The Deep, Dark Truth Behind SlopeFillers
Gregg Blanchard /
I get a lot of questions about SlopeFillers. And by a lot, I really do mean a lot. As I interview marketers for blog posts, I am frequently asked, “So why are you REALLY doing all of this?” That is a completely fair question. I recently updated the about page with these juicy details, and I know you scour that page daily for updates, but a blog post is probably a wise thing to do as well…just in case.
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SlopeFillers: When did you start SlopeFillers?
Gregg: I started the blog back in June of 2010. It took me a few weeks to get in the groove, but since then I’ve posted every weekday. Yesterday was the 175th post.
SlopeFillers: What is the goal of SlopeFillers as a resource?
Gregg: The blog is really designed to do three fairly simple things: create a collection of good/bad/ugly/successful ski resort marketing materials, analyze current trends in ski resort marketing, and provide on-going ideas, tools, and inspiration for resort marketers.
SlopeFillers: So who the heck are you?
Gregg: I am a marketer/skier that has always been intrigued by the product of skiing. I’ve been working in marketing for 7 years as a web marketing director, social media guy for a bunch of projects, and owner/marketer of my own businesses. I also do a fair amount of web design and coding for the occasional web app as well as some video dabbling.
SlopeFillers: So why SlopeFillers from a personal perspective?
Gregg: For a few years I’ve lived on a personal Google-like 20% principle, putting about a day a week toward a fun project or learning something cool. SlopeFillers is one of those 20% projects. I couldn’t find a resource to satisfy my own curiosity and a blog seemed like a good solution to both the resource and curiosity dilemmas.
SlopeFillers: That’s nifty and all, but what are your REAL goals?
Gregg: Well, first off, it might be good to note that I make no money from the blog. I didn’t start it with this secret plan to build a reader base and then launch a big ticket product. I’ve actually turned down three offers to put ads on the blog, and have no plans to monetize it. When I created the ski resort website WordPress theme I debated charging for it, but it seemed hypocritical to try to milk a few bucks from the same resorts who were providing content for the blog.
It may sound crazy, but I am really not sure of the end goal of SlopeFillers. Right now I’m learning a ton, meeting amazingly talented marketers, and hopefully providing a useful resouce. I figure with a combination like that, it’s hard to go wrong.
SlopeFillers: Ok, so what would be the MOST LIKELY end result?
Gregg: Most likely? I’d probably look for a job in resort marketing. For a few months I’ve been on the fence about whether to keep working for myself. If I were to decide to look for a job at a resort, I wouldn’t expect anything to be handed to me by any stretch, but part of me hopes that SlopeFillers would help give me an extra boost as I began the job hunt and maybe open an extra door or two.