The above post points out just how much of this is ego driven. A lousy 10% discount? ... and you get some stickers on your panniers? and a patch to sew onto your jacket? Sheesh!

Seems to me the whole ADV commercial world is shifting quickly now. With social media still surging and major decline of print magazines, clever OEM's have to think a bit outside the box.

I'm sure the smart manufacturers will still sponsor a few key characters. The ones who draw crowds at events and such ... and if they are good writers and phototogs as well then even better.

But why pay them year round? Or have them constantly sending in pics and videos your company probably won't use? So ... how do they advertise?
And how many produce truly slick commercial pics and how many can write "ad copy"?

Photo Shoot #101
OEM's can "hire" top travel adventure heroes for a day or two, get PRO film/stills crew out to some picturesque locations ... and click away. Costly? Depends how you do it. But it's a "One And Done" kind of deal.

A few choice locations featuring latest products, a good DP and you get enough print and video content "in the can" to use for a year or two at least ... and it's perfect and it's exactly what YOU (mister CEO) want!

Finally, hire a PRO editor, get killer music and post production ... and Bob's your uncle ... your ad campaign is ready to go world wide.

Your "Talent" (ADV Heroes) are then let go with a pittance and a few discounted items as payment and the OEM has rights to use them riding in all their ads ... forever. (or whatever contract they sign)

We already see this approach from some bike companies like KTM and Yamaha. They hire top Dakar racers or former heroes (like Peterhansel) for a one day shoot ... and their good until the next product launch down the road a year or three.

Sadly, books now seem irrelevant. The days of Ted Simon's Jupiter's Travels are long behind us and not as many appreciate the many well done Blog's out there from true adventurers' like Mick & Tan, Lisa & Simon, Paul & Egle and many more.

And publishers are less likely to publish your book if it's already been presented on HUBB or ADV Rider. In fact, some are contractually prohibited from posting to on line forums, can be both images and text.

IMO, this whole world is quickly evolving. We're in the middle of it now, and who knows where it's going or where we will end up. Enjoy the ride!