Home Blogs Anthill reader wants us to trial her product. Should we?

Anthill reader wants us to trial her product. Should we?

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I’m often the recipient of emails and phone calls from readers asking whether we can help promote a new product or service. It’s all part and parcel of the job. But it creates a dilemma. Who do I help and who do I dismiss? (Because we obviously can’t help everyone.)

Over coming months, I’ll be trialling ways to crowdsource feedback for aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs. How will we do this? So far, I have no idea. But I’m sure that, with your help (below), we’ll figure something out.

Until then, here is a brief introduction from Ms. Aleksandra Vukotic-Alex, the inventor who inadvertently prompted this discussion. She would like Anthill to help promote the Lukian CD Case.

I have invented a totally new (as it is different from any other package on the world market) disc case for the purpose to hold and protect all sorts of discs like CD/DVD/BD etc. The package is preferably made from the paper (one peace only – no parts, ever!) and it is environmentally-friendly package, hence it can be made from versatile materials. It has a great new look and outstanding design for that kind of package.

The brand name for my disc case is “LUKIAN”. It has a AU and US patent protection so far. However, LUKIAN disc case is environmentally and consumer-safe package, whereas the main reason for its creation is my high respect for the environment, health and safety. LUKIAN is lovable to any eye; it doesn’t matter of what age consumer is, as innovative and outstanding design (which is totally different than any other paper designed disc case at the world market) and, therefore, it can inevitably attract anyone.

So what does Vukotic-Alex want from Anthill?

My idea is that Lukian would look great as the promotional-attachment with your (every) anthill issue, including disc inside with any sort of info. However, Lukian would be a perfect marketing tool for any information that you would like to provide to the consumer. Remember, Lukians “eye-catchy” new design for discs, can attract many consumers by being attached to the Anthill Magazine.

The main problem, of course, is that Anthill has largely ditched its dedication to print in favour of digital channels. Plus, there is always a question of cost. Who will pay for the production of the Lukians? Who will pay the ‘tip-on’ cost (that thick gluey stuff that keeps the ‘freebie’ attached).

So, in this instance, it seems unlikely that I will be able to help Ms Vukotic-Alex promote her innovation in the way proposed. However, I am more than happy to share her innovation with Anthill readers, through this post. 🙂

Here are some pictures:

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So here is my question, Anthillians? Would it be worth creating a section within the site called ‘Rate My Innovation’ or something similar? Would innovators actually seek and value feedback? If so, how do you think this could be achieved? Would it need a moderator? Would we offer a comments box or a simple ‘Yes/No’ function? Or am I looking at this too narrowly – missing the bigger picture?