In this episode, Bob Dunn introduces “Keep It Open,” a new initiative designed to support the independence and sustainability of the network. Bob Dunn explains why maintaining honest conversations and championing the open web matters, and invites listeners, whether makers, developers, technologists, or agencies to join as fellow believers in this mission.
Unlike traditional memberships, “Keep It Open” is a simple, one-time way for individuals to contribute what they can, with a genuine thank you in return. Stay tuned for future updates on new series and upcoming changes and let’s keep the conversation, and the web, open.
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Takeaways
Introduction of ‘Keep It Open’: Bob Dunn announced the launch of a new initiative called Keep It Open, clarifying that it’s not just a literal or typical membership program but aims to support the independence of the network, honest conversations, and the open web 00:08–00:54.
Community-Centered Support: The initiative encourages contributions from listeners who care about the network’s mission, positioning them as fellow believers rather than just financial partners or members, and emphasizes the importance of sustaining open source and independent platforms 01:45–02:30.
No Perks or Tiers: Unlike many crowdfunding or membership models, Keep It Open offers no special perks, tiers, tote bags, or producer credits. Contributors may be thanked by name on the podcast or social channels, but the focus is on genuine support rather than transactional rewards 02:32–03:02.
Simple and Flexible Giving: Supporters are invited to contribute whatever they can whether €5, €20, €50, or more,emphasizing that the amount matters less than the gesture of sustaining what they believe in 03:09–03:27.
Direct and Minimalist Contribution Process: The donation process is kept simple and minimal, accessible via a button on the Open Channels FM website, aligning with the network’s minimalist philosophy 04:01–04:18.
Role and Value of Sponsors: Bob Dunn highlighted the importance of sponsors (Omnisend and Woo), noting their commitment, the quality of their teams, and offering listeners a specific discount via Omnisend as a thank you for their support 04:18–05:14.
Future Announcements: Bob Dunn briefly mentioned upcoming developments, including additional series and changes on Channel 4, promising more updates soon 05:20–05:32.
Core Message: The overall spirit of the message is to encourage listeners to help keep the network independent and honest without any hype-driven campaigns, limited-time offers, or superficial benefits. Just a straightforward invitation to contribute and sustain meaningful conversation 03:39–03:58.
Important Links and Resources
- Keep It Open: https://openchannels.fm/keepitopen/
Episode Transcript
Bob Dunn:
Welcome to Channel 4 on Open Channels FM. Today I want to take a few minutes to update you on something else we’ve just launched here. We’re launching something today called Keep It Open. Now, before you assume you know what that means, let me clarify. The fact is, this network, unlike many podcasts, it’s not a side project. It’s what I put all my time, resources and, yes, my heart and soul into. And things are always growing, demanding more resources and time. The fact that this is my full time gig doesn’t make me better than anyone else, it’s just what I choose to do. Because yes, on the surface it sounds like a title that is very literal. It’s not. Keep It Open is actually about something we care about deeply. Keeping this network independent, keeping these conversations honest, and keeping the open web alive.
Which if you’ve been listening to us for any amount of time, you’ll know. It’s basically what we talk about every single week anyway. So in that sense, the name is pretty literal, just not in the way you might have thought. Let me give you a little bit of context here. We have four sponsors who make this network possible. They’re partners in the real sense. They invest a good chunk of money in what we do, they believe in the audience we build and we have real commitments to them. That relationship is a business one and we take it seriously. But there’s another kind of relationship we’ve always wanted to have with this community and that’s with you. The makers, the developers, the technologists, the agencies, the people are actually out there building on the open web every day. And the thing is, those two relationships are completely different things. Our sponsors are partners. You would be something more like fellow believers, which sounds a bit dramatic, but hear me out.
As you know, the open source world runs on people contributing the things they believe in. Not because they have to, not because there’s a reward waiting for them, but because good infrastructure, whether it’s a library, a tool or a conversation, needs people who care about it enough to sustain it. That’s what Keep It Open is. It’s not a membership, you know, it’s not these tiers you have to choose from, not all the different perks, even no tote bags or T shirts. We’re not going to put your name on a producer’s credit and make you feel like you’re in the film industry. What we’re going to do is mention you by name if you choose to share it, either on our socials or perhaps here on Channel 4 in our new ongoing Keep It Open series that I’m working on. It’s a simple, genuine thank you because that feels right for who we are and who you are. If you want to contribute, you can give whatever works for you.
And honestly, Whether you give €5, 20, 50 or more, it really means the same thing to us. You’re choosing to sustain something you believe in. And that’s the whole point. It’s not about the amount, it’s about sustainability. We get it and we appreciate what whatever you can do either way. So that’s it. Keep it open. There’s no hype, no countdown timer, no limited time offer, just a simple one time way for individuals who care about what we’re doing here to be part of keeping it going alongside the sponsors who make it possible in the first place. Now, you’ll find the link in our show notes. If you go to Open Channels fm, up in the right corner you’ll see a nice little button that you simply press on. It’s a single page. It’s very minimal because of course it is. That’s how we work around here. Now, I mentioned sponsors, so I feel like I do want to thank our sponsors, Omnisend and Woo, before I go.
But instead of just talking about what they can do for you, how about who they are? You know, we live in a world where the concept of knowing, liking and trusting companies can be overwhelming, yet we still want it. I can tell you from my own experience that both Woo and Omnisend have amazing teams and leadership. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and build relationships over the years with both of them, which isn’t always possible for everyone. But still, if you trust me, I can say they have some of the coolest people building and working with their customers. Plus they have committed to supporting Open Channels FM. So check out woo@woocommerce.com and visit omnisend.comopenchannels to get 30% off any new plan for three months.
One more thing. I did mention possible series called Keep It Open. Well, we’re also doing a few other things too. Channel 4 and a new series that we did some reworking with. I’ll be coming back on to tell you a little bit more about that later. But hey, thanks for listening and as always, Keep It Open.
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