Comments on: How do you feel about referrals on Toolmonger? http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:54:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: Paul http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-19129 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 06:19:51 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-19129 It's your site do what you want. If I don't want to see it I will do my best to ignore whatever I am not interested in. Then again sometimes I even suprise myself with what I click on. It’s your site do what you want. If I don’t want to see it I will do my best to ignore whatever I am not interested in. Then again sometimes I even suprise myself with what I click on.

]]> by: James B http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-19049 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 22:51:39 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-19049 If I want unsponsored comments I'll re-subscribe to Consumer Reports, and pay for it. If I want entertaining commentary and opinion for free, Toolmonger works for me. Go ahead and get paid however you can - it's not like you are taking tax dollars to fund your site. If I want unsponsored comments I’ll re-subscribe to Consumer Reports, and pay for it. If I want entertaining commentary and opinion for free, Toolmonger works for me. Go ahead and get paid however you can - it’s not like you are taking tax dollars to fund your site.

]]> by: Eric http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-19000 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:48:22 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-19000 pleas just keep with the froogle links pleas just keep with the froogle links

]]> by: Dan Sroka http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18950 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:11:51 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18950 Running a site is not cheap, neither in bandwidth nor your time and energy. Adding affiliate links is not becoming a "corporate whore" nor does it in any way damage your objectiveness. The pennies you get per referred link couldn't buy off anyone's opinion! It's a relatively benign service that provides the reader a way to find out how to purchase something (which is, after all, why we are here), and provides you with a tiny bit of compensation. Besides, I don't read this site because you are "objective". I read it because it voices *your* opinion. Running a site is not cheap, neither in bandwidth nor your time and energy. Adding affiliate links is not becoming a “corporate whore” nor does it in any way damage your objectiveness. The pennies you get per referred link couldn’t buy off anyone’s opinion! It’s a relatively benign service that provides the reader a way to find out how to purchase something (which is, after all, why we are here), and provides you with a tiny bit of compensation.

Besides, I don’t read this site because you are “objective”. I read it because it voices *your* opinion.

]]> by: Rick http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18945 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:06:45 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18945 I can see both sides of this debate here. But I'm of the opinion that assuming the froogle links and the manufacturer/model information remains intact that links to Amazon to buy the tool are not going to impact your objectivity. Yes, I would prefer to see fewer ads, and other sales links, but the reality is that bandwidth isn't free and given the choice between having a free toolmonger with some amazon affiliate ads and some other ads sprinkled about (I've learned to ignore the google ads, etc.) - or having no toolmonger at all, because you guys couldn't keep losing money on it every month - I'll take the add-laden toolmonger (within reason).. Plus, as someone mentioned - I like the idea of clicking through to Amazon and adding stuff to my wishlist.. so that come the Holidays or my birthday I can just point folks to amazon (even if that's not the first place I would go to buy tools, but if it's someone else's dime.. well I'll make an exception. I can see both sides of this debate here. But I’m of the opinion that assuming the froogle links and the manufacturer/model information remains intact that links to Amazon to buy the tool are not going to impact your objectivity. Yes, I would prefer to see fewer ads, and other sales links, but the reality is that bandwidth isn’t free and given the choice between having a free toolmonger with some amazon affiliate ads and some other ads sprinkled about (I’ve learned to ignore the google ads, etc.) - or having no toolmonger at all, because you guys couldn’t keep losing money on it every month - I’ll take the add-laden toolmonger (within reason)..

Plus, as someone mentioned - I like the idea of clicking through to Amazon and adding stuff to my wishlist.. so that come the Holidays or my birthday I can just point folks to amazon (even if that’s not the first place I would go to buy tools, but if it’s someone else’s dime.. well I’ll make an exception.

]]> by: TimG http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18939 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:38:31 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18939 Do it! Adding "Buy at Amazon" link is good for you guys (and keeps you motivated/able to run the site in the future). As long as Amazon doesn't pressure you in your reviews, and if something sucks you let us know. Thats all I care about. If I were in the US (or Amazon.ca actually carried anything other than books) I'd defenitely consider buying the tool from them (if the price was right of course). Would also be glad to support you guys while doing it. Do it! Adding “Buy at Amazon” link is good for you guys (and keeps you motivated/able to run the site in the future). As long as Amazon doesn’t pressure you in your reviews, and if something sucks you let us know. Thats all I care about.

If I were in the US (or Amazon.ca actually carried anything other than books) I’d defenitely consider buying the tool from them (if the price was right of course). Would also be glad to support you guys while doing it.

]]> by: Eli http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18800 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 04:44:51 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18800 I say make whatever money you can. Doesn't make you a whore. We get a place to talk about tools. You're doing it for a living right? Leave it the way it is, I'm a grownup. Just try not to go overboard pushing things, and watch the backlash. I say make whatever money you can. Doesn’t make you a whore. We get a place to talk about tools. You’re doing it for a living right? Leave it the way it is, I’m a grownup. Just try not to go overboard pushing things, and watch the backlash.

]]> by: SuperJdynamite http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18754 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 02:51:06 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18754 I wouldn't begrudge Toolmonger for making a tiny percentage of each sale they refer. In fact, I think it's kind of ballsy to consume free content and demand that the providers don't try to recoup their loss in any way whatsoever. If you don't want to buy from Amazon, fine -- click on the Froogle link and go nuts. If you want to buy from Amazon but have decided that you'll be in the cold, cold ground before Toolmonger sees one cent from the purchase of your belt sander, fine -- remove the referrer code from the Amazon URL. I wouldn’t begrudge Toolmonger for making a tiny percentage of each sale they refer. In fact, I think it’s kind of ballsy to consume free content and demand that the providers don’t try to recoup their loss in any way whatsoever.

If you don’t want to buy from Amazon, fine — click on the Froogle link and go nuts. If you want to buy from Amazon but have decided that you’ll be in the cold, cold ground before Toolmonger sees one cent from the purchase of your belt sander, fine — remove the referrer code from the Amazon URL.

]]> by: Bruce http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18646 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 17:43:46 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18646 I lke everything as it is ... the froogle is great ... and that's all we need I lke everything as it is … the froogle is great … and that’s all we need

]]> by: David http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18602 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:01:38 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18602 Sadly, in this time of people being paid under the table by advertisers to write comments and blogs, it is hard to trust anything you find on the Internet. I don't know how you pay for your bandwidth and worry about what I see here. Anything you do that further undermines the 'appearance' of objectivity would be a bad thing. I am very pleased with your being open about this issues. I hope you will be able to maintain the site and continue to remain as objective as humanly possible. Consumers Reports does it only through paid subscription. How do you manage it? Best of luck with this project... I sure enjoy reading your material. Sadly, in this time of people being paid under the table by advertisers to write comments and blogs, it is hard to trust anything you find on the Internet. I don’t know how you pay for your bandwidth and worry about what I see here. Anything you do that further undermines the ‘appearance’ of objectivity would be a bad thing. I am very pleased with your being open about this issues. I hope you will be able to maintain the site and continue to remain as objective as humanly possible. Consumers Reports does it only through paid subscription. How do you manage it? Best of luck with this project… I sure enjoy reading your material.

]]> by: kythri http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18553 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 07:30:39 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18553 Paid referrals, of course not. But something as simple as an Amazon affiliate program, where you get a kickback if someone buys through the link, why not? I don't see that harming any objectivity whatsoever As many mentioned, keep the Froogle link, and the manufacturer links, but adding one more link to a "Buy it on Amazon..." isn't going to hurt things, and it might help some people out. I know that I shop on Amazon a LOT, and there's quite a few Amazon retailers out there that have better prices than Amazon on some gear - and I don't think those prices pop in Froogle, just the main Amazon-sold price. Either way, as I said, I don't see Amazon links hurting anything - if they're not the cheapest, then fine, they're not the cheapest. If they are cheaper, then, sweet (and with the free shipping they commonly do, some things DO end up being cheaper overall). If anyone buys through Amazon, then the site benefits. If the site benefits, we benefit from it staying more active, or doing more reviews. It's a win-win situation. bbot: You realize that every product reviewed on this site is manufactured by a corporation, right? By purchasing those products, doesn't that make you a corporate whore? If you happen to find a hippy who makes hemp ratchets and sockets with his buddies in the commune, let me know. I think you also need to look up the definition of shill. EdS: Would a link to Amazon such as I described be any more intrusive than the already existing Froogle link? Paid referrals, of course not.

But something as simple as an Amazon affiliate program, where you get a kickback if someone buys through the link, why not? I don’t see that harming any objectivity whatsoever

As many mentioned, keep the Froogle link, and the manufacturer links, but adding one more link to a “Buy it on Amazon…” isn’t going to hurt things, and it might help some people out. I know that I shop on Amazon a LOT, and there’s quite a few Amazon retailers out there that have better prices than Amazon on some gear - and I don’t think those prices pop in Froogle, just the main Amazon-sold price.

Either way, as I said, I don’t see Amazon links hurting anything - if they’re not the cheapest, then fine, they’re not the cheapest. If they are cheaper, then, sweet (and with the free shipping they commonly do, some things DO end up being cheaper overall). If anyone buys through Amazon, then the site benefits. If the site benefits, we benefit from it staying more active, or doing more reviews. It’s a win-win situation.

bbot: You realize that every product reviewed on this site is manufactured by a corporation, right? By purchasing those products, doesn’t that make you a corporate whore? If you happen to find a hippy who makes hemp ratchets and sockets with his buddies in the commune, let me know. I think you also need to look up the definition of shill.

EdS: Would a link to Amazon such as I described be any more intrusive than the already existing Froogle link?

]]> by: Michael http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18503 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 03:37:05 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18503 I would add extra comment, but Brian C. stated my feelings so closely that I feel that he's somehow sucking out my brainwaves. Quick, where's my tinfoil hat? I would add extra comment, but Brian C. stated my feelings so closely that I feel that he’s somehow sucking out my brainwaves.

Quick, where’s my tinfoil hat?

]]> by: Brian C. http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18500 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 03:25:13 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18500 The most important thing to me regarding the Toolmonger site is it's objective nature. If you can maintain that while providing the referral service, that's fine by me. With a nod to those posted above me, I would prefer the Froogle links be left as I don't do most of my tool shopping at Amazon. Amazon maybe useful for many things, but a tool authority they are not - and their prices are not always the cheapest. The most important thing to me regarding the Toolmonger site is it’s objective nature. If you can maintain that while providing the referral service, that’s fine by me. With a nod to those posted above me, I would prefer the Froogle links be left as I don’t do most of my tool shopping at Amazon. Amazon maybe useful for many things, but a tool authority they are not - and their prices are not always the cheapest.

]]> by: Marko http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18497 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 03:13:35 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18497 I don't mind if you want to do referral links, but please leave the Froogle links also so we can look around easily for other pricing. I don’t mind if you want to do referral links, but please leave the Froogle links also so we can look around easily for other pricing.

]]> by: eschoendorff http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18489 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 03:01:55 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18489 I don't want to see referrals. I know how to shop for a tools... I visit toolmonger to see what's new and cool, not to be sold something. I got people trying to sell me shit all day - it's nice to come here and not have to face that. I don’t want to see referrals. I know how to shop for a tools… I visit toolmonger to see what’s new and cool, not to be sold something. I got people trying to sell me shit all day - it’s nice to come here and not have to face that.

]]> by: nrChris http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18482 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 02:39:38 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18482 I don't mind referrals. As long as I have a manufacturer name and model number I am going to go through my normal purchasing routine (no matter who makes the referral or where they direct me). Although a direct link to Amazon is a tidy way for me to add things to my wishlist--which I use as a "to buy" reminder list. I don’t mind referrals. As long as I have a manufacturer name and model number I am going to go through my normal purchasing routine (no matter who makes the referral or where they direct me).

Although a direct link to Amazon is a tidy way for me to add things to my wishlist–which I use as a “to buy” reminder list.

]]> by: James http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18480 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 02:35:35 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18480 It doesn't really matter to me, but I probably wouldn't buy tools from Amazon anyway. I like to hold a tool in my hand before I buy it, so I've only bought from local stores. It doesn’t really matter to me, but I probably wouldn’t buy tools from Amazon anyway. I like to hold a tool in my hand before I buy it, so I’ve only bought from local stores.

]]> by: bbot http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18470 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 02:21:04 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18470 You don't do referrals because you aren't corporate whores. Although, judging from the shills commenting above, that won't be true for much longer. You don’t do referrals because you aren’t corporate whores.

Although, judging from the shills commenting above, that won’t be true for much longer.

]]> by: SuperJdynamite http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18450 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:49:47 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18450 I was actually going to ask you why you didn't put referral links to Amazon. I don't see a conflict of interest here -- it's not like Amazon is asking you to review tools and you stand to profit from that arrangement. I was actually going to ask you why you didn’t put referral links to Amazon.

I don’t see a conflict of interest here — it’s not like Amazon is asking you to review tools and you stand to profit from that arrangement.

]]> by: Randy http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18447 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:41:35 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18447 I have no problem with a referral. It's not like I have to buy it there if I decide to get one. P.S. The Contact Us sheet is ultra private. It has no contact information of any kind on it when I load it up. All of the tool links, submit a tool, recent topics, etc are there. Under Contact Us...just huge blank. I have no problem with a referral. It’s not like I have to buy it there if I decide to get one.

P.S. The Contact Us sheet is ultra private. It has no contact information of any kind on it when I load it up. All of the tool links, submit a tool, recent topics, etc are there. Under Contact Us…just huge blank.

]]> by: Brent http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18439 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:02:53 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/02/03/how-do-you-feel-about-referrals-on-toolmonger/#comment-18439 By even considering the issues pro and con regarding referrals, you have shown more integrity than most. If you feel that you can be objective, then I say go for it. By even considering the issues pro and con regarding referrals, you have shown more integrity than most. If you feel that you can be objective, then I say go for it.

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