Re: TAG ideas (long)

["David VillaSunscape" <davidlass@villasunscape.com>]

Only thing I would add is implicit in Karen's list -- but I think we need to
have regular columns in each issue. Things like (from Karen's list and not)
* Beginner's hints
* Featured tank
* Gleanings from the web
* Plant of the month
The more we are like the "real" magazines the better -- and that means
having regular columns with regular columnists.
I'm really glad that Karen has been willing to pick up the ball, and I know
that the new TAG will be fantastic.
In terms of financial self-sufficiency, since I have been Treasurer of our
esteemed organization the coffers have stayed pretty much the same, maybe
even built up a little. If we have to invest a little in getting the new TAG
up and running I think it is worth it, as it will be more service to the AGA
members, and very shortly it will break even or even make money. This is
especially true if, after an issue or two we raise the dues to $20, which I
do not think will have any bad effects. That extra $5,000 or so will cover a
lot of startup expenses in improving TAG.
David
----- Original Message -----
From: "Karen Randall" <krandall@world.std.com>
To: <aga-sc@thekrib.com>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2001 2:05 PM
Subject: TAG ideas (long)


> OK, since David asked.<g>
>
> Here is a list of thoughts I put down over the weekend of directions I'd
> like to go in, and things I think we need to work on.  I've already set up
a
> time to go sit down with David after Christmas to figure out where we
stand
> financially, so even though I've included my thoughts in this list, let's
> put those issues aside for the moment and just brainstorm.  If you see
> anything glaringly missing from this list, you hate something on the list,
> or you have any other ideas, please let me know.
>
> Karen
> -----------------------------------------
>
> TAG  Ideas
>
> Finances:
>
> Find out:
> *Who is doing printing now?
> *What are the costs of:
>  -Black and White
>  -Color pages
>  -Color covers and inside cover
>  -Mixed
>  -Numerical cost breaks
>  -Mailing
> *Can we get better quality and/or better price elsewhare?
>
> Can we afford to pay:
>  *$50 per new feature length article ($100-$150 per issue)
>  *$10 per photo ($100-$150 per issue?) (ask for donated material when
> possible)
>  *Annual award for best article and best photo ($$??)
>
> How much do we need to charge for ads?
> *Full page color ads should pay for at least that whole sheet of paper (3
> add'l pages)
> *Cover ads should pay for cover the add'l cost of mailing magazines in an
> envelope
> *Ads less than a full page in size must be paid in advance for one full
year
> (4 issues) and must have B&W and color options
>
> Short Term Goals (within 2002):
>  *1-2 New feature articles per issue (try to have one more technical, one
> beginner-ish)
>  *1 Asian article (Amano) per issue (translated)
>  *1 European article per issue (translated)
>  *Featured plant
> *Featured tank or aquarist
>  Can be submitted by members or chosen from contest entries
> (ask owner to answer questions about the tank via the members' list)
>  *Tips gleaned from APD and elsewhere
>  *Local/Regional club news
> *rotate full ads for back issues, book store, etc. (don't need more than a
> website pointer in every issue)
>  *Some color in every issue
> *Move most of the administrivia to the web site, and include just pointers
> in the magazine
>
>  *Establish committees:
>   -Advertising sales
>   -Materials search
>   -Translation (Tomoko Schum, Michael Ekherdt)
>   --Have AGA buy subscriptions to promising foreign magazines for these
> people
>   -Local club liaison (to collect news from local clubs)
>
> *Develop strong link with Members' list
> -(Including monthly updates on news/announcements)
>  *Develop an electronic archive of photos and drawings by species/subject
>
> Long Term Goals:
>  * Financially Self-sustaining
> *Full color
> *6 times annually
>
>
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