Fiscal Year 08-09: In Search of Sponsorship by A Battlefield Tourist

Fiscal Year 08-09: In Search of Sponsorship

Jul 31 at 2:02pm by David Tate

The next year will entail most of my energy being spent on looking for sponsorship. The fact is, begging for money from readers doesn’t work and waiting for the money tree to bear fruit seems… well, fruitless.

What I will be looking for is a company, or companies, interested in attaching their name to my work forever. I have some cleaver ideas that I believe would make any company proud and very happy to be involved.

While I will not go into too many specifics in this forum, here are some general numbers to help you understand my situation, if you find yourself interested in teaming up.

1. I need a hand up, not a hand out. My work already generates income, which can only increase as the time I spend dedicated to the project increases. Because I am royalty based, the greater the archive, the greater the royalty (in theory). I expect to be completely self sufficient within two years of going back full time.

2. My sponsor will always be attached to my work, even after paid relationship ends. That means any projects, whether books, television or blogs, you will always be considered a primary sponsor as a gesture of appreciation for stepping up in the riskier time, investment-wise, in this project’s life.

3. July 31 officially ends the business year for “A Battlefield Tourist”. It was two years ago tomorrow that this updated site was launched. From July 31, 2008 – July 31, 2009, “A Battlefield Tourist” has recieved 151,300 visitors as of 1409 EST. This year includes just 21 days spent in a conflict zone during that year (not including Detroit). I can only give an educated guess that visitors, p/year, could easily top a million if the amount of time spent with units abroad significantly increased.

4. While I have learned some lessons regarding what I should blog about when I’m with units abroad, I am absolutely convinced that most families and their soldiers/Marines GREATLY appreciate my sacrifice. There’s no doubt I am a link between families at home with those in harm’s way. This is an INCREDIBLE opportunity to be a part of that patriotic spirit. To old to serve? Here’s your chance for “sacrifice”.

5. Current bare minimum yearly operating cost is $80,000 and is an average of a three year plan. 25% of that cost is currently covered by projected royalties based on past/current performance. That number is expected to increase at least 20% p/year, for the next two years, if left as is with no further action.

For those that have been on board since 2003, it sure has been a ride. For those who have come along since: This blog started as a way to keep in touch with family while overseas and to show interested folks the ups and downs of an independent journalist. I want to not only tell you the story, but show you how I got there. That is what this blog is. I hope you enjoy it.

dtate38@cox.net