brainstorm

[stevestank]

Perhaps we can all put our heads together to help remedy the problem. I'd be willing to write an article or perhaps solicit a lfs owner for a quick interview and ask if we can post a coupon in the newsletter. If we have 5 to 7 folks volunteering a little time to write a section, we can ask our "volunteer" editors and C-sea officers to compile everything and mail it out. My 2 cents.

 

[itZme]

That is pretty much how the newsletter was working. The content kind of fizzled out and nobody contributed anymore. There is a rule that was printed in the newsletter that said if you contribute 2 articles to the newsletter you get a year of C-SEA membership free. If you feel like rounding up some good content I would not mind compiling it and sending it back to someone that has the mailing lilst to be distributed. It was assigned to someone so that it wasn't left up to a bunch of individuals that could possibly confuse or complicate things.

The coupon is something that I always thought was a great idea but they say most of the LFS are not interested. There was some talk of a discount if you showed your membership card to a couple of LFS but I think those are gone now. I would think it would be a great benefit to be able to offer that as a "perk" for being in C-SEA.

The CORA club has club member discounts sometimes at Phishy Business or Byerly's. I think it is nice to show the people who are really into the hobby that you want them to come to YOUR store and even if it were 5%-10% on livestock only it would encourage people to go to you when they were looking to buy. Then, of course, you spend hundreds more on dry goods while you are there

Win, Win situation IMO.

Now get to work on your articles ...

-- Kevin

 

[stevestank]

Kev,

I'll tell you what I'm willing to commit to. I'll volunteer to write one article and generally be an "Akron Canton area C-SEA reporter." I can interview LFS owners and Aquarists about their success stories and challenges. We need someone to mirror the Cleveland aquarist scene. Just thinking aloud. If we compile the Cleveland Aquarist reporter article and interview along with the Akron Canton area article and interview, we will have some substance to compile with upcoming meeting information, subject matter, directions, date time, and maybe a couple pictures of club member tanks. Just using introspection, I'd be interested in reading this sort of content, clipping a coupon, learning about a LFS, etc... If there's a certain amount of effort and cooperation, we can get the entire NE Ohio area to "Gel" as opposed to some of the confusion that has happened in recent years.

Steve

 

[stevestank]

While we are brainstorming... I gave some thought to Cowcio's concern about this forum becoming a garage sale... A short classified section in the newsletter would solve the problem to a certain extent. Classified section can include livestock, dry goods, and items for trade. Perhaps 1.00 per listing will help with paper, printing, and postage costs.

 

[Kreeger1]

We had that in the old newsletter. nobody used it

 

[johndawg]

You are right Eric, with online postings, that section (For Sale) became obsolete.
The club voted a while back to discontinue the paper version of the newsletter to save money on postage, printing, etc. It cost about $75/month to produce. Plus many members asked for electronic versions. It was also very time consuming to put together.
Having been editor for 3 years, I can tell you it was a lot of work for little payback. I only had two members who regularly submitted articles. So to fill space, you need to find appropriate articles, get permission to use, etc. Most people find their info on the web today, versus waiting for a club newsletter.
An up to date website, with good content, links to other content, with sponsors and e-mail alerts for meetings and important information would in my opinion, be the way to go in this electronic age. This would also make it easier for members to write articles, post pics, etc without one person (editor) worrying about a monthly deadline.
Just my 2 cents, but been there, done that!
John

 

[stevestank]

I was thinking the utility of using Reef Central to sell things is unmatched by anything that can be compiled, printed, and snail mailed. Just thinking aloud. I'm willing to put forth some effort for a March newsletter. I just need to know there are others who will pitch in and help make it happen. I'm looking at around 2 hours a month to contribute. I figure a good newsletter will take 5 to 7 man hours.

 

[johndawg]

Stevestank,
2 hrs is pretty tight per article. I used to do a tank of the month section, between the going to and doing the actual interview, taking pics, selecting , cropping, taking notes, re-writing etc...2hrs is a minimum amount of time. All of this is great stuff, but imho, should be focused on great website content, not a newsletter that only goes to members. A great website will create the excitement you are talking about.
John

 

[Burgman]

Hi All,

What is the status of the club newsletter?

Dave

 

[Kreeger1]

No newsletter editor yet

 

[stevestank]

Johndawg,

I agree a website with ongoing effort and new content updated monthly would be great. A few things come to mind:

1. There's really only a handfull of usual suspects lurking on this site on any given day. This is relatively speaking of course. I'm sure there are many who don't sign onto reef central to follow C-SEA events at all. Long story short, a member who joins might appreciate a monthly publication that is put together and mailed to them directly. This would cost 4.68 cents in postage per club member per year, time, printing, and a half hour of afixing address stickers and stuffing envelopes every month.

2. Having printed information relative to our monthly meeting along with a map and directions can come in handy.

3. It's hard to police a printed coupon unless it is printed as opposed to posted on a website.

4. I don't know many C-SEA members who actually received a Membership card.

5. Color pictures of member tanks will instill pride and help perpetuate the club.

6. A newsletter is a member benefit that can be used to hand to a prospective member to sign up especially if there's a sign-up form that can be cut, filled out, and mailed. A recruitment tool to grow the club. Perhaps offer a benefit to current members such as: Sign up 3 new members and your next year membership is free... etc.

7. Good bathroom reading for those of us who don't have a PC near the throne

Let's continue brainstorming. If there's enough interest and volunteers, the C-SEA newsletter can be useful to many...

Steve

 

[johndawg]

Steve,
I did it for 3 years....don't take the following as being argumentative, just the facts as I have experienced it...might be something to discuss Friday...better web site or newsletter. I'll take mine electronic please!

1. Unless you have a highspeed, duplex printing, color printer/copier at your disposal, and you get paper and toner for free, it is very expensive to produce a quality newsletter. I even did mail merge for addresses so I did not have to stick labels on, but you still have 100+ stamps to stick. Each newsletter has to be stapled and folded and sealed in some manner. You have to maintain mailing list with help of membership chair...

2. Google maps

3. Club historically did not have many stores willing to do coupons any way.

4. Membership cards easier to produce than monthly newsletter, what else does membership chair do during the month?

5. Most color printers/copiers will not do justice to member tanks. Def candidate for website.

6. Provide info sheet to new members. Top is application, bottom is temporary membership card with info on meetings, website and reefcentral, maybe even coupon from LFS?

7. Thats what Tropical Fish Hobbyist is for!
John

 

[stevestank]

I started this thread to "brain storm." i.e. a lot of intelligent Aquarists sharing ideas to come up with a viable solution and perhaps put together a plan to move forward with a newsletter. Thus far, we have a few folks expending energy to shoot down what few thoughts are conjured up. I was told "Those who speak up and complain about not having a newsletter tend to help out the least." Perhaps a newsletter isn't something that is valued by CSEA club members?? I'm here to pitch in if anyone else wants to cooperate.

 

[johndawg]

I applaud the effort. My suggestion, as one who has done the job, is to do what you are saying, but electronically. IMO, the website needs to be our focal point. That is how people today communicate. 3+ years ago our website won an award. It was a place where members and non-members could get info. Today, we have no website (for all intents and purposes) and no newsletter. The website still does not reflect what is happening this Friday. The club needs to decide what to do next.
John

 

[stevestank]

Understood John. I certainly appreciate your efforts as well. In effect, we are saying "No need to join CSEA unless you own a computer, you are computer literate, have an ISP subscription, and a devotion of time to be online to stay informed." I'm interested in perpetuating CSEA. I wonder if a hybrid "Online/Mailing" model would serve current and potential members best. You know more than most John. What's funny is out of more than 100 members in the club, you and I are the only one's having a chat here... Perhaps there are 98+ members out there who would like a newsletter? Hmm?

 

[Kreeger1]

I also Did the newsletter in the past when it was printed and mailed out I can also say that the work involved was alot, and not many people at all would help. Since it has gone to email that saved the club alot of money and time. Now we just need to find a newsletter editor to get it rolling again. The Club voted on it to go to electronic mail so thats how it switched over.
Heck you can always just hit print and make your own bathroom reading material
Erik

 

[stevestank]

Eric,

Thanks. Just know I'm here to help contribute some newsletter content when/if CSEA might be interested. Thus far, I feel there is little or no interest. It seemed as though quite a few folks were asking about a newsletter. I might see you Friday. Take care.

Steve

 

[scottfarcuz]

Steve,
According to the bylaws the board needs to appoint a newsletter editor in the next few months. I say you volunteer Here is the responsibility of the editor according to the bylaw

7.7 Newsletter Editor

The Newsletter Editor shall:
a) Be responsible for regular publication of the C-SEA newsletter.
b) Edit the newsletter, using judgment as to the suitability of submitted articles.
Be responsible for all equipment and supplies associated with the publication of the newsletter.

I'll promise 2 equipment review articles between now and may elections in return

 

[bond007069]

oh oh can i guess one of the pieces of equipment !! :lol:

 

[stevestank]

I have reservations relative to raising my hand to be Editor. I suppose the first and foremost reservation is... I'm from Akron. I would feel better if there might be a "Co-Editor" from Cleveland. This way, we could split the responsibilities geographically and proof each others content. I'd like to ask Members to consider this and PM me with any interest. How bout it scottfarcuz?