We've built up a terrific set of podcasts here at Mobile Nations and iMore. Not only do we have our original, site-specific shows like the Android Central podcast and the iMore show, but we've got Debug for developers, Iterate for designers, Review for TV and movies, Vector for analysis, and ZEN and TECH for better dealing with our connected lives. They, all of them, have made it to the iTunes top ten lists, been blessed with incredible guests, and — thanks to you! — found amazing audiences. Now we're ready to take them to the next level. Here's the deal...
If you're a listener or viewer, nothing will change. You'll be getting all the same great content you always have. We'll just be adding in a few of minutes to each show where we tell you about a few really cool things. If you've ever listened to pretty much any other podcast on any other network, you'll already be familiar with how sponsorships work. It'll just be me and Peter or Guy or Marc or Seth or Georgia, or Phil and Jerry or Alex or Andrew who tell you about them.
If you've been looking for a way to support your favorite show this is it. This is how we'll be able to continue doing awesome things like upgrading our servers and hosting so performance is better on RSS and iTunes. It's how we'll be upgrading our microphones and cameras and interfaces so we'll look and sound better. It's how we'll be able to do faster and more frequent transcripts for Debug, Iterate, and Vector so they're accessible and searchable for everyone. Support the sponsors and you'll be supporting us, especially our expert hosts and the (many) hours they spend researching, preparing, and working on the shows.
If you've got an app or accessory, product or service you've been wanting to tell our amazing community of smart, savvy, engaged listeners and viewers about, reach out to @lexfri or head on over to The Mid Roll and let them know. (And hey, if there's an app, accessory, product, or service you love, encourage them to get in touch to sponsor a show!)
If you've got any questions, or there's anything you'd like from future shows, let me know! Thanks everyone for listening and watching so far — we've got much more to come!
Reader comments
Editor's desk: Sponsor and support the iMore and Mobile Nations podcasts!
I've actually wondered for a long time why Mobile Nations never had sponsers. The shows are great and deserve some Ad revenue. May I ask why you guys never enacted this until now?
It's something we've been working on for a while but we wanted to get a lot of other stuff in place first, and we also had a lot of other irons in the fire. The timing just worked out to do it now.
(And thanks for the kind words!)
Agreed. Will be happy to support your sponsors, and tell them iMore/Mobile Nations sent me!
Sent from the iMore App
Thanks, much appreciated!
As long as the ads are relevant to the listener base. I have a few podcasts I listen to advertising things that have nothing to do with my interests or the interests of the listener base like advertising shaving products or treat baskets. (I'm looking at you TWIT and Mac geek gab!)
We've done snack boxes on MacBreak Weekly! I get what you're saying and it's a tricky balance. The more you constrain it, the more repetitive they become and the chances are you'll be bored. Go a little broader and maybe we can introduce something new, but also maybe you won't care about it.
We'll always do our best, and please give us your feedback!
And that's fine. I know it's a tough balance and you probably don't want to make a habit of turning down sponsors. And I don't mind learning of cool new things. And we can't expect you guys to cater to anyone particular person.
I trust that you guys will find the balance :)
Always look forward to the AC & iMore podcasts. Anything to help things is a win win.
Sent from the iMore App
Win/win/win :)
Ya, I was wondering about sponsorships as well
Sent from the iMore App
Oops, I accidentally hit the "submit" button too early. ;P
As I was saying, I'm surprised you guys didn't have sponsorships earlier. I would be very bumbed if these podcasts disappeared so anything to help with the prosperity of these wonderful podcasts I'm all for! And if sponsors mean getting a better product, well then that's just icing on the cake!!!
Sent from the iMore App
Btw, when are you guys going to put ads into your mobile apps?? It's not that I necessarily want ads in my mobile app, it's just that if having a banner add here or there means having the resources to continue improving and creating new experiences within the mobile app, then I'm all for that.
Speaking of which, one bug that needs to be fixed in the mobile app is when writing comments from the app, once you go over 10 lines in the comment section, the keyboard from the phone starts to cover what you are typing so you can't see what you are writing. It is very frustrating when you want to write a long comment but you can't because of this bug. Please fix this asap on your next update of the app. Thanks
Sent from the iMore App
NO NO NO. Guys - there is a careful line to manage when adding adverts to products. You have definitely crossed it big time with the number and intrusiveness of the adverts in the current podcasts. I remember saying goodbye to Yahoo when all the pages had flashy intrusive adds which destroyed the experience. The new adds are too much - I'm happy with a short mention of the sponsor at the beginning and end of the podcast but not to the extent you are placing them in the middle of the content. I won't be staying with you long unless you find a better balance. It is somewhat ironic to listen to you praising the Apple approach and be-rating Google who generally at least stay well to good side of the line as far as intrusion of adverts is concerned.