POLL: Should this site offer branded merchandise?

[John Stone]

Should this site offer branded merchandise?

[Teg4e]

I posted yes, because I think that a lot of people on here are proud of being part of this community, and want to show that off. I proudly wear my honda-tech.com shirt, and I'd sport yours as well. I can understand that you might not want your image plastered on a lot of crappy merchandise, though.

Another method that works really well on these type forums is simply asking for a small donation. I guarantee the active members will eagerly donate to cover your costs.

Ethan

[karatetricker]

I think it would be a fine idea, as long as the merchandise isn't "cheesy".

[Trinity]

Some bloggers keep a "wish list" on their website (or may refer to their wishlist on Amazon.com) in addition/instead of asking for donations. I like that idea because I'd rather give a gift than cash, and it would still be something that you wanted.

[Detfunkar]

I think the question is wrongly asked.
It should be something like:

Would you buy JohnStone clothes if it was available?

[Super Fink]

I say yes, it's a great idea, especially to get your costs down!

But one suggestion - DO NOT USE CAFEPRESS! They basically give you items with iron on transfers. They hold up longer, but one or two times in the wash you can see the full square of the iron on.

Good Luck, I know I would purchase items.

-Matt

[bluealbino]

I voted no. The reason I say this is kinda complicated. The first time I saw your site, I was amazed at the honesty and genuinely uncommercial aspect.

Nearly every other nutrition or workout website on the web is there for one reason - to sell their stuff and make money. Sometimes its even disguised as a hobby site, but once you see they promote only one brand of supplement, all credibility is gone in my eyes.

Your site was like a breath of fresh air the first time I saw it. I was actually hunting your site for something like "I also happen to have wrote a book which you can buy here!" I had never come across a site like yours. It spoke to me in that I felt I could actually trust what it said. Like getting a friends opinion on a car they own versus asking the salesman selling it.

Your pictures also spoke louder than thing you could write. There was no before picture(black & white, frowning and belly pushed out) and after(color, smiling and flexing).

So honestly, If you started selling stuff now, It would not change my opinion of your credibility at all as I am totally convinced. But, I think it may affect future visitors. If my first impression of this site had been that its main goal was to make money, its unlikely I would have ever returned.

Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your honest opinions with us.

[karatetricker]

Originally Posted by bluealbino

I voted no. The reason I say this is kinda complicated. The first time I saw your site, I was amazed at the honesty and genuinely uncommercial aspect.

Nearly every other nutrition or workout website on the web is there for one reason - to sell their stuff and make money. Sometimes its even disguised as a hobby site, but once you see they promote only one brand of supplement, all credibility is gone in my eyes.

Your site was like a breath of fresh air the first time I saw it. I was actually hunting your site for something like "I also happen to have wrote a book which you can buy here!" I had never come across a site like yours. It spoke to me in that I felt I could actually trust what it said. Like getting a friends opinion on a car they own versus asking the salesman selling it.

Your pictures also spoke louder than thing you could write. There was no before picture(black & white, frowning and belly pushed out) and after(color, smiling and flexing).

So honestly, If you started selling stuff now, It would not change my opinion of your credibility at all as I am totally convinced. But, I think it may affect future visitors. If my first impression of this site had been that its main goal was to make money, its unlikely I would have ever returned.

Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your honest opinions with us.

I don't think selling merchandise has ANYTHING to do with what you mentioned. If he was selling products that directly related to fitness like "John Stone Protein Powder" or whatever like AST-SS, it would be a different story. However, selling some clothes and little miscellaneous things like mugs or gym bags has NOTHING to do with working out (directly). It's not like he would be saying in order to benefit from his site, you must purchase his products (i.e. AST-SS does). I think it is a fine, harmless idea and would take nothing from his credibility.

People don't realize the time and money John has invested in the site. Imagine John's site never existed, how many people would never have made a change in their life. I think the least he deserves is some compensation to make up for what he has already spent.

[hatter]

I say yes. I like the idea of a john stone t-shirt... I would rather a logo than have "John Stone" written all over it. Maybe have a logo contest... or use a spiced up version of the torso in John's avatar.

Also... have some catch phrase to put across the back with the URL underneath it. Something to inspire all us fat people .

How about shaker bottles, too.

---

I do like the site too... simple, straight forward, honest.

This morning I finally fell below the 220 pound mark... was at 242 at one point. This site and the people in the forums help me stay focused and keep me going. Thanks.

[gravityhomer]

Yes I think shirts, mugs, hats, gym clothes, bags, shaker bottles (liked that one ) would be a great way to further spread word of the site and what the site stands for. I think it is also great that John will get something back for what he has given all of us. I thinked it's great that he asked us. I have never checked online forums before, nor have I ever visited fitness sites before, so I am very grateful for finding his site and the amount of information and inspiration I have gained from it. I don't think John will get rich from it or even cover the cost of his site. It will however be fun for those of us into spreading the word and supporting John.

I have only one request, that the stuff look cool and perhaps have the same sense of humor that John does, with his references to South park and pulp fiction and what not on his site and forum. No offense John, but your picture on everything would be pretty cheesy, as I'm sure you agree. A logo would be better. Imagine your Buddy Christ pose on the back of a t-shirt .

EDIT: How about a logo design competition?

[FionaMaeve]

I would buy a mug that had the JOHN STONE FITNESS logo (like the one at the top of the page) on it. Would make a nice t-shirt too. Web address on it and whatnot.

(Wouldn't want pictures of characters though.)

[Jimbo]

I'd wear the clothing with pride.

[HobbesAB]

Get someone to design a tasteful, non-tacky logo and slap it on a T-shirt or mug.

Great promotional idea: If someone orders more than $50 (or whatever) of stuff, you throw in our very own John "Buddy" Stone bobble head doll or T-shirt (with the bleached hair of course)

[Jacko]

Do it man, I'd buy a shirt or something and wear it with pride. The only problems you will find yourself dealing with are freight and customs issues. You could really set up a sweet B2C module here and offset some of your set up costs. If you have any questions, let me know. I'm a purchasing agent and I deal with international buying all day, every day.

[SLUDGE]

It must be particularly weird to consider this, given the similarity of your name and the site itself. I know if I went to the bank and someone had a "Michael Labbe for C++" shirt on, I would probably have my worldview shaken just a little bit.

That being said, I voted no, because the idea sounded cheesy to me. It's possible to have someone handle all your merchandise and you just get a cut. We made a few thousand doing that when we were starting up the company, and it helped pay for our servers, but the branding just doesn't seem strong in this case, which just makes it seem a little bit tacky. I think the diminished image would stick with the site, and credibility is everything if health and fitness are the topics, especially on the Internet. If this is of concern to you John, then I recommend not going down this road.

I am, however, all for the idea of being able to purchase things for a wishlist of someone who has done me a favor over the Internet. I consider it similar to buying someone beer for helping you out in real life, except a) Buying beer over the Internet isn't streamlined and b) This is a site about eating properly.

It wouldn't help pay for the cost of the forums, but perhaps it makes the idea of running the website all that much more worthwhile in a grand-scheme-of-things sort of way?

Originally Posted by John Stone

Should this site offer branded merchandise?

[Knubb]

I voted no simply because I have no intentions to buy anything. I think the website is great, and that there's nothing wrong with sponsors keeping the site free, but even though John has accomplished great things with his body, I can't see myself buying any merchandise whatsoever.

On the other hand I know that if I had a website this successfull, I would try to make it profitable. If John wants to make money of the site by selling stuff, I say go ahead, just remember I won't buy anyting.

[BusyChild]

StoneWell you know, I'm not sure. On the one hand I think I'd never buy anything because I don't normally buy stuff like that.

If you had a shirt with your picture on it I'd never buy that, what guy wants a shirt another guys picture on it?

But say like a grey shirt with like

John
STONE
Fitness.com

I'd wear to the gym and it'd be good to see others if they had one too.

No hats nor coffee cups, I stopped drinking coffee.

Then from the main site a small link to your store and no big flashy adds or popups.

Thats my opinion but thanks for asking.

No wait I have another idea, have you ever seen the wrestler Rick Rude? He used to have some tights with his picture on the front, go for that Yeah, it'll be a huge seller.

[andi]

Absofrickinlutely. And I agree with the idea that a bitchin ass logo is in order, something very stylized and cool looking! I think some sort of motif based on John's abs is a great idea.

Sign me up. Tell me when they're available.

[taffer]

i would probly buy something ONLY if the t-shirt was good! i mean we cant go around wearing johns abs all day (not a bad idea for a t-shirt though)
just something i can wear to show off my results(when i get them that is) and to show people the reason why i could achive the results, nothing too big, maybe the website addy + a logo or something in the top left or right corner of the shirt

[Destiny]

I voted yes for workout clothing. I would like to see some smaller items like wristbands with an embroidered logo or some socks. Keep the logo small and tasteful.