Sponsor Thank you!

I know a lot of you read my letter campaign to the sponsors. I want to let you know that this is not all we can do to let the IDA sponsors know we appreciate them. If you have not seen the latest IDO outdoors show… it is a must see. If you have seen it, then you know what an awesome production that James, Scott, and crew have put on. All of this would be impossible if it weren’t for those companies in the commercials. Someone had to go to those companies and ask them to sponsor the show. They agreed with the idea that, somehow, doing so would increase their bottom line. Well, whether it be the Show sponsors or site sponsors… it is our privilege to be able to tell those sponsors what a great site this is and how much we appreciate them sponsoring this show.
As far as my title goes… it is my charge to try and get new/more companies signing up to be sponsors. And this post has nothing to do with that. This post has to do with what I believe is an important aspect to being a USER… supporting the existing sponsors. I challange each and every one of you to THANK a sponsor for investing in IDA and IDO each and every time you do business with them. I am not asking you all to go out and buy a new auger, or 100 more reel weeds, or put on order of every model of GPS and flasher with Wade at Jolly Ann… What I am asking you to do is, when you are in the market for a new product… give the IDA sponsors first look. If it is not financially fiscal to purchase through them, then we all understand. We have all been there. But if it is… or there isn’t enough difference… Purchase your products through that sponsor. And let them know you heard about them through IDA.
When I fished Mille lacs this winter. I did so out of Hunters Point. I made sure to meet George and TOLD him that I am only out of his resort due to what I have heard on IDA. I purchased a new Marcum LX-5 due to Marcum being a sponsor and the great reviews Scott Steil has put up. I Bought that LX-5 through Jolly Ann Marine… Not only did they have the best price around… but they are a sponsor. I feel compelled to send my business to those that support the site that I love. This last weekend, I met up with a dozen IDA’ers at Calhoun for a small GTG. I have a bait store 1 block from my house… instead, I bought bait at Moores Bait and Tackle… a site sponsor. And while there, I thanked Bob Moore for being a sponsor. It didn’t cost me any more money that I planned to spend… and I am sure that Bob appreciated and maybe realized that his advertising works here.

Sponsorship does not end at sending IDA/IDO the check. If these companies do not see any “return” on their investment… what motivates them to continue. Again, you all have loved the shows. You all love the site! Now thank a sponsor for that! if it weren’t for them… you all would be hanging out at those other boring sites that I won’t mention !

Dave~
Good job! I believe in our sponsors myself and will deal with IDA for most all my fishing needs. Tonight was a down fall for me though, my ice house heater set me on fire the other day,I am fine but no longer trusting the 3 year old Mr.Heater/Cooker no longer. Before I went out and made my purchase at Walmart on the new Mr.Heater Buddy I checked this site in and out seeing if any of our sponsors had heaters in there ads.
But I still gave them the first shot of my business and I was willing to wait out the shipping. Bet with the new house I am going to end up looking for the Big Buddy though. Never can have enough heaters…

Glenn,

I am very sad to hear you say that. Actually, this last weekend while fishing with those other IDA’ers… I found that my little buddy heater was not keeping me warm at all. In fact, as the temps dipped down at night… I could easily and clearly see my breath inside my Yukon. And I made the decision right then and there to go with the Mr. Heater/Cooker. Others out there had this heater and it was cooking them inside their shacks. Now you have me wondering.

Dave~
Don’t use my experience to sway you away from your purchase, my brother has had his for years with no problems. They are one heck of a good source of heat. Its just once I got to Walmart and went straight to there sporting goods area the only heater they had was the Buddy.. But it will do til I find the BIG BUDDY or perhaps another cooker/heater.
The issue I had was when I pressed the ignite button to start the heater it hissed out a large amount of LP and as I was lighting it well you know what happened from there all I seen was a ball of fire and felt the heat on my hand..
After that happened it now just trickles out gas not enough to start. I took the entire unit apart with no luck of finding anything wrong. But I have gas going thru everything up to the start valve once that is back on there is little to nothing..

Dave, first of all, thank you for your enthusiasm. I would like you to know that advertising does work. Especially, if the products you advertise are good ones. My past experience with the products that have been advertised on IDA are first rate. Let that continue to be your motto. Be agressive, yet picky about your advertisers. I have yet to find a bad product advertised on IDA. Keep it that way, and everyone will do well. It’s when we sell our souls for the almighty $ that we lose track of our message and what we intended to do with it in the first place. That becomes the problem. Then, we’re just like evewryone else, and become just another “cheesy” outdoors show. I hope “like hell”, that doesn’t happen here. Keep your focus on good quality advertisers and you’ll do fine. You may not grow as fast as some, but quality still sells, and reputations if maintained, endure even longer.

I may be just the example your talking about. I buy all my electronics from Jolly Ann Marine, led to by this site. But, because of the oustanding service I’ve gotten from them, they will continue to get get all of my Marine Electronics business. I bought Reel Weeds this year and have only had the opportunity to try them a few times. I am convinced that they do indeed attract and hold fish. I’m not in the market for a boat right now, but when I am, the G3 will be the first one that I look at. The Fall Walleye DVD that James & Co. put out has gotten me intrigued. I bought a Yammie T-8 on his recommedation and I have been super happy with that little motor. That along with others who are happy with they’re Yamaha products, has done it for me. Another thing I’m looking at right now is the Marcum 460-560 underwater camera. I currently have a Z series Agua View. It’s ok, but it’s a directional nightmare. A real pain in the butt to use effectively, especially if you want to move. I’ve gotten away from using it much, just for that reason. The Marcum cameras are just what I’ve had in mind. The Panfishing episode made my mind up for me. That will be one of my future purchases, from Jolly Ann by the way as always.

As far as Everts Resort goes, well all I can say is just go there and see for yourself. If you come away and don’t like Dean Marshall, then buddy you’ve got issues that I can’t help you with. Dean’s one of the finest guy’s that you’ll ever meet. Now, if you were there while Dean was off for medical reasons, I won’t vouch for that crabby old guy that took his place while he was off. Thankfully, Dean is back. Whew!

Geez, I almost forgot BfishN. Koonce’s products just speek for themselves, by the number of fish that are caught by those who use them. There’s a constant testimonial on this site and his are the most asked about products that I know of. What do you know about these ringworms, do they really work? Yada, Yada, Yada.

Dave, I know I’ve given you a long lituiany about my experience with IDA advertisers, and can attest to the outstanding products and services promoted by them. This has been the tradition. Built on trust, by trustworthy people. Just keep that in mind.

Gramps

I heard a comment from one of our major sponsors “Boy, IDA sure has a loyal following!” That came from emails he received after the initial show. It means a lot to them to hear from the public.
As far as quality product promoted by IDA…We use it, and our reputaion is on the line. If it does not work, everyone knows it quite fast! If it works, you hear that as well.
Thanks for all of YOUR support!

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Be agressive, yet picky about your advertisers. I have yet to find a bad product advertised on IDA. Keep it that way, and everyone will do well. It’s when we sell our souls for the almighty $ that we lose track of our message and what we intended to do with it in the first place.

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Well said Gramps
Also, I’ll be getting my LX-3TC tomorrow,
Thanks Wade