How to get sponsored by BambuLabs

I told them I’d like for them to send me a new 3D printer and AMS unit. Right out of the blue, without ever tagging them in any post. Honestly, I don’t think it’s going to work – but I’m going to start getting myself out there. This brings me to my second monthly post.

Last month I spoke about how C, A.K.A AGTraphaus, inspired me to begin working on my “reverse funnel system” on social media. Throughout our own websites and the social networks we call home like Threads and Instagram, we fostered discussion about what it means to control your online presence.

Our peers discussed the different ways that one could own their online identity. A lot of folks acknowledged that they should contribute more to their websites. Some vowed to disconnect from social media altogether. Where I’m at, and I’m hoping others will see this too – is like this:

“Reverse funnel system”, because everything needs a name these days.

Social media is a funnel for you today. I mean that in a literal and figurative sense. Figuratively it consumes a lot of your time that you could be spending on other things like your art or whatever. It’s cliché but it’s true.

I will acknowledge that scrolling through social media does have its benefits. It feels nice, we use it for a reason. It brings connection – I’ll get into that. The part I want to talk about is how social media is a funnel for your content.

“Oh shit” moment

Imagine this scenario, one that’s been felt by millions of people:
The social media presence you’ve built is torn down in an instant when the platform you’ve been using bans you inexplicably. People have found themselves in this position whether it be Threads, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit – the lot of them.

If you’re not investing in your own platform for discussion you’re leaving tech giants and their new AI moderation companions to have full rule over your reach and impact.

Every platform is a little different and a lot of them will offer ways to appeal the decisions that their moderation teams / tools use against you. That still doesn’t mean the systems are perfect, and there are a ton of people who can attest to that. The content that you make available solely on your social media channels can be lost at any time.

That’s the funnel in action, sucking your productivity into the engine of big tech. What’s more than that? Read the ToS from your favourite service. You upload it? They basically own it. There are exceptions, but, for the most part your original content will end up in their hands to be used as they please. What’s more like a funnel than that?

Reverse the flow

I said “reverse funnel system”. Why?

Everyone is sharing on social media anyways. We can do our scrolling, we can feel good and make connections. Wouldn’t it be a good move to take those connections and shift them into a space that we own?

Right now you’re probably reading this because you saw a post on your Threads or BlueSky timeline that was basically just a link here. We can foster connections on the social media sites by speaking to one another about our reactions in the comments – but when we post we can own it.

Meta can have your photo, or a link to your website. Your choice. Yes they will throttle your content. Your closest followers will see it and share it anyways – because you’ve spent your time building those relationships.

The flow of the funnel turns around because you’re taking the time to speak to people on social media, but the content is hosted on your end. The people you meet and support become your traffic. There is a social cue that people respond to – an unspoken quid-pro-quo if you will. They don’t owe you, but some will show up. Those are your people. Those are your audience.

They don’t owe you

The time we have available is different for everyone. We’re going to get less reach. Links are nerfed, people don’t want to click because it takes longer and disrupts the flow. Lean into it. This movement won’t happen unless the people make it happen. When regular visitors to your profile don’t come through to your website – don’t take it personally. The social media kings have shaped their empire to work this way. Together, we’ll get there!

What does this have to do with DM’ing a manufacturer?

The long and short of it is that I have a lot in the pipeline for 3D printing. I have a number of project write-ups saved here on my website, ready to publish. What is missing from those projects? Actual build images. My 3D printer is on the brink of death. I’ve upgraded or replaced basically every part on the machine, and it’s just not possible to finish projects any more. It is constantly down…. and I need a machine that works. BambuLabs makes machines I think I can count on to produce, but I can’t say that with certainty until they send me some product.

This blog post is a shoutout to C and my C.ommunity, it’s a siren song to start owning your presence and trying to tilt things in your favour by reversing the flow. It’s also a plea to any 3D print manufacturer to get in my email or DM’s, because I have recipes ready to cook.

Thank you for reading. I appreciate that you’ve made it this far. You have passed the vibe check and I know that you get the message – otherwise you’ve not have clicked at all.