Polymaker has offered to sponsor my channel!
Added 2025-02-26 18:26:58 +0000 UTCThey don’t expect me to change anything—they just want to support my research. This likely means more Polymaker filament tests (amount of other brands will not be reduced) and using their materials in project videos.
But your opinion matters to me. Do you think my filament tests would still be unbiased? Or does having a filament company as a main sponsor create a conflict, given that my content focuses on filament testing?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Does Polymaker sponsoring my channel affect my filament test credibility?
Comments
The way in which I've seen other YouTube channels handle potential concerns about conflict of interest from sponsors is to state up front in the video that the video is sponsored by $sponsor, but that the $sponsor had no input into the video's contents and gets to see the video at the same time everybody else does: when you post it to YouTube. That is, IMHO, unobjectionable. On a personal level, I have watched enough of your videos to have zero doubts that a sponsorship will not affect the analyses that you publish one iota. The truly useful service that you provide to all of us costs you a good chunk of money. Taking Polymaker's funding would be wise. Keep in mind that all sides benefit, which is the way it should be: * You can do more testing without emptying your wallet. * Polymaker gets more hard data on the performance of their competitors vs. their own products from your videos and spreadsheet. Having hard competitive data is gold in the high-tech industry. They are probably giggling that the service you are providing to them (and us) is worth double and triple of what they will pay you. * We get reviews of more filaments from you. And without you going broke from the cost. Which would ultimately end the channel, benefiting nobody. In summary: take the sponsorship.
Lucky Green
2025-03-06 17:15:49 +0000 UTCPolymaker is a good brand. Im happy that they are offering to sponsor. Your approach is very data driven, but I would also like to see practical applications for some filaments. For example I'm finishing my ratrig build I was wondering if I would use pet CF instead of ABS GF for some functional parts, I guess it would be more work but sometimes seeing a use for some technical filaments would be great. You could also even take content from viewers. For example I printed some fixture for a dust extractor in QiDi petg tough. The filament is very tough actually and made for a great functional part, significant difference over normal petg
Pedro Larroy
2025-03-06 03:26:34 +0000 UTCI trust both you and polymaker to not play stupid games. I think it's outside the realm of possibility for you to do a "sponsored" comparison of polymaker where it doesn't win, since I trust that you're about scientific method and observation, not marketing.
infowolfe
2025-03-05 08:17:07 +0000 UTCfiberology is a subbrand of polymaker actually
infowolfe
2025-03-05 08:14:30 +0000 UTCI would like you to be happy about this. This Youtube channel is in first place about "you having fun" with your hobby. I am okay with whatever choice you make.
ChopcatSuey
2025-03-04 18:14:00 +0000 UTCResearch costs money. You need it. Patreon and Youtube subscriber money will likely not be enough. Just to test out more of their filament? I trust that you will be unbiased. Take their money.
Brenda Dekoninck
2025-03-04 03:29:05 +0000 UTCI think I’m in the minority here, but the point of the channel isn’t subjective reviews of stuff so much as it is data backed research. Unless you are showing clear bias in the way the samples are prepared (I.e. going over every detail to optimize the printing for Polymaker filaments, but not their competitors) then I don’t see a way a conflict of interest could arise.
Brandon Hicks
2025-03-02 02:12:03 +0000 UTCI will not vote, but throw an comparison: if you are watching "food critic" on YouTube and he gets sponsored by a restaurant, what will you feel about him? You test filaments period so... you are filament critic - it's your choice but mind the issues that it will generate on your image form 3th party people
Kacper Kotlewski
2025-03-01 20:13:26 +0000 UTCThe reason I don't think this is a problem (as it is disclosed) is Polymaker knows what to expect from your channel. You are the last person on YouTube a vendor would send something to expecting to have a bad product pushed. So I think this is a good partnership!
Joshua Sniffen
2025-02-28 18:07:11 +0000 UTCI think your reviews and videos will be ever interesting and unbiased. Also polymaker products are very interesting, even if a little expensive. I'm sure that after an initial invasion of Polymaker products then everything will return to normal.
MaxSpg
2025-02-27 20:33:10 +0000 UTCSo far I have Polymaker CoPE (3 colors) and I have 3 PolyLite PLA filaments in same color. This kind of video I was talking about. To be honest I would like to do only 1-1 filament, especially knowing that probably this video will also stuck on 5-6k views. Most of similar size YT channels don't want to do even a single video if it is not sponsored. And watching the reaction and the POLL, at the end probably I will reject the offer :-(
Igor Gaspar
2025-02-27 20:05:03 +0000 UTCBy the way, when you are testing the new Polymaker CoPE filaments, it would be nice to throw some CPE filaments from other Companies in the test. In particular Fiberlogy CPE HT, to see, if the high temperature CPEs are any better than the low temperature ones.
ChopcatSuey
2025-02-27 17:15:39 +0000 UTCI trust your reviews to be honest and transparent so I am happy for you. What I am worried about is that if Polymaker floods you with their own filament reviews, you won't have much time left to test other filaments. It would be the equivalent of booking shelf space at the supermarket and removing competitors this way.
ChopcatSuey
2025-02-27 17:09:02 +0000 UTCHmmm. In all honesty I would prefer that you were not sponsored. There is always a conflict of interest and a slight bias when you are paid by a brand. A lot of other 3D print channels have been in the same situation and have chosen to avoid it regardless of how much they believed they would not change anything. My trust in you is all that matters.
Tom
2025-02-27 15:55:33 +0000 UTCCongratulations, this should help you. Based on what I see in your videos, you take a lot of care in doing your tests. I don’t expect any changes in the near future but you will probably be more scrutinized on the results. Just stay true to your ethics and all should be fine or let people know if you will have a bias. Don’t try to hide. Again congratulations
Gilles Monette
2025-02-27 12:40:27 +0000 UTCMy issue is. There has been an INCREDIBLE push by this company across the board. And while I get it. I also believe because the shot gun pattern of sponsorships just makes it weird. HOWEVER, if the contract is SUPER tight...and just has you making MORE videos and not burning you out.... cause for me engineering stats of materials is what matters most as I see polymaker as more of a hobby materials.
J F
2025-02-27 11:00:45 +0000 UTCThe test results would seem to tell the story, and thus free of bias.
ctmurray
2025-02-27 05:31:54 +0000 UTCThis is awesome. I totally appreciate if they support your channel and i think you should take the chance. Just make sure you disclose all info and keep the data clean. Of course there are many other great vendors with great filament, so please keep up the good work & testing (as you announced) with other vendors as well. Only Polymaker products being tested would suck big time.
Tony - WebBoty
2025-02-27 02:12:56 +0000 UTCAs long as they don't influence the data, I'm okay with it.
Josh Bradley
2025-02-26 22:44:37 +0000 UTCI was very surprised that the majority of people didn't want Polymaker sponsoring your channel, particularly after you explaining it in the way I explain things to people when I want them to agree with me - promote the positives and downplay the negatives. :-) I completely trust that the results will be the results regardless of sponsorship. It's not as if you have ever promoted one brand or filament over another. You test and present the data. The most enthusiastic you've been is for a new technology or new type of filament and that was never promoting a brand. Your 3D printer reviews when offered a free printer were more negative than I would have been when someone sends me something for a free review. It's human nature to say nice things when someone gives us free stuff. I don't think your credibility or unbiased honesty are in question. I love the testing and data but I'm not watching your videos to see if Brand A's PETG has 7% higher tensile strength than Brand B's PRTG. The testing is important to verify performance but I'm mostly watching to learn that PET-CF has comparable physical properties to ABS without a need for an enclosure, with less energy needed to print, with less toxic fumes and with a more attractive surface finish.
Bruce Layne
2025-02-26 22:18:21 +0000 UTCLike many above have said, the truth is in the data. The numbers are the numbers. Many of my favorite content creators have industry sponsors and it doesn't affect my opinion of their work. The testing you do is a great resource for the 3d printing community that I reference frequently. If a sponsor helps you to continue that work, I'm all for it.
Soggynode
2025-02-26 21:26:18 +0000 UTCPolymaker is a great brand and be good to know how well they compete against the rest. You will do it in a fair manner in my opinion and believe it will stay that way.
Stuart Sharp
2025-02-26 21:16:34 +0000 UTCGiven that your tests are not subjective I don’t see an issue. Data is data no matter who pays for it and you show the actual tests.
John Pettitt
2025-02-26 20:45:03 +0000 UTCI mean, it is a conflict of interest by definition, but that’s not a show stopper. I agree with those who are saying that someone new to the channel might not give you the chance once they discover the sponsorship. Personally I would still trust your results
Brent Hagany
2025-02-26 20:30:57 +0000 UTCCongratulations. Another form of validation and recognition of your work. Go ahead and discole I am fine with it. Especially if it generates more data.
GRBoomer
2025-02-26 20:28:43 +0000 UTCI think you are putting in a considerable amount of effort for very little reward, so if taking the sponsorship keeps you running, take it. However, it poses a conflict. I have long held the belief that certain filaments in your testing performed worse than they are capable of due to your print settings. Easy example is layer adhesion is highly dependent on build chamber temp and extrusion temp, these values are easy to skew by adding 10c to the extruder and a chamber heater. So if additional effort is spent "tuning" polymaker filament to perform better in your testing, that is a conflict that I personally find will void some credibility.
Connor Bennett-Sheffield
2025-02-26 20:28:02 +0000 UTCI’ve grown to really dislike a lot of other 3D printing content on YouTube - some of it finds the balance, but much of it doesn’t. That being said, you totally deserve a sponsorship and I think you’ll be one of the few able to make it work well. Take it. Love what you do, congrats!
Tim Riley
2025-02-26 20:12:48 +0000 UTCI really enjoy your content, the reason I only watch yours is because you are not sponsored, other Chanels you can tell that they push the brand regardless of the outcome
Russ V
2025-02-26 19:52:13 +0000 UTCI see no issue. I'd just disclose they're sponsoring by providing Filament for testing.
sugarballls
2025-02-26 19:49:41 +0000 UTCI am a supporter of yours on Patreon and I love your content and completely trust you to stay unbiased. Honestly, I don’t use a lot of of poly maker products, but if there was a highlight on some, showing where they may be better for a particular application, I would very likely consider spending a few extra dollars to get exactly what I need. But most importantly, as Polymaker watches you analyze and test their product, I could completely see a possibility where they would look at how their filament stacks up against a different one and modify them for the better if possible. That’s what I call a win-win for you for Polymaker and for us.
gary matthews jr
2025-02-26 19:40:58 +0000 UTCTake the money and run, Igor. You put a lot of work into your channel and I’m glad they offer you another source of revenue. I’m not concerned with bias because the testing you do is factual. Just follow the numbers.
Gene Greiner
2025-02-26 19:33:02 +0000 UTCnumbers tell the truth, and as long as you have fun and investigate what YOU want, i see no problem.
Kaspar W
2025-02-26 19:31:19 +0000 UTCPersonally I don't have any concerns with your credibility. As long as they're simply supplying some product and not otherwise paying you or demanding editorial control or approval of your content before you publish it, I don't see any issues with it. I follow lots of YouTuber's who have sponsorship deals but also give candid and sometimes even harsh reviews of the sponsor's products. Just be sure to disclose it so that it's all above-board and new viewers are aware and can make their own judgment.
David Morris
2025-02-26 19:26:01 +0000 UTCWould be a red flag for me, especially if a manufacturer makes both printers and filament.
Jan Höhl
2025-02-26 19:21:59 +0000 UTCI'd say as long as polymaker isn't sponsoring a main part of the channel or by paying you directly, I don't see a problem. It would probably be an endorsement for other brands to send some filament. The most important thing is, they don't have ANY say in your reviews and testing and don't get the videos in advance or for rewiew themselves. Your testing is usually scientific and not subjective except maybe decisions for printing parameters for example. I'd be happy to see some more recognition for you and you content.
Jan Höhl
2025-02-26 19:17:06 +0000 UTCI understand the financial side of things for sure and I have no question you will judge the products fairly. I like some others, don't really like Polymaker (or any other Chinese filament producer for that matter) I have used some of their filaments and it is fine but I like the European producers who are doing interesting things.
Luke Rickert
2025-02-26 19:16:49 +0000 UTCJust disclose at the beginning of the videos and let the viewer decide.
RCombatguy
2025-02-26 19:13:10 +0000 UTCI dont like Polymaker, they do awful blends. I know it wont effect your results, but im worried too much time gets spend testing Polymaker Materials. If it enables you to test more Materials and improve testing, go for it. Only thing I would ask for is that you wont do Polymaker only videos and dont spend to much time on esthetic Materials.
Markus Desel
2025-02-26 19:11:29 +0000 UTCNumbers are numbers so I will still trust your data...however a filament suppliers support might cast a shadow for those new to the channel. Perhaps a better sponsor would be a printer manufacturer.......but many of the good ones are offering filament as well.
Alan
2025-02-26 18:54:20 +0000 UTCNot an easy decision. I trust you, but how can other filament producers trust you?
Simone Fabris
2025-02-26 18:50:28 +0000 UTCIt is at the very least a veneer of a conflict of interest. Even the "independent and unbiased" channels know that they will stop receiving products to review if they are too critical. True independence is only when the brand doesn't get to pick who does the review and in practice is only possible if the tester purchases the products themselves. (An additional thing is review samples may not match the consumer product) At the very least a full transparency on the agreement (minus the numbers?) would be appreciated.
Jay
2025-02-26 18:49:05 +0000 UTCWhile I fully believe that you will remain unbiased in your (excellent) work while being sponsored, being sponsored can create the perception of a conflict of interest. Unfortunately in today's world, simply doing honest work and being unbiased isn't good enough. It's important now to do that AND avoid the perception of bias. Being sponsored can create that perception, accurate or not. This is why Conflict of Interest rules in companies often prohibit people from engaging in the obvious acts that create a conflict of interest, but also prohibit acts that create a perception of one even if there factually isn't a conflict. Once that perception exists, if you publish data that shows a competitor of Polymaker performing poorly, it gives those competitors credibility when they go on social media (falsely) claiming bias in your reviews. You know as well as anybody that the average person doesn't dive into the technical details of an argument and instead focus on the nice summary / sound bite. The competitor can easily create a lot of doubt in the public mindset about your reviews and your videos will come under much greater scrutiny. People will view them and look for any possible avenue for bias to have been created in the results and create doubt.
stickhog
2025-02-26 18:47:07 +0000 UTCI'm not worried about it affecting your credibility since you show all the testing on video and the numbers are the numbers!
Brin Wolfe-Schulte
2025-02-26 18:43:32 +0000 UTCThe test rigs don’t know who the sponsor is. Take the offer!
Jim McPherson
2025-02-26 18:38:03 +0000 UTCYour methodology is very rigorous and I don' think you would fudge the numbers for them. But I wonder if you will really be able to live up to your pledge that your coverage of the other filaments would not diminish. Whatever, I'm going to continue to subscribe and watch.
Wesley Rishel
2025-02-26 18:31:59 +0000 UTCI think test data & numbers don't lie. So as long as you keep the tests the same for each type of filament, then it should remain unbiased and the numbers will speak for themselves. Also, from what I've seen from other Youtubers, it seems that Polymaker is a good sponsor and does not try to exert influence over content creators. Hopefully this remains their standard of practice, and I trust that you would end the relationship if they were to break this pattern.
John Fleming
2025-02-26 18:31:02 +0000 UTCCongratulations! Also looking forward to seeing more tests with Polymaker. I like their filaments and selection; I would love to see more side by side comparisons with other brands.
Mya
2025-02-26 18:29:33 +0000 UTCGood thing you’ve posted this. I would trust your unbiased opinion. In the end, the numbers matter. You’re open way of testing and also showing how tested parts break, show that the numbers can be trusted and your expert opinion as mechanical engineer only add to this.
Jelle Kalf
2025-02-26 18:29:12 +0000 UTC
