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jason and nikki wynn talking about sponsorships

Let’s Clear A Few Things Up

Having sponsors as a creator is something we have never talked about. Then we realized no one else does either and we probably should. Because leaving it unspoken opens the door to a lot of assumptions.

The ethics of sponsorships and transparency are important, and we try to make it clear when we are being sponsored. But, based on many of the comments we get, we’re not doing a good enough job.

So, this is our attempt to provide some clarity and insight on the subject and open a conversation.

Sponsorships are not evil. Sponsorships work when they are relevant to us (the creator) and the viewer is aware of what’s happening and both are satisfied with the content.  But, that’s just our opinion. We are curious as to what your thoughts are.  Let us know in the comments.  It will help shape how we handle sponsorships in the future.

 

If you want to dive a little deeper into the subject, we highly recommend Tom Scott’s video, YouTubers have to declare ads. Why doesn’t anyone else?

And Pom Wonderful Presents, the greatest movie ever sold.  Because it’s insanity.

Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (45)

  • Steve

    You go, Tev. The piddly amount I give through Patreon won’t keep them afloat. Rock on, sponsors, keep the good times rollin’.

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  • Steve

    You’ve always been clear on your sponsors. The only thing I didn’t know (until you got your boat) was your RV was leased. But I love you guys so much, that I want to go out and support the folks that support you. And you give me so much great information, I don’t care if it is sponsored. If you trust it, I trust it.

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  • Sarah

    Kind of funny you eveb had to say this. I never took any of it wrong. And I completely get you gotta have some sponsorships but your always very clear about them. Just keep on keeping on! Love your channel!

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  • Holly Rigby

    You guys have always been upfront and aboveboard…so to speak. I love your gear page…and have really enjoyed Nikki’s (and Mary’s) makeup! At my advanced age, i love watching your adventures…you two are utterly charming and you let me live vicariously through your adventures. My real life is split between, Texas and New Hampshire…so I need a touch of exotic!
    Keep on sharing your lives and travels!
    Holly Rigby

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  • Robert J Willis

    We have been following GWTW for over 7 years now and have enjoyed every minute! When my wife said we should sell everything, buy a VW campervan, and just travel I immediately started our journey by searching the Webs for info. Lo and behold YOU were the first thing that popped up and we have been hooked ever since! We have learned so much from you guys and now have our own travel trailer and plan to retire in 3 years to start our own adventures! You pick wonderful sponsors so Keep getting them!

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  • Lynn Elmore

    I’ve always liked you guys, now I know why. Thanks for explaining something that I intuitively understood and wasn’t concerned about. Great job! Have gone from boat 😢 to rv since boating for over 40years (add in 20 years as a kid sailing) years, we figured it’s time to explore the country. Your new boat 🤯but with a grin from ear to ear.

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  • Kristy

    Haters gonna hate, ain’ters gonna ain’t. You do you and let them do…well nothing because they’re clearly miserable humans holed up inside without an adventure’s experience to speak of. In the words of my favorite philosopher, “bye, Felicia!” 😉

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  • A James

    Tev said it best & much better than I,just keep on doing what you do & thank you for sharing so much with all of us!

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  • Alan Solomon

    Hi. 🖐 Happy day or night to you both.
    Yeah. I never had a problem with anything you have done, and I have been watching from the beginning of your RV days.
    You are good and awesome on many levels and in many ways like most of us.
    Thank you for all you do. 👍
    Now what up with this pup? Is that your new pup?
    In closing, I am not sure how it happened, but I don’t remember anything about a ‘Green Drink’ that Mary was talking about. When was that? Can you fill me in?
    Thanks. Great Days and Sunsets to come, 🌇

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  • Jerry Cummins

    You folks have been up front and honest about your video postings. There are a few people who want to be sarcastic about life in general, and unfortunately those of us who want to be positive must simply ignore their negative vibrations. You both have been ‘up-front’ and have never tried to hide anything about sponsorship; thus you have nothing to even be apologetic about. So, I suggest you move forward with your heads up and remember what was once said: “Once you have flown in a hot-air balloon, you will walk the earth with your head high, always wishing you were back in the basket and back in the sky.” Jerry . . . from your balloon ride.

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  • Bernard

    You guys are great and always have been. All I can say… Bernard

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  • Tev

    I am so sorry that you felt you had to make this type of video and explain ANY thing. For crying out loud, if people don’t like it they can change the channel!! You always state info about sponsorships and why wouldn’t you? How do people think you make a living and pay for things? Good grief. You are out there so may not really be aware of how things have changed back here in the real world. People complain about everything nowadays and people are jealous. Pay them no mind. As the saying goes, “Those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter.” 😉
    Keep doing what you’re doing. God has blessed you greatly.

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    • Rochelle Furtah

      Well said! Totally agree!

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    • Barefoot Dad

      Touché

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  • Lnz Marie

    Criticism for sponsorship disclosure/transparency…WHATEVER!?? My take should not matter. If I don’t like it I can skip your content.
    Seriously folks aren’t we getting caught up w/ none of our biz as your biz is just that…I have assumptions and bias for sponsorship disclosures = MY problem…just the reality that I would criticize/question your biz should be the reveal…just my not so humble opinion🧐🤷‍♀️
    Been watching your content for years…could care less for sponsorships. Keep calm…and Carry On!

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  • Lisa

    You guys have always totally rocked!!! 🙂
    One of my fave ppl online (Jon Acuff) said a few things that came to mind when I was watching this.
    I’m passing it on becuz of the comments pictured that prompted your explanation:
    1. Criticism that costs nothing, is worth nothing.
    2. Those folks are bad at math… the ratio of ads over content is extremely low.
    3. They didn’t want a conversation to better understand. The goal was to drop a grenade and move on.
    4. They’re not your audience. (And that’s ok.)
    There are a few billion of us, more or less, who love your show and what you are doing in life!
    You are inspirational and have GIVEN us a tremendous opportunity to see what life is like around the world!
    We appreciate you wanting to do the hard work of building videos and SHARING them!
    ❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤ ❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤ ❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤ ❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤ ❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤ ❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤ ❤¸.•*””*•.¸❤

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  • Todd Callaway

    Frankly, I’ve always thought you guys were pretty clear on sponsorship and I’ve frequently enjoyed your creative segways to discussing your sponsors. I think your integrity comes off clearly in your videos and I expect you to make a living so I can continue enjoying watching your travels every weekend,

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  • John and Susan Hughes

    We support your endeavors and the literal teaching the flows in each of the vids. Yours is the most engaging travelogue and sharing we see on this internet thing. Having sailed out of sight of land we really understand that it’s no picnic. It is however, life changing, pure and challenging. Ignore negatives.

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  • Michael

    I’ve always thought that it has to do with integrity and ethical behavior. When we practice such things we need never worry about regulations. Thanks for helping keep the standards high.

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  • Jess

    I have an ad blocker which is the only way I can watch YouTube and not lose my mind. (I watched one 30-minute video once that had an ad every minute. – I wish I was joking. The only reason I watched it all the way through was to see if at some point they made a joke about all the ads. They did not.)

    I don’t mind the ads/sponsorship videos within the video by the creators as long as they are entertaining. If they aren’t I go get a drink/snack during them.

    That someone has to contact you to complain is plain crotchety. People that make videos worth watching don’t make YouTube videos because they have nothing better to do; it is a job. Advertising/ sponsorships are part of the format. Anyone claiming to not know this is being what I call deliberately ignorant. Besides, if it bothers them so much why do they watch? Go stream Netflix and get your advertising via more undisclosed means… though if you’re an RV life person like myself you’ll just spend the next hour waiting for it to load over crapy WiFi.

    Complainers gunna hate, Creators gunna create; keep rolling Rock Stars!

    Do your thing. You are one of very few YouTubers who have figured it out and do an amazing job with your videos. I have tried to watch a lot of videos where the creators can’t figure out how to talk/ when not to talk, how to edit, keep things interesting, and transition through topics. Which is proof that just because you CAN make a YouTube channel doesn’t mean you should. – There is a lot of crap out there.

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  • Karen L.

    You two are TOTALLY transparent with your sponsorships. I understand it totally no confusion. Good job!! I’m seeing the world relaxing at home!! Thank you!
    ❤️❤️

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  • Debbie

    We love your videos and know it costs money to produce them, so keep doing what you’re doing so we can keep watching your great content. Complainers should move along or start producing their own content so they can get a taste for what it’s like.

    reply
  • Gene

    I want you guys to make as much money as possible, love you content.

    reply
  • Sandra & the 2 Spaniels

    Why do so many folks complain, constantly, about any and every thing?? I have always thought you guys were very upfront about any sponsors. I find it interesting and eye opening on hearing about your sponsors. I have told folks about SurfShark, and would have never known about that company without you! No complaints from me.

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    • Stacy Wood

      Totally agree with Sandra & The 2 Spaniels. You guys always do a great job explaining when you are sponsored any all your sponsorships seem to be relevant to sailing or living abroad/on a boat! The amount of complainers these days is ridiculous!!

      reply
  • Marlies

    I don’t mind when you have a sponsor…it gives me ideas for what I need on my boat ..not a problem..
    I don’t like the ads on you tube that just pop up and are actually louder than the video we are watching…but that is you tube not you .
    We love watching your videos sailing or traveling..thanks.

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  • Jan

    I am surprised people even said those things. You guys are very clear about what is or is not being promoted. I am only disappointed that there was only this short chat vid and no sailing journey or town trip. I look forward to every Sunday morning with your vid and my great cup of coffee. Your videos are of excellent quality and I hope you continue for many more years. I missed my chance for a catamaran trip down along South America. And I don’t dive so watching your underwater vids is wonderful. The artistic angles of boat shots, the issues, the cooking, the land trips, the different places and people you partake in. Very entertaining on my side of the laptop and never boring. Not just a boat/sailing video but a life style and the communities you meet along the journey.
    All that said the electric boats coming out are looking very intriguing and very curious how they will hold up in salty environment. Diesel on boats make me sick, little to old to sail solo, electric could be a whole new world for many…
    cannot wait to see your new boat…hurry up already.

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  • Jodi J Owens

    Why do there have to be haters. I’ve been watching your YouTube videos since 2020. I see the love you both have for sailing. My dream is to sail one day.
    When I lose hope and think this will never happen I watch your video on Sunday and think “no, this can happen for me”. I never had any issues with the sponsorships. I think it’s great. I look forward to your videos every Sunday. Oh, Nikki I think you should create a cookbook. Omg, the meals you create look so good. I would love to make them. Just an idea. Lol lol Merry Christmas to you both!!! God bless and be safe

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  • Charlie William’s

    My wife and I Terri catch up with you two weekly and enjoy every moment as you share your adventures. Frankly I’m happy that your able to have ways to monetize a couple minutes of your segments, you only talk about products that work for you and is always great info to share “the good stuff” Have fun and be safe! Love y’all !

    Charlie and Terri (Texas)

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  • John S.

    I’ve noticed that the (very) few YouTube content providers I follow now have a everal of the same ‘sponsors’. A common one right now is that green drink powder.

    Not interested in that stuff so I love that I can hit my “K” button a few times to advance through the commercial in 2 seconds.

    But I can appreciate that all video content providers trying to make a living have a lot of competition and appreciate any extra income sponsorships provide.

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  • Harper

    I’m lost on where you are, what or whose boat you have now…..your old one or new one….are the videos now re-runs or what the heck’s going on. And I really thought I was keeping up. 🤷🏽

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    • Curious Minion

      Don’t feel bad Harper – I can hardly keep up with them these days and that’s kinda my job! Until the new boat is finished (expected late June, early July 2023) Nikki and Jason will be moving around, visiting friends and family, and occasionally dog-sitting! So don’t be surprised by much of anything between now & then. They filmed a LOT of content while they were aboard Ticket to Ride, so we’ll see at least one more vid from there, but we’re not far behind real time. Keep your passport handy & try not to get jet-lagged!
      Curious Minion

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      • Harper

        Well, I like these two to much to disappear from them. And I find it hard to not be a wee bit jealous! Love ’em!

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  • Paul Gains

    I suspect that the critical comments are very rare. You are doing a wonderful job, and your disclosures are always very clear. Please ignore those who criticize, since their criticism is not warranted. I look forward to watching your weekly updates, and you’ve always been forthright in advertising the sponsorship when needed.

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  • Bill Berry

    Nice video thanks for taking the time to explain the process. I myself do not have a problem understanding and it is obvious what is and is not sponsored content. My belief is you have always made it obvious with a banner of or an open comment that it was or was not. Some viewers I am sure are suspicious, and no matter the disclaimer they may question the content. Aloha have a great time and thanks for sharing. Cute dog.

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  • Jeanette Brennan

    Great job explaining about ‘what’s what and not what’!!! Your integrity is always spot on. Well done and please carry on!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎄⛵️🌊⛵️🌊⛵️💓✨🙌

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  • Vicki

    I have no idea how sponsorship works. Maybe you could post something to educate the uneducated 😁

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  • Lee Miller

    Excellent. Love your integrity. God bless your journey! 🌺

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    • Pamela

      I totally agree. You guys are a blessing. Life’s to short to get so picky on people. If you enjoy what your watching that’s what counts. Tysm for all you do. Keep sharing and showing , informing us of our earth. We need to know the truth. Ty again

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  • Chad Kofstad

    Hey Nikki and Jason, I love following your journey. Your videos are excellent. As per your question, in all tv viewing I would be much happier with product placement over commercial interruptions. Keep up the good work, can’t wait to see the new boat! Fair winds an awesome sunsets.

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  • Tom

    Well done. I appreciate honesty in a world that has become clouded with disinformation. Sail on folks you have my upmost respect.

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  • mary van

    I like the fact that you research every item presented to you. I know you each have integrity when it comes to taking on a new sponsor or even just a video sponsor.

    Like the sponsor for the green drink (I THINK it was sponsored??). One of your patrons mentioned she had been looking for something like this for her health, same here. When a company has integrity, I will look into the product if it is something I have been considering. I thought immediately that I needed to start to drink the green juice myself because we ALL want to be our best at every age. Obviously, I have not purchased it yet or I would know the name but it is on my list to discuss with you both.

    Thank you for clearing this up for all of us!

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  • Sue Goetzinger

    I think in the beginning with YouTube it was refreshing watching content that wasn’t broken up by ads. But because creators were putting out such wonderful content, like you, we stopped our cable services and look forward to seeing content from our favorite YouTubers. It is only fair you get compensated as so much time goes into planning , creating and editing the video. I do like that it is disclosed you are being compensated and you choose sponsors that are relevant to your lifestyle. But one thing I would hate to see is biased reviews on products as to some extent we rely on your suggestions. Thank you for this video.

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  • Brian Gross

    I am OK with in video sponsored content as long as there is disclosure and your monetization is not hampered if I fast forward. Your channel seems to always disclose and occasionally I watch. I must confess I have also purchased items I saw advertised in other’s sailing YouTube Chanels.

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  • Stephanie

    Love you guys and excited for your new adventures…Merry Christmas from Florida! 🎄

    reply

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