Biz Dev
September 29th, 2005In my experiment of trying to make this blog have a business, I figure I could be all secretive and then launch something, but I want to perform a kind of due diligence and get feedback. The main reason for the openness is that we don’t have the liquidity for me to order up a bunch of stuff and carry stock and do a mega launch. I’m also trying to be very Web 2.0 and develop organically. Kind of like a shampoo.
I’ve had a few comments and emails about selling merchandise (t-shirts) and photos. These are two of the things that we’re working on at the blurbodoocery. And it was before I quit the day job that I wanted to pursue making some art and making some money. A sort of variation on:
- Make stuff.
- ??
- Make money!
Because the web will be the step 2, the question marks kind of go away. To this end, I did a t-shirt mockup and liked the results a couple of months ago, but felt my readership is so small, that it’s kind of pointless to do shirts. Look at these and tell me what you think:
The logo on the back would be much smaller (the vendor I used to build these comps only allows it to shrink to an inch tall, and I’d like the logo to be about a half-inch in height. Part of me wonders about the ringer, if that’s played already and I should go with a solid color. I have a soft spot for orange. My main question with this design is: do you get the front? Do you care if you don’t? Would you buy/wear this? I’m not necessarily looking for design critique, although if you don’t like something, you don’t like it and I can take that kind of feedback. I’m more interested in “Yeah, I’d buy it” or “Nah, not interested.”
The other, larger, more involved idea I’ve had is to sell prints of our photos. The photos wouldn’t just be the raw source, but I would do work to transform the photo into something larger, maybe have a theme and sell them as fine-ish art. Don’t know if people are into that idea, but I’d love it if that could generate some income.
I don’t know if I want to do the printing myself; buy a sweet printer and papers and inks then make the print myself, or outsource it to a high end shop that uses a photographic process to take a file and output it. I like the high end idea, as I wouldn’t sell everything, just a select group of photos for a limited time and even then, I’d probably only want to sell a limited run to increase value. If it got crazy, I’d sign some of the first ones as well. While I think there are excellent solutions for someone to print their own stuff, I don’t know if I have the patience or the bank account to fund the printer and supplies it would take to do what I want. Plus, no printer headaches. The only issue with using a higher end shop is that the fees are going to go up substantially and I’d have to charge a lot more per print. But that might be the best way to go to sell museum quality prints.
Your thoughts?
September 29th, 2005 at 4:02 pm
I’m sure you would no problem selling your photographs. You do some pretty great stuff.
Like the t-shirt. Not sure I’d buy one though, simply NOT enough room in the closet and I have t-shirts I don’t wear as it is - even though I really like them… Though, depending upon price point, I would likely consider buying one to help support you and your family efforts. I don’t know you guys personally, but I certainly have developed a soft spot for the Armstrong family - I am so sure you guys would be great to party with!!
TK
September 29th, 2005 at 4:02 pm
I don’t “get” the front, I also like orange even though it looks like crap on me, but, yeah, I’d buy the t-shirt.
And, AND, I’d DEFINITELY buy your photos. I just went through the daily ones on Dooce — yeah, ALL of them! — and they are fabu! Love ‘em, love ‘em, yeah, I really dig them!
As Nike once (once?) said — just do it. Or as someone else once said, build it and they will come. Yeah, the t-shirt’s good. Yeah, the photos are fantastic. Do it.
September 29th, 2005 at 4:10 pm
I like the shirt design; it appeals to the fontophile in me (which I presume was the aim of the “dingbat” label). But I wouldn’t buy a white t-shirt, ringer or no. How about an orange background?
Which photos in particular are you thinking of offering? I ask because while think both of you have some gorgeous, fantastic photos, I haven’t seen anything that has made me think, “I want that on my wall.” For *me*, there’s a big leap between really liking a photo and committing to buying and displaying it.
Of course, this is just me, and I’m trying to be semi-brutally honest because I want whatever you do to be a smashing success!
September 29th, 2005 at 4:12 pm
Phase One: Collect Underpants
Phase Two:
Phase Three: Profit!
Sorry to just pop out of lurkdom like that, but I couldn’t resist quoting South Park.
September 29th, 2005 at 4:15 pm
The shirt is very cool, and I’d buy one as long as a)you did a more flattering colour (love orange, but I think you have to be very tanned and goodlooking to pull it off) and b) you’d ship to New Zealand.
You’ve got a small blogging community who are fans over here, so I’m sure you’d sell some. People like to support each other. Also I think it would be a good recognition thing, and point of contact.
And I like Dingbat. Not only is it a nice wee techy thing, but lots of people are dingbats too.
I too am constantly scheming and trying to come up with ideas that will never see me in an office again. I await your developments with interest.
September 29th, 2005 at 4:17 pm
Ariel,
I think they would be along the lines of the link I posted that said, “have a theme”. In case you can’t see that, I’ll include it here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blurb/sets/747736/
These are a starting point for where I’d like to go. Thanks for your honesty.
September 29th, 2005 at 4:22 pm
If you have boobs bigger than B & 1/4, ain’t nobody getting the front without hunching and a perverted comment. And maybe I’m liking that idea.
The ringer is not necessarily played, but the mock turtleneck design you’re displaying here is. Why is it called a mock? Because people are mocking you when you wear it.
I’d buy photos and a less-mock tshirt.
September 29th, 2005 at 4:45 pm
I’d vote for an all-white shirt (i.e., no color bands) or would second Ariel’s comment about an orange background. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for a dooce design.
Re the photos, in addition to selling prints you might also investigate whether gettyimages or a similar organization could reach a broader audience (and generate license income). Just a thought: more info at http://contributors.gettyimages.com/. (BTW, I’m not affiliated with gettyimages, just someone who’s occasionally found what they’re looking for in their image banks.)
September 29th, 2005 at 4:47 pm
like d said, i don’t “get” the front either, but i have always loved your little design that’s on the front. i don’t really care about color or ringer…i’d buy it whichever way you designed it. and i’d buy photos too.
the primary thing i’d suggest (and this is coming from somebody who spent 2 years in college designing/ordering tshirts for her sorority): make ALL sizes available - from childs L (for the petite people and/or people who want to buy one for their kid) to XXL (for those who need it or those who like to sleep in large shirts)
you got a lot of support…so i say go for it!
September 29th, 2005 at 4:52 pm
I’m loving that shirt. I would buy it; I would wear it. I don’t know if the ringer is played or not but my husband has 8 million of them (a very slight exaggeration) so he’d probably wear it too.
September 29th, 2005 at 4:55 pm
Oh, you meant THAT link. unnnnnh. sorry. Actually, I was just flicking through your photos and particularly enjoyed the 24 Gothic photo on many levels. (maybe not print quality, tho.) I might be more into the Beaufort or Vancouver images if I had ever been to those places. How about more Utah images since that’s a recurring theme in your and dooce’s writing?
September 29th, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Like the t-shirt. I’d buy a woman’s version with a lower necklineópreferably one that said, with an arrow pointing, “I’m with Dingbat.”
J/K. I like it.
September 29th, 2005 at 4:58 pm
I would buy the shirt - simply because it’s designed by an Armstrong and you guys are cool.
However; I don’t know how popular the white/orange/green color combination would go and I don’t particularly ‘get’ the front. I think if you offered a couple color combinations (Grey shirt with orange/green logo?) and had women’s and men’s fittings (if that wasn’t too much to worry about)
As far as the photos. Heck YES! My newspaper goes through shutterfly for out weekly photos and we love them. But, I think it would be cool if you signed and did a theme with the first 50 and then charged a little more for the set or something to make it more ‘fine art.’
September 29th, 2005 at 5:07 pm
I really like the idea of a “ladies cut” version of the shirt as well. I’d probably buy it then.
September 29th, 2005 at 5:21 pm
Yeah I don’t “get” the shirt either, but I think it would sell. Especially if you changed the ringers to green to match the Blurb logo. Or changed the colors of the logo to orange to match the ringers as they are.
As for the pictures, people are always willing to pay more for quality, which is abounding at the Blurbodoocery. I would say let the pros handle the printing.
Good luck. And you are one lucky man to be able to basically say “I don’t need this job!” and mean it. You’re gonna do great.
September 29th, 2005 at 5:37 pm
I like the t-shirt and I would buy it. I would be much more likely to wear it however, if you offered a ladies cut version. I’d also like to see a few colors to choose from … leave the main logo color the way it is and put it on a solid background. (I’d be all over it if you’d offer a lovely purple color!
As for your amazing photographs!!!! I LOVE them and would buy them and hang them all over my apartment!!!!
Congrats Blurb on making this huge decision. So many people have dreams in their lives, but are too afraid to chase them and really make themselves happy!
September 29th, 2005 at 5:41 pm
Love the shirt, love the dingbat, love the photo idea. Props to you for making a go of your dreams and taking the leap of faith.
September 29th, 2005 at 5:47 pm
Just had a thought — what if you combine the 2 (t-shirt and photos)? Pick your 10 or 12 most (gasp!) commercial photos and have them printed on t-shirts. I know, I know, the quality won’t be great, but it would still make for a rockin’ t-shirt.
Or, or, or (I’m filled with ideas like *I’m* the one about to make a gazillion dollars), a coffee table book. You could put 100s of photos into one book and sell each for fairly large $ through a publisher. The thing is this: someone like me who likes so many of your photos wouldn’t be able to afford to buy all of them (and wouldn’t have the wallspace for them all either), so this is the best of both worlds: tons of pictures all in one book on the coffee table. Done!
September 29th, 2005 at 5:52 pm
The shirt is good! As for money-making methods, have you considered a ‘How To’ book describing creating a profitable blog, co-authored by both of you?
September 29th, 2005 at 5:58 pm
I’m not a t-shirt person but I could see other people buying and wearing the dingbat.
I absolutely LOVE the idea of selling prints of your photographs. While on a trip through the southern gulf states this summer I aspired to take photographs along the lines of the ones you have in your theme grouping. I was NOT nearly as successful as you which would prompt me to consider buying yours.
GOOD LUCK
September 29th, 2005 at 5:59 pm
1. I wouldn’t wear a shirt that said “dingbat.” There’s got to be other clever spin-offs of your domain name. ??
2. But I like the design/general idea.
3. No ringer. How about those baseball jersey tees? Or maybe those are as overdone as the ringer tees.
4. Orange sounds nice. Maybe a muted, toned down orange … more like a pumpkin or terra cotta.
5. Definitely agree a “ladies’ cut” is a must.
6. You’d probably score big points if you could also offer the tees in an “organic cotton.”
September 29th, 2005 at 6:03 pm
I like the t-shirt and I think I get it…but now I am filled with anxiety in case I’m missing the point (just like school)…just joking. In all seriousness, the t-shirt is very nifty but definitely a “ladies cut” would be great for those of us who ain’t flat-chested.
The photos are very good but it may be hard to make a lot of cash out of them - there’s a lot of competition in the market.
I do wish you all the very best - big decision but my (late) Dad left a great job for a much less great one when I was about Leta’s age, so he could spend time with us, and that’s why I don’t know any family who were/are closer than us.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:14 pm
“Nah, not interested”
I don’t like the orange and don’t “get” the front, but what’s new?
I would buy it minus the orange.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:22 pm
Wouldn’t wear the shirt (might wear a dooce shirt, dunno) but would love pictures. Your wife takes simply amazing shots & has quite an eye for framing the shot. Often thought that I’d like some of them as desktop pictures if they were large enough.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:29 pm
I’d buy it in any colour and in a “babydoll” size. Regular t-shirts make me look square and don’t come small enough.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:33 pm
If I ever came across some extra cash, I’d buy that shirt.
I’d also buy your photos, which would be more likely.
Anything to help out the blurbdoocery.
May I suggest mpix.com if you decide to outsource printing photos? My brother in law owns a photography studio and that is what he uses. The results are wonderful, from what I have seen.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:37 pm
I’m with those who said “color other than white” (I like both orange and ringed, but I’d dig it more if you did, say, an light orange heather shirt with dark orange ring), and “ladies’ cut”. I also like the idea of putting your photos on shirts - some of your shots of bare trees would lend themselves well to that, for instance.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:42 pm
You know, I like the idea of selling shirts and photos and I think you should go for it, but I have to say I think you may need to think more outside the Blurbodoocery box, to coin your term.
For photos, think Veer. Your photographs are good for more than just hanging on walls. Stock photography is nothing to be ashamed of, especially if it’s good (and a lot of your stuff is good). And only because I’ve heard you’re a font freak, consider designing type. Why not?
Again, sell shirts and photos to your audience, just be sure to reach out to those who have no idea who you are. Just my $0.02.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:42 pm
Jon,
I love these t-shirts. Color, design, everything. Make them quick, I want one!
Jenn
September 29th, 2005 at 6:44 pm
I would definitely buy a shirt and possibly photos. I would suggest simple black or white T-shirts, no ringers with your logo in orange in ALL sizes of course. My husband and I have been discussing the same ideas, he’s currently unemployed by choice and not looking forward to go back to work for the “man”.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:45 pm
Ringer. Baseball shirt. Wife Beater. Why not all? How about reissuing the “punkboyô”? I still wear it when working in the garden (just kidding…it’s in the basement tucked away with my SHS shirts).
September 29th, 2005 at 6:51 pm
Love the shirt; it’s understated and modern. Orange and green? Cool! I like the font on the back. Does H get a shirt, too?
I’d buy the photos. And it’s never too late to start a career in photography, or in any field for that matter!
/my two cents. Nice to meetcha!
September 29th, 2005 at 6:53 pm
Consider this a pre-order from Florida– love the design but would love it more in any color but white!
September 29th, 2005 at 6:53 pm
I don’t “get” the “dingbat” on the shirt.
I think selling prints would be a great idea. Would they come in a frame, or just the raw print? Also, what would the pricing be like?
September 29th, 2005 at 6:58 pm
I wouldn’t buy the shirt. I didn’t initially get “dingbat” on the front.
I’d consider buying photos - I like the idea of framing multiples in themes. That’s the way I take photos so maybe it’s just me.
September 29th, 2005 at 7:19 pm
I would be much more likely to buy high-end prints of your photos (and Heather’s) rather than the t-shirt. I like the series of detail shots you linked to, but I have always appreciated the landscape shots — I love the recent ones from Bear Lake and would definitely hang them on my wall.
September 29th, 2005 at 7:20 pm
Random t-shirt idea, in the vein of Britney Spears. Text on front:
“Future Blurbomat Whore”
Same text on back as dingbat design.
September 29th, 2005 at 7:29 pm
I like the front, and have no issue w/ the dingbat.
However, I shy aware from wearing any shirt with a web address on it. Part of the fun is knowing that other people probably won’t understand your shirt. The ringer t is still in, but oh god, is the baseball shirt INCREDIBLY out. The ringer is somewhat become a classic cut..
September 29th, 2005 at 7:34 pm
I would buy the t-shirt. Yes, indeed. Any t-shirt that says dingbat is okay with me.
And I would totally buy that fire hydrant print. The print selling idea rocks.
September 29th, 2005 at 7:37 pm
Oh yes, I meant to add that I agree with all the folks before who said something about shirts in other colors. And girlie ones, too.
September 29th, 2005 at 7:39 pm
I like the shirt! make one for Healther, too - GOBS of folks would buy it. Seriously - all of our lesbian TTC (Trying to concieve) buddies would buy it, heck, I’ll even link to y’all on MY blog.
Jon - Mazel Tov to you for being free. Personal sanity and emotional health are not worth “making a dying” for (instead of “making a living”)
And I love that Heather chose sociallly responsible ads - go Heather!
but yeah, although I read you, and WAY love the shirt, I might even buy one to wear at the gym, I’d buy heather’s shirt first. nothing personal..
September 29th, 2005 at 7:47 pm
I follow yours and Heather’s story. I am vibrating with this knowledge I have and need to share it with you. Without a doubt, I know what it will take for you both the skyrocket into filthyrichdom. I mean it…and I am certain I am not the first to say it. You’re swell, Jon, you really, really are, but to hit it big… I mean takin’ it all off and rolling in it BIG is for Heather B. to write a book. She’s better than David Sedaris at his own game. She flows like nobody’s business and she is giving it away free on the Internet. I know, I know, you both have this place in your hearts for us here, but SHE IS GIVING IT AWAY FREE (ads notwithstanding). Hell, I may as well sleep with her, so free it is that she’s giving it away. Really, really! My secret hope is that she is actually writing a book parallel to this whole Internet gig, but my gut says her best stuff is winding up at dooce.com. The way she can sketch a picture and then close up the loop with all the heart strings being pulled… I am telling you — everything you’ve ever wished for lies inside her insides, just make people pay for it.
I feel terrible that I have answered your quest with thoughts on the crazy wife, but hon…she’s something special. We all here will cheer you on in your biz dev, but don’t let her not do it.
September 29th, 2005 at 8:01 pm
The dingbat made me giggle (but I’m a fontgeek), I agree on the need for ladies sizes. I like the wringer but not so much the white, baby blue might be nice.
I’m not keen on the photo buying idea, but that’s probably because we use our own artwork on our walls, so I can see how it could appeal to others.
Good Luck.
September 29th, 2005 at 8:12 pm
Seconds on the “ladies cut” for the tshirt, which I would buy. It also might be a good idea to have more than a few different designs.
Also seconds on the stock photography idea.
September 29th, 2005 at 8:18 pm
Don’t offer a purple shirt, whatever you do.
I like the shirt. And if it’s not too expensive, why not just buy to support and wear to the gym? That’s what I’d do.
Also, I second the coffee table book idea. I love your pix, but I don’t have the dough to buy fine-ish art. Even just small prints in addition to the large ones, postcards, something. I’d shell out what little we do have to support you and dooce any day.
September 29th, 2005 at 8:23 pm
Great shirts, Jon.
I’d proudly buy and wear it.
I’d wear your photos too, but I haven’t figured out a good way to hang the pictures on my body. After a couple of hours, the blood loss… anyway. In the meantime, I’ll hang them on our walls.
I like the Future Blurbomat Whore idea too.
In the immortal words of Red Green, “Remember, I’m pulling for you. We’re all in this together.”
September 29th, 2005 at 8:25 pm
Don’t care for the front- the art really needs to be smaller (females don’t like billboards on their chests); the back is fine. The ringer T is never a good idea for the masses.
I spent 7 years buying apparel for all kinds of events, from your local fundraiser to corporate tradeshows and the Olympics and a lot of that time was spent trying to appeal to everyone, which I’m sure is your goal.
My advice: drop the ringer and go with a basic white T. Gildan 6 oz. or a Hanes is a great choice.
I’m all for the women’s shirt too, expecially since you have a large female audience (as does your wife). For them, you should do an American Apparel basic T or go crazy with a ringer option there. If it’s too small, since AA fits your average 18-22 year-old, the original white T is a good alternative.
Kids shirts are also great, but it’s hard to know how many you should order in each size for the original purchase, so it’s best to just stick with a couple of sizes and call it good. They’ll grow into it eventually.
Selling pics are great, but I take plenty of my own that are frame-worthy. You might find a lot of people who don’t feel as confident or who enjoy knowing that you took it.
Good luck.
September 29th, 2005 at 8:28 pm
i’d buy the shirt. tee hee, dingbat. ditto the ladies cut thing.
probably a no on the photos, but that has to do more with my income bracket than my opinion of your photos. actually, i’d probably break down and buy a blurbodoocery photo. ergh.
September 29th, 2005 at 8:48 pm
I get dingbat and I like it.
I agree with Kyle in that I like the shirt, but not with the website address. I dunno, it’s just a thing with me. I never wear anything with a visible brand indicated. Maybe just the text “blurbomat” on the back without the “.com”? I think the subtle self-promotion with would be effective enough. Anyone who gets the dingbat reference is going to know it’s a website or at least suspect it’s a website, don’t you think? Anyone I know would, anyway, but maybe that’s not a reality in the rest of the world. With that said, I suspect that even if you keep the full website address on there, I’d probably buy one.
And here’s another vote for more colors/color combinations and girlie cut. I think variety here is key and boxy shirts are bad for girls.
Photos? Great idea to sell them. Another idea — just an idea, but the timing right now could be good — an annual Blurbomat calendar with your photos? I’d be more likely to buy something like that than actual prints and you could certainly lend even more of your creativity to it. What little design of yours I have seen is beautiful.
September 29th, 2005 at 8:58 pm
My idea/suggestion involves your photographs. My mother and my father each live in chi-chi resort areas now that they’ve retired. When I visit we always go to the shops and boutiques for souvenirs.
Naturally these resort aeas inspire photography and there is a wealth of beautiful prints in all manner of sizes available of the local scenery. I don’t consider myself poor, but I also find most of these prints to be out of my price range for buying more than maybe one. This last trip I stumbled on a great idea. Many of the photographers are doing greeting cards with their prints on the front and what I did was to buy the greeting cards and get matted frames at Walmart, the ones that hold three or four pictures, and mount the photographs from the greeting cards in the frames. I get a series of stunning themed photograghs in a great matted frame for the price of one large print. If any of the photogs had thought to put their art together in this manner and price it reasonably, I would have been willing to spend a little more than I did buying the cards and the frame just to have been spared putting it together myself. I can see Haunted Beaufort done in this style and a seasonal (winter, spring, etc.) series on Utah (which you might get stores in a local resort area to ???). Sunrises, sunsets. You know, folks would love anything autographed by the missus…
September 29th, 2005 at 8:58 pm
I love and get the shirt design and love the fact that 99% of the population wont get it. I’m too obsessive-compulsive to wear a ringer tee. Soild orange would be cool.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:05 pm
Jon, forgive me, but I agree with Tarin. You are talented in ways that I can appreciate but not identify with. But for me the truth is that Heather’s writing hits a nerve with me every time. She just has something very special… I’m sure you know better than anybody! And I will buy anything she writes, and I will buy it for everyone I know. Therein lies your fortune!
September 29th, 2005 at 9:12 pm
Here’s the thing, Heather’s doing her thing. She’s doing what she loves. We are aware of the potential upside of a book. I’m just looking at stuff I like to do and wanting to contribute to the family bottom line. I love taking photos. I thought about shirts, but I don’t think that this site is shirt-worthy.
I thought about a design without anything, other than the dingbat itself, but no text, no URL, no nothing. That would probably be a different color scheme altogether. I would definitely offer all sizes and have male/female cuts. Fussy’s shirts (http://www.fussy.org) are a level of Hanes that comopares in feel to American Apparel, so I’d definitely go nicer than those shown.
Thanks for all the feedback! Keep it coming.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:12 pm
I’d buy the shirt for my boyfriend because a) he is a dingbat, and b) he’s all techie, so he would probably “get” it on a deeper level. I don’t know about the orange ringer though… not particularly feeling that.
As far as the photos, I’ve always loved you guys’ pics, though I have a feeling they’d be out of my price range when all’s said & done. Maybe if they really spoke to me I’d be willing to splurge.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:14 pm
Maybe something more personalized. An “I love that shirt and who the f is that blurb guy?”
where not everyone gets it but that doesn’t really matter cause we can all come to the party. If you don’t get it it doesn’t really matter because I saw someone wearing it at the mall and want to find out how to get it and sign us up for that magazine thanks.
My off the cuff suggestion is to put a picture of your nose hairs … chicks love that.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:29 pm
I didn’t notice anyone mentioning CafePress. The paid shops are only about $5 a month, and you can have as much stuff there as you want. You can make it look like your website/blog, too, and it doesn’t cost anything but the $5, unless you order something. They do all the order fulfillment, too, so you don’t have to keep stock and make trips to the P.O.
You can have dozens of things, themed and otherwise. They also have calendars, big right now when people are thinking about the new year, which would be great for your collective pics. They also do posters in a couple of sizes.
No, I don’t work for them, but I have a shop. I mostly use it so clients can have their stuff there for when they want premiums to give away, but it would be great for you guys.
And, if something looks bad, and it’s not your image at fault, they’ll redo until they get it right. So far, I’ve only had one problem, and that was a matter of color density in an image I created. Lots of clothing, mugs, mousepads, all that stuff to choose from.
Really. I don’t work for them. But I’ve been very satisfied with my working relationship with them, going on, maybe three years now.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:30 pm
Sorry, workig on a small display and didn’t notice the no HTML until I’d hit the POST COMMENT button.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:38 pm
If you’re looking for long term income and not just quickly generated groupie cash, I say go for a higher quality print (if you go the print route at all)
People should buy your photos because they are well taken,good quality shots, not just because you were the one behind the camera.
When the ringer tee has made it to the racks at Walmart, it’s time to leave it behind. I do like the dingbat idea though.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:40 pm
I highly recommend you head over to webmasterworld.com and check out what people are doing to make money off the web. Although your sincerity is touching I think shaving a few months off the learning curve is a good idea. Once you’re done hoovering up info on webmasterworld head over to forums.digitalpoint.com and start reading. Pay particular attention to the types of threads that go “How much do you make on the web?” You might be surprised to know that people with less programming experience than you are making $10k+ a month. Some are making $30k+. Some are making more than that!
The comments from your regular readers are well-meaning but seem to be mostly coming from a regular job perspective. To make money on the web you need to know what’s out there: Adsense, affiliate sales, SEO, and everything else. Do the homework early in the game and the next few months will run much better.
If you play your cards right I think both this site and dooce.com are literally goldmines.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:44 pm
i like your site and your family, but i don’t know if there’s really such a market for photog prints and t-shirts. i think, to be realistic about it, you are talkin’ small potatoes. you seem to like design — can you freelance doing that? take projects you like w/defined end dates and no bad bosses? just an idea…it seems that it could get real stressful waiting for blogger fans to buy souvenirs…
September 29th, 2005 at 9:51 pm
If you’re looking to sell quality prints with minimal overhead, you might want to check out http://www.fotki.com
September 29th, 2005 at 9:53 pm
Try asking http://www.thisfish.com if she had success selling her blog-related shirts…..
It seems like a risky venture to me.
I really admire your following your instincts and moving away from a job that wasn’t fulfilling. I wish you, Dooce, & Leta all the best.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:54 pm
Word on the high quality printing. Even tho you’d love to have the awesome printer yourself, don’t waste the $$ on your end. You can’t afford the gear good enough without blowing the profit margin. Shop that sh*t out. You can pass on the expense to the customer and have print professionals to color correct if that’s not your bag.
Re: the shirt. You had me at dingbat. I love it, of course, since I’m a total font lover/geek/loser. And anything insidery is appealing, no? No ringer for me, thanks.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:56 pm
Great ideas. I’d really love a big coffee mug with the dingbat on it. One of those tall ones? Ya know?
I mean, I’d wear a tshirt but…. I’d USE a coffee mug a lot. (I’d buy both actually.)
And I know you’re doing your thing here but my comment in the H arena is that her mastheads would make great mugs. Coffee mugs with the masthead kind of wrapped around. Ladoocavita, cowbell, dork and ahh heck, almost all of them wold make a great coffee mug.
Oh, and I’d buy your art prints. You are great. And my inspiration to get the best digital camera. My canon is working so great for me. I haven’t emailed you my flikr site but I really should. It has been so fun. No great vacations yet to take pics though so mostly just of my kiddos.
Thank you for the inspiration from both of you and in honor and thanks of that I’d definitely buy from the blurbodoocery and wear it with pride…. and hopefully get you an even bigger audience!
September 29th, 2005 at 9:59 pm
Do a Chuck set!
Like the t-shirt, even though orange usually ain’t my color, it’s something I’d wear.
September 29th, 2005 at 10:04 pm
I, too, am all about the photography. Some of your stuff would be amazing silk-screened onto fabric & made into messenger bags, clothing, hell, a thermos! - or as simple as the image on the front of a shirt, stylized & re-worked on the computer, as you do. It’s truly a unique talent & skillset you bring to the party, and the puzzle is finding a funky way to implement it in a couple of directions (broad-based, accessible, lower price point) vs. huge prints, exclusive, triptychs, available at an excessively costly price point. Gee, isn’t that what you asked for, what’s the funky way to market it? I think there are lots of options, whether it’s through uncommongoods.com, or with a vendor that makes it more turnkey for you, OR do you do that legwork (and thus making more money - but doing more work)? I agree with madge, though, let somebody else eat the printing cost & hopefully you get a good rate so they’re still making money & you can afford to do it/sell stuff. I love brainstorming, even if it’s virtual. I wish I were holding up a brilliant nugget! But it’s late here. More later.
September 29th, 2005 at 10:10 pm
I love the shirt idea. If we have true free expression with blogging, then it makes absolute sense to do it with our clothing as well. And, I like the simplicity and style of your design. Orange doesn’t get enough luv, if you ask me. I saw someone mention cafepress. It is good. There’s also a new/similar outfit called Spreadshirt. (No, I don’t work for them.)
A confession - my sister and I both started blogs a month or so ago (she is much better than I). We have used blurbomat and dooce as models/examples for how to get our blogs going correctly. Thanks for providing such a great example. And, about a week ago we started doing shirts too…with “spreadshirt”. Even if we only sell one shirt, it’ll be worth it…because the real intent is to just get the “ideas” out there.
So, like several others have said here, go for it.
September 29th, 2005 at 10:40 pm
I love your photos and would definitely buy prints. A t-shirt too, because I’d love to support you in your new ventures.
Best of luck!
September 29th, 2005 at 10:56 pm
Jon - I would second the coffee table book of your photos - they really are fabulous. I also came across a book of Irma Bombeck in my mom’s bookshelf this weekend and thought - holy shit, Dooce is the Irma Bombeck of my generation… I still remember some of the stories as read to me by my mom when I was a child - priceless stuff… There’s definitely a market for a book and her freebee internet site, as a teaser…? You’re a San Francisco kid, you should find your 6 degrees to Chronicle Books, they’d be a great go-to for something from all y’all… I wonder if you and Heather could get a deal together. A blurb book and a dooce book - they’d be able to package them together…. and sell them seperately. Either way - I have SO been in your “ifIdon’tquitrightnow,I’llkillsomeoneelseormyself” place. Props to you - and congrats on being such a “good world citizen” that you have this much support from friends and strangers.
I also wonder if you couldn’t contract your mad KungFu in a freelance way to help folks in your area remedy their computer/iNet problems… you could be the ‘mooooove’ on the move (a la SNLs “Kevin Burns your Company’s computer guy”)
either way… good luck with everything - every lil thing gonna be all right….
September 29th, 2005 at 10:56 pm
The latest Pottery Barn Teen catalog has these cool oversized wall prints… They are outdoorsy photos (a mountain road, a surfer on a wave) blown up to hang and almost cover like a dormroom wall. I can see your photography blown up like that. Think over the top, seventies wallpaper outdoor murals,Real World house decor, Urban Outfitters,and the like. I would really look at current tshirt designs. Tshirts are the new black.
September 29th, 2005 at 11:15 pm
Shirt? I would absolutely buy one. Ladies cut? Even better.
And the photos? I’ve been waiting for you to decide to sell some of them. I would definitely pay for hi-end prints. You can consider me your first customer on that idea….
September 29th, 2005 at 11:16 pm
I think its great of you to put it all out there on the website for feedback - Jon I think you are the bravest man on earth and even all the way over here in Australia I can FEEL YOUR TALENT!!
As far as what you can do for money…hmmmm, unfortunatley I “work for the man” and have no experience at what sells etc, but thinking of your target market, tecnology nerds, 30+, family’s, into activities, intelligent, educated, fed up with corporate bullshit….
I think your design is fab (clean lines, smart comments) and you and heather are the king and queen of slogans (have you thought about Copywriting!)
I think that all the comments you are getting will get you on the right track - I will be the girl in the corner with the pompoms going Rah Rah Rah!
Oh and if you do sell something - being able to buy it from Oz would be fab - and I will definitely be purchasing from you. It will be my way of giving something back for all the joy you have both brought me!
Oh and Leta rocks!
September 29th, 2005 at 11:21 pm
I’m new to both your sites, but really enjoy them. The t-shirt is o.k., don’t like ringers or the orange. You might want to find out if you can register/copyright the design for some protection. Same goes for your photographs. I used to be an artist rep and I am less familiar with selling on the internet, but perhaps you could visit some galleries that feature photography and look at the presentation to get ideas on mounting and framing, limited prints, seriagraphs, etc. I often buy cards with prints of art I like from local artists whose orignals I cannot afford. It’s a great way to get your stuff out there.
I also used to sell promotional items (mugs, t-shirts, pens, you name it) and you could do a small run of shirts for relatively low dollars. It’s very tempting to spend more for quantity pricing, but unless you have the cash, be conservative. Check out http://www.4logowearables.com/ and http://alternativeapparel.com/ for a decent selection of blank t-shirts styles.
All the best.
September 29th, 2005 at 11:27 pm
I would buy the shirt. My suggestion would be to offer your logo, but let the buyer choose the style, size and color or color combo’s. I would so totally buy a Dooce T shirt too, being a chick and all.
On the photos….hmmmmmm, I dunno. Let me think about that. When I do photo prints, they are typically of my family members. I’m not sure about buying photos of places I haven’t been. I’m stuck though, because I love all of your photos.
September 29th, 2005 at 11:50 pm
I like the thirt design but I don’t “get” the front. I’m sure you would sell some shirts since you have many regular readers. But what about after that? I’m assuming regular readers will not keep buying shirts forever.
You do take some lovely photos. I also love photography and take lots of photos. But this area is very competitive and it’s so much easier to take beautiful photos today compared to 10 years ago. Even clueless amateurs take some nice shots. I would definitely go for the limited edition high end stuff if you decide to do it. Try to offer something that others don’t. Try to find a niche. I also recommend to get the prints at a lab instead of at home. It can be slightly cheaper to do it at home but it’s also lots of work. And it can be frustrating to deal with color profiles etc. With the lab you simply upload over internet and then pick them up/have them shipped. And a good lab will produce beautiful prints. Keep in mind that the price collapses if you do more than one print. You may pay $10 for the first one but the rest will cost you $1 or something like that. So cost can be very low.
Best of luck
AD
September 30th, 2005 at 12:01 am
having *not* read the 75 post above me, i would love to say right here and now at 76 that i’d take 3 of those T’s off your hands without so much as batting a ding.
i’d be proud to add it to my ever-growing collection of geek-inspired Tshits.
Would you do us a favour though and print up a few in the ubiquitous 3T child size? Little Lord Archibald Jude will be sporting one…
September 30th, 2005 at 12:08 am
We sold (at cost little or no prifit) some kick asre shirts on flickr. I won’t post the link because that is tacky, but i can send it to you if you want.
But what we did learn for a second round was
:: take orders before printing, so people actually make a commitment
:: use the little profit to invest in more shirts.
this way you have the costs of your first run covered, and the spare money allows you to build a stash of shirts for future orders.
We ordered our shirts through brunetto
anywahy this may sound like waffle so i’ll stop, but good luck dude.
September 30th, 2005 at 12:44 am
Hey man,
I’d buy the shirt.
A.
September 30th, 2005 at 12:54 am
Well, it’s hard to compete with a tee shirt like mightygirl’s, (http://mightygirl.net/iflag.html) but sure - yours is cool…I’d buy it.
If that’s what you’re askin.
September 30th, 2005 at 2:32 am
Don’t ‘get’ the front. Would buy it on a solid background with lower necklines but not babydoll. No ringer tee. Maybe you could sell your designs via Threadless - or use a similar concept.
Not much of a photofan so I can’t say.
September 30th, 2005 at 2:47 am
You need to have a cool quote. Or even a dictionary definition. That would make me buy a t shirt.
T shirt would need to be a good quality too.
And thanks for being open re your business, feels more respected. One thing I cannot stand as a consumer, is being patronised.
September 30th, 2005 at 4:39 am
Can someone please just tell me what “dingbat” is supposed to mean? Is that a technical thing? Or does it just mean dingbat?
I’m confused.
But I’d buy it, if I knew it helped you guys and Leta in any way. Heather helped me with the whole depression thing, and I can’t say that’s not more than a t-shirt. And Jon, you’re a great writer, even though sometimes when you spout tech stuff I kinda … fade … away … But you’re a cutie, and that’s why the chicks will keep comin’ back.
September 30th, 2005 at 5:01 am
I don’t wear a lot of t-shirts, but I do like this one. I’d buy it for my husband, although I don’t know how he’d react initially to the “dingbat” bit. I like ringers and I love orange.
As for the photos, being from Charleston, I really like any arsty photos of the SC lowcountry like yours from Beaufort.
September 30th, 2005 at 6:02 am
I “get” dingbat, but I frankly wouldn’t buy the shirt - Cafepress and all the others already have a saturated market on shirts and witty one-liners anyway. The prints I would consider though; especially if they’re grouped and arranged nicely.
Those are all personal opinions, as you well know, so I’d go with the masses!
September 30th, 2005 at 6:23 am
Get your own photo printer, and make it a good one. My research seems to point at dye-sub. Find a gallery that is an artist’s cooperative where you can join and rent space. Make up your photos in matted/framed (those would be displayed on wall in your space) and matted but unframed (in bins for perusing) prints, and make the unframed ones in varying sizes down to the smallest you can do and not lose the impact of the piece. The smaller ones might look good with off-center matting. This would give people a wide choice. There may even be some you could run as blank notecards. I know notecards may make you feel you are devaluing the photos as “art” but the truth is there is a great market for them. Lots of folks want something interesting and beautiful in the way of a card and don’t want to go the Hallmark route, plus you can put each card in a nifty plastic sleeve and charge four or five dollars for it. My thoughts.
I think the photos are more of a possibility than the shirt, unless you go with something that has more market appeal. To be honest, I think you’d do better focusing your shirt designs on Heather’s blog. It already has a wide readership, and you could start just by doing a series of her banners across the front. Avid readers would probably be a sure bet to buy.
September 30th, 2005 at 6:25 am
I would buy it and make my husband wear it! But I def. don’t “get” it. I like the collar even though I think they are going a little out of style. Good luck…I think you will succeed in whatever you choose to do.
September 30th, 2005 at 6:26 am
First of all, congrats on “escaping.”
Would buy the t-shirt for sure. Loved Eden’s shirt and wear it proudly. Would do the same with this one. One for the writer in me; one for the designer in me.
Offering prints of your photos is also a great idea. I think you’re on the right track with letting the high-end shop do the printing, though. That way you can do it more print-on-demand and not have to invest so much upfront.
I’m not that business savvy, but I know that quality photography will sell itself (especially the themed groupings, like Beaufort).
Best of luck to you and the missus. Love you guys.
September 30th, 2005 at 6:30 am
Love the tshirt - you definitely have a big enough readership to warrant selling them, so go for it! I think true Blurb fans will ‘get it’
Also, can we have a Dooce.com tshirt? And a Chuck tshirt would go down well I think!
And the prints sound great, but definitely go for the high-end printing as nothing ruins a great photo more than a crappy print. Home printers end up costing you more per print if you’re doing small runs (i.e. less than 1000 each) People will buy them, you both take great photos. As an idea, a limited run of photos handsigned by the author would be a good seller, I reckon.
P.S. Professional opinion - I’m a graphic designer and deal with print every day, I’m not just kissing ass here, LOL…
September 30th, 2005 at 6:51 am
I would DEFINITELY buy a t-shirt from you and/or Heather. I don’t go for ringers though…and prefer white to colors. But the jersey style would be super cool, too.
I don’t care if my shirt says ‘Dingbat’ on it or not…but what exactly does it mean? Isn’t it a font type?
Your photographs are beautiful! I would buy them if I could connect with them in some way…say regionally or whatever. I live in San Antonio, TX, and currently have a lot of black and white photos of old downtown San Antonio in my house. I would be more than happy to host The Armstrong’s here, in my home, while you shoot a series of Texas shots, which I would promptly buy up! And you know how proud all Texans are of their state! You’d make about a billion dollars on those alone!
Seriously…just get yourselves here, and y’all would have your own private bedroom and bathroom, practically in another wing of the house! I would say free room and board-but I’m not much of a cook. But definitely free room!
September 30th, 2005 at 6:58 am
I like the t-shirt idea, but you need to take it one step furtheróbeyond your own readership. I think if you designed a line of shirts/mugs with clever design (graphic designer) humor motifs, you could have a great market. I am a freelance designer and i am always looking for unique christmas gifts for the art directors i work for. Type nerds like me definitely like to express their obsessions via t-shirts and mugs. I’m sure other design sites or organizations would carry products like that.
Good luck to you!
September 30th, 2005 at 6:59 am
Hi John, Not so much a comment on your ideas (althought I love the dingbat t-shirt, and, yes I do GET it). Just wanted to give you a bit of a business idea that might help in the tight spots and you only have to work weekends. Friends of mine have an 11 year old boy who plays hockey, soccer, etc. Aout 2 and a half years ago they saw a guy at one of the games taking digital shots while the kids played and after the game he had a table set up printing out 8×10 photos for $10 a piece to interested parents. He also had two computer screens randomly flashing the pictures on the screen so people were drawn to the table when they saw their kid playing. Anyway, his quality wasn’t that great and the set up wasn’t really professional so my friends took that ball and ran with it. They now own a company called “Capture the Moment”. They started with a small business loan of approx. 10-15K for computers, printers, paper, etc. and have paid it off in 2 years. I believe you and Heather already had about half of the equipment (from what I’ve seen) so a large loan of 10K may bot be necessary. Anyway, my friends are now working more than just kids games but are getting booked for men’s hockey leagues, broomball (we’re in Canada) and other things including the big banquets at year end. They are so successful that they have an extra photographer and image processor on staff and don’t actually have to go to every game (they still do ’cause they love photography). This is perfect for Heather and you - you both are excellent photographers and post-editors, the profits are all cash and you don’t have to work every single day so you can work on other stuff. Just an idea if money gets tight.
Another amazing writing/photography idea would be to put together a book based on Heather’s and your blogs. Like a chapter of the “GREAT KITCHEN RENO” with the pictures and comments by you and Heather. You’re wedding is also cool. You have amazing talents and a wide following of people so a coffee table book of your photographs would not be inconceivable. Put a demo together and find a publishing agent - with the background you have with regards to circulation on your blogs I’m sure that there is something to this. Good luck but from what I’ve seen you guys are doing the right thing. P.S. Obstacles (question marks?) are the things you see when you take your eyes off the goal. Go for it bro.
September 30th, 2005 at 7:18 am
I’d buy both - but am in the UK - not sure you’d ship that far? although we recently bought some cool 70’s skate T-shirts from a skate shop in California and it wasn’t too pricey!
Love both your sites……
Good luck!
September 30th, 2005 at 7:19 am
Love the shirt idea…would totally buy one. But you’d have to have sizes for us fatties too.
Coffee table book is an AWESOME idea! It would SO sell!!
September 30th, 2005 at 7:33 am
A few thoughts about the shirt …
I like the idea of the ringer shirts but every one I’ve ever bought is uncomfortable so I never wear them.
I whole-heartedly agree about a “ladies” fit shirt.
I like the idea of hoodies or hockey jerseys as well, but those get to be more pricey.
I love orange.
September 30th, 2005 at 7:39 am
Jon, when I first found dooce on the net I fell in love, naturally. She’s incredibly talented and writes so well and is so honest and funny.
I sent her a couple of long, warm and personal emails and received no response. Even a form response would have been happily welcomed.
Fine, I’m a sane, normal young woman so I shrugged and went on with my life. However, I changed from “Hey! Let’s see what my pal Dooce is doing today” to “Let’s see what this talented, remote, inaccessible artist is doing today. I’ll laugh, cry, but I won’t feel any sense of friendship or kinship with her. Because she doesn’t care about me at all, or her readers. No links, no response to email, no nothing.”
You, Jon, write on your website “She has 80,000 emails. BACK OFF PEOPLE.” Well, fine! You don’t have to hit me over the head! I backed off.
No matter how talented you guys are, I can’t help but feel very alienated and insulted. Now you want me to use my paychecks working for the man to help support the Armstrongs? Why?
The talent is there, man, in spades, but if this is going to be a business for you–I can’t be the only person feeling this alienation.
Good luck. Now I shall go back to the shadows.
September 30th, 2005 at 7:40 am
Yeah, I would buy the photos. Especially if you did a group on SLC UT. I’m always looking for great pictures of our city, and can never find them…
September 30th, 2005 at 7:43 am
I second Alison with the quote or dictionary definition.
I also think the coffee table book and coffee mug (cool bistro style please) would work. I may not buy the book (unless it’s a decent price and I could use it as a gift) but I would defintely buy a mug and shirt.
September 30th, 2005 at 7:43 am
I’d buy one, it is was black and the orange was changed to something else….. White is not a good colour for anyone a little bigger then a size 12….
September 30th, 2005 at 7:51 am
I don’t “get” the front, either. In all honesty, I probably wouldn’t buy one, not because of the color, but perhaps the style. You’d have to offer them in more of a “woman” style. The cuffs on the side of the sleeves are a little uncomfortable.
I don’t know. I’m not a real fan of shirts with writing on the front. I know that sounds weird, but I always see these shirts like “you’re retarded” or “I slept with your sister” or whatever the hell people come up with these days. I think you have to be a certain type of person to pull those off. I don’t know if I could pull off “dingbat”.
September 30th, 2005 at 7:54 am
Black. If it were black, I’d buy it.
Why are all the t-shirts white by default?
September 30th, 2005 at 7:55 am
will there be wingdings too? best of luck to you both…
September 30th, 2005 at 8:09 am
Beware encouragement from window shoppers! I love to look at cool stuff on the net (yours included), but rarely buy anything. For me, there’s a big leap between the “wow, that’s clever” reaction to buying the item. And there are many, many t-shirts out there to choose from. As there are photographs. I’ve been inspired by the work of really great amateur photographers to take better pictures myself, but wouldn’t want someone else’s vacation album on my wall.
Make the stuff you want, try to sell it and see how it goes. What else can you do?
September 30th, 2005 at 8:11 am
Not interested in the T-shirt, but I think the photo idea is hot. Both you and Heather take some kick-ass pics.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:12 am
I think the selling T-shirts online is super saturated and, like you said, I don’t think you’re going to have a large enough base to make a large profit.
Limited edition photo prints would be a great venture. You’d make a larger profit margin and you’ve got a lot of great photos. Here’s what I would do:
- Have the prints made at a high end shop because it will lower your initial costs and the prints need to be of highest quality.
- Make signed and numbered limited editions of 50-100 prints
- Dending on costs and sizes, I’d price $50-$200 for smaller prints (8×10) and $100-$300 for larger formats.
- I’m not sure how large you can enlarge pictures from the D70 before they show stretch marks, but larger format prints are nice.
- Do one edition at a time to reduce stocking costs. You’re going to get a majority of your sales when you post about a new print, so you should have a good idea of the demand.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:14 am
I would love to buy some nice prints. I had just been thinking that we need some “real art” rather than my DIY cheapie art. I need to start investing in quality stuff.
Sorry I don’t have any real business advice.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:17 am
Having had our shop next door to an art studio for a while, I became pretty good friends with the photography teachers they had there. Many did the same thing you are talking about with selling prints.
They started small, selling a select group of prints in a limited number type fashion. Take one print, offer it in a couple sizes, printing 10-20 of each size. Number, sign, sell.
At the same time, they went to one printing company and worked out a deal on getting quantity printing of the photos. They were able to negoiate a good price for even smaller runs. This was easier for them especially with dealing with a mom-and-pop type company.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:18 am
Jon,
Not to sound like a broken record, drop the ringer, and go girlie-t’s, and I will own one in a second! And, I’d totally be down with a coffee table book of your pics. Great idea whoever said that.
Isabelle,
You sent your long, warm, personal e-mails to a woman whose site gets approximately 1 MILLION unique hits every month. Heather says right on her ‘contact me’ page (and in numerous interviews I’ve read) how much her readers’ e-mail and comments mean to her, but that she simply cannot answer them all. I think she even addressed the issue of a form response in one of the interviews and said that she thought that was more insulting than no response at all…that *she* wouldn’t want to receive a form response.
Chill the fuck out and enjoy what the artist known as Dooce produces. It’s not about you. For you to have thought of her as your ‘pal Dooce’ at any point is a bit creepy anyway.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:20 am
Not that I’m saying anything new here, but I definitely second the quote idea, the ladies-cut idea, and (for boys) the baseball shirt idea, with the sleeves a different color from the body of the shirt. I don’t know a single boy who doesn’t look hot in a shirt like that.
Oh, and I’d be more likely to buy a shirt if it was black, because you can’t really go wrong.
I’m definitely thinking something more like Mrs. Kennedy’s tee, which I wear with pride…..
September 30th, 2005 at 8:20 am
If you make it to comment 102…I love dingbat, great joke. I would like a 3/4 sleeve baseball style shirt, I know they’re overdone but they flatter me. I would like it to be made for a pregnant person and say “Not Leta” with an arrow pointing down. Also, the back could say “it’s an Armstrong thing”. No? yeah well, just a thought from a different angle. Another thought - Onesies for babies and kids shirts with some of the best photo captions would be funny.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:27 am
Hi Jon,
I’m not business savvy, but I was wondering if another equation might be a possibility:
*Teach stuff.
*?? via the web
*Make money!
I don’t know if this interests you at all, and even if it does if in the end it would work, but I was thinking about a few things. One, in an article I read recently about jobs/career, etc. it mentioned different ways of looking at uses for your skills. It gave web design as an example, saying that a few years ago lots of people were looking for web designers, while today more and more people want to learn and do it themselves, so what they want it someone to teach them design, rather than do the design (so a web designer may find more work/profit in teaching web design rather than doing freelance web design).
And honestly, from what I can tell, you would have a great personality to be a teacher. I’ve e-mailed you three times over the last few months, once with a question about web design, once about choosing a digital camera, and once about Photoshop. I was always surprised when I got a response because you must get a ton of email, but also you were very kind and explained things in terms I could understand.
That said, these are things I would pay to take say a 6-week session with you off the top of my head: digital photography and Intro to Photoshop. Say you limit it to 6 or 12 people or whatever is feasible (off the top of my head, probably between $300-600 tuition depending on how many weeks, what’s covered, etc). You could create all the spaces for classes, like a site where the class could sign in and post. Maybe you would post one lecture a week on a certain day with an assignment and then work assignments based on that lesson would be due (posted) on a certain day, followed by critiques and comments from you and fellow classmates.
There would be a lot of prep work initially, but if it ended up being something you enjoyed and people kept signing up for sessions, you’d be able to eventually just start concentrating more on the students and their work and less on back end and planning classes etc.
Now I know there are lots of places you can take these seminars, workshops, etc, but you might be a niche for several reasons. 1. I’m in the Chicago area and photoshop is something I want to learn. A community college nearby has a course that’s reasonable but with my schedule right now, one night a week is hard to commit; also their student samples are less than impressive and I’m a little scared about the quality of the teacher. 2. A place in Chicago called Digital Boot Camp (http://www.digitalbootcamp.com/) that offers more of a range of class lengths. They have something called a basic training one-day course for a reasonable $275 but so far (since I’ve started checking) only on weekdays and it is very hard for me to take an extra day off of work right now. An online course from someone whose work stands for itself (even if you are not a “teacher”) is enough of an endorsement for me. I’ve seen your photos, how you interact, and I think you’re more than qualified to teach beginners (don’t know enough about advanced stuff to judge that).
To get back to my point from above, about teaching vs. doing–I love yours and Heather’s pictures and have looked at them many times. But more than wanting to buy one and hang it in my home, it has inspired me (as have other blogs, flickr, etc.) in general to want to improve my photography skills because I love seeing what people take and I would love to take some photos even half as good as the ones I’ve seen here and at other sites. A course on digital photography or photoshop where I can learn and get feedback is something I would love.
One last side note (sorry this is long), regarding Heather, while I imagine, especially if she is working on a book proposal, etc., this would not be possible right now, but in the future she could totally get a million people to sign up for a writing workshop on writing on the web or writing personal memoir or topics along those lines–internet courses, speaking engagements (which she’s already started doing, the gamut).
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you guys!
September 30th, 2005 at 8:28 am
Here you go Isabelle…from the Rebecca Blood interview “Bloggers on Blogging.” (August, 2005)
How much reader email do you get? Are you able to answer it all?
I get about 40-50 reader emails every weekday. If I were to answer even a third of it I would do nothing but answer email all day, so no, I don’t answer most of it. When I started to fall behind in answering my email I went through a pretty rough period where I beat myself up about it, the guilt was suffocating. But there was no way I could answer all my email while simultaneously being a wife and mother. So I re-wrote my contact page to say specifically that I most likely won’t answer email, and my readers have responded positively to that (most of them). I once thought of having an auto-reply go out to anyone who sent me an email but I realized that I wouldn’t want to receive an auto-reply and I stuck with my gut and didn’t go that route. I do read every single email I get, though, (except for a few of the hateful ones) and even that sometimes can take up a huge chunk of my free time.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:29 am
Go Jon Go. I have my credit card ready! I’ll buy whatever you decide to sell. (Well almost)
……Isabelle,
Why don’t you stay in the shadows until you can grow the fuck up and get over your pathetic self!
September 30th, 2005 at 8:29 am
I’d buy it. I like your picture drinking Evan Williams.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:30 am
Yes, I’d buy a shirt tied to either Web site, but in a lady’s cut.
I would also buy photographs from either of you. The notion of a book is a good one. You could easily sell a collection of Utah pics locally; I live in a neighboring state and see those books ALL the time.
Also (last thing), I’d read whatever you two wrote in any form. A long time ago, Heather mentioned pursuing a book deal. I take it nothing ever came of that? What about a column, perhaps on parenting? Syndicated or otherwise.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:30 am
Yes, I’d buy a shirt tied to either Web site, but in a lady’s cut. The idea above of baby gear is brilliant. I’m nowhere near chidren yet, but when my time comes, I would buy that in a SECOND.
I would also buy photographs from either of you. The notion of a book is a good one. You could easily sell a collection of Utah pics locally; I live in a neighboring state and see those books ALL the time.
Also (last thing), I’d read whatever you two wrote in any form. A long time ago, Heather mentioned pursuing a book deal. I take it nothing ever came of that? What about a column, perhaps on parenting? Syndicated or otherwise.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:37 am
Hey, I’d buy the t if it were also available as a womans baby-t.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:41 am
Hey John,
Very exciting times! I do get what you’re doing with the t-shirt but I think it’s a little played out? I do think you have some real value in your photos. Especially, the landscapes in BEAUTIFUL Utah (and back in SF & LA) and your treatments of them. Here’s what I would buy - some sort of bound compilation of your photos. I’m thinking coffee table book or the like - can be crafty, doesn’t necessarily need to be shiny and hardcover. I don’t know if a theme is necessary - I’d probably buy them b/c they’re yours and I’d be buying the brand - I read your site, you seem cool, I like the photos, etc. (Like JPG magazine.) Which brings me to my next point… I read your and Heather’s site daily, and now have added your friends (Beth, Carol, etc.) to the mix. I think there may be some sort of equity in leveraging the readership of your sites collectively. Maybe there’s a way to make them more cohesive? Include 3-hive? I’d make it about your life. Create a portal of your life in Utah. (I’ll admit - part of it is that after the last election, I’m v. interested in WHY we’re tolerating another 4 years of incompetency and I feel like you’re reporting from the ground in a sense. The politics issue couldn’t be overt b/c of the advertisers, but your perspective and observations say enough.) I think bundling the sites around a portal concept would really give advertisers something to grab onto. You’ve definitely got a captive audience - now to do something with us!
September 30th, 2005 at 8:41 am
Hi Jon - You mentioned printing your own prints, as opposed to using a service. I don’t do either one, but have two photographer friends who sell prints. Both use a service. If cruising their sites would help you with a decision . . .
and
And, yes, they (and we) are all Mac! ;-> In fact, I worked in the Infinite Loop for 8.5 years!
Judie Ashford
September 30th, 2005 at 8:52 am
De-lurking to say…love the shirt. Would buy as is or as suggested above. It’s the “dingbat” I like.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:54 am
Like the shirt design but wouldn’t buy it - the leap from “cool!” to “here’s my amex!” gets lost somewhere in the piles of t-shirts I already never wear.
If I did make that leap, it’d be because a photo grabbed me (some of yours certainly do), but the real question is whether or not that’s sustainable.
I might buy one print, but I don’t know if I’d buy more - there’s only so much free space on folks’ walls. If you want to do something long-term related to design / web / your interests, you’ll probably want to spend some serious time thinking about it, in which case you may be able to use the photo idea as a kind of bridge to something more comprehensive and long-term.
BEST of luck to you!
September 30th, 2005 at 9:04 am
i just read all 5000000 comments and would like to agree/disagree with some of them.
-i agree that i would rather buy a black tshirt (if it works well with the logo)
-cafepress may be a good idea to get some of the pictures out there (calendar was a great idea), coffee mugs, etc.
-i’d love to buy your photos, but it sounds too expensive for me. but if i find something i really like, i’m always willing to save up and buy it when i have the money.
also, about the photos - home printer v. outsourcing - obviously you’d buy a nice printer, but i think if it’s not a professional print, you’d probably have to have a disclaimer on your site saying that you do the printing yourself.
otherwise i’m picturing someone ordering a print, getting it home and opening it up, and thinking, “ugh, this isnt what i was hoping for”.
just my opinion. good luck!
September 30th, 2005 at 9:04 am
I totally get what Isabelle is saying–I’m a huge fan of both of yours, but I think once you get to a certain size/celebrity, the connection with the audience is much harder to maintain. That said, I think what you guys are trying to do is freaking awesome and inspiring.
I like the ideas of selling your photos as stock photos, freelancing your design skills, and the idea about the photos of kids/events rocked–Since you do such awesome nature/outdoor photos why not specialize in photos of snowboarding trips, utah hikes, and other outdoor events. Tons of bloggers are doing the Tee-shirt/Cafe Press route–think outside the box! Best of luck to both of you!
September 30th, 2005 at 9:07 am
Oh–one other thing–I’m sure you’ve already thought of this–but what about making $$ with 3hive–THAT seems like a potential cash cow right there and unique to boot!
September 30th, 2005 at 9:17 am
I would buy a t-shirt that didn’t have the color bands…and buy one from dooce.com too.
I wouldn’t buy photos–but that is just me. I believe your photos are GREAT and would sell.
September 30th, 2005 at 9:24 am
Dingbat… BRILLIANT. Lots of people would probably say “Huh?”, although it makes perfect sense to me, coming from a large techie community. I’d totally go for the wife-beater design, but that’s just me. I live in those shirts (tropical climate, 90 degrees & humid every day, you know..). Or any shirt for that matter. Even more tho, I have a feeling the coffeee-table book would be the greatest success, and a calander could go great places, as well as anything else you decided to do and put your mind to. You have what it takes, you could even rule the world, dammit! (Okay, no more drunk commenting….)
September 30th, 2005 at 9:40 am
The ringers are out. unless you’re playing baseball, which i wouldn’t do in this shirt anyway. I love the shirt, i would totally buy it. it is fantastic, MINUS THE RINGERS. STOP WITH THE RINGS. I even like that the logo on the back is that big. And I love orange.
I also think your photos are great–depending on what you did with them, I might buy some. The set you linked to, all eerie, is wonderful.
September 30th, 2005 at 9:43 am
I don’t “get” the front of the shirt, but I like the design. It is definitely something I would buy and wear.
And I would Love Love Love to buy some of your prints! Specifically I love the Haunted Beaufort one with the hydrant in the front.
Good luck!!
September 30th, 2005 at 9:46 am
Why would anyone buy a shirt that said dingbat on the front? Just because you made it? Pompous.. You have real skills and intellect try using to do something of substance, not to capitalize on your “internet fame” to get sheep to fork over $15 to buy some crap t-shirt. I know you’ll delete this, but I thought you were better than this.
September 30th, 2005 at 9:50 am
AAP, are you Jon’s former boss?
September 30th, 2005 at 10:01 am
Jill: Haha, not I’m not. I’m a sometimes frequenter of dooce and b-mat. I’ve quit jobs in the past before, but always had something lined up. It’s brave what Blurb is contemplating, but shilling wacky t-shirts and selling road trip pics isn’t gonna put Leta through college. I’m afraid the internet has made “businessman” out of people who have or should have no business doing business. Stick with something brick/mortar Jon, trust me. All people claiming to love the shirt, won’t fork over $10-15 for a novelty t-shirt, just because you’re selling it! I dont know how myopic you are, but your talents lie elsewhere. I can help you with a business plan. You have my email.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:08 am
As an artist and photographer, i say GO FOR IT. But don’t expect any stability. That’s just the way it works. One month you’ll do fantastic and make assloads of money. The next month you’ll wonder where everyone went. The next month will be so-so. The month after that will be FANTASTIC again. The next month you’ll sell nothing and you’ll be eating out of dumpsters, etc etc. The shirt is great and your photos are lovely, you should do well. I’ll probably buy something.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:10 am
I think the ringer and retro look is pretty played (and I’m so non-trendy that it means it was over a long time ago!). But, I also agree that they would sell more in a great flattering women’s cut, lower neckline.
Photos - that would be great - you’d sell a ton of those for sure. That’s the route to take.
Good luck!
September 30th, 2005 at 10:10 am
I’ve not read through all 130 comments, but one of them caught my eye - the one right before me from AAP. He/she has a point. I’m sure every one of us would buy your t-shirt, but then how many t-shirts do we need? Same thing with your pictures. Once we buy them, will we continue to come back time and time again to buy more? Maybe one more… maybe. Doubtful. It won’t be good enough to support Leta for long. Keep thinking. You’re on the right track, but just need to keep thinking. Good luck, you brave man, you.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:10 am
Like it, would buy it. Would prefer another colour shirt though, anything but white, the darker the better.
At risk of feeding the trolls: I would buy it because it made me laugh. Some people just don’t understand subjectivity.
I’m afraid the Dooce part of your team has skewed your view of your readership numbers. I’m lucky to get 2 hits a day, let alone 131 comments.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:12 am
Love the t-shirt, and the orange, but you should do a woman’s version — men’s shirts just fit us funny!
also, kudos on your recent, for lack of a better word, life choice. Have been kicking the idea around myself, but haven’t mustered the courage thus far
September 30th, 2005 at 10:13 am
I don’t think I “get” it, but I’d definitely wear it. Like the orange.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:23 am
I like the idea of the signed limited edition photos.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:33 am
I would definately buy a Tee, especially in a woman’s baby tee. Keep up the great ideas/work!!
September 30th, 2005 at 10:38 am
There are so many people selling shirts out there today (check out cafe press and you’ll see what I mean) that I wonder if it is something that can have 1) a viable profit and 2) sustainable in the long term.
As for the pictures, I think they are fantastic, but has also been said it is a difficult step from “cool” to “here’s my visa”. Although I do have one of Heather’s pictures on my computer desktop.
I think my main worry would be how to keep whatever it is you decide going. You and Heather have tons of readers and I imagine that there would be a inital rush at whatever you guys decide. But what about 6 months from now? This is the lawyer in me talking, but I would suggest sitting down and coming up with some kind of tentative business plan. Like start with this product, move on to this, create that. So there is a constant progression upwards and onwards and it gives you peace of mind to see how you are progessing forward.
That said, if you made a doggie sweater, my husband and I would be on that like cheese on chips.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:39 am
I would buy a t-shirt from you guys no matter what it looked like, just to support such great people who make me smile so much. I applaud you for making the choice to live life and pursue your passions.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:40 am
Wouldn’t buy this t-shirt. I don’t think it’s that funny, plus–before the font there was Edith Bunker. Enough said. Plus it’s white. How about Chuck t-shirts?
September 30th, 2005 at 10:47 am
For printing, start with a supplier and see what the demand is. If it’s up there, then go for printing the pictures yourself. You can easily rent a Xerox high-end printer for about $300/month. We have a graphic design business and that’s what we do - the quality is super.
Good luck!
September 30th, 2005 at 10:50 am
Wouldn’t buy the t-shirt -don’t get it, I wouldn’t buy something that appears to denigrate myself, it’s white and therefore gets instantly stained the minute I put it on, the trim is orange which I hate in that shade.
Would buy photos, and here’s a suggestion and I’m hoping it’s not too damn commercial for you, but you do want to make money, and sometimes you do art for art’s sake and sometimes you do art for money: think of why people are buying these photos - probably to decorate. Decorate what? An office, their home. One photo looks stupid by itself, unless it’s large and can hold its own (or you’re decorating the bathroom). Myself, I would like several related pictures, somewhat smaller, to decorate my bedroom. The advantage of this for you is that people don’t just buy one picture, they buy a collection. You’re not selling one, you’re selling four.
So maybe you want to keep your arty photos, but also develop your commercial side - who is going to buy this and what are they going to do with it, and what’s the theme, and how can I market it as a package, so they buy the whole package and not just one photo.
Hope this helps!