I read my Sno-Traveler today and was wondering if everyone out there had some ideas as to see something different. Maybe more club info, project news, classified ad's for members. I kind of feel that the paper has gotten away from the clubs, and the membership, and the problems that are taking an effect on the sport. It has shifted more into an advertising forum than a news or communication source. Kind of gives me the feel of a city paper. 90% ad's and maybe 10% of what I really want to read, when I buy the paper.
Please feel free to voice any thoughts that could make this a more viable info source to the NH sledding community.
Thank you very much,
Freedom Rider
Full Version: What does everyone want to see?
Advertising pays the bills.
QUOTE(ckf @ Nov 16 2006, 10:53 PM) 
Advertising pays the bills.
Agreed for a business, but this paper is supposed to be a benefit for the PAID members of NHSA. I think a better balance would help keep people interested and speed up paper print time. Instead of waiting for bus.accounts to get in their ad's, just set the cut off and go to print. Right now the paper is being dictated by the tardiness of the advertisers/ clubs not hitting deadlines.
I don't know if the answer is more advertising or higher rates. 
The paper should be able to support itself.
The paper should be able to support itself.
As Stated the Advertisement pays the bills. I do feel that Problem Cause and Effect regarding our sport
is Always important. Also the recognition for what clubs are doing is crucial. Aside from the Tons of needed advertisement I enjoy the Sno Travler. I do hope that the NHSA issues being hashed over in these Forums can be resolved Soon . Bill
is Always important. Also the recognition for what clubs are doing is crucial. Aside from the Tons of needed advertisement I enjoy the Sno Travler. I do hope that the NHSA issues being hashed over in these Forums can be resolved Soon . Bill
QUOTE(Bilbo @ Nov 16 2006, 11:15 PM)
As Stated the Advertisement pays the bills. I do feel that Problem Cause and Effect regarding our sport
is Always important. Also the recognition for what clubs are doing is crucial. Aside from the Tons of needed advertisement I enjoy the Sno Travler. I do hope that the NHSA issues being hashed over in these Forums can be resolved Soon . Bill
is Always important. Also the recognition for what clubs are doing is crucial. Aside from the Tons of needed advertisement I enjoy the Sno Travler. I do hope that the NHSA issues being hashed over in these Forums can be resolved Soon . Bill
Bill,
In no way was this poll meant as a dig or bash on the NHSA. It was meant to gather more input for creative ideas, and to give the paper a new direction,maybe.
I have read the Sno-Traveler since I was a teenager in the 70's or so, and I remember how much club news there was in there. With no internet back then it was how the info got out. I just was trying to determine if anybody had any thoughts on how to get a better balance in it. Where it is the Primary info sharing pipeline from the NHSA to the Clubs and their respective members, it should be used as such. I know that the paper needs to be somewhat self sufficent but where do you draw the line.
The article on the sled trip was very good. Informative and entertaining. This is what the sport needs to keep interest alive and growing.
Little bits of adventure will spark new interest in different people. For some it is very hard to get info on such a trip.
Of course, as always, these are just my personal observations and thoughts.
QUOTE(freedom rider @ Nov 16 2006, 11:26 PM)
Bill,
In no way was this poll meant as a dig or bash on the NHSA. It was meant to gather more input for creative ideas, and to give the paper a new direction,maybe.
I have read the Sno-Traveler since I was a teenager in the 70's or so, and I remember how much club news there was in there. With no internet back then it was how the info got out. I just was trying to determine if anybody had any thoughts on how to get a better balance in it. Where it is the Primary info sharing pipeline from the NHSA to the Clubs and their respective members, it should be used as such. I know that the paper needs to be somewhat self sufficent but where do you draw the line.
The article on the sled trip was very good. Informative and entertaining. This is what the sport needs to keep interest alive and growing.
Little bits of adventure will spark new interest in different people. For some it is very hard to get info on such a trip.
Of course, as always, these are just my personal observations and thoughts.
In no way was this poll meant as a dig or bash on the NHSA. It was meant to gather more input for creative ideas, and to give the paper a new direction,maybe.
I have read the Sno-Traveler since I was a teenager in the 70's or so, and I remember how much club news there was in there. With no internet back then it was how the info got out. I just was trying to determine if anybody had any thoughts on how to get a better balance in it. Where it is the Primary info sharing pipeline from the NHSA to the Clubs and their respective members, it should be used as such. I know that the paper needs to be somewhat self sufficent but where do you draw the line.
The article on the sled trip was very good. Informative and entertaining. This is what the sport needs to keep interest alive and growing.
Little bits of adventure will spark new interest in different people. For some it is very hard to get info on such a trip.
Of course, as always, these are just my personal observations and thoughts.
I found that interesting as well :div20: There was even a plug in there for HCS :beerchug:
QUOTE(freedom rider @ Nov 16 2006, 11:26 PM)
Bill,
In no way was this poll meant as a dig or bash on the NHSA. It was meant to gather more input for creative ideas, and to give the paper a new direction,maybe.
I have read the Sno-Traveler since I was a teenager in the 70's or so, and I remember how much club news there was in there. With no internet back then it was how the info got out. I just was trying to determine if anybody had any thoughts on how to get a better balance in it. Where it is the Primary info sharing pipeline from the NHSA to the Clubs and their respective members, it should be used as such. I know that the paper needs to be somewhat self sufficent but where do you draw the line.
The article on the sled trip was very good. Informative and entertaining. This is what the sport needs to keep interest alive and growing.
Little bits of adventure will spark new interest in different people. For some it is very hard to get info on such a trip.
Of course, as always, these are just my personal observations and thoughts.
In no way was this poll meant as a dig or bash on the NHSA. It was meant to gather more input for creative ideas, and to give the paper a new direction,maybe.
I have read the Sno-Traveler since I was a teenager in the 70's or so, and I remember how much club news there was in there. With no internet back then it was how the info got out. I just was trying to determine if anybody had any thoughts on how to get a better balance in it. Where it is the Primary info sharing pipeline from the NHSA to the Clubs and their respective members, it should be used as such. I know that the paper needs to be somewhat self sufficent but where do you draw the line.
The article on the sled trip was very good. Informative and entertaining. This is what the sport needs to keep interest alive and growing.
Little bits of adventure will spark new interest in different people. For some it is very hard to get info on such a trip.
Of course, as always, these are just my personal observations and thoughts.
I hear ya Jeff :div20:
There needs to be a member feedback forum and the folks that volunteer or get paid at NHSA need to grow thicker skin and be able to accept and respond professionally to crticism.
Why is it fair that an individual such as Tom Thompson, politically connected with the "good old boys" at NHSA, can commandeer an entire page of the paper for a diatribe on a narrow political view but the average NHSA member can't even get an e-mail responded to in a timely manner from the Executive Board or paid staff?
The NHSA will never improve and will face an ever escalating wall of opposition until it accepts responsibilities for its shortcomings, decides to be honest with the public and repairs its broken lines of communications with the clubs and their respective members.
The ability of members to provide feedback (within reason) through an editorial page "letters to the editor" type of format would go a long way to addressing the problems listed above. By showing a willingness to publicly accept and acknowledge compliments, suggestions and the inevitable criticism that comes with the job, the NHSA could show that it truly is an organization worthy of the money it annually deducts from its member clubs stretched bank accounts!
Skip
Why is it fair that an individual such as Tom Thompson, politically connected with the "good old boys" at NHSA, can commandeer an entire page of the paper for a diatribe on a narrow political view but the average NHSA member can't even get an e-mail responded to in a timely manner from the Executive Board or paid staff?
The NHSA will never improve and will face an ever escalating wall of opposition until it accepts responsibilities for its shortcomings, decides to be honest with the public and repairs its broken lines of communications with the clubs and their respective members.
The ability of members to provide feedback (within reason) through an editorial page "letters to the editor" type of format would go a long way to addressing the problems listed above. By showing a willingness to publicly accept and acknowledge compliments, suggestions and the inevitable criticism that comes with the job, the NHSA could show that it truly is an organization worthy of the money it annually deducts from its member clubs stretched bank accounts!
Skip
I like the letters to the editor idea. I get the BMW Motorcycle Owners News. The letters to the editor run the gamut, positive to negative from manufacturer to dealers to the club and magazine itself.
I think that kind of forum gives membership a voice and hopefully helps more folks get the feeling that they can make a difference and maybe lead to more individual involvement.
The clubs seem well represented to me. Great articles everymonth from all over the state. The feature this month of the club trip was really good.
Personally I'd like to see more information regarding the efforts made by NHSA and our retained lobbyist as to the impact they are making on the sport and trail system in NH. IE. Just in our area where most of the Castle in the Clouds trails where lost I'd like to know if the NHSA has made any effort on our behalf to work something out with the LRCT to get a few more trails up there open. I want to be kept up to date on any and all state wide efforts. We in our club keep our membership updated on our works constantly thru newsletters and website news. The Sno-Traveler is the ONE place where this information gets to all members at once and in their face. It is a bully pulpit that could benefit all of us much more.
Also an article from the Trails Bureau would be good once and a while. I am interested in the Trail Bureaus activites and projects.
As to the article by Tommy Thompson. I have my own idea as to why it was printed. I would like to have seen a response from NHSA as to why they think it was important to publish in the S-T.
I like the Sno-Traveler. The amount of advertisment doesn't bother me. Matter of fact I like to know who is out there and what they have to offer to the snowmobiling community. As long as the news content isn't diminished get as much advertising as possible.
I think that kind of forum gives membership a voice and hopefully helps more folks get the feeling that they can make a difference and maybe lead to more individual involvement.
The clubs seem well represented to me. Great articles everymonth from all over the state. The feature this month of the club trip was really good.
Personally I'd like to see more information regarding the efforts made by NHSA and our retained lobbyist as to the impact they are making on the sport and trail system in NH. IE. Just in our area where most of the Castle in the Clouds trails where lost I'd like to know if the NHSA has made any effort on our behalf to work something out with the LRCT to get a few more trails up there open. I want to be kept up to date on any and all state wide efforts. We in our club keep our membership updated on our works constantly thru newsletters and website news. The Sno-Traveler is the ONE place where this information gets to all members at once and in their face. It is a bully pulpit that could benefit all of us much more.
Also an article from the Trails Bureau would be good once and a while. I am interested in the Trail Bureaus activites and projects.
As to the article by Tommy Thompson. I have my own idea as to why it was printed. I would like to have seen a response from NHSA as to why they think it was important to publish in the S-T.
I like the Sno-Traveler. The amount of advertisment doesn't bother me. Matter of fact I like to know who is out there and what they have to offer to the snowmobiling community. As long as the news content isn't diminished get as much advertising as possible.
I would like to see some success stories on the building of new trails.
Like what a club goes through to get permits, land owners permission ect:
Also failures, such as a trail closure's. Why it was closed and what it takes to keep them open.
How important it is to get volunteers.
One story would be how OT started the CCC thread and how it evolved.
Or how the OVSC came to life over the past few years because of the new people on the board.
Other good stories would be how a group traveled around NH by sled (Saddle bagging) miles, comnditions, survival techniques.
And yes advertising it goes hand in hand with some good articals.
Like what a club goes through to get permits, land owners permission ect:
Also failures, such as a trail closure's. Why it was closed and what it takes to keep them open.
How important it is to get volunteers.
One story would be how OT started the CCC thread and how it evolved.
Or how the OVSC came to life over the past few years because of the new people on the board.
Other good stories would be how a group traveled around NH by sled (Saddle bagging) miles, comnditions, survival techniques.
And yes advertising it goes hand in hand with some good articals.
i think all of that is a great idea, i would especially like to see like a like a feature on a club every month. heres my question, who is going to do all the work to make it happen???? as in who is going to do the research and write the article
For anyone who has not attended the NHSA annual meetings, the Sno-traveler is a huge expense, not even close to being covered by the $10.00 dues we all pay. It has been looked at from a lot of different angles to make improvements and reduce the cost of producing a monthly paper as we receive now.
I think almost any article...deemed to be of interest to the association membership... would be published! I think the reason we don't see more articles such as the one discribing the groups adventures in Quebec, is simply because nobody takes the time to sit down and write a well thought out, interesting, informative article and send it in with a request for publication in an up coming issue of the Sno-Traveler. It's not as easy as it sounds to write and article like that and I give a round of applause for anyone who does it!
Advertising is what helps to "float the boat". As far as the Sno-Traveler is concerned...the time you have to submit an article to them is so far before the time that the paper comes out I can't beleive they have to "hold" production so much as to affect the mailing time. There are many "free" papers out on news stands that are produced on a weekly basis...yet...the paper manages to get on those stands every week...without fail! If you want to advertise something in the paper that is going to "happen" in the first two weeks of the month...you're screwed...if you use the Sno-Traveler as your main source for "getting the word out"!
I think almost any article...deemed to be of interest to the association membership... would be published! I think the reason we don't see more articles such as the one discribing the groups adventures in Quebec, is simply because nobody takes the time to sit down and write a well thought out, interesting, informative article and send it in with a request for publication in an up coming issue of the Sno-Traveler. It's not as easy as it sounds to write and article like that and I give a round of applause for anyone who does it!
Advertising is what helps to "float the boat". As far as the Sno-Traveler is concerned...the time you have to submit an article to them is so far before the time that the paper comes out I can't beleive they have to "hold" production so much as to affect the mailing time. There are many "free" papers out on news stands that are produced on a weekly basis...yet...the paper manages to get on those stands every week...without fail! If you want to advertise something in the paper that is going to "happen" in the first two weeks of the month...you're screwed...if you use the Sno-Traveler as your main source for "getting the word out"!
The Snow Traveler is a good resource in my opinion, but has a "sacred" aura to it which prohibits people from generating any controversial dialogue, such as what we see elsewhere in the forum. The idea that Skip had about a letter to the editor type of column would be a good step in that direction.
Right now the feel of the Snow Traveler is like a "love in", everything you read is very positive, no criticsm, and in my opinion that doesn't represent what "the real world" of snowmobiling in the state. I can't remeber the last time I read anything that could be interpreted as criticism of the organization, and I think as a result most people get the false impression that everything is running along very smooth. Like any organization it has its great strengths and obvious aspects that can be improved upon, but we don't hear much about the latter of the two, and I don't think thats healthy.
I think the concept of this thread is timely, and I'm glad it was brought up!
pathfinder58 :cn:
Right now the feel of the Snow Traveler is like a "love in", everything you read is very positive, no criticsm, and in my opinion that doesn't represent what "the real world" of snowmobiling in the state. I can't remeber the last time I read anything that could be interpreted as criticism of the organization, and I think as a result most people get the false impression that everything is running along very smooth. Like any organization it has its great strengths and obvious aspects that can be improved upon, but we don't hear much about the latter of the two, and I don't think thats healthy.
I think the concept of this thread is timely, and I'm glad it was brought up!
pathfinder58 :cn:
Good points Armand, and it reminded me of something else!
I think it would be great if the SnoTraveller could print a color centerfold of Armand in his speedo.
We could all hang it up in ours camps to scare the mice away! :smilielol: :wut60: :smilielol:
I think it would be great if the SnoTraveller could print a color centerfold of Armand in his speedo.
We could all hang it up in ours camps to scare the mice away! :smilielol: :wut60: :smilielol:
QUOTE(NHBob @ Nov 17 2006, 08:59 AM)
For anyone who has not attended the NHSA annual meetings, the Sno-traveler is a huge expense, not even close to being covered by the $10.00 dues we all pay. It has been looked at from a lot of different angles to make improvements and reduce the cost of producing a monthly paper as we receive now.
I think almost any article...deemed to be of interest to the association membership... would be published! I think the reason we don't see more articles such as the one discribing the groups adventures in Quebec, is simply because nobody takes the time to sit down and write a well thought out, interesting, informative article and send it in with a request for publication in an up coming issue of the Sno-Traveler. It's not as easy as it sounds to write and article like that and I give a round of applause for anyone who does it!
Advertising is what helps to "float the boat". As far as the Sno-Traveler is concerned...the time you have to submit an article to them is so far before the time that the paper comes out I can't beleive they have to "hold" production so much as to affect the mailing time. There are many "free" papers out on news stands that are produced on a weekly basis...yet...the paper manages to get on those stands every week...without fail! If you want to advertise something in the paper that is going to "happen" in the first two weeks of the month...you're screwed...if you use the Sno-Traveler as your main source for "getting the word out"!
I think almost any article...deemed to be of interest to the association membership... would be published! I think the reason we don't see more articles such as the one discribing the groups adventures in Quebec, is simply because nobody takes the time to sit down and write a well thought out, interesting, informative article and send it in with a request for publication in an up coming issue of the Sno-Traveler. It's not as easy as it sounds to write and article like that and I give a round of applause for anyone who does it!
Advertising is what helps to "float the boat". As far as the Sno-Traveler is concerned...the time you have to submit an article to them is so far before the time that the paper comes out I can't beleive they have to "hold" production so much as to affect the mailing time. There are many "free" papers out on news stands that are produced on a weekly basis...yet...the paper manages to get on those stands every week...without fail! If you want to advertise something in the paper that is going to "happen" in the first two weeks of the month...you're screwed...if you use the Sno-Traveler as your main source for "getting the word out"!
I can understand that the operating cost of the Sno-Traveler are getting higher all of the time. One of the points I was trying to make with this poll is what do the people really want to see. Are they getting the info as a benefit of NHSA, or is it dictated by the advertising. For example: October issue had 48 pages @ roughly 155 1/2 square inches per page. This is a combined total of 7664 s.i. There was 5712 5/8 s.i. of paid advertising. The equates to around to about 76 3/4 % of the total paper. Now the cost of making such a big paper is a direct reflection of how many pages are needed to provide space for the advertising. If the paper is one of the percs or benefits of membership, why not downsize the size of the paper so a more balanced info/ advertisements ratio can be acheived. Less production cost, less postage, and hopefully more info or news.
I know that the later, was the intention of the paper in the first place. But if I may quoate an esteemed member of this board " we have created this monster, now we have to feed it" It has a ring doesn't it?
Sorry for any spelling errors as spell check not working yet.
QUOTE(SHORTFUSED900 @ Nov 17 2006, 09:55 AM)
Good points Armand, and it reminded me of something else!
I think it would be great if the SnoTraveller could print a color centerfold of Armand in his speedo.
We could all hang it up in ours camps to scare the mice away! :smilielol: :wut60: :smilielol:
I think it would be great if the SnoTraveller could print a color centerfold of Armand in his speedo.
We could all hang it up in ours camps to scare the mice away! :smilielol: :wut60: :smilielol:
That suggestion reminds me of a famous Charlie Brown quote "GOOD GRIEF" :frech32:
Not much chance of that getting by the executive board anyways.
pathfinder58 :cn:
"Good grief"
A dude named "skip" asking to see photos of Armand in a speedo?!
maybe you guys need to take this to the VT forumn...
A dude named "skip" asking to see photos of Armand in a speedo?!
maybe you guys need to take this to the VT forumn...
haha speeking of sno-traveler...im on the front cover. In the picture of watercross...Im on the shoreline getting ready to come up next in line for my second run. Red and black polaris sled with a red skid plate and Im standing up on it wearing a white shirt and blue/black life jacket. I raced the kid on the IQ crossing the water on my previous run...
QUOTE(dualmass @ Nov 17 2006, 01:08 PM)
"Good grief"
A dude named "skip" asking to see photos of Armand in a speedo?!
maybe you guys need to take this to the VT forumn...
A dude named "skip" asking to see photos of Armand in a speedo?!
maybe you guys need to take this to the VT forumn...
Ya but it was to keep the mice out of his camp! :lol2: :tease:
Plus he's
pathfindedr58 :fluffy: :frech32:
QUOTE(dualmass @ Nov 17 2006, 01:08 PM)
"Good grief"
A dude named "skip" asking to see photos of Armand in a speedo?!
maybe you guys need to take this to the VT forumn...
A dude named "skip" asking to see photos of Armand in a speedo?!
maybe you guys need to take this to the VT forumn...
LMAO
Maybe they should cut down the number of issuses to three or four from the current six?
This should save a boatload of money. How about a pre season paper, mid season and season wrapup?
Dave
This should save a boatload of money. How about a pre season paper, mid season and season wrapup?
Dave
QUOTE(daveh @ Nov 17 2006, 06:14 PM)
Maybe they should cut down the number of issuses to three or four from the current six?
This should save a boatload of money. How about a pre season paper, mid season and season wrapup?
Dave
This should save a boatload of money. How about a pre season paper, mid season and season wrapup?
Dave
This was suggested at the last board meeting but it was voted down due to the negative impact it would have on advertising revenue and the fact that it would decrease the amount of club news going out to the members (yes I know its slow, but the news still gets out). Right now the advertising revenue pays for the printing and layout of the paper. The postage is not covered by these $$$ so thats where the loss is coming from. Other ideas are being explored to try and reduce postage costs.
Larry Gomes
Asst. Coos County Director
QUOTE(ljgomes @ Nov 18 2006, 12:05 AM)
This was suggested at the last board meeting but it was voted down due to the negative impact it would have on advertising revenue and the fact that it would decrease the amount of club news going out to the members (yes I know its slow, but the news still gets out). Right now the advertising revenue pays for the printing and layout of the paper. The postage is not covered by these $$$ so thats where the loss is coming from. Other ideas are being explored to try and reduce postage costs.
Larry Gomes
Asst. Coos County Director
Larry Gomes
Asst. Coos County Director
What about giving the members the option of receiving it by e-mail?
QUOTE(ckf @ Nov 18 2006, 12:06 AM)
What about giving the members the option of receiving it by e-mail?
Thats what my club does in order to cut cost and it works minus the advertising. On a state wide level it would be "easier said than done". I cant imagine how many hours it would take to type all that info.
Edit: On second thought, I think what would be much better to update the website monthly than to send it to tens of thousands through email.
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