Members Rewards and other news...

I'm just before leaving for the Palm Beach Show this morning, but wanted to share some news with the group...

1. YF's sr. writer, Chuck Gnaegy, has just become a new feature writer for Yachts International. As many of you know, Chuck worked with me at another magazine. When I started YF, I considered him to be one of the best writers in the world. Embracing my idea for a new media, Chuck left his previous position to come to work with me. Chuck's primary focus will remain full time with YF, but I'm very pleased to see he's been acknowledged by one of the industry's leading magazines.

2. I am proud to say that Burger and Trinity have recently joined YF as site supporters. I’m expecting other builders to join us soon too. With a good number of builders onboard, it will allow me to focus on more content and features. Up until now, my time has been limited by code writing, SEO optimization, marketing and trying to squeeze a feature story or two in between.

3. YF is working with VH-1’s “The Good Life” on a superyacht segment. I’m not sure how much coverage we’ll get, but at the very least, we should receive some credit for the episode. I don’t have the exact details or the date the show will air yet, but I’ll keep you informed.

4. In March, we'll exceed 16 million hits and over 90,000 readers. I’m hoping the new Members Rewards program will encourage more participation in the forums.

I’d like to ask your help on this. Before I start making the promotional banners, I need to know which products our members would like in the rewards program. This could range from nautical accessories, to computer items, or even a digital camera. I’m paying for the products, so go easy on me.

I’m off to the Palm Beach Show now, so I’ll leave it in your hands. What products should be included in the Member’s Rewards program?

Thanks everyone!

Carl Camper, Admin
www.YachtForums.com

One added note...

Originally, I wanted to feature products from marine manufacturers that wanted exposure for their products on YF. Maybe in time we'll do this, but I thought this would limit the selection of products that members might need the most.

So... it's up to you guys. What products do you want?

I thought it might be a good idea to include this thread in our next member mail-out. Hopefully, a few others will chime in and we can more closely define the rewards. The next mail out will be the first week of April.

I haven't looked into this, but if this is what our members would like, such as apparel from their favorite builder, I'll get to work on it.

There are a few marine vendors that have expressed an interest in supplying merchandise for the exposure received, but again... I thought this might limit the products that people would be compelled to participate for.

I think yacht apparel is a great idea (because I can afford it!)

I was going to include the Rewards Program with today's member mail-out, but I thought it might be overlooked. It would be best to promote this as seperate mailer. In the meantime, I'm going to look into the availability of polo shirts & caps from various builders.

Also, I like Jorge's suggestion! It would be GREAT if all of our regulars could come together. I know there's a good number of YF members in South Florida. Name a place & time!