To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,688
Location
Texas/Hawaii
Is it really a sale if you don’t need a damn thing? And what’s Black Friday supposed to be if you’re not actually in the market for anything? You can probably guess how I’d answer both of those. I’ve never been much of a coupon hound.



That said, the last few months of this internet economy have absolutely kicked my ***. Mix together our apparent moral mismatch with the folks controlling the ad dollars, add a ****** economy on top of it, and Q4 would be a bloodbath if revenue was the thing steering this ship.



And even though it’s not, everybody still has to eat.



So I asked a few trusted forum pals what the hell I should be doing. The overwhelming answer? Lean harder into affiliate links. Apparently I have “access” the average Joe doesn’t, and I should be putting it to use. The problem is that pushing affiliate links makes me feel like I should be selling used Tauruses on a gravel lot.



“Not if you’re honest about it,” they said.



Fine. I’ll give it a shot. Let’s start...

Continue reading...


 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,688
Location
Texas/Hawaii
A few more I found after writing all this nonsense:

Adam's tire dressing. I use this pretty regularly as I tend to like Adam's... Works well without being too glossy and slimy. Don't know if this is a Black Friday deal or not though. I've seen it cheaper, but this price is decent.

Adam's Wheel & Tire Cleaner Combo. Again, I use this stuff. It's great.

Irwin Quick Grips. Smoking deal. Is this right? 93% off?

Wilton 6.5" Vise. Seems like a pretty solid deal?

Wilton Tradesman. These are great. Better vice for more money.

Arcan aluminum jack. I have this... It's not my favorite jack in the shop, but works well for road-trips as it breaks down small and it's light. $200 is good...

Jet 1/2 ton hoist. 70% off if you need one...
 

niget2002

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 2, 2012
Messages
11,106
Location
Josephine, TX
A few more I found after writing all this nonsense:

Adam's tire dressing. I use this pretty regularly as I tend to like Adam's... Works well without being too glossy and slimy. Don't know if this is a Black Friday deal or not though. I've seen it cheaper, but this price is decent.

Adam's Wheel & Tire Cleaner Combo. Again, I use this stuff. It's great.

Irwin Quick Grips. Smoking deal. Is this right? 93% off?

Wilton 6.5" Vise. Seems like a pretty solid deal?

Wilton Tradesman. These are great. Better vice for more money.

Arcan aluminum jack. I have this... It's not my favorite jack in the shop, but works well for road-trips as it breaks down small and it's light. $200 is good...

Jet 1/2 ton hoist. 70% off if you need one...
Not sure about the rest, but the Irwin clamps are an OK deal. I use Keepa to show the recent history of prices on items I'm looking at buying. Keepa shows a high of $39 for those clamps. The $19 they are now is only $20 off.

Amazon is showing 33% for me.

If the 12" clamps were on black Friday, I'd order some of those. I have quite a few 6", but I need more 12 and 24" clamps.

1764360132384.png
 

M.Jay

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2025
Messages
192
Location
Southern Germany
I use Keepa to show the recent history of prices on items I'm looking at buying.
Keepa is awesome! I use it for years already and the build in price alert saved me so much money!
Also having the ability to check the history makes life much easier. Especially since Amazon prices these days change more often than at a gas station.
 

Steve_P

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
5,179
Good deals on Amazon for many Adams products, including their ceramic coating kits.
 

ararat

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 27, 2018
Messages
575
Location
Ararat NC
Here's some stuff I ordered recently that I like. I don't know if they are "deals" or not. Most of these came from GJ threads.

Titan 11331 1/4-Inch Drive x... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4FCP826?tag=atomicindus08-20

These little plugs to keep my phone USB port clean
20Pcs USB C Dust Plug, Silicone... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3QRJR34?tag=atomicindus08-20


VESSEL MEGADORA Tang-Thru... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ1QZFT?tag=atomicindus08-20

KNIPEX TwinGrip Pliers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097C98LCT?tag=atomicindus08-20

Uni Kurutoga Mechanical Pencil... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CKJ2K0?tag=atomicindus08-20

VESSEL - BALL GRIP Ratchet... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ2SJ67W?tag=atomicindus08-20

IPS PH-200 Non-marring Plastic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ALF5EK?tag=atomicindus08-20

ENGINEER PH-55 Compact... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QTRJA4?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got this to make room on my desk
Adjustable Laptop Stand with 360... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R8GWBSM?tag=atomicindus08-20

The best mouthwash. It's expensive but worth it https://a.co/d/5izghIl


 

jblnut

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jan 17, 2015
Messages
6,926
Location
In the Middle of MN
Is there a way to have an affiliate link to an entire site like Amazon / Walmart etc that applies to every product or does it have to be only one product per link kind of thing ?
 

smokey0810

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 29, 2013
Messages
3,047
Location
Canyon, Texas
Ryan, we trust your judgment and knowledge, appreciate the hard work that goes into keeping this forum online with the rest of the folks that keep it going. Gotta keep the lights on, and as long as you ain’t pole dancing in a banana hammock, don’t worry about your dignity….its intact…lol.
Thanks again for the hard work on keeping this thing rolling.
 
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,688
Location
Texas/Hawaii
I’m not anti–Black Friday or anti–holiday or anti–retail. Hell, I love stuff. I just don’t love the idea of buying **** I don’t need, or nudging others to do the same just so I can make a few affiliate pennies. Half the time, pushing deals means pushing products I don’t even use. Those DeWalt deals up there, for example… I don’t own a single DeWalt tool. Who the hell am I to preach about them?

So… screw profitability. I’m just gonna feature the things I actually know, use, and trust—whether or not there’s any affiliate money attached.

Here’s one of those things:

I’ve got a buddy up in NorCal who shapes surfboards for a living. For years, I’ve admired the chore coat he works in. A few winters back, I finally asked him about it. He told me about Imperfects - a SoCal outfit making workwear mostly for fashion people, but built with materials and techniques that actually hold up in a real shop.

I don’t know these guys and I don’t get a dime from this link… BUT if you need a shop apron, don’t get a shop apron. Get one of these:


I’ve got a black one. Bought it about five years ago and it’s my go-to for Texas winters in the shop. Absolutely bulletproof. Mine’s covered in wood glue, oil, grease… and it’s only getting better.

Unfortunately, this stuff is priced like fashion wear. BUT, the Black Friday deal almost makes it make sense. I'm actually tempted to try the pants, but.... I don't need any pants right now.

coaat.jpg
 

KnurledNut

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
8,020
Location
n/a
I’ve admired the chore coat he works in.
I was setting some structural steel beams with a well-seasoned ironworker of retirement age. It was wintertime and he was donning a chore coat. The big open-front pockets were his bolt bags. Worked so well and distributed the weight evenly on his tired body. He was a man of few words, but silently said everything as I worked beside and observed him.
 

Buford T. Justice

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
607
Location
Montague County
Ryan, we trust your judgment and knowledge, appreciate the hard work that goes into keeping this forum online with the rest of the folks that keep it going. Gotta keep the lights on, and as long as you ain’t pole dancing in a banana hammock, don’t worry about your dignity….its intact…lol.
Thanks again for the hard work on keeping this thing rolling.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Please don’t burn yourself out doing what you are great at like I did. This entire site and what’s put into it is my therapy. Thank you
 
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,688
Location
Texas/Hawaii
I was setting some structural steel beams with a well-seasoned ironworker of retirement age. It was wintertime and he was donning a chore coat. The big open-front pockets were his bolt bags. Worked so well and distributed the weight evenly on his tired body. He was a man of few words, but silently said everything as I worked beside and observed him.

Yep... and they can be setup for so many different chores. When woodworking, I have a machinist square and pencil in the chest pocket, a tape measure clipped to one of the bottom pockets, and screws in another... with plenty of space and division left over for other things.

When working on a car, I leave it mostly empty (maybe a pencil and a flashlight) and my silhouette isn't big and bulky at all.

And it amazing for photographers as well.

The French made these things popular long ago.

french.jpg
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

M.Jay

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2025
Messages
192
Location
Southern Germany
Is there a way to have an affiliate link to an entire site like Amazon / Walmart etc that applies to every product or does it have to be only one product per link kind of thing ?
I know from other forums that are set up so, that the forum's affiliate tag is automatically added to every Amazon link that gets posted.
Not sure if this is already done here. If not, this might be a way to increase revenue for GJ.

I don’t know these guys and I don’t get a dime from this link… BUT if you need a shop apron, don’t get a shop apron. Get one of these:

These look nice, but even with the Black Friday discount the prices are eye-watering.
 
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,688
Location
Texas/Hawaii
I know from other forums that are set up so, that the forum's affiliate tag is automatically added to every Amazon link that gets posted.
Not sure if this is already done here. If not, this might be a way to increase revenue for GJ.


These look nice, but even with the Black Friday discount the prices are eye-watering.

Yes. We use skim links to affiliate most links... That used to be the way most of the forum was funded. Covid really hurt that industry....

As for the chore coat, it's gotta fit your use case to make sense. You could always do a cheap brand to test the concept first. I have no experience with the Wrangler version, but it's priced like a t-shirt:

Wrangler Chore Coat

I will say though - the Imperfects version I have is made way better than modern Dickies, Carrhart, etc... It was pretty obviously made without thinking much about cost point. Hell, I think they are made in San Diego of all places.

If you start shopping one, obviously keep your climate in mind. The first priority of mine is not to stay warm. In fact, I got the thinnest material Imperfects offers cuz I live in Texas. Even so, I still don't wear it in our HELLISH summers. The idea is a shop apron more than a coat...
 

jblnut

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jan 17, 2015
Messages
6,926
Location
In the Middle of MN
Yes. We use skim links to affiliate most links...
Links on an individual basis if I'm not mistaken .... Does a blanket affiliate link that would cover any purchase and not just a single linked item exist ?

I guess I can try it ....


It appears to work ..... this would be quite a bit handier than just being able to click on the one thing that is linked in a thread here on GJ. Maybe a sticky of some kind with links to common sites that are affiliate links ? I come to GJ pretty much first any time I go online anyway so starting here to click though somewhere else would be natural for me.

gj test.jpg
 

larry4406

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
18,739
Location
Northern Virginia
Links on an individual basis if I'm not mistaken .... Does a blanket affiliate link that would cover any purchase and not just a single linked item exist ?

I guess I can try it ....


It appears to work ..... this would be quite a bit handier than just being able to click on the one thing that is linked in a thread here on GJ. Maybe a sticky of some kind with links to common sites that are affiliate links ? I come to GJ pretty much first any time I go online anyway so starting here to click though somewhere else would be natural for me.

gj test.jpg
Every one here should do this.

I added a similar Amazon affiliate atomic industries tag link to my task bar. 100% of my amazon purchases go thru this link. It's my small way for helping out the forum. I even messaged Ryan over a year ago when I was about to make a large grill purchase as I wanted him to get the commission.
 
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,688
Location
Texas/Hawaii
Links on an individual basis if I'm not mistaken .... Does a blanket affiliate link that would cover any purchase and not just a single linked item exist ?

I guess I can try it ....


It appears to work ..... this would be quite a bit handier than just being able to click on the one thing that is linked in a thread here on GJ. Maybe a sticky of some kind with links to common sites that are affiliate links ? I come to GJ pretty much first any time I go online anyway so starting here to click though somewhere else would be natural for me.

gj test.jpg

Yeah. I have a script that turns all links to affiliate links if skimlinks deals with the retailer, but I have no interest in pushing that on users.
 
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,688
Location
Texas/Hawaii
Every one here should do this.

I added a similar Amazon affiliate atomic industries tag link to my task bar. 100% of my amazon purchases go thru this link. It's my small way for helping out the forum. I even messaged Ryan over a year ago when I was about to make a large grill purchase as I wanted him to get the commission.

That is way too kind man. Seriously.
 

jblnut

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jan 17, 2015
Messages
6,926
Location
In the Middle of MN
Yeah. I have a script that turns all links to affiliate links if skimlinks deals with the retailer, but I have no interest in pushing that on users.
As a user I really don't see it as something that'd be pushed on us. I look at it like the Alliance Program, it's here on the site for users to discover if they want and it's very much not being pushed at us in any way. "Hey if you want to support GJ by doing stuff you do anyway check out the affiliate link page" or something like that. That being said, I checked out the skimlinks page and they deal with something like 48k retailers so a link to each seems as it'd be a bit unrealistic lol.

The attitude you have regarding us as users is a huge reason I like being here. The culture starts from the top and you have a good one here.

Every one here should do this.

I added a similar Amazon affiliate atomic industries tag link to my task bar. 100% of my amazon purchases go thru this link. It's my small way for helping out the forum. I even messaged Ryan over a year ago when I was about to make a large grill purchase as I wanted him to get the commission.
I changed my links to Amazon and a few others in my bookmark bar to the affiliate link versions. Literally costs me nothing but a few minutes of time. I wish I would have done this a few days ago as Mama Bear did all our Christmas shopping the last few days and I went a little bonkers restocking stuff in the shop.
 

M.Jay

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2025
Messages
192
Location
Southern Germany
As a user I really don't see it as something that'd be pushed on us. I look at it like the Alliance Program, it's here on the site for users to discover if they want and it's very much not being pushed at us in any way. "Hey if you want to support GJ by doing stuff you do anyway check out the affiliate link page" or something like that.
Absolutely agree with that. I have nothing against it, as long as one is upfront with it.
The only thing I hate is, when people peddle some **** and try to hide the fact that they get sponsored and/or generate profits from it.

The attitude you have regarding us as users is a huge reason I like being here. The culture starts from the top and you have a good one here
While I am still a new member here, I already followed the forum for some time as a lurker and can say that so far I really appreciate the culture here and the way Ryan handles things.

A clear difference to another forum I'm a member off and where a similar discussion about decreased revenue came up a year ago. The Admin there responded with a snarky comment to a suggestion I made and pretty much told me to STFU, because it's none of my business.
 

NUTTSGT

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Sep 14, 2009
Messages
50,806
Location
Northern Central Ohio
Personally I doy think anyone should complain about the affiliate links when it helps keep the lights on.

However, you ( @Ryan ) mentioned not owning a DeWalt tool... who's the editor in the original post ? DeWalt table saw ?
 
OP
R

Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,688
Location
Texas/Hawaii
Personally I doy think anyone should complain about the affiliate links when it helps keep the lights on.

However, you ( @Ryan ) mentioned not owning a DeWalt tool... who's the editor in the original post ? DeWalt table saw ?

I actually do own that saw... I bought it in Hawaii... In my mind, I was thinking more about battery ecosystems and what not.
 

Max

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
3,308
Location
Georgia
I'll speak up for the Fluke 115 you noted - mine has been great for several decades. And when I compare it to my more accurate bench meters it's still in calibration as well.
 

Cruzan80

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 22, 2015
Messages
4,127
Location
Denver, CO
I changed my links to Amazon and a few others in my bookmark bar to the affiliate link versions. Literally costs me nothing but a few minutes of time. I wish I would have done this a few days ago as Mama Bear did all our Christmas shopping the last few days and I went a little bonkers restocking stuff in the shop.
I thought the affiliate links stuck until we went thru a different one, not that we needed it for each purchase. If it is a "single-use", I will also try and bookmark/remember to go thru there.

@Ryan, from a personal perspective, I am happy to do so as it doesn't cost me anything extra for Amazon to send some referral money to you. I have never looked at the "auto-script" as malicious, just as another way for myself and others to help contribute to maintenance. I also have my King Soopers (Kroger) card set up to auto-donate to a local school PTO, etc. The diverse participation of GJ means that any analytics that come out of the referral probably could not ID me specifically anyway.

Kind of like loyalty cards. If I have to sign up to get a discount, just so you see I am buying milk/bread, I really don't care. I am anti-data collection in a broad sense, but I see this as an optional "opt-in" for members to choose to participate, especially if there was a link/sticky saying "If you want GJ to get affiliate money from your Amazon purchases, please go thru (insert Amazon-Atomic link). Thank you".
 

NUTTSGT

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Sep 14, 2009
Messages
50,806
Location
Northern Central Ohio
I’m a known terrible sales guy. To me, it’s more valuable for people to post actual good deals they find with links… and let it happen naturally.
Dude you have been honest and up front with everyone since I have been here... that makes a helluva difference in forum ownership and the membership in my opinion.
 

KZOC

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 28, 2010
Messages
113
Yes. We use skim links to affiliate most links... That used to be the way most of the forum was funded. Covid really hurt that industry....

As for the chore coat, it's gotta fit your use case to make sense. You could always do a cheap brand to test the concept first. I have no experience with the Wrangler version, but it's priced like a t-shirt:

Wrangler Chore Coat

I will say though - the Imperfects version I have is made way better than modern Dickies, Carrhart, etc... It was pretty obviously made without thinking much about cost point. Hell, I think they are made in San Diego of all places.

If you start shopping one, obviously keep your climate in mind. The first priority of mine is not to stay warm. In fact, I got the thinnest material Imperfects offers cuz I live in Texas. Even so, I still don't wear it in our HELLISH summers. The idea is a shop apron more than a coat...
Exactly. Living just down the road from you I was like: What about summers?!?! I like the idea and might buy anyway, but I like the idea of an apron also.
 

gahrajmahal

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 12, 2008
Messages
2,491
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
I feel like you should take advantage of any affiliate links you can. Just like watching a “how to” YouTube video where the person lists tools products used in the video and they get a small stipend. I think this is totally fair and great. The service, this great message board and useful videos takes time, thought and effort. Compensation should be a part of that.
 

mike93lx

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,127
Location
Richmond, VA
If the used Taurus you yearn to sell from a gravel lot was ALL WHEEL DRIVE, which Ford didn’t offer, (idiotic) I would be there to buy. 😀
The 2010-2019 generations would like a word with you



@Ryan keep fighting the good fight. You have a lot of supporters and fans here
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom