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#11
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no sooner looked than it's unreachable for the moment, noticed the menuing
had an issue just before that Frank "F.L. Whiteley" wrote in message ... Looks like the new webmaster is getting going. Frank "snoop" wrote in message ups.com... Checked the SSA Photo Gallery today, and there are actually a few pictures in the gallery! Willie wrote: Bob Fidler wrote: Membership locator has always been protected with a password. However, I feel the remaining rather feable content of the website should be available to all that wish to view. I think that the stuff that is protected gives added value to the paying membership. There is plenty of information available on the website for someone who is merely curious about soaring. I really do miss the "photos" section. While being chained to a desk all winter, it used to be nice to see pictures of other people enjoying themselves. I hope they bring it back. Willie |
#12
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First, I'd like to commend the new SSA leadership and its webmaster for
the improved website makeover. Second, in a sport which is in great need of increased visibility in the face of decreasing membership, I'd prefer to not lock out anyone that's making an attempt to find out more information about soaring as his/her potential hobby. If we can get a potential member to our doorstep, let's not make any obsticles for him or her. For those things which need more security, such as personal member information, a password entry is just fine. We just can't afford to turn people off by an unwarrented exclusivity. Mike Roger wrote: I wonder what is so important behind the members only part of the SSA web site? |
#13
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I'd bet that the lockout was not aimed at newcomers
and potential glider pilots; it is probably directed at those who fly gliders but won't join SSA. At 18:30 02 April 2005, Mike wrote: First, I'd like to commend the new SSA leadership and its webmaster for the improved website makeover. Second, in a sport which is in great need of increased visibility in the face of decreasing membership, I'd prefer to not lock out anyone that's making an attempt to find out more information about soaring as his/her potential hobby. If we can get a potential member to our doorstep, let's not make any obsticles for him or her. For those things which need more security, such as personal member information, a password entry is just fine. We just can't afford to turn people off by an unwarrented exclusivity. Mike Roger wrote: I wonder what is so important behind the members only part of the SSA web site? |
#14
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A lot of industry, media, and organizational web sites have member areas (or
at least registrant areas). NY Times, Washington Post, LA Times require registration. WSJ requires subscription. Gliderforum.com requires basic registration. EAA requires membership. DrJack requires subscription for full access. If you've been following RAS for a while, you've found that throughput still costs money. It can amount serious money for some media formats. Those using their corporate or broadband access to download soaring videos and images may have occassionally found the path blocked. Tells you something. Now I don't know what arrangements the SSA's made for bandwidth and throughput, whether it's metered or not. It's probably not free or unlimited. In Colorado, about 1590 pilots have glider ratings. Approximately 530 are SSA members. I can't make any assumptions about the 1060 non-SSA rated pilots' activity, interest or whether they have a pulse. I do know 6-7 with the rating that are not currently active in gliders for the comtemporary reasons of family and unemployment. So you make an interesting point. It might be good to allow people to 'verifiably' register for access to an expanded area (either permanently or for some term). This would allow the SSA appropriate leverage also. Frank "Mike" wrote in message ups.com... First, I'd like to commend the new SSA leadership and its webmaster for the improved website makeover. Second, in a sport which is in great need of increased visibility in the face of decreasing membership, I'd prefer to not lock out anyone that's making an attempt to find out more information about soaring as his/her potential hobby. If we can get a potential member to our doorstep, let's not make any obsticles for him or her. For those things which need more security, such as personal member information, a password entry is just fine. We just can't afford to turn people off by an unwarrented exclusivity. Mike Roger wrote: I wonder what is so important behind the members only part of the SSA web site? |
#15
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F.L. Whiteley wrote: So you make an interesting point. It might be good to allow people to 'verifiably' register for access to an expanded area (either permanently or for some term). This would allow the SSA appropriate leverage also. Frank Second, in a sport which is in great need of increased visibility in the face of decreasing membership, I'd prefer to not lock out anyone that's making an attempt to find out more information about soaring as his/her potential hobby. At some point, this becomes a business decision - a classic demand elasticity exercise. If we charge for content, and that content has value, will some people be willing to pay for it? Conversely, will some people be so offended by the concept as to avoid joining the SSA? I don't know the answer, though it is potentially knowable (with the right type of marketing and survey). On the other hand, I wonder if it's the MOST important issue right now. Seems like the SSA has made a calculated decision, and maybe it would make sense to see if there is any noticeable behavior change. Just a thought... Erik Mann |
#16
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"Papa3" wrote in message
ups.com... F.L. Whiteley wrote: So you make an interesting point. It might be good to allow people to 'verifiably' register for access to an expanded area (either permanently or for some term). This would allow the SSA appropriate leverage also. Frank Second, in a sport which is in great need of increased visibility in the face of decreasing membership, I'd prefer to not lock out anyone that's making an attempt to find out more information about soaring as his/her potential hobby. At some point, this becomes a business decision - a classic demand elasticity exercise. If we charge for content, and that content has value, will some people be willing to pay for it? Conversely, will some people be so offended by the concept as to avoid joining the SSA? I don't know the answer, though it is potentially knowable (with the right type of marketing and survey). On the other hand, I wonder if it's the MOST important issue right now. Seems like the SSA has made a calculated decision, and maybe it would make sense to see if there is any noticeable behavior change. Just a thought... Erik Mann Hi Erik, It seems there might be a missing component, that is, finding those interested enough to register, but not yet committed to membership. Not unlike the one or three flight trial lesson offerings discussion. EAA have options inside the membership, with additional specialty magazines, offered at a cost plus pricing. I can think of one significant missed opportunity, and at least one or two potential items. Committees tend to distill things down to black and white options. Once that's done, we either have those that buy-in or those that don't and no visible choices in-between. We don't gain any knowledge about why not from those that don't, so any future decisions remain shots in the dark. Survey? Who are we going to survey? We need to consider building in a mechanism of discovery. That's what I'm suggesting. Frank Whiteley |
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