Rant About Marine Industry And Marketing 101

[Mark Ray]

I joined this site a ways back to help me get my artwork in front of who matters most- the fishermen. I paint for the fishermen, the guys and gals that fish for a living and the ones that fish when they can.
Producing Sportfish art and selling it especially right now is a challenge. I may not be as big as some of my fellow Marine artist but this site allows me to reach the FISHERMEN not just the companys that want to use the artwork. I havn't paid for advertising in a magazine yet, any exposure I get is word of mouth and the occasional cover of a magazine.
I don't have an advertising budget, I can't ,most of the money I make goes right back into my business (with hopes that one day I can keep some for my family and I ) .
This site has made me money and plus what I consider more valueable than money -EXPOSURE.
I applaud John and crew and appreciate them letting me partner with them. This economy won't be down forever and when it rebounds and I'm still in business I can honestly say that SFC was a huge reason why!

[gaffn1]

Mark this site it how I found you!!

[Cardinal Joe]

Hell - I even came Back ! The grass is NOT always greener on the other side !!!!!!!!!!!
Cardinal Joe

[Capt Josh]

I'm sexy and skinny.

Oooohhh what i would do to you with a bottle of narco's and a jar of Jiffy peanut butter...

[Burnin 1]

Although I am fairly new here, I must say this place Rocks....

[Squidnation]

Damn bro, isn't your dad a pharmacist? Just ask him for a refill

All kidding aside - this site rocks. But its kinda like venezuela. If I keep telling people about the success I have had then I won't be able to get in next year so I'll just shut up

[Pargon]

john, for those of us out here on the wingtip of humanity, along with the guys in the rest of mexico, alaska, south america, and points beyond this is our fishing community. this is where we go to talk, and listen fishing. with this group of folks puttin' in their $.02 cents worth apiece we end up with $1,000,000 bucks worth of info. The industry will always be behind the curve, their are so many parasites that make their living on "the old way" (ie. ad agencies) that a change to "the new way" is always overdue by the time it is made. hang tough, the world is beating a path to your door, one fisherman at a time.

[DaGoose]

John and Jer,

Thank you and your staff for putting up with all of the headaches, and providing a great forum not only for folks to come and hang out, but also for providing reasonable ad pricing for little outfits like us to partner with you.

I can't imagine the frustration when certain individuals repeatedly take complete advantage of your good natured disposition for their own gain, regardless of how they spin it otherwise, yet they won't spend a dime to support you.

Thanks again and keep fighting the good fight! It's truly appreciated.

Rick

[hass]

I was roped into, talked into, and took, hook line and sinker an AD Agencies sales pitch in June 2007.

$$475,000 later my customers just want the same old thing we always give them, great product, great service, great price.
Judging from your loyal members & advertisers, it's something you deliver very well.

As a customer/visitor of your site I understand your frustration with ad agencies, and clients not seeing the value in your site. I can certainly see it. You offer your visitors a one stop shop for knowledge/products/info that are hard to find. If I thought my hass avocados and guacamole could be sold & or effectively marketed on this site i would be advertising with you.

Thanks for writing the RANT, its cool to be able to relate to the guy on the other end. Good luck.

[wide open]

yess it is good. i came back, going to stay, i just wish that i had my old credits, posts and join date!!! i have learned some tricks for sure, one of them being the marine industry, as good as it has been, can be an evil place!