Re: AGA ideas

["Karen Randall" <krandall@rdrcpa.biz>]

Hi Shireen,

> > I hate asking people to do it at home, because I know how expensive that
is.
>
> Yes, but some people can afford it. It's strictly voluntary, and
> it can be presented as a suggestion in the form of a "how you can
> help AGA" blurb. Not everyone will do it, but I'm sure some will.

Yes, you're right, and this is the type of thing we need someone to
encourage people to do.

> > We could certainly redesign a single side "flyer" type version... even
one
> > in B&W for those without color printers.
>
> Great idea, if Cheryl is willing.

I'm sure she'd be willing, but again, not until after the conference.  She's
out straight with conference stuff plus TAG and membership duties.

> It would be neat to have mass-produced high quality color
> brochures. One way to go about it is to find corporate sponsors
> who will also be mentioned on the brochure. I don't know much
> about marketing and production work, but assuming that 5,000
> brochures would run at $600, perhaps some companies like
> Seachem, Arizona Aquatics, All-glass Aquariums, etc. could chip
> in $100, each to have their logos and contact info on the back
> of these widely-distributed brochures.

The problem is that we have had a hard enough time getting these companies
to buy ads in TAG and support the conference.  We really can't hit them up
again.

> Oh, OK. Sorry I misunderstood. Then we could do something about
> the Aquascape winners. It's a bit convention-related, but within
> our purview I think. Perhaps a press release with photos of the
> winning tanks, with contacts names for followups.

That would be Erik Olson's department.  He'll see this, because I cc'd the
BOD with it.

> Other forms of publicity...
>
> Create a bunch of poster papers about aquatic plants and
> cultivating them at home. These files could be downloaded by
> AGA members, and printed up for presentations or exhibits.
> We could also include ideas for exhibits such as quick easy
> ways to set up high-quality show tanks. These could be used
> by members who want to set up an exhibit at a local fair or
> community event, or for members wanting to do classroom talks
> and presentations.
>
> Teacher's kit for aquatic plant tanks in classrooms. I've seen
> some of the ads in Carolina Biological catalogs. Outrageously
> expensive. We could assemble a list if things that can be got
> cheaply, as well as easy-to-follow instructions, and lesson
> plan ideas for teaching kids (different levels for diff grades).
> This could be AGA's contribution to education. We may be able
> to talk some plant vendors into donating plants like hygro,
> water sprite, cabomba, hornwort, etc., the easy-to-grow stuff.
>
> Planted aquariums are perfect for HGTV garden shows! I'll snoop
> around when I have some time, and try to interest a producer
> into doing a show on planted aquariums.
>
> I'm sure there's more, but my brain is kinda wasted right now. :-)

These are all wonderful ideas.  Some have actually been discussed before.
The biggest problem standing between us and them is man power.  Which is why
we posted looking for help.<g>  One thing we've learned, because there are
so few of us, is the need to pace ourselves.  One of the benefits of
increasing membership is so that, hopefully, we have a larger pool to draw
on for workers.  While it would also be wonderful to increase the interest
in aquatic gardening in general, our first priority right now, is to
increase membership in the AGA.

> > There is a good sized convention committee already busily at work.  I
don't
> > know what, if anything, they are doing about press releases.  I'm going
to
> > cc a couple of the people on the committee so that they can contact you
> > directly to discuss your ideas.
>
> OK. I won't do anything regarding the convention unless someone
> tell me to.

I forwarded our last e-mail to them, so hopefully one of them will be in
touch!

Thanks again for stepping forward!

Karen


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