VAPE Magazine February 2016

Page 26

columns

Vaping From the Outside

Once you do that, sit back, relax and listen. However, if you feel comfortable enough with the hosts and the chatters to participate, by all means, go for it. You might find yourself a regular of the show and a regular to the channel, while making some good friends along the way. However, don’t limit yourself to that one show or one channel. If you develop a positive relationship with chatters or hosts, ask about shows they recommend. Look into hosting possibilities, but allow yourself a few months to observe the chemistry and interaction of the hosts and chatters to make sure that it’s where you want to host and what you want to do.

Deconstruction of a Vape Show Host By Susan Oser

For those of you who venture online and have come across an online vaping show (whether it’s a podcast, VapeTV.com or vapers.tv), you probably have enjoyed one or two focused on D.I.Y., modding or giveaways. Perhaps, you’ve always considered how cool and easy it might be to become a host. As an online show host for vaping and non-vaping alike, there is a lot to learn and do when it comes to going on camera and hosting a show. It takes planning, finding the right equipment, getting music and marketing yourself, to name a few. However, though you need to be both host and producer, and it might seem a lot of work at times, it also can be rewarding and a lot of fun. Having said that, let me give you a list of some things to consider if you are thinking about becoming a vape show host:

Channels

Believe it or not, there are a lot of channels to choose from when it comes to hosting on a vape network or channel. Some have some names that you might know. Some channels are fairly new. Some have been around five-plus years. So, how are you to decide where you’d like to host? The best thing that you can do is surf around. Check out the browse preview to see if there is anyone who looks remotely interesting to you. If you don’t have that option, pick a channel name that sounds interesting and jump in.

Sponsors and giveaways

It’s important to remember that giveaways and sponsorships are marketing. They’re a great way for vendors to get their names out there to potential markets and buyers. That’s why it’s free, and it’s also why these generous vendors offer coupon codes. However, you have to make sure that you have a substantial number of people in the room, or else their sponsorships will not be to your benefit; vendors want solid numbers so they can reach the most people possible. Also, choose a vendor with whom you have a good relationship. Research who they are and find out what their goals are: are they in it for the money? To save lives? Do they have clean e-liquid? Are they activists in the community? You might also try the e-liquid yourself; that way, you’ll be able to gauge whether the juice is worth buying or giving away. With all vendors, paid customers are first in line for their goods. So there may be times a vendor offers to sponsor you, but becomes so busy that they do not have time to send giveaways. As a host, make an effort to maintain communication with vendors to find out exactly what’s happening in their world; make sure that they, as well as your viewers, are happy. Some vendors may like the idea of sponsoring you, then see how your show or channel works and decide you are not the right fit for their brand—or vice versa. Sometimes, this causes a revolving door effect. As a host, this can be frustrating. However, with every vendor that leaves, a new one can comes your way. Sometimes, you have to go through a few to find the right fit. There also are some vendors that will do giveaways, but are slow to send their prizes. Or, your winners might contact you after three weeks, letting you know they did not receive their prizes. Not only does this look bad for your sponsor, it also looks bad for your show (and maybe even your channel). Because this is a big frustration with most hosts, many decide to drop giveaways altogether.

26

#VAPEMAGAZINE


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.