So last night I was doing a little thinking (always a scary prospect). I've been testing the Ruger SR9c for a while now, and while I'm pretty close to done with the shooting part of the review, I haven't carried it all that much yet. I wasn't too terribly concerned - it's about the same size as the S&W SW99 compact I carried for years, and smaller and lighter than the Glock G30 that replaced the SW99, but I wanted to do a little concealment testing with the Ruger to complete the review.
I've got a couple holsters that it kinda sorta fits in, and then I remembered my buddy Weerd talking about the neat concept of the Remora holsters, and how he'd picked one up for his wife's J-frame. He tried it out and was very pleased with how the Remora held up to his daily routine (and Weerd goes beltless, not to be confused with Robb who goes pantless). So I dropped the $25 on a Remora holster for the SR9c (which will also fit the S&W M&P9 compact, interestingly enough) and will give it a try when it comes in. Based on nothing more than my pal Weerdbeard's review, I dropped a few bucks on a holster from a manufacturer I'd never heard of before on a holster concept I'd probably not have considered.
And it dawned on me: This is the power of the gun blogosphere.
It's not that Weerd's a friend; I've had good friends offer well-intentioned but poor advice that I've declined (or regretted following) over the years. It's that he's someone whose judgement I respect, and he's suggested items in the past that I've gotten and been very pleased with. He hasn't steered me wrong before, so I gambled that he knew what he was talking about here and bought something sight unseen on his say-so (no pressure Weerd...) :)
I believe someone was saying something about giving the dog treats; well folks, here's a treat for the dog...
That is all.
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At the risk of repeating myself, here is what I said a while back at Linoge's place on the subject, and Jay, realize that the little poke to you is done with utmost admiration--
"Here’s a hint, manufacturers: If You Want A Good Review On The Internet, Make A Good Product. That’s it. You don’t have to spend $20,000 on a pretty full page ad. JayG notwithstanding, you don’t even have to provide your product to the blogger for free. If it’s a good product, someone out there will be interested in it, and in search of good blogfodder, will purchase it with their own money and put a review up where anyone with a keyboard can find it!"
Likewise, a Remora is on my to-buy list based exclusively on reviews from bloggers. Weerd, AGirl, etc.
No, a blog review isn't likely to generate 500 orders the next day, but what's the cost to run a banner ad for a month or a TV spot three or four times? Now, what's the cost to ship a T&E gun to a blogger for a week of range time before he ships it back?
What's the ROI?
No, a blog review isn't likely to generate 500 orders the next day
But it may generate 500 orders over the next 5 years, for cheap. Blogs are on the internet, and the internet never forgets. That and a good search engine, or even Google, is a powerful force.
When I'm thinking of buying a product I'll do a search to see what my options are. Once I have a list of names and model numbers I'll narrow it down to items in my price range. Then I search those names to find out 1) where I can buy them and 2) what people on the 'net think of them. A couple three well-placed positive blog reviews are more likely to convince me to buy than a hundred 5-star reviews on Amazon.
On a blog you can read more and get an idea of who the reviewer is and why you should trust him or her. (Or not, which is still useful knowledge.)
"Likewise, a Remora is on my to-buy list based exclusively on reviews from bloggers. Weerd, AGirl, etc."
Same here, and for the same reasons. The value of a spontaneous good review by a consumer is something that can never be overemphasized.
And of course I placed my order exclusively from the say-so from A Girl and Her Gun.
I've been blogging longer so I have a few more eyes...you've been blogging longer so you have even more eyes. It becomes a massive ripple effect.
And yep, I'm surprised more manufactures submit products for T&E like Dennis of Dragon Leatherworks does which is "Try the holster, and write what you think. If you like it write a good review, if you don't like it write a bad review!"
Of course Dennis' latitude is taking as much risk as his warranties. He doesn't make crap, and only ships quality products. If you could find a problem with it, it wouldn't have his name on it.
Many companies make products like this, they should be open about it.
Remora = Good
been using for over a year...
No complaints.
Now picking up a mag holster...
Jay: Yes, it IS a 'Treat' and compliments to you for it.
The problem is it takes a whole bunch, I mean 'A WHOLE BUNCH', of these small treats to equal one Zumbo size dog beating...
All The Best,
Frank W. James
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