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Why Membership?
 Monday, February 11, 2008

Over two and one-half years ago, Manic Mommies was born. Like any baby, she's changed so much in just a short time. But like a toddler ready for preschool, Manic Mommies is ready for her next step. We've loved her, fed her, cleaned her up, changed her clothes, and given her a new look more than a few times (look for her newest outfit in a few weeks). The decision to send her into the world of membership support was not an easy one and it's a decision we did not make lightly. We talked to many of you directly, we researched our options, we've courted countless advertisers and potential sponsors, we've reinvested any and all dollars that we earned in 2007 from sponsorships back into the business with new equipment, website upgrades and of course, the Escape.

No one forced us to have this baby, and no one should be forced to help take care of her. But we think it takes a village to raise a podcast and without our listeners, we have no show. Kristin and I have extensive backgrounds in PR and advertising and we know what it takes to secure sponsors and advertisers. We also know that our greatest strength is our community.

Perhaps it's my background in public broadcasting that made me think there's value in membership. I am a member of several groups: the local Mothers & More chapter, my college Alumni Association, professional networking organizations, my local PBS station, etc. Each one of these groups charges a membership fee, for which I receive varying degrees of useful information, tools, or resources. I joined each group for different reasons and whether I continue to support them in the future remains to be seen. It's a decision I usually make annually based on my gut, heart or bank account.

The Manic Mommies membership model is not about excluding those who can't pay and rewarding those who can. It's about taking a business practice that has helped so many groups and organizations get off the ground, and applying it to our podcast. If listening to Manic Mommies is worth the cost of 2.5 hours of babysitting, a few lattes (as Jill pointed out), a magazine subscription or a hard-cover book you probably won't read, please consider becoming a gal pal. If you'd rather not pay, that's OK, too! We'll still produce our shows every week, that won't change.

So why membership? Membership will allow us to grow in many ways and ultimately enhance the Manic Mommies experience. We want to give you more tools to simplify your crazy busy lives, create opportunities online and off line to network with other moms, deliver email content on a more regular basis, and more.

Our girl is growing up. Thanks for being such an important part of her young life.

by Erin * Comments (10) * Link to this entry

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Comments

Just as I do for my local NPR station, NASW and the State of MN to keep my social work license (even though I am a stay at home mom) I will support you, Erin and Kristin in whatever you hope to do with Manic Mommies. For me, that can include membership. Perhaps we can consider offering scholarship to some moms who can't otherwise afford it. I so admire all that you have done with this, your baby, all while working, running your families and most important of all, being moms. Keep up the fabulous work!

Posted by: KbRadcliffe [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 11, 2008 03:24 PM

Once again, Erin has summed up my feelings perfectly. I love the idea of a Manic Mommies "scholarship" fund (also an interesting idea for the Escape??). Thanks to everyone for their support, comments and everything else - please keep them coming!

Posted by: ManicMommyK [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 11, 2008 04:41 PM

Psychotherapy: $200/hr
Parenting Seminar: $300
Newest Edition of Parenting for Dummies: $40
Keeping my sanity and family together by laughing with the Manic Mommies: Priceless

Posted by: Jill [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 12, 2008 08:55 AM

Sounds like a great plan. I think membership will be a great way to expand your reach and enhance the organization. Just to get the mommies excited about membership, perhaps you can offer a special T-shirt with a cute slogan for the Manic Mommies members that join. This has worked for non-profits I where I work and/or volunteer. Good luck. Let me know if you need any help getting this membership project moving.

Posted by: Chris--MomathonBlog.com [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 12, 2008 10:32 AM

Why am I so torn? At less than 50 cents an episode this is a no-brainer. Your time is worth so much more than that.

But I just can't pull the trigger yet! UGH...is it so hard for a manic mommy to indulge herself once and a while? I know you deserve it, I know it's less than a hair cut...but I need added value people! Chances are, I'm not going to be able to attend a MM escape and the whole "stuff to be named later" just doesn't do it for me (I've been burned before). I guess I'm just having a hard time...if I can get what I want for free why pay? I know the right answer is to do it for you, your time, and your sanity, but I'm cheap damnit! Isn't being a MM finding the best deals on stuff?

The funny part? If it were 25 bucks to get the podcast every week, I'd sign up in a second. Help a fellow MM see the benefit or guilt me into it...please!

Posted by: Laura [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 12, 2008 03:20 PM

Laura, we'll gladly take your $25 a week ;)

Seriously, we can't guilt you into it. We all have enough of that in our lives, right? If/when it feels right to you, hopefully you'll join us.

Winning one really good giveaway could make it all worth it (as would finding a new MM friend in your area who wants to do a babysitting co-op!)

Posted by: ManicMommyErin [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 12, 2008 03:41 PM

Great idea, ladies! I for one am excited about this new membership option! I don't see how you ladies have done what you have done for so long with a little bit of financial backing. Of course, there will be those that criticize this but there is no way to make everyone happy. The option to listen to the show for free will remain. I for one am looking forward to see where this takes us all! Thank you so much for all you do for us out here! Good luck!

Posted by: HawkeyeMom [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 13, 2008 11:05 AM

I am very frugal.....i.e. cheap when it comes to items like online membership community type purchases. However I will be signing up and paying for a membership to "gal pals".

You have made so many of my 75 mile (one way) commutes in horrible Cleveland traffic enjoyable! When I was catching up on your podcasts there were days I would actually hope for traffic delays.

I think your podcasts are terrific. I feel like I know both of you and that my twin 4 year old boys are growing up right along Tommy and Anders.

Good luck with the membership community and I believe if anyone can find a way to truly add value to it, you can. I am continually impressed with your commitment to manic mommies so I know you will do a great job with the membership community.

Posted by: micheleinohio [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 14, 2008 06:04 PM

OK, so I actually just got time to listen to the podcast and you brought up some really great points. (SHEEPISH GRIN...forgive me?) I am sorry I gave you guys a hard time and was so cheap, I now have seen the light. I won a contest where the prize was a heavy book -which cost money to send, but I never thought of that! Plus, I would much rather have you guys spend time on content than spend time trying to pound the pavement. Sign me up!

Thanks again for all you do.

Posted by: Laura [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 15, 2008 11:04 AM

This is such a great idea and well worth the price! GO GIRLS... you ask and us listeners will continue to follow.

Posted by: Alyse_Miami [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 18, 2008 11:17 AM

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