Please consider supporting NCKA

how about using (allowing others to) the NCKA logo as way to increase revenue. I have a few ideas where I'd like to use the logo. perhaps a % of each item sold goes to the general fund?

Well, when someone asks if they can use the logo, I generally say yes.  I can't remember ever not saying yes.  Although a few have forgotten to ask.  That being said, I've been thinking it's time for a logo refresh.  But let me start a new thread about that topic.

-Allen

Cool Allen. Yeah I wasn't implying you had been stingy  Just be nice to see people pay it back a bit.

I appreciate the discussion and all, but do we really need to hash out AOTY on this thread?  I've heard a lot of feedback on AOTY, but now is not the time to think about how to make it better.  We'll come back to this discussion next winter, ok?

Sure. Just two things, though. It was the lack of AOTY sign ups that started the conversation, and I think it plays to your time constraints. Or your particular goals?

I've been mostly away for almost 2 years, and didn't have any particularly negative feeling about AOTY "back then" (2010). I just went and looked. Just estimating, it looks like AOTY went from ~200 in 2012 participants to ~50 now? (I was in kind of a hurry, so maybe I messed up)

So that's something like a $6k reduction? If you recapture that through the Donate button, does it solve your time vs income problem? Or was it already a strain? I'm not trying to get into your business, just trying to get a grip on where you need to get to to make admin'ing NCKA a positive effort for you.

I think every step you take in developing more revenue will cause you to commit more time to the effort. And measuring the time vs income is what every small business is about. I don't know if you intended that, but it sounds like that's where you're headed with all the sites you're managing.

I was also struck by the drop in AOTY from last year to this. I didn't look back any further, but a 3/4 drop in participation from one year to the next shouldn't be put down to "naysayers and whiners". Like you said, this probably isn't the thread to deal with it, but maybe another, and maybe sooner than next winter to figure out why so you're ready for next winter. Of course that's your call.

I'll apologize in advance if I'm getting in deeper than I should, just trying to help.

Ben

I appreciate the discussion and all, but do we really need to hash out AOTY on this thread?  I've heard a lot of feedback on AOTY, but now is not the time to think about how to make it better.  We'll come back to this discussion next winter, ok?

Sure. Just two things, though. It was the lack of AOTY sign ups that started the conversation, and I think it plays to your time constraints. Or your particular goals?

I meant it mainly because nothing it going to change in the AOTY structure any time soon.   My time constraints were just because it is the time that I solicit sponsors.  And better signups means more interest.

I've been mostly away for almost 2 years, and didn't have any particularly negative feeling about AOTY "back then" (2010). I just went and looked. Just estimating, it looks like AOTY went from ~200 in 2012 participants to ~50 now? (I was in kind of a hurry, so maybe I messed up)

Looks like we saved the 2012 database wrong and included anyone who has every signed up for AOTY.  I believe there were about 80 signed up last year.

I think every step you take in developing more revenue will cause you to commit more time to the effort. And measuring the time vs income is what every small business is about. I don't know if you intended that, but it sounds like that's where you're headed with all the sites you're managing.

Yup.

Didn't address the rest of the stuff as it wasn't accurately reflecting the revenue drop due to the inaccuracies in the 2012 level of participation.

-Allen

So from 80 to 50 AOTY folks? About 35%? Still a big number, if not in terms of $$ then in terms of ??

We didn't have 80 sign up at the beginning of the year. I noticed last season people were still signing up through spring. When it warms up and people start getting salty, there might still be folks signing up for the chance at AOTY glory!   

We didn't have 80 sign up at the beginning of the year. I noticed last season people were still signing up through spring. When it warms up and people start getting salty, there might still be folks signing up for the chance at AOTY glory!   

I think that part of the problem is that there is no chance for glory if you don't spend an obscene amount of time on the water. What about emphasizing biggest in species a bit more?  It might entice specialist anglers a bit more, and give casual anglers a better chance for a slice of the AOTY golry.

We didn't have 80 sign up at the beginning of the year. I noticed last season people were still signing up through spring. When it warms up and people start getting salty, there might still be folks signing up for the chance at AOTY glory!   

I think that part of the problem is that there is no chance for glory if you don't spend an obscene amount of time on the water. What about emphasizing biggest in species a bit more?  It might entice specialist anglers a bit more, and give casual anglers a better chance for a slice of the AOTY golry.

Gotta agree with Adam here. I can only speak for my self for sure but I suspect that others, like me, signed up (for AOTY) just to support the sight. I don't have the time or competitive nature to really go after AOTY but it would be nice to think that I might have a shot a some minor "glory" for a chance memorable catch.

ruben

Yeah, it seems like people aren't in a rush to register this year. But the numbers will be much higher come May when RF season opens.
And let's not forget about the influx of people signing up for DOTY. 2012 was the first year and I anticipate more participants in 2013 DOTY.

Maybe we should just leave AOTY out of this part. Maybe we should stick to increasing revenue in ways that are creative and innovative.  The ads dont bother me at all.  In fact if you just click on them, close it and go to the next one for about 2-3 minutes a day they see that they are getting hits, right?

As far as competition goes. You need quality prizes to draw if you are charging an entry fee....... or a really good cause. Its just how it is.

For every 50 dollar donation to NCKA general operating fund I will waive the enrty fee for Albion for the first 50 people.  Not AOTY. Please write, Albion Free Ride, in the comment box so Allen can tell me who is on for this deal. Thanks for supporting NCKA and Albion Open. Craig

Done.  Thank you Allen for all you do to keep the madness going. And thank you Craig for the generous offer!

As far as competition goes. You need quality prizes to draw if you are charging an entry fee....... or a really good cause. Its just how it is.

I'd imagine one benefits the other. The better the prizes, the more participants, which entices more/better prizes from sponsors? Or is the NCKA "cause" enough?

Maybe we should just leave AOTY out of this part.

Probably so. My only suggestion is not to wait until fall/winter to address it ... assuming it needs attention at all.

I thought the idea of a AOTY "Lite", so to speak, in conjunction with the regular AOTY, might draw in more people? Which might bulk up the AOTY awards get together, which could maybe serve as an annual fund raiser?

I still need to find the MBK Derby Date.  But, I don't think ethically we should use MBK Derby as a NCKA funding vehicle.  A few conflicts of interest, main one being that I coordinate the Derby under auspices of Ocean Kayaks, but also  I am a co-owner of Kayak Fishing Frontiers, of which NCKA is a big part.

I don't personally have any internal conflict over that, but others might look askance.

At first glance an AOTY/Derby/Fundraiser event makes the most sense.  But we'd have to be careful with the timing.  Derbies are best when there's plenty of fish to catch!

Allen

 

   Maybe a separate raffle ?

Guys,

I'm all for keeping AOTY fresh and new, but honestly, now is not the time.  AOTY is set for the year and it wouldn't be fair to change anything mid-stride.

-Allen

So from 80 to 50 AOTY folks? About 35%? Still a big number, if not in terms of $$ then in terms of ??

Not sure if you're asking a question here.

In terms of soliciting sponsors, it is a big deal.  It's very difficult to solicite donations for an event that is not growing.

On another note, AOTY signups are less than they were at this period last year. When I was soliciting prizes last year, I distinctly remember saying we were above 60 and that was expected to grow.

-Allen