Q: Reviewing Products and Services

A: I am very happy to review your product or service for my readers, under the following conditions:

1. • Hand Embroidery: I review products or services that relate to needlework by hand and that I believe will be useful to my readers. Please note that the primary focus of Project Thinking Cap is surface embroidery by hand. Machine embroidery products do not fit my niche and will not be considered for review.
   • Samples: Reviews are written for products or services that I have experienced. I can’t purchase every needlework product or service available, though. If you have something unique you think my readers would be interested in, you are welcome to contact me. If I already own and like it, I will consider reviewing it. If I don’t own it, you are welcome to send me a sample.
   • Pros / Cons: My reviews include pros and cons.
   • Affiliation: Book reviews will always be accompanied by an affiliate link when one is available. (I have to make a living, too.)
   • Expectations: Please do not expect an entirely positive review simply because you send me a sample (unless, of course, the product deserves one). I write reviews for the benefit of my readers and will not compromise their trust in me by giving slanted reviews.
   • Returns: I will not return any samples.
   • Timing: If I’m going to write a review, it will be written only after I have had time to test the product or service, or read the book carefully, and within the structure of my pre-planned publishing schedule.
   • Reciprocation: I don’t do “sponsored” posts on Project Thinking Cap, where I receive payment for writing an article. This keeps me free to write without inhibition, and it assures my readers that they’re getting an unbiased viewpoint. However, I do ask the courtesy of reciprocation, if you have requested some kind of coverage from me. If I write about your book, your kit, your blog, your product, and so forth, please extend the courtesy of reciprocating by telling your people (through your online platforms – blog, newsletter, Facebook & other social media, or however you reach your people) about the review and about Project Thinking Cap, by linking to your review or the website. This creates what is called “synergy,” and it is good both of us and for the needlework market as a whole.
   • Crowdfunding? If you’re writing to ask if I can circulate and promote your crowdfunding campaign, even if it is very closely related to textiles and embroidery and the worthiest of causes, I must unfortunately say no. I receive many requests for this type of thing on a monthly basis, and if I say yes to one, I must say yes to others, which would put it out of control (and drive my poor readers nuts). Also, I have promoted a few crowdfunding campaigns in the past that have not turned out well, forcing me to adopt a strict policy of no outside crowdfunding on Project Thinking Cap.

Q: Can I advertise on your site?

A: If your product or service is compatible with my content, I would be happy to talk to you about advertising. Advertisers are accepted based on their relevance to the focus of Project Thinking Cap and the interests of my readers.

Project Thinking Cap is devoted solely to hand needlework and embroidery, and all accessories, books, fabrics, threads, and so forth that are involved in the art of hand embroidery and needlework. I do not advertise for companies or individuals that sell pre-made embroidered items, nor do I advertise for the machine embroidery industry.

Advertising on Project Thinking Cap is affordable. Ads are billed at a monthly rate, for a minimum of three months. Current advertisers are always given the option to renew before their ad space is offered to another business.

Project Thinking Cap is read by tens of thousands of subscribed readers and enjoys hundreds of thousands of visitors a month searching for information on hand embroidery and needlework.

If this is the audience you wish to reach, then this is the place to advertise!