A reader criticized how I approached a recent post, and something they said reminded me about a topic we don’t really talk about often.
How does ToolGuyd make money?
I have done freelance work for magazines and other publications in the past, but for the sake of this post, let’s talk about 2023 exclusively.
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Here’s what has been keeping the lights on, in no particular order:
- Affiliate referrals/commissions
- Google advertising
- Direct advertising
- Sponsorships
- Consulting
Affiliate referrals/commissions – you can buy a Dewalt 10pc drill bit set at Amazon for $10, or a Dewalt 30pc screwdriver bit set at Home Depot, also at $10. And if you do click these links and make the purchase, we’ll get a small commission in about 2-1/2 months.
Affiliate links are tricky. I treat them as references, where I refrain from posting links where they don’t naturally belong. I have been doing things this way for 15 years, and I don’t think I could change my habits or practices if I wanted to.
I often refer back to my own content to check specs and refresh my memory. I know what I tend to find useful, and assume others feel the same.
The thing to remember is that one has a lot of chances to earn a reader’s trust, and it can take just one bad experience to throw all of that away.
Fred (hi!) has been commenting for 13-1/2 YEARS.
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ToolGuyd can absolutely earn much more via affiliate revenue than it does. MUCH more. But it’s a lot of the everyday interactions with long-term readers that make this rewarding.
ToolGuyd cannot survive without its readers. Or rather, all the fun would be sucked right out.
Google advertising – these are some of the contextual ads you might see at the top of a post, or the right sidebar if you’re on a desktop browser.
There are some settings that I could activate to instantly boost revenue, but I don’t. I’m on this site a lot more than anyone else, and require a good user experience. Sure, I can give myself a different experience than I give you, but that brings us back to the “don’t push away the folks that make this fun” argument.
Would you trust a chef that wouldn’t eat what they cook? Me neither.
Yes, I realize it’s not modest to talk about leaving money on the table, but on occasion it helps me feel better about it.
Direct advertising – this is where a brand pays for banner ad space. I feel that direct ad buys draw the broadest line between content and advertising.
But aren’t you worried you’ll say something negative and lose an advertiser?
No – not at all. That’s a benefit of having different revenue streams – I don’t have to make compromises.
Well, with one exception. Google’s ad service AI really dislikes all knife content, and will throw out all kinds of red flags.
I decided to save all such EDC content for a separate channel, and… Instagram permanently blocked it without explanation.
Sorry, I digress.
Sometimes with temporary advertisers I’ll hold off on content until after the check is in-hand, not because I think they’ll retaliate, but for optics.
It’s one thing to say “I can say whatever I want and they won’t retaliate,” and another for me to say “they cannot retaliate.”
I can say whatever I want because, again, it’s not worth compromising my ethics, readers’ trust, or a major source of enjoyment for just a couple of dollars.
Even if I really make an active advertiser angry, there are always others. And if not, affiliate partners all have banner ads, and there are always ad networks.
Sponsorships – sponsorships are tough to describe, because each one is different. Brands usually have some priorities, I/ToolGuyd have mine, and we usually find an arrangement that works without compromising anyone’s ethics.
Sponsorships aren’t about hyping things up, they’re about exploring something new – or at least that’s my approach – and in ways that ordinarily wouldn’t be possible.
Because this isn’t our only form of revenue support, I have the ability to decline working with brands that aren’t a good fit. Last year I was essentially asked to make a brand’s product look better than another’s, and there was no way I could do this easily.
I found other angles inline with ToolGuyd’s guidelines, but there were just too many flags. So it didn’t happen.
Again – I’m not going to betray readers for a quick paycheck. You will see right through it.
There are always temptations, but that’s why there are hard rules to provide checks and balances.
There’s also transparency.
I probably learned enough over the past 15 years to double ToolGuyd’s revenue. But why? ToolGuyd was never supposed to be a job, career, or business.
Every new tool post should be fun and helpful. Every review should be fun and helpful. Every sponsored exploration should be fun.
If the point is to make money, there are plenty of other things I could do. Right?
Consulting – I am sometimes approached with unusual asks, such as to help with preparing market research materials for paid publications. I learned years ago that a lot of people asking for commercial help are slime bags.
“I’m a TV producer, we need ideas for a show.” Can I get a credit? “Sure.” Later… hey, you used my ideas. “No, we had these [really esoteric ideas] already.”
Or “can you help us with our market research report [that we sell at $5000 per copy]?” Can I get a copy of the report at least? “Oh no, we can’t do that.”
I received two messages from investment companies at around the same time last year, at the start of the holiday season, and they wanted my input about mergers and acquisitions potential of tool brands. Nope, nope, nope.
But this year, there was an interesting request, and there was no conflict of interest. The timing was tight – that was not a fun week of mostly 20 hour days. It was so much fun!
Taking that job was fun, but also added to my ability to say “no.”
If things change, there’s always the potential for more freelance work, or switches I can toggle in the ad network. Or, I can add a subscription option.
Part of the complexity in how I work with brands is that there was no rule book 15 years ago. There were no guidelines on what to do when a brand sends a tool sample and says “nah, magazines generally don’t acknowledge test samples.” But I did anyway because it felt right.
I’m not going to add more ads, because it doesn’t feel right.
I’m not going to say “WHOA – save *45%* on this Dewalt cordless drill kit at Amazon – hurry!,” because it doesn’t feel right. Well, I might use similar language on a deal I really care about, but not with $$$ as the motivating factor.
As an aside, early on – maybe 11-14 years ago, I posted about holiday tool deals so as to better resist them. You know the feeling when you get in a good deal for something you need? Sharing a good deal with someone who didn’t know it existed feels kind of like that.
Throughout the years, there’s been a prominent thought in my subconscious mind – “thank goodness I have fall-backs.” That wasn’t accidental.
I worked for magazines to learn new skills, and was a contributing editor at one for a couple of issues where I managed and edited others’ assignments.
It means taking fitting consulting jobs even though it obliterated my mind and body for a week.
And, I do have a background in physics and materials science. I always thought “that’s always going to be in demand,” whether accurate or not.
All this is to say that ToolGuyd earns revenue from multiple streams, and for each I always have the freedom to say “no.”
I want a huge workshop, which is the trend for every influencer after a few years. But that means debt and pressure that might hamper my ability to work with brands on mutually beneficial terms.
A retailer wanted to pay for banner ads, but I swore against ever promoting them again. “No.”
A super-sized affiliate retail partner demanded that I add tracking pixels to the site so they can gather details on users. “No.”
They didn’t take “no” too kindly. So in about a minute I redirected every single link to that retailer – site-wide – and switched it over to a post that instead recommended the retailer’s direct competitor.
I don’t take kindly to unfair demands.
I’m lucky – I know. Not everyone can say no. Maybe I shouldn’t always say no, but I worked seemingly endless hours to get to that point.
My wife unexpectedly lost her job due to layoffs, and that was tight and stressful. I managed costs for a while, and we made it through with my guidelines and integrity intact.
There are some compromises. I don’t know what time it is for you, but it’s in the middle of the night here. I’m up because I’m sick with a cold – this is supposed to be my holiday season wind-down period – but chances are I’d be up anyway, catching up on emails, working on tomorrow’s post, or replying to comments.
Work-life balance is something I still need to work on, but it’s really hard to when your “job” is writing about the latest cool new tools.
That’s part of the reason I have new guidelines for press/media – navigating the waters when brands prioritize paid/partnered influencers without being able or willing to maintain press/media communications and resources is extremely time consuming.
It was maybe 11 years ago when Todd Langston at Stanley Black & Decker – their marketing manager at the time – asked me if I wanted ToolGuyd to be a tabloid, or taken seriously. A year later, an incident happened that encouraged me to walk the “taken seriously” path.
The guidelines that governed my approach to press/media relations until now work very well in meeting cooperative brands halfway, but severely hamper my coverage otherwise.
One day I’ll rehash what I happened 10 years ago to result in formal censure. I wasn’t wrong, but neither was the brand. I didn’t kowtow to the brand then, but I did my part to meet them halfway.
Today, there’s one brand that really seems to reward kowtowing and punish those who refuse to be obsequious sycophants. Even when I bowed a little, as far as my guidelines allowed, just to make peace, their attitude seemed to be “bow lower.” They did this numerous times over the years. It seemed they didn’t want media partners, but servants and ShamWow type influencers.
Did you think we were just going to talk about money? It wasn’t intentional, but it nicely reinforces the point – money is not a primary motivator.
Maybe it should be – money is good, I/ToolGuyd can always use more – but I just can’t.
I’ll take more jobs, freelance more, take a 9-5 in the research or industrial sector, or find another way.
Maybe it seems to some brands that money or tools is a primary driving force, but it’s not. But what can you do?
So, I’m adapting some of ToolGuyd’s guidelines regarding cooperation, not necessarily for now, but for how things will be 5 years from now.
Some brands are truly exceptional when it comes to marketing/press efforts and resources. Others aren’t, and it’ll take used to – not sitting at a table and staring at my supposed counterpart’s empty chair. That’s what’s been happening. But it’s almost as if the moment I stand up, someone yells to me “we’re here, we’re here.” By the time I have what I need – and that can be a huge if – the story has lost all potential impact.
There are a number of huge media conglomerates that started around the time ToolGuyd did, and they grew and grew and are household names today. But their styles are different. I like working with like-minded contributors on occasion, and I’m not very interested in managing people.
So, I run a media business that I’m not actively expanding in ways I would advise others to, and money is not a primary motivator. Is that normal?
But I love what I do. I don’t need a grand workshop or more than 1 car. My doctor says I should probably cut down on steak anyway.
And NO – this doesn’t mean I want to add a subscription option. Maybe some day, but not now. Why? Because paywalls suck.
To be candid, if someone came along and offered me $10,000,000, I might change my tune. $50M? Definitely. Hey – transparency, right?
But then what would I do everyday? Sleep? lol – I’d love to have that problem, of having to figure out what to do with $50M!!!
For all you regular reader that are also commentors, why do you comment? Why do you visit every day?
Exactly.
That’s how all of this started – commenting on a tool blog, for fun.
If you made it this far – sorry, I like to chat. I feel like I owe you something.
A particular tool brand – and no it doesn’t start with an R or S – is coming out with a rolling tool box with DRAWERS ON THE BOTTOM. I got a confession confirmation from them!
It is not going to be available soon, but they’re ACTIVELY working on it.
That feeling of excitement you’re feeling right now, saying “FINALLY” and “I hope my brand does that too!” – that’s kind of what ToolGuyd feels like.”
That’s why the rare reader who might think “that’s a lazy post just for the money,” or a brand influencer manager might think “he just wants a cut of the money pot” couldn’t be further from the truth.
Maybe it’s unfair for me to expect press/media resources from influencer and social media marketing managers who only ever deal with transactional relationships anymore. It took me a while – I’m finally learning.
How many “influencers” are okay with just an info packet, rather than a “free tool” or paycheck? Can I expect brands to provide press/media resources just for me? What I realized is that this isn’t my problem. My focus is on ToolGuyd’s needs and its readers’.
I’m going to focus on ToolGuyd’s interests – and yours – because the site’s future pretty much depends on it.
Now – be honest – how many of you also clicked the above link to the Dewalt cordless drill that’s “45% off” right now? This one’s better – the Atomic kit at Home Depot. They’ve also had “repeat” deals of the day where you can get that drill kit plus the $10 bit set for the same $99. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s likely if you wait a little.
Oh, and then next brand to come out with a rolling-based modular tool box with drawers on the bottom is….
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Rog
I love coming to and commenting on this site for so many reasons; The tool talk, the reviews, the latest and greatest deals, etc etc. But other sites have those too, what makes this site special? What keeps me coming back here is transparency and honesty. I genuinely feel like this is the one site I can truly trust to not just try and sell me something.
Keep up the great work, Stuart!
Curt
I may not be as old as Fred (hi Fred!), but I’ve been here since at least 2013. Toolguyd is the first place I go when I’m thinking about needs and wants in the tool space. I’ve never questioned the integrity of the content here, not once – you’re solid gold, Stuart. Never let the bastards see you sweat, and thanks for doing what you do.
Also – I know you don’t want a subscription model. But is there a way we could buy you the occasional cup of coffee?
Hope ya feel better soon, man.
fred
Hi back to you! Who knew that 13.5 years (about 16% of my life) would be spent reading ToolGuyd. I keep coming back both for your (Stuart’s) reliable content and the integrity of the site – plus the readership and comments that it garners.
This article reminds me of some of the struggles one encounters in running any business and putting food on the table. When I was actively doing that, I recall times when my partners and I would question whether it was all worth it. In good times and the not-so-good some would decide that it was no longer worth the effort and sell up – but sometimes those events added new investors with new ideas that reinvigorated the rest of us. I’d like to think that ToolGuyd will be reinvigorated as new challenges arise and hope that you (Stuart) will continue to be able to earn a decent living while doing what you clearly love – still keeping your readers informed and entertained.
JR
Goes by quick. I’ve followed since 2017 but feels like yesterday. Coincidentally also about 16%. I usually look for Fred’s comments on posts. They often add significant unique perspective. At first introduction into this realm I followed several sources but Toolguyd is the only one I keep tabs of now. It is a unique resource.
Stewart, if you wanted to increase site clicks for a low cost may I suggest something? I have no idea if this would be useful to you or not but.. There’s a privacy based search engine called presearch that I’ve personally been using for 2 years now. If one were to search for the term ryobi on presearch right now the results could be interesting.
Kent hanson
Excellent post. I think I’ve been reading here for at least ten years and for me the posts have become less and less engaging because being a non American any “tool deals” post does not apply but maybe that is recency bias because of black Friday and all the posts for deals that are of no use to me as well as posts lowes/sears/craftsman.
I still come just about every day because if there is something new that is going interest me I definitely want to know about it and as far as print goes this is the most comprehensive place to get that information.
Sam
Longtime reader (at least 7-8 years, likely more) but I’ve commented less than a handful of times, and usually on posts like this. Just wanted to add that if you do a subscription model, I would absolutely pay for it. In fact, if you just did a donation button, I would immediately add to the pot because this is the type of content that feels like cheating the author if the readers didn’t pay for it.
razl
I’m the same length and type of reader you are and would do the same. Maybe a “tip” button instead of “donation”? Whichever.
Dave (not here)
Same boat – went through a dozen or so tool sites about a decade ago doing as much homework as possible before buying into a cordless line, this is the only one I’ve stuck with and still visit daily even though I rarely comment.
As a young handyman’s apprentice it wasn’t quite as easy to see through the shilling being done by most of the tool “review” sites, but as a licensed contractor going on 3 years 90% of the internet content in the space is readily apparent as laughable. The quality here is a large part Stuart’s writing and topic cultivation, and no small part the dozens of informative comments from Fred and most of the other frequent posters who frequently drive the conversation further.
I’m more than happy to pay for media that has value, though I appreciate any effort to keep valuable posts public rather than hidden behind a pay wall. To that end I’d like to also say I’d love to see a “tip jar” link where those so inclined could pitch in a few bucks for a coffee or sandwich from time to time…
sam
oh yeah, tip button for sure. You nailed it. I largely think that tip culture has gotten out of control, with those pads they spin around asking you for a tip of after they swipe your card on a $5 coffee, but I also think that in this specific instance, calling it a “tip” is 100% the way to go. As a way to say like “hey, what you just wrote was very valuable to me, here’s a thank you.” Just feels appropriate for me.
Rog
A “just the tip” jar, perhaps?
James Vis
The effort you put into your posts and the integrity of your reviews is what drew me here and what keeps me here. Toolguyd is an almost daily stopping point for me and I look forward to seeing what you will post next. Not everything is for me, but that’s good and it causes me to explore other topics I might have otherwise ignored.
Thank you for the work you do and I hope you continue to be able to keep doing it and continue to enjoy doing it.
Robert
Stuart, I found this the most interesting article I can remember, the peek behind the green curtain. My job is to evaluate businesses. Your’s is quite different than the ones I cover. So, I was always curious how you can monetize electrons.
MM
Well, with one exception. Google’s ad service AI really dislikes all knife content, and will throw out all kinds of red flags.
I decided to save all such EDC content for a separate channel, and… Instagram permanently blocked it without explanation.
And that sort of nonsense is yet another reason why I will never use Instagram, Facebook, and so on.
Ben
But haven’t you heard? Knife bad. Knife *scary*. No one needs a knife!!!one!1!
ITCD
*VP in charge of AdSense gets some flooring redone*
“Hey, so what’s that called anyway?”
“Oh this is a linoleum knife.”
“Out! OUT, SCOUNDREL! Nobody uses knives for regular old jobs and stuff, I’ve never once seen one at our paper-shuffling sessions at work!”
I feel like they think knives are adjacent to a certain other thing, which does have some non-violent uses like sporting events, but also is a common item for violence, which they’ve also taken to having a big problem with lately. To the point where people come ip with goofy names like kinetic devices and stuff even if they’re just doing a YouTube show talking about the news or something.
Saulac
Does Toolguyd have an Amazon store? I admittedly have not used such stores but I would for Toolguyd. It is quite often that I when need something unexpectedly I hop on here…sometimes I don’t have much time…sometime it is just something small…this is counter to what I normally do…but may happy to buy whatever Toolguyd would buy.
Dave (not here)
I believe that’s how affiliate links work – if Stuart posts a link here it’s likely a “share-a-sale” link and he’ll get a small cut of any sale made. So if he posts a deal you like, click through from Toolguyd to wherever before starting your cart to make sure he gets paid for turning you onto the deal.
Stuart
Yes, they’re now “influencer storefronts,” or something like that, but I don’t use or update it much.
Saulac
Maybe you should look into it. I just tested by searching for “Idaho Painter”, a YouTuber, and his store popped up. I know it not much but I am not sure if I remember to follow what Dave said above after a few clicks.
Bmak
Great job on the article Stewart. I truly enjoy your content and look forward to your email arriving daily. Keep up the great work and thank you for all you do !
Rx9
The honesty and transparency here is why I come back. I can’t stand shills, and I appreciate that you have been a considerate and truthful proprietor, Stuart. Thank you.
MFC
Good job, keep going, if you get 50M you can just start another site and say “No” more often. 😉
RD
I’ve been reading here for at least 9 years, but it took a couple to start commenting. I stay because posts like these just remind me of being on the internet 20 years ago — no tracking pixels, no constant push for attention, no pitch other than “you might want to know about this” so I don’t have to spend 10x as long finding things out myself. Also, the moderation is borderline super-human — I don’t get the impression anyone here wants to do anything other than talk about tools and wants to help each other out.
But 50 mil? Enjoy, just tell us it’s not you anymore running it before you head out the door, Stuart!
Mike
Great post! I’m new (started reading earlier this year after a Google link lead me to a post), and not a handyman by any stretch. But I like to read good writing, and you serve that up in spades. I also like good deals, whether from your post or from a comment to the post. (I read most of the comments as well, because the community here is good) And that’s what’s important – finding a good space with good info, interesting writing, and really interesting characters.
Steve
Thanks, Stuart. I do very much appreciate how you run your site. I’m a little kerflobbled right now trying to the math on Fred’s age (hi Fred), 13.5 years is 16% makes Fred . . . kinda old, but always worth the read.
Jim Felt
Steve. We just need to accept that Fred’s kinda like Obi-Wan Kenobi.
David Z
Going old school here (spacing will mess this up, I’m sure):
13.5 x
—– = ——
16 100
.
13.5 × 100 = 16x.
.
x = (1350)/16
.
x = 84.375
.
I nominate Fred for the site historian position, ala Ducky on NCIS.
Steve
Thanks Dave, I had my shoes off but was still working at it.
SAMO
I did that math also!
Jim Felt
Stuart. Thank you for again affirming why so many of us here are completely supportive of your work. And I know it’s work even if it kinda looks like fun.
(I’ve infrequently seen other tool related “channels” and their breathless blather and for the love of Pete why to they even have an audience? I’ve simply no idea.)
Ben V
Here here!
Blocky
Can’t believe you Rick Rolling Drawered us. Haha
Stuart
Nobody got it yet…
Rob H
Never gonna give you up!!!
Jared
I stick around because the content is interesting, there is lots of thoughtful analysis and you are talented writer with obvious subject-matter expertise! So many online tool news sources are written by people with barely any understanding about what they’re writing about – it drives me nuts.
And the discussion! It’s fun to engage with you and the other readers like me – fred amongst them! 13 1/2 years fees like an accomplishment.
Dillon Corr
I don’t comment often, but I have to say… this post sums up why I check your site daily, often more than once. You’ve always been reliable and fair. Which I genuinely appreciate. Keep up the good work!
BTW – Rick roll was perfectly executed.
Charles
I respect your approach AND hope you make money
Do banner adds. We ignore them. Just no pop up ads!
James
Happy this helps you make ends meet. It gives me a great deal of entertainment, energy, and information. Your writing is great, and the vibe you espouse means the comments are complimentary and so full of golden nuggets. Although I started commenting only recently, I have been following your site for several years and it is nothing short of a blessing in my life.
J
I rarely ever post but I’ve been reading for a couple of years.
I’m more in the tech/networking world than I am in the tool world, but I do use tools in both hobbies and my professional life. I despise most advertising and tracking (particularly methods invisible to the end-user or presented without an opt-out). I also despise the influencer/social media culture that’s pervaded nearly all corners of the internet.
All that background so I can say these few points:
I like toolguyd because it doesn’t read like most print commercials. When you’re sponsored, you say as much. When you’re going over something new you found, you copy their marketing spiel then use plain English below and give an opinion on it, good or bad. It comes across as way more relatable than most other marketing or blog materials I’ve found.
I’m glad to hear about your refusal of setting up tracking pixels. That technology along with other techniques (GPU vector/machine ID fingerprinting in particular) are wholly unconscionable. I applaud your integrity on this matter. If there are other techs implemented that do not give the end-user an option to opt out, I recommend re-evaluating their existence or implementation on your site.
I run a PiHole (custom DNS server that blocks ads and trackers) as well as use a lrivacy-focused VPN and extensions to block trackers and ads on my browser, so you haven’t received much, of any, ad revenue from me. I do however, use your Amazon affiliate links if you spot something interesting.
You may not be the biggest tool blog around but I wonder how many similar creators you’ve outlasted because you’re more authentic and have garnered a more loyal viewer base.
If you’ve been able to keep the bills paid for 15 years doing this, great job. If you still have the passion and the ethics contact after that same time period, even better.
In short, keep it up.
Jbongo
I agree with this comment 100%. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and a look behind the site.
And for $50 million, I don’t think anyone could blame you. I know of probably do it if given that chance.
Jbongo
This was supposed to be a reply to Dillon Corr’s post. Oops!
Jack D
As a relative newcomer here, I’ll echo much of the sentiment already shared. This site is the first site I visit when I open the browser every day, and everyone here knows exactly why. You run a great site here, and you foster the sort of following that reflects your integrity and commitment, and those folks only add to the wealth information that jumps off the screen daily here. I even fell for your Rick Roll because there’s always something new for me to read an learn here, even if I’m not particularly interested in the topic!
As someone who ran an online forum for about 15 years, so much of what you wrote in this article rang true to me personally, and brought me back in ways.
Keep doing what you’re doing! It works!
As an aside, you could always supplement income with a “content farm” separate from Toolguyd altogether, but utilizing your knowledge and content to make that work for your SEO, etc. Toolguyd would continue unfazed by the ravages of the changing online economy, but be bolstered by the income on the farm’s back end.
In the meantime, here’s to all the rest of the tool nerds here! We know who we are!
David+A.
My go to recommendation for tool info is here. And will continue to be.
Jp
A few questions: Is this a full time occupation? Do you teach at a college? I know you earned a Ph.D. It’s awesome if someone achieves success via website. But it seems by your post that this is a passionate hobby rather than a mortgage payment. Have you been tapped to develop tools? As I age, I will need to find something else. Website sounds great but I’m boring….I don’t think it will work.
Scott F
Hard to say anything that others haven’t – but what sets ToolGuyd apart from everybody else is passion. Not that we have many other content options that are even human in 2023, but what makes this site so interesting, engaging, and successful is the energy and intelligence that you bring to the table with every post, Stuart. We can collectively tell that you are personally attached and driven not only by the content that you write about, but by being a respectable media outlet for tool information of all shapes and sizes. The ethics and morals that the site is guided by are an added bonus, and prove that you/ToolGuyd have a greater mission.
What you have done is create something excellent, and almost in direct contradiction to your typical “business” where profit is the core motivation. Thank you for the willpower and strength it must have taken to do that – and I certainly also hope (and think you deserve) that $50M. To echo a comment from above, I would gladly put money in the “tip jar”/subscribe to a Patreon for ToolGuyd if one existed.
JoeM
Just do that voodoo you do so well, Stuart. You are a key part of my purchasing process. I’ve developed an affinity for your style of writing, above and beyond how others phrase things. And there have been genuine times when you’ve helped me out, personally.
Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it the right way. Egos and Fandoms aside, one can’t argue with your direct-to-the-meat-and-potatoes approach (No offense intended to the Vegetarian or Vegan folks, it’s just a saying.) to any given topic.
Even my family members benefit from your influence. I now have a fountain pen, as you suggested, and I bought one for my Niece to do some art with. Going from cheaply produced, to inexpensive yet greatly improved quality, is a step I never would have taken if not for your advice. So, if you say this is how you keep the lights on? This is how I happily take my advice from ToolGuyd!
Joe Hurst
Stu,
I admire you for fighting the good fight. One day, perhaps you’ll share a few photos of your “not-so-big” workshop, and maybe a few projects?
Until the next trade show.
Happy Holidays,
Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk
JeffD
I’ve been reading TG for years and even had a couple of reviews posted back in the day.
Stu has always been above board and transparent.
Rick
I don’t mind affiliate links at all. If I want the item, the final clicks to buy result from my decision and I will gladly use an affiliate link as it is no extra cost to me. I either want it / need it or I don’t. You are merely giving me a suggestion or a nudge. And that is OK.
AC
Been here a long time too and I enjoy the content, but that said, I do wish you to make some $$$. I think it’s a balance we all understand.
Nathan S
I think I’ve been a reader since pre-2010. Back then, I just went by “Nathan,” but someone else with the same name started posted more than me.
Honesty and Integrity: these are the reasons I come back weekly, if not daily. I trust and respect what you say Stuart, even if I don’t agree at times (fairly rare).
It’s been mentioned to drop a tip jar somewhere on the page, which I would support. Have you also looked into Patreon, or some such thing? I’d support that, as I’m sure others would.
Also would make an effort to shop an Amazon store of yours. Maybe this is the prompt to go back and look that up. I try to remember to click your affiliate links, especially if there is something you recommended that caught my eye. I kick myself if I forget.
If you ever got into a bind financially, please reach out to your readers first before you consider selling out. Keep up the great work, and let us know if there are other ways to support the site.
Nathan S
…and now I’ve been Rick-rolled by everyone!
Nathan S
Also, just a thought that occurred: do you have any thoughts on selling any sort of limited-run merchandise or anything? I know that comes with its own complications, too. Have seen some on Youtube (e.g. Ryan Hall Y’all) sell stuff that has his brand that also is congruent and additive with the channel’s content.
Would love a Megapro Toolguyd limited edition, or perhaps Toolguyd Woodpeckers square, or even something related to your physics background….
Just some more thoughts: I’ll stop now!
JR Ramos
Stuart, thanks for this article – very interesting and things like this are one of many reasons I began to really value your site and visit regularly. I think I first found your site in search results maybe 10 years ago but it wasn’t until maybe 4 years ago that I began to visit regularly and comment occasionally.
This is actually one of very few websites where, when I click the bookmark, I actually have good feelings and fun expectations. Content is almost always great, the interaction and additional information from users is excellent, and there’s just nothing negative to say about it. In addition to “transparent” articles like this one, you always participate and interact with users on a Real Talk level, and that is both appreciated and admirable – so many sites/channels/pages don’t do that or do it so superficially that people can feel like targets or objects speaking into the void. I understand how busy it can be trying to read – let alone respond – to comments and such (and spam) so it’s really great that you do so, even if the timing is well after the article was first posted.
Without sounding too trite, I think ToolGuyD is one of the gems on the internet and thank you for creating, maintaining, and feeding it. Happy holidays to you!
Jason White
Wow, been many years since I heard Todd Langston’s name. Looks like he’s still at SB&D! Good guy.
Ron
Hi Stewart. I check in once a week or so from the newsletter. Simply too many interests and too many forums. We had a short personal contact back in 2020, nothing major, but I thought then and the exchange confirmed, my belief you are simply a decent dude. Most of us work to put food on the table, and for me it’s “Enlightened self-interest.” I choose to think that’s where you come. Others come from greed and I avoid them like the plague.
FWIT I am retiring December 30 a second time. 27 years US Army, 16+ years civil service. Because I told my superiors “I’m not doing this any more.” Retaliation? Yes, a recommendation for a 3 day suspension for “unprofessionalism.” Not the real issue, but one they can make hard to fight. At least I can retire and leave with my integrity. So some of us really get where you are coming from. Best wishes for continued great run.
Hannah G
My husband is a daily TG reader. I hear a lot second hand about the articles and deals. Fred has come up as a fun expert in the comments (hi Fred!) My browsing is infrequent, but I come for links when my husband mentions something he read about here that would make a good stocking stuffer. I know he appreciates your honesty and transparency. I’m happy to hear about tools from him, but it’s nice when he can comment and share his enthusiasm with others who are also fans of tools. There’s value in the community aspect. We would chip in on a tip jar, or jump on a Patreon experience, etc as we would be able. Free access to reading is appreciated given our budget, but there’s value in paying for your expertise. Keep writing, and my husband will keep reading. I told him I was leaving a comment on a post, but didn’t say which one. How long before he finds it?!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
SAMO
Interesting. Thx.
Cr8on
I have been out of the building/remodeling word for many years now, but I keep coming back to Toolguyd for you, I enjoy your work and thank you for it… And I blame you personally for my Olight addiction!
Joe
Sort of a long time reader here, maybe 8-10 years but rarely comment. But this site has been great and the only site in my entire life where I have won something from a contest or whatever you do when you submit an email. I won a set of the craftsman pass through ratchets. I was accidentally sent the wrong set, was sent a small set with no case when it was supposed to be a hard shelled case. I got to keep both! I still use the tools to this day.