Focus Magazine

[Drdr]

I agree with Clive and the general sentiment of this thread - saving a not inconsiderable sum in this way will yield more investment for other key areas.

[SeanC]

I'm less convinced of the PDF option than in the past. A PDF will be less read, and when read most probably less thoroughly. There is great value in clubs understanding what BOF does* and understanding what other clubs do. This value is pretty difficult to measure but it could easily outweigh the saving of a PDF option.

Would be good to see more clubs write articles on their development initiatives in Focus or CompassSport, especially those who are expanding their memberhsip and participation. Don't be shy.

* someone will mention the SportsCouncil jargon and positive spin of some articles in Focus.. but surely much better than nothing.

[RJ]

FOCUS does a marvellous job in projecting a bright, colourful, informative, interesting, and athletic image of the sport of orienteering. Now it might not matter to a certain percentage of the 'O' fraternity since they know where and how to get their weekly 'fix', but for the vast majority it reinforces the "this is a great sport" message, showing them it is a great deal bigger than their local club scene.

Many organisations produce colouful 'glossies' showing their membership what they do and what has been going on recently. It is so important to be able to share those interesting ideas that are happening in one part of the country with people at the other end.

CompassSport magazine does the same sort of thing, but perhaps from a different viewpoint, and with a different audience. FOCUS might just dispel those doubts held by quite a few..... just what does BOF do for us!!??

And, as I have said before. There is nothing like having the paper copy lying about on the table so that you can dip into it whenever you like, or to flick back though several recent copies to find that article you vaguely remember.

[frog]

I find the trouble with online newsletters and magazines is I never get round to reading them. I read alot of this sort of stuff in the bath/ in bed/ whilst having breakfast etc. Online I just don't bother, I don't associate passively reading with computers. I've opted to have a couple of online newsletters emailed to me and I never read them. Suppose I could print them off but the printer is usually out of ink when I plan to do this.

[Clive Coles]

My original comments, in the other thread on BOF Finances, were directed at Local Focus. It's a 2 sided A4 leaflet which contains news that has been previously posted on the BOF web site. Hardly a newsletter to compare with Compassport or the main Focus.

I guess most of Nopesport folk don't get to see this as they are national members. click below to see the Spring Local Focus.

http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/focus.php

I am not suggesting Focus is unnecessary ~ just I would be happy to have the option not to receive it as it does not give me additional information from that already made available on the web site.

[SeanC]

Yes, that is quite a bit less inspiring...
However the same comments apply. I could see how a newcomer might tick the "please don't send me any more mail because I want to save BOF costs and reduce paper waste" and then not read the article on ranking lists which might tempt some to go orienteering more.

A pity really that many newcomers don't get the proper Focus as it might help to retain in the first year if it inspires them to get out orienteering more. I know that most of our newcomers are joining as local members because of the free local membership in the first year offer.

And just to balence things up, newcomers should get a flier advertising CompassSport with their new membership pack (if they don't already).