<VV> CORSA Membership

[Western Canada CORSA]

Sure Bob,

I'm going to be really, really blunt, with the hopes that it'll spark some debate.

I know there are issues with the content, so I'll address them further on.

The appearance of the Communique is quite simply, dated.  I mean really, really, dated.  The same 'ol graphic and square picture on a solid colour background.  High school yearbooks have better layouts.  So, IMO, we've got a mag that has zero zing in terms of eye appeal.  This is a quickly fixable item, because of the cheap and powerful software out there.

As for the content.....

It is my opinion that too much space is wasted on event reports.  They are all the same: "it was sunny, there were Corvairs, we all had a great time, blah, blah, blah."  I don't give a rat's ass about how much fun so and so had in some place I've never heard of, ESPECIALLY when they are all essentially the same, you just stop reading them.  I understand the need to acknowledge what's going on at the chapter level, but I think these should be severely limited in the space they're allowed, to free up space for more interesting items.

The usual argument for the content in the Communique is that they can only print what is submitted.  But as far as I know, there is no one actively searching for content.  When I wrote the WCC Newsletter, I kept my ear to the ground for guys working on projects that other members would find interesting.  I'd pursue them to write an article for the newsletter.  9 times out of 10 they'd say "sure"!  But if I had waited for the content to come to me, it never would have happened.  The Communique needs the same thing.  Somebody that monitors the email lists looking for guys working on potentially interesting cars and projects.  What about the convention for finding article worthy 'vairs?

Mike Weirmier's "Westbrier" is a perfect example.  He has taken a clapped out, covered in house paint, x-bell telephone van, and converted it into a '02 dark metallic mustang green, westfalia pop-top camper.  The guys on the FC list are getting dribs and drabs of his progress, but I can guarentee you Mike hasn't given the idea of submitting an article to the Communique a thought.   I'll betcha if somebody from CORSA called/emailed Mike asking him to write one, he'd say "yes".

Further, I think an effort should be made to find some accomplished photographers from within' CORSA's ranks.  Here's my senario.

Article Idea Finder Person (AIFP) from CORSA contacts Mike to ask him to do a story on the "Westbrier", he says "yes". Next the AIFP consults a list of volunteer photographers to see if there is anyone located nearby that can arrainge for a session with Mike to get some good quality shots of the Westbrier.  THIS WOULD INCLUDE SHOTS WITH A SENSE OF MOVEMENT WHERE APPROPRIATE.  Further, if Mike says "Yes" to the article, but "No" to writing it (some people just aren't confident with their writing skills) then AIFP can contact the local chapter Pres. to see if he knows someone with a flair for words in that chapter.

AIFP would only have to come up with 11 such articles per year AT MOST, and it would really give the Communique a whole new readaability.

Also realted to this.  I think the Membership Committee, (and the soon to be created AIFP), and other chairs that require enthusiasm, but not necessarily knowledge (ie. the Historian and Technical chairs) should be held by BoD members.

If CORSA wants me to go out and contact all 50 people I signed up to find out what % are still members, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY exactly why those that didn't stay on chose to leave, I'll do it.  But I'm telling you right now that almost all are going to say the didn't like/find value/etc, etc in the Communique.  I may not have all the answers, any answers, or even the right answers, but I am very confident in saying that if you want to attract and keep new members to CORSA you have to start with the Communique because it is one of the keys to the success or failure of the organization.

Just my 0.02
Regards,
Joel

-----Original Message-----
From: bobhelt@aol.com [mailto:bobhelt@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2005 12:05 PM
To: fastvair@yahoogroups.com; westerncanadacorsa@shaw.ca;
virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: Re: [fastvair] Corsa Membership



In a message dated 2/3/05 12:31:41 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
westerncanadacorsa@shaw.ca writes:

> But until the Communique is changed, in both appearance and content, you 
> can bring all the new members to CORSA that you want, but if they don't like 
> what they find, and to 90% of people that IS the Communique, then they're just 
> not going to continue being members.
> 

Joel, Please explain and give us some details.
Thanks,
Bob Helt


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-----Original Message-----
From: dfgiannotti@webtv.net [mailto:dfgiannotti@webtv.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2005 6:43 AM
To: fastvair@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [fastvair] Corsa Membership




  By now most of you have read Sarah Jones " President's Message "..Her
concern is the rapidly declining membership, approx. 300 lost last
year..
This is a concern, what can be done??
I would like to poll this group, then send
our suggestions on to the BOD..
  I will start if off...
       1. Hire or recruit a Publicity 
           Chairman..
           Someone to promote Conventions,
           Track Events, Shows, etc. outside
           of Corsa.. Advertise Events in    
           magazines, radio, newspapers,                 etc. Let the
general public know                we exist, basically we only
promote the Corvair Events within
           our ranks..Set a budget for outside
           advertising...
        2. Schedule printouts of Corsa                       Events
inserted in the MAY Issue
            for copy usuage..These could also             include
membership forms.....
            Flyers can be handed out at
Cruise-in's, Shows, etc.
       We are not getting the word out to                the general
public that we exist..
          Thats my .02 cents, whats yours??

     Dan