First Web Issue
Well...this is the first web issue of the CB World Informer newsletter.
As always, it took longer than anticipated. The more time spent on an
article, the more information came to the surface. All this inspired new
ideas and changes. This issue evolved from a simple information source to
a online magazine.
Back in 1997 it was quite painful to end the publication on the
newsletter. Not because I had to write so many refund checks for the
remainder of the subscription year, but because it was enjoyable to help
operators across the country get the most out of their hobby. And the
positive feedback from our subscribers helped motivate the production of a
better product.
I thank those past subscribers for their letters of thanks, and hope
for the newsletter to restart. See, someone was listening, you got your
wish. And I appreciated those who returned the refunds. This was a shock.
And over time I got another surprise. Many of the refund checks were never
cashed. I thank all of you for being kind and showing your appreciation
through those actions.
In the snail mail version, advertising was never used to help support
the publication. This way the readers would know that a review or article
wasn't biased or watered down for fear of loosing advertisers. With the
web issue it's unclear to me at this time how to support the web overhead
and costs to write articles and reviews, not to mention pay for outside
articles from other authors. The dilemma is, how to make this site support
itself without influencing content material.
One option would be advertising products that are not directly related
to the hobby, but somewhat linked such as hunting and fishing equipment.
Items of that nature wouldn't be reviewed, eliminating any possible
conflict. The drawback is banner ads. They can be distracting and take up
space.
Another option would be a low cost subscription price. An incentive
program were subscribers who refer others would get a portion of the
subscription in cash could be adopted. A yearly subscription would
eliminate the need for banner advertising, but limit access to readers via
a password process.
A third would be to ask for donations. I just don't know if that's a
good idea.
I'd like your input on this subject. Please add your comments to the
form below.
We value your opinion, please fill out the brief questionnaire below.
Copyright © 2001 CB World Informer. All rights reserved.
Revised: February 07, 2003
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