Club info giveaway

[Karl D <karld@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm the webmaster for the Northern California chapter of the Studebaker Club and have some experience in the delicate balance of what and what not to put on-line. (BTW, the majority of Stude club members are eligible for AARP membership and are not especially computer literate. Many of them don't have computers at home and don't want no stinkin computers under the hood of their cars...)

The resulting philisophy, within that group, was to make a very open and inviting web site that encouraged newbies to buy or rescue a car, as well as provide synopses of current stories. To get the full content, a paid membership and a paper publication is necessary. 

Nothing is hidden behind web passwords. That was deemed as possibly alienating potential members, as well as the possibility of passwords being shared to avoid paying the dues(e.g. "freeloading").

Make the web site a "teaser" to encourage someone to write a check for $27.50 for a great monthly color publication, while still providing enough info to decide if they really want to be a new owner of your favorite marque.

One data point from a less computer-savvy group than this one...

Karl
'63 Studebaker
'95 Alfa 164LS
Not eligible for AARP membership...
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