smart and use our own critical lens when we decide if we are going to accept advertisement and/or let it affect us. It is not your responsibility to determine if I should use certain subscription products or not, but if you liked it and it keeps your podcast lights on then I appreciate their support of this production.
Dorothy
1. Thanks for all you do.
2. Ignore the haters.
3. The only result you’ll achieve in an effor to make us all happy is frustration. Your frustration.
4. As long as you differentiate your contented from your ads, which you do, I’ll be completely happy.
Be well!
Sally
I’m a fairly new listener (only few months in, learned about your blog from other FI sites), and I’ve really enjoyed your podcasts. First off, thank you for the transparency on why you chose certain sponsors and that you only wanted to advocate the sponsors you believe in. I could also see where people were coming from who didn’t quite like those advocacies. To be honest, my eyebrows
did raise when I initially heard some of the sponsors. But I get it now. When you go to sites like MMM, JLCollins, GoCurryCracker and the likes, I’m pretty sure every single one of these sites has ads and affiliated links. I don’t think you need to apologize for anything at all. At the end of the day, this is your website, a business. And business takes capital to run. Money also doesn’t grow on trees (if only).
Regarding your question on whether you should go with sponsors that you’d use, or sponsors that might be more beneficial to the listeners – why not do both. Even though you may not have a need for certain products, they may still have value for others, and vice versa. As long as you stay true to what you believe it, that’s all that matter. 🙂
Kristin Reed
Hi Paula. I am newer to your blog and this was my first Podcast despite your warning not to let it be your first. I have watched your YouTube finance reports which I have really enjoyed and found helpful as a brand new landlord. In terms of your sponsorship question, thought I would add my two cents. From my first experience with your blog and now videos and podcasts, I find you to be truly authentic. I believe this authenticity is what draws people to you. Therefore, I think your followers know that whatever sponsor you choose, it is done with only the best intention and with careful examination. In my opinion, you can most definitely use sponsors that you don’t have personal experience with. I appreciate your inner struggle with this – that in and of itself shows what an ethical person you are. The people that criticize are not sharing their personal lives and putting themselves out there like you are. What you are doing takes courage. I hope for every piece of negative feedback, you receive ten pieces of feedback like mine. I think you are an incredible and talented woman!
Will
Hey Paula,
Love the podcast, and I’ve been reading the blog since the very early days.
First of all, in regard to your conundrum about sponsors, thank you for caring enough about your integrity (and your listeners) to take such a serious view of this topic.
For me, however, the value you provide in your podcasts/blog comes from learning through your experience. If you need to take on sponsors to do that, so be it. At the end of the day, if I didn’t trust you to make sponsorship decisions that are helpful (or at least benign) to your audience, I would find another place to invest my attention.
Keep up the good work, and ignore the criticisms. For my part, I think you should do whatever’s necessary to continue providing your excellent content. Haters gonna hate, creators gotta create!
Duane
Paula,
Great podcast. Great blog. You do excellent work.
Consider your conundrum this way, you are depriving your tribe when you don’t bring to our attention a solid product/service just because you don’t personally need it.
We occupy different lifestyles, family units, ages, geographies, etc. Don’t short yourself and us by setting standards that keep us in the dark about potentially helpful products/services.
We trust your judgement. You should too.
Duane
Rochelle
Paula,
I honestly had an emotional reaction to the title and description of the podcast, worried you were going to say the podcast is too much time/money/effort, etc and you were done. Thank goodness that’s not the case!
I’ve been listening for over a year. Love your podcast. My favorite go to finance podcast for someone who has no finance training but I have taken a particular interest in getting my family’s financial life in line. Thank you for always sharing your wealth of knowledge, explaining things in ways I can understand and act on, and for making me smile. I can’t handle most of the frugality podcasts/blogs because I don’t think that’s realistic nor what I want out of my life. I completely agree with your mindset to save what you need first, and then live on the rest, and truly live. Enjoy life without the worry. It absolutely resonates with me.
As for sponsorship – girl, you do what you need to do! I appreciate your sponsorship ads because I agree with your motto to save first, then spend money on what you value. So if it’s something you value, then I may want to try it too. I don’t see it as a conflict. In fact, if you feel it’s worthwhile, that makes me think it may be worth it to me too. I have no issues with financial sponsorship for products you may not personally use. Especially if that means you can keep your podcast going!
I know it’s hard to ignore the negative comments, and you want to at least think about what they say so you truly do have an open mind, but some people are going to complain no matter what. Please keep doing what you’re doing, or change it up a little with the sponsorship process, but keep the podcast and blog coming!!
Maggie
Hi Paula!
Long time listener – since episode #1. Read your blog, and joined your beta course.
You are doing great things Paula and I appreciate your strength in sharing this episode!
Please consider doing both, and just letting us know which it is.
As far as consumerism – and your advocacy of things like Le Tote . . . . . . I’ve raised my daughter on my own since she was 3. She is now 22 and will graduate college in December with 2 degrees. She is independent enough to cook a gorgeous meal she created on her own, or put together workouts at the gym for both of us . . . . and she is fun enough to laugh and make up things like “fancy friday” which involves attending a free classical concert and fireworks with friends.
So frugality is my life.
I thank you sincerely for your advocacy of things like LeTote. And for your guidance of putting down the budget and savings, and yolo the rest.
There is plenty of opportunity to feel guilty about spending a few dollars on things – but you eliminate that and put really good perspective on making good strong choices.
As a person who myself is frugal and successful, it is very helpful to me to have your ideas as well to support my thinking and take it further along.
As a woman who will turn 50 this year, I love the idea that a young woman like yourself is so strong and capable, and accomplished . . . and someone I can rely on. Many of the people to whom I turn for advice are my age or older. You are wise beyond your years . . . or you are just wise beyond others’ years and are Perfectly Paula.
Much Gratitude! Keep doing great things!
Ms. Liz
If you would recommend a sponsor’s product to a friend, I’m ok with you recommending them to me. I do not think you need to use the product, just do a bit of due diligence before taking them on.
I want you to be financially successful with your podcast so you can continue to inform and entertain me so go for it!
Andy
Don’t worry Paula, choose whatever you feel is right. Some of us just make cups of tea when the ads come on.
People who don’t like what you do will just go away. Here’s a saying for you…..”You can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time”.
Love your work.
V.
Hi Paula, I’ve never left a comment on any podcast before but the pain was so apparent in your voice I wanted to reach out and give you a hug! *Virtual hug*
You are such an inspiration to me and countless others and your integrity really shines through. I can’t tell you which way to go because your standards are yours and yours alone.
Your podcast is more about intentionality, transparency, and choices than actual personal finance – and that’s one of the reasons why your podcast is always first on my list to listen to. If you are intentional about a rigorous vetting process, transparent about the podcast’s need for financial support, and choose to keep your listeners’ best interest first – I think you’re in good shape.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think I’d personally ever use Blue Apron, but I am THRILLED you let me know about ship station and that could really make a big difference in my life.
Bottom line is your listeners will make their own decisions about what sponsored products / services they choose to use. As long you continue to remain committed to your listeners and apply your own barometer to these sponsorships, we will continue to support you 🙂 You keep being a bad ass Paula! You rock!
Martha
Paula,
I heard you first on Stacking Benjamins and chased you down to your Podcasts. Now, I listen every week! At times I’ve been curious about the sponsors you chose, but figured you had your reasons, because you seem consistently ethical. Is it fair to say you assess multiple companies that work for you in a variety of ways? (Vanguard or others you want to invest in, those you trust with rehabs or property management, etc. ) Surely you evaluate each for their different roles–but would insist that all engage in ethical treatment of their employees, create work that is honest and structurally sound, fair negotiations, compliant with various regulations, etc., right? You could manage all sponsors as a section on your website. You could have one section listed as sponsors who use/trust, another for those you haven’t used but might/would use and have vetted. You could create an ethical standard for that segment of businesses with whom you have a business relationship but don’t necessarily patronize, then apply the standard going forward for your due dilligence. There doesn’t have to be moral flexibility, and you can be honor your values and yourself….and you can afford to maintain the Podcast.
Justin
My vote is for you to promote the products and services that you find useful and also those that your listeners would find useful whether or not you personally use them. While I agree it could be a slippery slope, there is still a level of discretion involved in reviewing a company’s product/service or taking it for a trial run to ensure that the product/service is genuine and you could stand behind it, even if you don’t personally find it useful.
Sorry you have been receiving a lot of negative comments about the advertising on the show. I don’t mind it, and I can see the merit in buying the products/services you promote even if I don’t find them useful personally. Very glad you have chosen to stay out of peddling the various financial services and recommend Vanguard (for free). I’m also a big Vanguard fan. I assume you’d have to stop the podcast if you had to be much more restrictive about who you allowed to advertise (or just take a loss on every episode). I wonder if many of the people just don’t want any ads at all? There has got to be some give and take in our relationship, you spend your time and effort on putting out the podcast, we listen to the show and get to hear the advice you give, but also listen to the few ads that you do have so that the podcast can keep going.
Love all the insight and information on the blog and podcast. Keep up the good work.
Stephen McCullough
Hi Paula
Your openness is refreshing.
As a marketer (in this context meaning someone who builds entire products) I’d recommend putting your brand as the primary consideration. Essentially your brand is what your listeners say it is. They do so based on the quality and usefulness of who you are and what you do.
You have built trust, so don’t squander it. But I believe you can maintain the personal recommendations and also expand your sponsor revenue base.
First, maintain the policy of recommending products and services you have tried and/or use. Great if you tried it and use it, also great if you tried it and liked it but decided it wasn’t quite for you. For these products and services continue to record the sponsor pieces: speak personally about the relevance and usefulness of the product. Say if you use it, or if you tried and liked, decided it’s not for you but recognize it would be great for others. For these sponsors you charge your maximum rate.
Then open a second, lower cost stream. In this case you assess and investigate the products and if they seem good, let them sponsor an ad of their own making, or made by your team but not featuring your voice. They would lack the personal touch and endorsement of the main sponsorships.
Stephen
Chase DeLuca (Ev's Friend)
Like everyone else has said, the mere fact that you’re having this existential quandary is proof of your fundamentally strong values. Don’t allow sponsors on the show that are bad or predatory, make a clear red line between creative content and branded content, and everything else is fine.
Whenever I’m confronted with a difficult business problem, I take the humble perspective that I’m probably NOT the first person to be encountering it. And if I think for a moment, I can usually find some mentor or role model to get inspiration from.
In this case, I suggest you learn about the similar struggle that the producers over at Gimlet Media encountered a couple years ago. They’ve done several episodes on the subject of ads and branded content, but I think this one will be particularly illuminating for you:
https://gimletmedia.com/episode/bonus-but-wait-theres-more/
In a nutshell: they actually get uncomfortable for the OPPOSITE REASON AS YOU: they’re uncomfortable endorsing any products at all, even the ones that they love. Instead, they steer clear of ever publicly endorsing anything. I know this is dramatically different from what you’ve been doing for the last 6 years, but as you’ll hear in the episode they absolutely share your commitment to journalistic integrity.
Also, they bring in around $700,000 in ads each year on just one of their shows. Huzzah.
Anyway, I hope you find it a useful perspective.
Jennifer
Hi Paula,
First, let me say that I read a LOT of PF/FIRE blogs. Like . . . all of them, pretty much. I also listen to a LOT of podcasts – but, significantly, not a lot of finance-oriented podcasts. Why? Because to be frank, I’ve tried, and they generally suck. Either it’s the same interviews with the same people having the same conversations over and over (which I understand, especially when first launching a podcast, but there is a LIMIT, people), or it’s the same boring vanilla information from the financial advice standard-bearers of the major media outlets (yaaaawn). Your podcast, however, is the ONLY financially oriented (though I’d call it more Winning at Life oriented) podcast I continue to listen to (and talk about . . . a LOT) with fervor and near-zealotry. Okay, actually, full-on zealotry.
You bring something fresh, different, and honest to the table that no one else has. I’ve been listening from episode 1 (back when it was M.O.N.E.Y) and haven’t missed or skipped a single one. I can’t even count the number of sudden bolts of insight and “AH HA!” moments I’ve experienced from your podcast. And even more “hmm . . . I’ve never thought about it that way or heard anyone else make that point – how fascinating!” moments.
Anyone who thinks you’re running a Frugal Weirdo operation around here and gets their knickers in a twist over a thirty-second advertisement for widgets (or whatever) clearly isn’t paying attention to the content and wisdom you are providing, so don’t even worry about them. Yes, there is a lot of overlap in this sphere between frugality, FIRE, PF, etc – I am a prime example of that! However, I get my Frugal Weirdo fix elsewhere. I get my no-bullshit, practical, proven advice – and a ton of food for thought which challenges my assumptions and makes me examine my choices – from Afford Anything.
I trust you to respect the golden goose. I don’t need you to personally use a product to feel comfortable trusting you’ve done due diligence. You have already ACHIEVED what most of us are trying to do, here. Obviously, your needs are different. Also, I’m a grown up with critical thinking skills and decision-making power. And frankly, you are delivering value that deserves to be compensated. Don’t apologize or feel badly for it.
You, girl, are a rockstar. Those people who criticize you for accepting sponsorships – thus making this venture financially viable so that you can continue to deliver exceptional content – can GO POUND SAND.
Much love and respect, and many, many thanks for all the awesome you create in this world.
Jennifer
Ron
You create high quality, educational and entertaining content! Follow the spirit of your SOP(Standard Operating Procedure) and get paid for your hard work. It’s not like you are going to be recommending a payday lender! LOL
Marie
Hi Paula,
I’ve listened to every episode of your podcast and believe it’s the best financial podcast out there. I greatly appreciate how conscientious you are about everything you do. You’ve established a level of trust with your followers, and I don’t think that would change at all even if you loosen your standard of choosing sponsors. The fact that you are thinking so hard about this leads me to believe that there is no risk of a “slippery slope.” Believe in yourself and your judgement. Personally, the way I prefer the blogs I follow to choose sponsors is simply by picking companies they believe in and trust. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something they are planning to continue to use themselves.
Phil
Hi Paula,
First, don’t worry too much about the criticism. Consider it (which I know you do), but be willing to dismiss it. There will always be haters and critics of everything.
As for your quandary, it’s worth considering how the medium (and promotions within) of podcasting is different than blogging. Your ethical standard makes sense for blogging, and works well when promotions happen seamlessly within your topic and dialogue. When it is separate, and it is a whole company (rather than a particular individual product), I think the standard doesn’t quite make as much sense. So, I think it’s not only fine for you to adjust your standard, but maybe even necessary (at least on the podcasting front).
It also seems like podcasting has a much larger time and money overhead. If the steps necessary (adding ads) to make it financially make sense are not something you are willing to do, you can always create, broaden, or allocate other sources of income to pay for the value you get and give from podcasting.
I think simply taking some time to hash out an ethical standard for podcasting will do the trick. AND I think your listeners trust your judgement, openness, and thoughtfulness.
Thats my 2cents anyway.
Mollie
I so appreciate your integrity, Paula. The question seems to be whether or not to take on sponsors that you don’t personally use but may be of use to the listeners. I’d also ask, what happens if you don’t take them on? From what I heard, you’d be overburdened by financially covering the costs of the podcast and your site–resources which, if I understand correctly, you don’t get paid to create and which provide a ton of value to many, many people.
We makes choices all the time to get ads in exchange for free apps. I can understand where it may seem like a slipperly slope to start letting in advertisers you don’t personally use, but maybe there just needs to be an extra threshold that you haven’t thought of yet so that you can feel at peace with it.
Once again, thank you for being so thoughtful about this decision. Your integrity is why I value the work you do.
Brad
IMO, either choice is a “slippery slope.” You are either casting too wide of a net because “surely, one of my followers will have a need for this!” or, you may now be in a better position to spend on discretionary items, thereby increasing the scope of products you try… I don’t know enough about sponsors but maybe this doesn’t actually hit your wallet the way it would hit your followers’. It sounds like you want people to agree with you and you won’t ever get that. You just have to do what you think is right and stop caring about what other people think, myself included. You do a really good job with promoting companies and if I had a product to sell, I’d love your voice behind it but even with that said, I skip those ads so fast and get on with the podcast.
Tyler
Hey Paula. I’m a newer listener as I heard you mentioned in a recent episode of Bigger Pockets and wanted to give you a listen. I’m glad I did, as I’ve found you to be very open and honesty in the ups, downs, and reality of real estate and finances. I also appreciated you being open and admitting the struggles you’ve had from an ethical stand point in this episode. I can only picture how you’re torn between “this is a business, do what’s best for that” and “this is ethical, I can’t tell people to do trust this company and have it go down in flames”.
The best advise I can give you is to make an ethical check list (since no one can try every company or product out there), and put everyone you don’t know through it. This could include the product itself, cost, risk to the consumer (telling everyone to invest all they have into bitcoin for example vs sign up for this service that stream lines your grocery list), history, product reviews (if you trust another blogger or site), etc etc. Also something that could help separate the “I’ve used this personally” vs “I haven’t” may also help make you feel better about things too.
Remember, no matter how ethical you are, not everyone will have a good experience. You can’t weigh in what ifs vs what can be done with that extra amount. At the end of the day the only person who’s fully responsible for you, is you, and you need to do what is best for you and what you can live with.
Finally (I’m a long winded person), whatever help I can be I’m more than willing to.
Thanks again, hope all is well.
LALH
Hi Paula,
I’ll be succinct. I think your friend gave you good advice in that a product could be beneficial for your audience even if you do not use personally. The other comments above about “a checklist” to evaluate a potential sponsor seems reasonable. As you become more successful, I there’s no way you will be able to personally use all the products of your sponsor. You will run out of sponsors or become a hoarder!
Michelle
Paula, although I just discovered your podcast in 2017 I have listened to every episode (except the real estate ones). I listened to this episode this morning and I wanted to weigh in on your quandary because I have struggled with the exact same thing on my blog – only promoting what I have personally used. Your issue shed light for me that was really useful in my own situation.
If you’ve fully vetted the sponsors/companies as you did with Shipstation (I have a client who loves them BTW) then I say go for it! There will always be things that the listeners would benefit from that you may not personally use.
I don’t think it’s a slippery slope with proper vetting and ultimately you can always say no for any reason. It’s your blog. Your podcast. 🙂
Do it! (I’m a software junkie and love to try out new things that will help make my life easier)
Scott
Paula, I recently found your podcast and have been listening to them working back from the most recent episode. I listened to this one last night and appreciate the honesty, I enjoy your content as well as the values you speak to in each episode. As far as your choice for this particular sponsor, if you know your target audience and do your own vetting, then deciding whether or not to advertise them on your show shouldn’t be a problem. I am guessing you have a lot of listeners working from home or who have small businesses which may derive benefit from Shipstation services. When I first heard you bring them up, I thought it was a logical choice for your podcast.
Meredith
Paula,
I realize your decision on this issue was made months in the past, but I can’t help but weigh in. I recently discovered your podcast and have been binge listening. Love it! I’m grateful to be exposed to all this information—FOR FREE mind you—and so if you choose to include ads to defray the cost of production, then great! Let the corporations pay to keep you on the air, not me! I’d say, simply, do no harm. Accept only such sponsors as you believe have ethical business practices and let us, the listeners, make the decisions on how we will spend our money. Honestly, I fast forward through most ads anyway, so don’t care whether they’re for mattress or meal plans or whatever else. As an aside, podcasters who choose not to run advertisements end up plugging their own products just as hard. I recognize podcasts and blogs cost money to maintain and want to thank you for all the time you contribute in the service of financial education. I’ve benefited greatly.
Katie Camel
I listened to this podcast today because you referenced it during another podcast and found myself wondering at times, “Why is this woman apologizing for wanting to earn money off her invaluable content?” It breaks my heart that you felt you had to explain your reasoning for taking on sponsorships — you’re running a business that so many people love!
I wholeheartedly agree with growing your brand, I hate to use this term, organically, by producing original, high-quality content in service of your readers, and developing a community through that content. I believe you did the right thing by not building a blog just to monetize it, so well done! But I also believe you have every right to earn income for your time, talent, and tremendous effort.
You’re providing a service that countless people find value in, otherwise they wouldn’t be here. There’s no shame in earning income and funding the production of this podcast and blog through sponsorships. Anyone who disagrees can pay to subscribe to your content if they don’t want to listen to a few advertisements. I can certainly put up with a few advertisements in order to gain great information. Thank you for doing what you do and for providing such great content week after week!
Justin
I’ve been working my way through the archives of your podcast from day one, while also saying current on the new episodes. I love the content provided all around and can see the growth from the early days to 200 episodes! I value that you take so much pride I the content and sponsorship route of the blog and podcast. Your approach gives me comfort in trusting the content. Changing to a guiding philosophy of something you would recommend to a friend even if you don’t use the services is still admirable if due diligence is carried out in researching the company. Everyone in life has different demands and needs.
Keep up the great content!
Bijay
Hi Paula – I have been listening to your podcasts. You are wonderful and continue the great work. We are not going to judge you based on sponsorship and we understand the difficulties in running a business. Just continue the great work. You have tremendous talent to help the world and just keep going.