It is my personal contention that we should not do too much to promote FTA at this time other than what we are currently doing.
"WHY"?
First of all, the channels available currently would not all appeal to the masses. If we enticed or persuaded anyone to switch from DN or DirecTV or cable to FTA soley, they might be disappointed enough and put out with our recommendations that they might abandon the notion entirely and never ponder it again.
Secondly, for most people out there, the notion of this being a primarily DIY adventure may seem too involved and too much without guarantee. That is going to turn many off right from the start.
Third, the best way to grow a stable market, company or following etc. is to slowly and steadily work with diligence and passion. Word of mouth and local support from a friend or relative or close neighbor goes a long way in promoting such endeavors.
Let's take a glance at our own forum right here. If we can be so bold as to think that the numbers we have represent a fair cross section of the desires of the people from Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America and other parts of at least this hemisphere, then maybe we can extrapolate some information. Let's look at the numbers of posts and replies from the "BIG THREE" here.
DN 45,750 / 592,200
DirecTV 22,360 / 238,900
FTA 28,100 / 253,800
If we could assume that these numbers are reasonably accurate in reflecting what the rest of the people in this hemisphere are doing, then FTA has roughly 25-30% of the market share of viewers, and basically tying with DirecTV. I find this highly interesting. Granted, these numbers may be skewed and biased towards FTA, but they are the only figures which are easily accessible for comparison. They couldn't be truly counted on to sell the point to any investor, but these numbers do reflect something positive.
If we discuss FTA with our friends and family and neighbors more and more, the number of FTA posts here will grow and the number of people adopting FTA will grow. If we continue this practice and we work one-on-one with manufacturer's and retailers to improve the equipment (debug it and make it all more simple for the end users) we can slowly but surely increase the following of FTA users.
If we "nibble" at this big pie rather than trying to take big bites, we will grow the FTA industry as a more secure and viable entity. Akin to a large, slow growing oak tree. The slower it grows, the more stable and strong it will be when it matures. This is how we will win in the end.
Letting the technology and the availability of equipment catch up with our desires will help in the long run. More FTA stations will come on line over time and we can promote them to our friends. Eventually, the whole concept of FTA will begin to become a household term and then it can really take off! More FTA stations will be developed, which will attact more audiences and advertisers and hence more end users. It is a self-maintaining cycle of growth, based upon free market enterprise.
Consider it an investment plan for the future. If you keep saving your pennies, nickles and dimes, they become dollars and more! Slow and steady, slow and steady.
RADAR