I am not going to bad mouth our sponsors let's just say that I don't support all of them financially either though. We actually behind the scenes have had some pretty serious discussions as to who should be a sponsor and who shouldn't and even on staff we are split as to which ones should and shouldn't. If Chris could pay all of the hosting fees and the like out of pocket I am sure he would but he can't so sponsorship is necessary. We are also small enough (right now
) that some of the bigger guys out there won't think about sponsoring us or won't return our calls.
I for a long time have wanted Newforce Comics on board as a sponsor...they don't sponsor anyone anymore though.
Other approaches I see though include a member donation drive where users actually pay the sites fees through some sort of membership drive not at all unlike the PBS telethons. That is a nifty way to do it if you have the readership to do so...but it kind of is tacky too IMO.
About Brian's Toys...I agree with your assessment of their modern stuff Cory, but if you ask a group of collectors both modern and vintage about BT's and the reactions will be totally mixed.
Chris probably has more to say on this than I do but that is where I stand and what I know...suggestions for additional sponsors is welcome BTW
I also thought you were going to say we were aligned with SSG somehow Cory