How do sponsorships work?

The “old” model for websites is to pay expenses with commercial advertising on the site.  The problem with the old model is that strings are attached to everything.  Some advertisers would try to influence what products we review or who’s training we talked about.  Additionally, we would be faced with some advertisers who would threaten to withhold advertising money if we gave an honest review on a crappy product.

Not only do we want to avoid those situations, we don’t feel that it is fair to our subscribers to provide anything less that the best, most detailed information and reviews possible.  Blue Crew members need to know they are getting honest reviews of training and products.  So, we decided on a new model of doing business:  we ask for your support and provide you with more than fair compensation in the form of content and discounts.  In other words, we work for you – not some advertiser.

The banners your see on the site are from sponsors, not advertisers.

What’s the difference? For starters, they don’t pay us a dime. They support the site by providing you, the Blue Crew subscriber, a discount on their products and services. If we review one of their products or training classes, and they are awful, we are never faced with the question of losing them as an advertiser by reporting the unvarnished truth.

Likewise, they do not earn any money unless they provide you with a high quality product. They, like us, have to earn your business. Isn’t that the way it ought to be?

How do I become a sponsor?

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, review these guidelines:

  • Products and/or training should be related to law enforcement.  Examples include duty gear, firearms training, concealed carry holsters and first aid medical supplies.
  • Sponsors should provide high-quality products and services.  Excessive complaints received by the Blue Crew staff will result in removal of the sponsor from the site.
  • Sponsors must be willing to offer a substantial discount to Blue Crew members.
  • E-mail us for additional details.