Last night we we're chatting about this on 100. Anyways, what I'd like to see is some t-shirts, hoodies, coffee cups, etc.. that VO could sell in their online store. Christmas is coming up, and it would be nice to purchase some of these things as gifts. (or for yourself)

I won't highlight all of the suggestions from last night, since a few others mentioned they would post on this thread.. so, post away!

As far as the graphic design and such, this would be a awesome contest. Say, the winner(s) would have a free 3 month subscription or whatever. Inc?

Anyways, just thought that I would toss it out here for all.

My suggestion was the design of some wallpapers and maybe a screensaver - relatively simple freebies that the community could design (a contest works here). Free stuff is always good marketing fodder and its distribution could lay the groundwork for the merchandising that Vskye mentioned.

(Self-publishing webcomics might be a place to look for marketing ideas and resources since they tend work within limited budgets to cater to a small but loyal audiences. Wait, a VO webcomic!)

CTishman set these up awhile back. The items sell at cost - he makes nothing on the sale.

http://www.cafepress.com/sercogifts

http://www.cafepress.com/uitgifts

And LeberMac set this up:
http://www.cafepress.com/itanialliance

vskye: I agree, it would be cool. and I look at it periodically, and then get distracted by some other fire that breaks out. Just haven't had a chance to make it happen. A contest would be a good idea, though.

Inc: I figured you have looked into this before, just didn't see it mentioned anywhere.

Whistler: Some of the merchandise in the links is nice, but I was thinking just generalized VO stuff vs guild related. Although the "I cook with Sunflares" apron was funny.

i'd like to announce the winner before the contest begins: leebs.

everyone else sucks. only he can draw.

he gets a nedal:

think geek does stuff like that

Only for stuff they consider really "big", generalized sellers.

We'll probably end up with a combination of Cafe Press and some special-case options.

Know what would sell?

Serco Lube - "When your parts don't move, use Serco Lube!"

Yea was thinking cafe express.