I’m a bit of a
know-it-all. I’m brash, bold, loud, and darn smart.
It
definitely is never my intention to be unkind. But if I know the answer, I’ve
got to say it. I was stunned to learn recently that the more “right” I think
I am, the more tension I am inadvertently creating with others, who (can you
believe this?) also think they are right.
So,
earlier this week, when we asked our readers how they liked our product, I
learned plenty. Here’s a synopsis of your ideas to improve GSDbyDesign.com; many
will be implemented before the New Year:
1 –
A “tips section,” which would include breeding and/or whelping tips, how to
condition and groom, tips for nutrition and a veterinarian guest columnist. A
judges’ corner. (All great ideas. Look for some sooner than others. We are
actively searching for two more judges to join our panel for a ‘question of the
month.’ Any takers?)
2 –
Interviews/articles with folks from other venues; obedience, rally; herding;
agility; tracking; flyball; schutzhund, SAR. (Another very good idea. It
should have been implemented before now. We need writers to help us gather all
this information.)
3 –
Occasionally offer a few weeks of free advertising for a new kennel or handler.
4 –
More “letter to editor” stuff. More show results.
5 –
Improve labeling of links for easier navigation of site. (This will be part
of a website overhaul that will take place before Jan. 1. We have heard this
before and have been discussing the best way to resolve the issue.)
6 –
With respect to stud dogs, create a database which allows readers to see all the
stud dog pictures and click on those they want to look at in more detail,
regardless of where the dog is located. This would be in addition to what you
already have. (Hands-down, the best idea we saw. Look for it by the end of
the month.)
Aside from this sampling of wonderful suggestions, the survey also taught us a
thing or two about disagreements. Specifically, there really is no right or
wrong. There is our way of looking at things and yours.
The more we get to know and
appreciate our readers for who they are, the more we respect your positions.
That doesn't mean we always agree. For example, one survey participant suggested
we “get some integrity.”
Now, I know I have issues. Control issues. Trust issues. And others, I'm sure.
In fact, in nearly a decade of professional journalism, I've been smacked in the
face by the pretty nasty words that came at me on the phone and in the paper
(letters to the editor). Not one of them, however, ever suggested I lacked
integrity.
Still, I can see the value in striking a balance that satisfies us both, sort
of. So instead of harping on how wrong that respondent is, I will swallow the
letters my fingers really want to type and say, "I see your point."
The
hope here, ladies and gentlemen, is that after I sincerely acknowledge this
view, it may become easier for you to hear mine. And that is this:
Since we launched on May 5, 2007, more than 24,933 people - from 16 countries -
have visited (as of this writing). We have created in excess of 600 full-page
color ads at the ridiculously low rate of $25 a piece ($15 each for the first
two months). And we sincerely hope that you appreciate and take advantage of the
ONLY online German Shepherd publication that provides you with that target
audience, distribution and international presence.
Finally, here is a little something for you to chew on: A full-color page ad,
plus a kennel listing, plus a stud dog ad for a full YEAR is less expensive than
a 30-day color ad in a notable Shepherd print magazine.
Hundreds of you have already taken advantage of our
rates. Now we need you to assist us in another way: We need writers,
fact-checkers and researchers. We need your local specialty clubs to tell us
when their shows will be held, and to send us the results afterward. We need
those same clubs to exchange links with us. We need you to tell your friends we
exist. And we need you to continue to advertise. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Becky T. Dickson, editor