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Membership enticements

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/21/2009 : 15:24:08

How about displaying, in the left column of all forum entries, the paying members' log-on names in Bold Font and non-members in Plain Font?

Alternatively, how about displaying the text "Member" under the "stars" in the left column.

Either of these simple changes might shame non-paying participants to pay the $22.

Can you think of additional enticements, besides the enhanced functionality discussed in the other thread?

JohnP
1978 C25 SR/FK "Gypsy"
Mill Creek off the Magothy River, Chesapeake Bay
Port Captain, northern Chesapeake Bay

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2009 : 16:42:13

John, there is a tiny bit of me that agrees with that, to be honest. But the bigger part tells me I don't want to shame any one to join. I would hope they join on the merits of this organization and what it has to offer. I prefer to reward those who do join instead.

The value of what is offered here alone is worth more than the price of admission-$22. The expertise that our members have and readily share for free is unmatched anywhere else. I have saved many times over that amount with the help I have personally received.

But we don't stop there. Included is the Mainsheet Magazine. Those who receive it know the hours of enjoyment and assistance it brings. Then there are the discounts the paid members receive. Again like the Mainsheet, each are worth more than $22. If I put a true value, I would come up with over $100 and gladly pay if that were the case.

And to show you I am a man of my word, if any member can prove to any officer, excluding myself, that they cant afford our membership dues, I will gladly pay for the 1st 5 individuals that do so. All inquiries are kept confidential.

Steve A
Treasurer-and maybe Membership a little too!

Edited by - piseas on 01/21/2009 16:53:57

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2009 : 18:58:33

As an adjunct to John's suggestion, I mentioned some time ago displaying "Guest" for those who are not paid members. I don't consider it embarrassing or coercive--I see it as a gentle reminder that some people are hosting, or paying for, others' enjoyment of the benefits this association.

But remember two things:

1. We want guests and lurkers--whether potential buyers of our boats (which enhances the value of our boats), or merely people who need to experience this community in order to be convinced to join it. Most of us members were in one of those categories at some point.

2. The change we're talking about could require both a software change that might be ill-advised, and an ongoing administrative task to maintain an online table based on payments and expirations. We are using a "canned" system, Snitz, that offers flexibilities in some areas (like our "rank and promotion" system), but which would require effort and expense to change in other areas. And every change we make, makes upgrading to enhanced versions of that system more difficult and expensive. As an old software guy, I'm not in favor of diddling with the code in software products.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3494 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2009 : 22:44:58

I agree with Dave's comments regarding defining those that have not paid the membership fee as "Guest". It is a gentle reminder.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2009 : 05:11:53

Besides the management burden, I'm not for changing the forum members title. I recognize that there are probably quite a few 'guests' that contribute to the forum and every contribution (spammers aside) has value to someone even if it only lightens the air.

I'll look at automatically providing a members burgee, however we have to recognize that anyone on the web can snag an image and use it themselves. (the rule is that if you can see it then you can snag it!)

Paul

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2009 : 12:13:33

I can snag it, but I can't put it on the left side of the page. That wouldn't be bad, but will you be able to tie it to payments and expirations without an ongoing manual process, and in a way that you can pass along to others (when you buy your 42-footer)?

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 01/22/2009 12:14:53

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2009 : 12:15:27

We all want a whole bunch of guests to find this forum and decide to buy a Catalina 25, 250 or Capri 25

(1) because they are great boats
(2) because there is a super owners association where they can get support
(3) because there are still parts available and factory support.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2009 : 12:31:46

I lurked on here for months and months before making a post, then I leeched off the forum for a few more months asking questions while deciding on our boat. Then I found SL here on the forum and eventually signed up as a dues paying member. I don't know many other folks experiences along these lines, but I doubt I'd have stayed around if I had had to pay up front. I think the folks who find value in this forum will support it with their dues and make a point of it. I also believe that there are folks who will never pay for something they perceive they can get for free. Then there are folks who simply can't afford the extra cash. I'm willing to support these last two with my dues for the information, opinions, techniques, etc. that I'll garner from all of them.

I personally don't see much value in identifying whether someone is a dues paying member or not. I also understand the difficulties in doing so in the software.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3494 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2009 : 23:04:02

I don't see what the big deal is in just putting "Guest" on the side rather than say "Admiral", "Deckhand", etc. If there are technical reasons that make this diffiult or too much work to keep the tally of who is currently a paid member versus not, well then that would be a reason not to do it. It only serves as a gentle reminder that the person has not paid membership. Look at it this way...if you do use "Guest" and at same time enhance the Association Website, I see only benefits derived from these steps taken.

First of all, the number of postings/responses next to the identifier can still be listed, so each individual can still have a sense of accomplishment. Second, "Guest" does not in any way limit anyone that presently posts or responds. Third, many bulletin Boards have no identifier other than the person's User Name ...it's an extra with no real intrinsic value. It serves only as a gentle nudge to ...what we would all desire...become a member !

If instead additional website enhancements are incorporated but limited to only members, unless they are of real value, I see no reason why a non-paying member would be so encouraged to join when he can still utilize the Forum which is what most want only to do anyway. So...improve the website for all and designate those that are non-paying as "Guest" giving them no sense of accreditation as an "Admiral", etc.

By the way...when are we getting plagues engraved with being an "Admiral" and member in good standing for 2, 5, 10 years ? How about a tie pin ? (Only kidding !)

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2009 : 06:52:42

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">By the way...when are we getting plagues engraved with being an "Admiral" and member in good standing for 2, 5, 10 years ? How about a tie pin ? (Only kidding !)<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I still have not ordeded the blue jacket for Jim!

Paul

Edited by - britinusa on 01/27/2009 09:51:47

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1803 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2009 : 19:25:26

Would it be possible to "automagically" send an e-mail to non-members who post asking them to join? I used to go to the Cape Dory sight and post -- at one point I received an e-mail asking me to join, explaining the costs and why joining was in everyone's best interest, and I did. Later they changed to a format that only allowed members to post -- which I did not agree with and therefore did not renew -- but I still lurch their as, like this sight, much good information is exchanged. Paul, if you could do something like that it might "sell" non-members into joining.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2009 : 12:28:54

I think only members should be able to post, but viewing should be public.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2009 : 16:21:22

Jerry--then no prospective buyers would be able to ask questions about Catalinas or Capris, as I did a number of years ago, or converse on the Swap Meet. Unless somebody can show me that this model isn't working--that we're going bust--I think we should just rely on sailors (good folks) to contribute once they've experienced the value.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 01/24/2009 16:31:20

mhartong
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2009 : 16:32:37

I think we should keep the forums open to all;(members and non members) to posting. Keeping it open allows those who may be considering the purchase of a C25/C250/Capri25 to ask questions. Anything that encourages people to purchase is good for the long term health of our class.

Edited by - mhartong on 03/17/2009 17:53:58

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2009 : 16:35:20

I agree with Dave. That's what makes this a great association- for ALL to contribute. And everyone Benefits!

It would be nice if we could send emails to those who post but are not paid members. That would be a pretty big job unless Paul could somehow incorporated that feature in his new software.

As the Treasurer when I see a new member, I send them an email to join but there are a lot still out there that have been around for a long time. We could create a new Membership position to send out emails to them.

Steve A
Treasurer

Edited by - piseas on 01/27/2009 14:40:26

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 01/27/2009 : 09:14:52

There was much discussion on this topic when Arlyn first opened the forum (yes quite awhile ago).
The decision to keep much of the web site including the forum open was to enhance the value of our boats.
Many wanted to limit the specs and brochures to members but that would have denied potential buyers from comparing our boats to others.
Our membership privileges include a discount at BoatUS and other vendors, and private viewing of the TellTale. That's terrific, but keeping everything else open helps find buyers and interested sailors.
You may be happy with your boat now but remember the two happiest days in a sailors life.

Edited by - on

fpill
1st Mate

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USA
51 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2009 : 19:05:07

As someone who "lurked" on this site for five months before joining, a perk I was hoping to have was more information. I could already read posts, I could read archived posts, but I wanted more. What I wanted was to be able to read old issues of Mainsheet. As I looked through old posts, I would see references to maintenance articles or cruising articles in Mainsheet. As a new member and new owner, I'm always looking for ways to improve my boat or new ways to enjoy my boat.

This is a way to entice new members, not punish those who aren't members.

I realize that this would increase the space needed for this site. It may also need an upgrade or overhaul in software. I understand if that makes it cost prohibitive, or technically prohibitive.
I hope this helps.
Frank

Edited by - on

Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2009 : 20:07:59

What about giving new people to the forum an associate membership for the first year at no cost. This would give them access to everything as a full member except the mainsheet magazine or anything else that is mailed. This would make them part of the class and we could send them an official membership in email and gather their information. Since we would only be offering them electronic information, the class wouldn't spend any money.

We could also do this with Catalina Direct on any new owners that buy a certain amount. We would just provide CD an associate member certificate that would be sent to the buyer. Say they buy $300 or more, then they get one. This would also direct them to us from their purchase.

The next year we could send them a full membership application. This would encourage renewal if they have bought a boat. I think it would come across as a very warm welcome.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2009 : 21:53:01

Chris, thanks for taking the time to be involved and concerned about Membership.
If we gave them full access, except Mainsheet, then they would be able to access the Assn. Members Area. Are you including that as well? I ask because they would then be able to access and could use discount information they would not be entitled to.
If not the case, I am not sure what Associate Member would entail.
Steve A

Edited by - on

Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2009 : 08:54:06

I am not sure if we would give them full access on the site to the membership area and discounts. I guess that would be a decision to make. Someone who knows what this would allow and what would be approriate from the class officers would need to decide.

I think of this as a formal welcome from the class. Also, it shows that we feel they are included in the class.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2009 : 21:53:52

Chris, I welcome you to attend our next board meeting to discuss this issue. It is on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6pm. All you need is skype and a mic. Lets see what we can work out. Let myself or Paul Alcock know in advance if you want to attend. The Officers welcome you.
Steve A

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2009 : 20:51:26

I understand from a post by Commodore JimB in the business section that Skype will not be used for next month's meeting due to technical difficulties (encountered during the last meeting). Steve, please confirm and let us know what number to call to be included in the meeting. I was listening in on the last meeting, and indeed, there were communication issues.

Edited by - on

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