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Re: March BNL

>>I don't have my BNL either, but I think this is a conspiracy from all of
you guys who want the BNL on the web.<<

I'm the one behind the grassy knowl.

BTW, this may rub some folks the wrong way, but the issue is quickly becoming a moot point.  The printed F&E listing is starting to become a non-issue.  And, therefore, is decreasing in value as a member benifit.  It's not at a point yet where it's worthless yet, because it is still invaluable to many members.  However, the electronic media has made significant inroads into the F&E territory and will continue to do so.

I have a friend, a great killifish breeder with beatiful fish, who exclusivly posts his aailable fish on the Killie Trader list that was set up by Jim Eller (nice job, Jim).  He quickly sells out his inventory within days.  He's an AKA member and sells to both members and non-members on the list.  He never posts his fish on Killie Talk or the Killies list, and never advertises in the BNL. 

Some may view this as bad news.  But the bottom line is that he moves his fish quickly to many different folks, which promotes the hobby.   And he does so in less than half the time it would take to even get his list posted in the BNL.  

Jim's Killie Trader list has approx. 500 subscribers and is growing.  And, more importantly, it works.

What does this mean for the AKA?

1. There are many fine fish that are available for sale to which non-internet members have no access or opportunity to buy.

2. Non-internet members are losing market opportunity to the internet buyers because their fish are not as accessable to the net.  The on-line F&E is wonderfull.  And I commend all that have taken it to this stage, as we all know it wasn't an easy thing to do, and the jury is still out as this is a trial program.  But the delay posting is not benifiting no-internet members, it's hurting them.

Before the flames start to pour in, let me state that I do not have a great personal stake in this matter, other than a concerned AKA member with an opunion of helping the organization.  I have neither listed nor ought from the F&E lusting in the BNL.  All of my fish transactions were either from the internet lists or from club auctions and club member deals.  So if the F&E remains delayed or is reverted back to print only, it's no skin off of my nose, because it's not worth much as resource to me.

So, IMHO, the best solution is to adopt the media, no embrace it.  The AKA should be a leader in this role.  Fully integrate the print and electronic media to better the hobby and to further the AKA's objectives.  I would encourage real-time listing of the F&E on the web site as well as a broadcast email on the Killie Trader list.  Likewise, listings on Killie trade could be compiled for print in the BNL, by request of the lister.  The latter may be moot as the time lag between the net offering and the print offering may result in no more fish available by the time the BNL hits the mail box.  Hence, the option for the lister to not cross-list if he or she feels there is not enough inventory to supply both markets.

Such cooperation would have to be coordinated between the AKA and Jim Eller, with whom I have not discussed this at all, so it's sort of blind-siding him (sorry, Jim).  But we're fortunate, really, the the Killie Trader list was set up by an AKA member who supports the AKA.  It could have been very easily set up by someone who could give hoot, and try to use it to further his or her own ideals.

*** Off My Quarterly Soap Box *** (are't ou glad it's not monthly any more <s>?)

>>Maybe this will wakeup Mudpuddle, I miss his bedside manner.<<

Yeah!  Where are you, Chris?  Your thoughts and coments usually brought a much needed smile to my face.


Bill Vannerson
McHenry, IL
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/william_vannerson

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