Question detail: 14. If you could make one change to THE ENSIGN, what would it be? (blank or none responses deleted.)

 

Summary

count responses
Business 
6 Make it online only
4 Eliminate it
4 more advertising
2 replace with monthly newsletter/e-newsletter
2 More content; bigger issues
1 Make the subscription optional
Design 
15 update/liven up/redesign
6 more pictures, graphics, color
6 No more boring photos
4 use better/whiter/glossy paper
2 Better photos showing action
2 larger type
1 fewer graphics, photos
1 more text
Editorial
10 More tips, how-to articles
10 Longer, more substantial articles
6 Target younger boaters, families
5 Better writing
5 More squad. Activities/Exchange
5 USPS-education-more
4 More general-interest boating articles
4 Less USPS info
4 Product reviews/comparisons
4 Less squadron activities
4 No more travelogue series
3 More local information, regional coverage
3 Personal experience
3 USPS-less meeting information
3 West Coast coverage- more
2 Product safety 
2 Boat reviews/comparisons
2 Make it more fun, lively
2 More cruising articles
2 USPS-Eliminate/fewer Bridge messages
2 More news, current events
2 USPS-national meeting info-more
2 USPS-membership-less
1 Other
1 Improve accuracy
1 USPS-national info-more
1 USPS-Target prospective members
1 USPS-national info-less

 

Detail

Business (21)

  1. More advertising!
  2. More advertising! I believe that would help to keep THE ENSIGN from becoming a quarterly instead of a monthly.
  3. I would say just make it available on-line and save the printing and mailing costs.
  4. Make it an option to receive it or not.  Other non-profit organizations I belong to offer that as an option, and if I decline to receive it, I get a larger deduction.
  5. Publish the entire pub online....Mail out a postcard to the reader list showing the Index and URL to it.
  6. send out email news. I belong to AOPA (Airplane owners Pilots association) and every Friday I get a very nice newsletter. 
  7. An increase in size due to longer articles.
  8. As a member since 1969 and as a past R/C I have always felt that all members of USPS should have a copy of our Operations Manual.  Perhaps instead of a regular copy of the ENSIGN each member could be issued a copy of the updated manual each year.  If each member has organization info in his hands I think it promotes interest in all things about USPS - not just education.
  9. Probably figure out a way to get the membership to accept it online and save a ton of postage and printing cost. There is not enough room in the average mail box for all the publications.           
  10. I understand the Squadron is in financial difficulty. Save money stop printing the Ensign.
  11. reduce its cost
  12. Offer free advertising to members for boats and marine related items.
  13. I think you should turn the magazine into a profit center by taking it to the next level. Maybe turn it into more of a BoatUS type publication with USPS branding as the 'endorsing authority'. Make it a profit center by increasing advertising, and don't be afraid to charge members a few bucks a year extra for the mag.
  14. I would like to see an effort made to contact major boat and equipment manufactures to ask for advertising directed specifically toward USPS members and/or asking USPS members for their opinions of their products.
  15. receive in by email
  16. Mail it in a plastic wrapper so the 'other' USPS doesn't mangle it while it's in their possession!
  17. do away with it and replace with a monthly newsletter instead
  18. Maybe just have it online for those that want to read it.
  19. offer more discounts at marine stores.
  20. Expand content & issue size; however the magazine would need additional advertising to cover the additional expense. I do not believe that the current advertising revenue comes even close to covering production and mailing costs!
  21. Eliminate it.

 

Design (44)

  1. More graphics, less text
  2. Too much white space without print. There are too many colorful graphics, not enough content.  Wasted space.
  3. Kick up the grade of the paper to a better quality surface w/increased whiteness levels for better ink holdout/overall look.
  4. Eliminate or reduce all that fancy art work and present articles as in a Readers Digest Format.
  5. Print on glossy paper.
  6. Make it smaller
  7. perhaps a more updated design. It looks like it is from the 60's.
  8. Seriously limit all the pictures of these old, fat members standing around giving out plaques & certificates to each other.  Concentrate on getting some action pictures of young people & families on their boats doing something nautical.  Start making it attractive to the younger generation. Also, limit the photos of pets.  The pets teach us nothing.
  9. QUALITY OF COLOR AND STOCK
  10. Make it less like a retiree magazine.
  11. Paper quality?
  12. Redesign the format to be like Boat US
  13. Add more advertisers and ask there tech staff to submit how to technical articles    Clean the look of the overall publication making it more readable
  14. Spruce up the Boaters Market page.
  15. I would really like to see a section for classified ads of all types such as boats for sale, boating equipment for sale, rentals, boating job/business opportunities, etc.
  16. perhaps a more updated design. It looks like it is from the 60's.
  17. I hate to be honest, but the magazine never screams 'pick me up'. I read it as I feel I should, but only a brief scan and I don't know why. I know it has improved greatly in the last 5 years with content and pictures. Maybe a highlight of the top articles on the cover would grab me more.
  18. ALSO ADD MORE PICTURES.
  19. It just seems to OLD.  It needs to be more relevant to my active boating (sailing & racing)
  20. Update the look of the cover to make it more impactful.
  21. more color pictures of boating activities, fewer pictures of squadron members shaking hands, presenting awards, and that stuff that's only interesting if it's your squadron.
  22. Spend the money on Boating safety education instead
  23. Less pictures of people shaking hands - especially in uniforms. This organization will die in the next 10 years or less unless it changes its militaristic image.
  24. The overall look of the Ensign needs to be improved.  it looks like it was put together by a committee using a desktop publishing program.  It just doesn't have a classy look to it.  I really suspect that the east coast establishment has control of it and they do not want it changed.  I think that may well be an underlying problem of USPS. 
  25. more cruising  more do it yourself
  26. I think the Ensign graphic design looks dated.   It is the oldest looking magazine that I receive in the mail.  I don't think its looks are up to par when compared with other commercially available magazines or membership magazines (BoatUS or California State Auto Association).   Now I know that there is not the budget available for the Ensign that those two above mentioned membership magazines probably have, but I still think that the look should be updated. 
  27. new format.  the articles and stories don't jump out at you.  it appears one story leads to the next, etc.  Blah, blah, blah instead of striking your interest with a title, icon, etc.
  28. larger point size
  29. Eliminate the annual group picture of the bridge
  30. Use bigger font
  31. More and better photography too.
  32. Total redesign
  33. Make it more appealing, why can’t it be more nautical magazine alike?
  34. More color
  35. More color photos of members boats
  36. Get rid of the glossy pages.
  37. Improve the look of the publication.
  38. Better typography and layout  and  usefulness in attracting new members - as a hand-out in the Boating courses we teach
  39. Avoid, like a plague, publishing group photos, especially those of the national bridge in uniform.
  40. Not place type over a colored background. Graphics people love to do that, but us older folks have trouble reading it.
  41. Change logo
  42. More pictures
  43. add key maps or charts showing the area the article is about  (I think maps can be downloaded from 'Maps on file.'
  44. Less photos of groups of USPS members stiffly standing in full regalia...

 

Editorial (189)

  1. More in-depth rather than simplistic overviews.
  2. More stories and less business.  We need more stories about small boat usage. Most people have boats less than 25 feet.
  3. Less about increasing membership. We all know we need to increase membership. Quality articles would be more valuable and may increase readership which means membership.
  4. Less internal USPS contents
  5. Include more regional information
  6. More How-to articles.
  7. Make it more 'hip' and relevant to today's boater:    -Talk about things to do with your boat  -Talk about taking care of your boat  -Talk about how people use their boats  -Talk about how people apply what they've learned in USPS courses on their boat
  8. I'm probably in the minority but I'm not that interested in the National organization level news and events. Put that in a separate section I can easily skip!
  9. Have a dedicated regionalized area reporting.    Sometimes articles that pertain to one state or regional do not pertain to another.  Or quite frankly are not that interesting to me.    i.e.  You could have a topics like:  'What’s happening in the North East'  'What’s happening in the South East'  'What’s happening on the West Coast'     etc. etc.    Cut out the amateur content.
  10. Recall information.  Maybe a little more realization that the majority of members are weekend or occasional boaters out to have 'fun'.  They are not interested in the technical aspects of boating other than safety.  I think it would be interesting to find the percentage of boaters/members as to the actual use of their boats. 
  11. more product reviews
  12. Minimize the articles about squadron activities
  13. Consumer report does a reader survey of cars appliances etc. Why not something like that for boats.
  14. Less emphasis on squadron activities, more on boating.
  15. more on USPS educational course, makes all better sailors
  16. None, but then I haven't thought about it.  Maybe add something to entice prospective members to join or to get idle members to become involved.
  17. More DIY Projects, and Hints and Tips of what to do and not do.  Maybe a Q&A segment.
  18. more history
  19. More early info on events at national meetings. Sometimes the only info I have is the couple of lines on the reservation form
  20. Less raging debate about uniforms! Let it rest already.
  21. Make it more like Boater's world or Yacht Magazine
  22. Eliminate committee reports.
  23. Omit articles that sound like 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation.'    Travelogue-type articles are great, but all too often these personal accounts sound as if they are high-school essays.    You probably don't want to edit and change the flavor of the article, but perhaps clearer guidelines for the contributor would help. 
  24. The Ensign is basically a good magazine.  With a few tweaks here & there it can become awesome.    Some of the articles fail to stir up passion.  There is too much talk of decline etc.  Sometimes the info is good but gets communicated in a corny style that speaks of poor quality journalism.  We need to be conscious of the image that we project in every sentence that gets printed.    Make the majority of the articles and information pertinent to ANY boater whether they are a part of USPS.  Folks are drawn to valuable sources.  While they have significance, do no concede too much space to talking about district or national activities unless it can stir up the average boater's passions.  Limit the space to memorializing; the local squadron or a district activity is the proper place to do this.  What newcomer will take the time to read about a bunch of dead people?  It has little or no relevance to them.  Use the shot gun approach...devote the most space to the broadest segment of your audience.  Define your mission.  Is the Ensign an inside newsletter of a small and aging organization or is it THE source for helpful and timely information for ALL boaters?  The more that non-USPS members find Ensign to meet their needs, the more likely they are to join and the more those old copies will become our best recruiting device. I love the magazine and don't want to be unnecessarily critical.  However, we do need some real focus on its Mission.
  25. Timely and relevant articles
  26. more cruising stories
  27. Many articles are too short to be really useful
  28. Recipes
  29. Make it less like a retiree magazine.
  30. It could be a little more fun. I know what it is about, but most of us boat for enjoyment. Add a little fun to the safety and professional material. They are not mutually exclusive.
  31. More info and articles regarding actual on the water boating
  32. Surveys of membership.  size of boats type of boat, age of boat, years with the USPS, what their favorite part of the squadron is
  33. More pictures and better pictures
  34. More boat and equipment evaluations.
  35. I would include more information on what is going on at National.  Almost 1/2 my dues go to National and I'm not sure where it goes or what it's used for.
  36. More 'how to' material
  37. articles on where nautical sayings originated
  38. More info about other organizations like ourselves
  39. Aim it at the younger, recreational boater in a way that encourages participation, rather than having to fight an uphill battle to get into an old-timer's club.
  40. Far less information about meetings which are of little or no impact to the reader. We don’t need pictures and reports of meetings that have no value to the average boater
  41. additional cruising articles
  42. MORE ABOUT OUTBORDS MOTORS AND BOATS THAT THEY GO ON
  43. Better writing applied to the articles.
  44. More articles relating to a 30 - 40 year olds.  More family stuff.
  45. Improve writing
  46. Discontinue the 'series' of articles written by people living on their boat month after month.   Very few members can feel a valid connection to what they do or don't encounter.
  47. Have an educational course in each issue.
  48. Less focus on safety
  49. Include more articles about other boater's experiences although I realize that boaters will have to write more and sometimes that information is very hard to pry out of people.  Most of us feel that we are not good writers, so we never submit anything.  We just read and depend upon others to write.
  50. Make the magazine more focused on current events, current products, best practices, highlighting ways in which USPS makes an impact on the world based on its charter.
  51. More stories and membership articles
  52. Longer, more articles.
  53. Don't focus on one major topic per issue (as Boating Safety in the May/June issue). 
  54. Make it more author friendly. In the past, editing has taken away individuality from copy submitted and has, on occasion, introduced technical errors that are then judged to be the author's. This complaint has not been just mine but has been heard from others, too.
  55. positive writing not negative membership and financial reports
  56. Add sailboat DIY feature.
  57. Need west coast edition.
  58. ...include more articles
  59. Too often, a member would write and submit an article.  Too often they sound like bragging, or needs to improve their writing skills.
  60. More stories of a personal nature. 
  61. More maintenance tips, docking tips, cruising tips, cruising locations, etc.
  62. more how to articles
  63. Boat handling, bad weather avoidance, tide tables, hot cruising destinations.
  64. Make it more interesting
  65. Stop harping on membership. Seems that the USPS is not the only organization that has a membership challenge. Things are different at the Squadron level as compared to perceptions at National. There has been professional advice given at National but National has to listen to the base -Squadrons. Without that base, National might as well shut off the lights and lock the doors... Also, play down the uniforms... younger generation not attuned to that and they are the future leaders.
  66. when you have product reviews, they should be comparative (with other products AND with the sales specifications) AND state whether the product would be something the user would recommend -- and why.  Too often they seem to be a 'look what I got for free' write-up w/no real value in the report.
  67. The Ensign is an excellent magazine compared to earlier editions.  Continue to provide information on the technologies of boating safety and navigation ... as timely as we can be.  If USPS is to be among the leaders in the development and application of navigation and safety technologies, the Ensign should be the first to present new developments to our membership.
  68. Reduce the amount of national officers messages. They are mostly a waste of time.
  69. I would do more product comparison.
  70. I would like to see more on the educational section. 
  71. Add maps, short but informational features on US geography and state facts, look for opportunities to enhance USPS American patriotism through the same educational strategy that is already at the core of the organization
  72. Have more profiles of committee chairman and members. Also tell the membership what the duties of the committees entail. Many members have no idea of what committees or their members are about or who they are. I realize that this is what operations training (LD) is about but members will not take the time to attend the program.
  73. I like hearing about how other squadrons do certain activities, e.g. promote and conduct public boating classes. How they schedule and conduct internal classes. 
  74. Lengthy articles
  75. Make it more practical to the average boater and less about who cruised where.
  76. Would like to see more things about the great lakes.
  77. Would like more 'how to'.
  78. I'm a single empty nester now for some time, but to really deal with the most important elements, which I think are young people and the younger upcoming families finding the time to boat and particularly, power, sail, and travel would be good. Showing the older middle age group in celebration with alcohol in their hands is not to me the most appealing example to exhibit for the aforementioned group.
  79. Inform members of POOR boats and equipment.
  80. More articles and information.
  81. Concentrate a little more on the WEST coast of the US.
  82. Greatly shorten or eliminate reports and photos about meetings, conferences
  83. more boat maintenance
  84. I would eliminate the reports from national officers.
  85. More substantive articles
  86. Cut out the articles about an afternoon cruise on some inland lake.
  87. DOWNPLAY any emphasis whether materially or perceived that USPS is a like a PRIVATE YACHT CLUB controlled by a bunch of old cigar smoking rich guys who enjoy DRESSING UP and PLAYING NAVY.    FURTHERMORE, educational courses should emphasize the study of HOW TO and de-emphasize the theory of WHY.....!!
  88. Some of the member cruise logs seem too long
  89. Get rid of the USPS Commander notes telling us to increase membership. That won't happen until we stop having district and national commanders/committees and we move the organization into the 21st century (get rid of flag salutes, uniforms, saying the pledge, etc.)
  90. More comedy.  Lighten it up a bit.  A section on 'I learned about boating from that' where the names are kept private but the story is told would be entertaining.  I could tell you a few Dumb S--ts I have pulled over the years myself but my wife usually tells them better and a bit more truthfully I might add.
  91. more product reviews
  92. I am a writer and have submitted my work which is good and the Ensign did not publish it, and I have seen other writings of my type which were published, and was informed that my writing could not be used, or given some simple reason why it could not be.  My squadron has had members to send in great pictures and they were not used either.  The pics were of the NC coast and my writings had a nautical functional flair.  I have for this reason lost interest in the magazine and it would be fine with me if the USPS would terminate the Ensign all together.
  93. Too many pages on Governing Boards and National Meetings every issue...Commander's message always about getting new members
  94. Discontinue articles that go on month after month after month about someone else's trip to somewhere.  Recently, that series really got to be boring rather than interesting.
  95. I believe there should be more correct information on the state of educational courses, and what we are doing to improve them, so as to stay the best in are teaching methods.
  96. articles to expand member participation in boating (on the water) events
  97. More awareness and emphasis as a marketing tool- to attract new members and retain them. Membership in our Squadron is a major issue. I don't think prospective members in their 30s-40s-and early 50s are interested in seeing my 60s+ generation. And they ARE the future of USPS.
  98. articles that provide direct or have underlying educational value to the member.
  99. Get the National Officers to make more relevant comments
  100. Eliminate poorly written articles with little useful content.  Edit the submissions and give a note of thanks to the member rather than publishing the submission.   
  101. more how to items
  102. Make it a little less about who's who in the boating world
  103. Include more information about boats and owners that have smaller boats 18 ft. to 25 ft.
  104. Add more legislated proposed rules 
  105. More squadron information
  106. Stop publishing stories about writers' boat trips.  More discussion of and evaluation of new products and boats.
  107. Less squadron social news
  108. Direct more of your publication to younger boat owners and their interests
  109. Less 'homey' articles about members trips   replaced with more substantial articles.
  110. Would like to see 'Bridge' reports on results of actions not on what is hoped to be.
  111. More how to articles related to boating that are an outgrowth or extensions of our education activities.
  112. Dwell a little more on cruise and rendezvous fun activities are taking place.
  113. Significant breaking news items should be published as soon as possible to get the word out so everyone can benefit at the earliest opportunity.
  114. reports on what other squadrons/districts do for meetings, boating activities, and district meeting, realizing that there are different climate areas.
  115. more power boat information
  116. More in depth articles on do it yourself projects.
  117. More mechanical or technical stuff
  118. More articles specific to West Coast boating
  119. Select articles and stories that have real content, plus products that have been tested to be useful to boaters.
  120. Less about how important the USPS leadership is and how much fun they have at the meetings I am sure I am funding.
  121. A regular column about retaining and increasing membership
  122. include more in each issue
  123. More information each month
  124. Reminders for specific maintenance (primary filter changes, why add additives in fuel),  safety up-grades (Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms), etc.
  125. MINIMISE THE 'PREACHING' &GET MORE ARTICLES OF GENERAL INTEREST TO BOATERS.
  126. To try and convince the bulk of Squadron members that the word 'SAIL', is not a four letter word.  At the Cape Coral Power Squadron ( one of the largest squadrons, with over 500 members) the open distain for sailboats is down right ridiculous. It appears to offend the NASCAR mentality of the membership. The real future of the  Cape Coral Squadron now rests with Kayaks and PWCs.  All of course using Radar, GPS and computer based course plotters. ( 3 miles per gallon tends to limit cruising somewhat)
  127. No civic articles other than those directly associated to boating.
  128. More articles on boating/water safety
  129. Far less on 'membership retention' and more that was useful as boaters and boating instructors.
  130. I would tell more about district and GB meetings in a way to interest new members to attend these meetings.
  131. MORE ON CONSUMER INFO
  132. Leadership stores, personal sharing of success or apparent failures that were overcome...stories of vision from squadron leaders...
  133. Less national and more Squadron.
  134. Would benefit from more 'meat' and less of the USPS 'National' fluff which so few are interested in. Why not put more of that on e-mail and free up space for things typical members are interested in.
  135. I'm through boating and active only in teaching the public boating course
  136. Better and timelier information on proposed changes in regulations (both national and regional) affecting the membership.  I get better info from the Boat U/S magazine.
  137. Some articles on safety etc. are shallow with minimal research.
  138. Additional product reviews and product safety.
  139. Annual Index including keywords.
  140. I think it's boring...it lacks excitement graphically and editorially...perhaps it has too much from too many different writers of short 'look at me' feeling articles.
  141. More articles on members' cruising experiences. The ones you print are very good.
  142. Less local squadron info--more general boating info...
  143. More cruising articles.
  144. Add more local stories about members
  145. Do away with all the esoteric titles and initials, none of which are ever explained, that new members like me find confusing.  I don't care what initials Joe Schmoe, PT,LLB,XYZ,4Q has after his name; I care about knowing what particular area of expertise he brings to the writing of the article before me.
  146. Start over
  147. Monthly articles challenging the readers expertise in all forms of marine/sea-going knowledge.  i.e.  a monthly question/answer article on:       engine maintenance       boat handling in extreme conditions       safety aboard: both at dock and at sea       (....something to 'challenge' their knowledge... with answers in 'next months issue' so that it would carry over... increase readership, create a 'on-going' dialogue of members throughout the year. 
  148. Tired of the Aharts
  149. More articles
  150. Real experiences of boaters on the water. 
  151. No suggestion
  152. Each Ensign would highlight areas of interest around the entire country. (i.e.  Great Lakes, East Coast, Gulf Coast, West Coast, etc)
  153. more articles
  154. better content
  155. Make it more both gender friendly. A lot of times it seems that it’s for men only.
  156. Photos allow us to visit area we normally can't visit. Stories from squadron members allow us to share their experiences, sometimes avoiding mistakes by learning from others. I'd like to see more photos and articles from members.  
  157. Think we talk too much about the name and the uniform issue that has been going on for years.
  158. Less harping on the uniform/image, officers et al
  159. longer, more in-depth articles.
  160. Tie feature articles to USPS courses. Sell our course offerings.
  161. I would like to see more information about our rivers. I boat mainly on the Tennessee river, the Cumberland River and Ten-Tom Waterway and rarely see these even mentioned.
  162. Larger, more of the same!
  163. Fire the present staff and hire writers who know something about boats and boating.  There are too many egregious errors to take the magazine seriously at present.  It is only a 'pretend' boating magazine.  USPS deserves better than this.
  164. Provide an in-depth monthly boat repair & maintenance section - not short storied. 
  165. Where there is a differing opinion between the writer of an article, either let the appropriate USPS committee be the judge and not let a writer be criticized in public without being permitted to issue a rebuttal.
  166. Stay away from cruises that appear in installments - limit cruise stories to ONE issue only Cruising info and photos
  167. Include a different featured District in every issue, so that we can have an insight on what other districts do to achieve their goals. Follow the example of successes is a shorter route than trial and error.
  168. More cruising articles that offer practical advice, suggestions and 'how to' tips.
  169. none
  170. Less space devoted to conference & meeting info, hotel reservations etc.
  171. Several pages to place classified ads by individuals for new/gently used items such as shore power cords, adapters, new PFDs, engine parts, boating accessories...
  172. Less folksy articles and more educational/informational regarding boating procedures and techniques
  173. add a regional section, added per where you live
  174. More articles on Squadrons that have implemented successful ideas.
  175. I appreciate the magazine as it is and look forward to getting it each month.  Possibly a story each month from a member of a boating incident with an analysis of what went right and what could have been done differently to prevent the incident, such as Sailing mag has.  How about some humor?
  176. In the issue right after a national meeting show many pictures about the general atmosphere of the meeting setting. We need to attract more LOCAL members to the meetings when it comes to their area.  People seeing the overall general activities might see something that interests them.  Having 4-5 pages of candid pictures would not subtract much from the remainder of the issue and having people seeing friends having fun, exploring might attract them to go to the next meeting.  The meetings are for the general membership; O-com can meet on the telephone, committee's can meet on the phone.
  177. Not be as dry.
  178. Write articles that would be of interest to new and younger boaters in the 20 to 40 year bracket.  They usually own boats 20 to 26 foot and are usually not capable of taking overnight or long cruises on the ocean. Their boating usually takes place either in shore, near shore, on rivers and inland lakes. If there were more articles aimed at group of people maybe more squadrons would wake up and try to recruit some of them.  Since I have belonged to the Power Squadron most all of the members I have came in touch with all seem to be in their 50s and older and there isn't any young blood in the organization with any new ideas to move things along.
  179. Make it easier to find out details of National Meetings such as dress code. Publish dress code more often.
  180. Build up the 'online' version to offer opportunities the print version can't. Online offers the ability of interactivity as well as informality. Think of all the great ideas which were lost simply because people are too shy, or too busy to write a somewhat formal letter, as opposed to jotting down their ideas in a few short sentences for an online medium.
  181. Upgrade quality of writing.
  182. More information on any proposed changes in legislation.
  183. Topic index
  184. It's not long enough
  185. Some of the articles, depending on the topic should be a little more detailed.
  186. More local squadron news
  187. Add more technical info to concisely inform, educate and update readers in terms of navigation and repair topics.
  188. eliminate glaring errors in print or in pictures ( such as reg numbers) need knowledgeable boater as proof reader.
  189. More news about pending changes in co-op charting, education.

 

Frequency (19)

  1. Go back to 10 issues a year.
  2. Increase to 12 issues/year
  3. Publish more often
  4. Bi-monthly. 
  5. Monthly issues
  6. Make it ever other month. It is small enough anyway and you could double the content and save the mailing. Many major boating magazines do that. Half of the magazine is about the monthly (so it seems) national meetings and telling you what uniform to wear. Only 500 of our 50,000 members care about these useless expensive meetings anyway.
  7. I know there has been talk of publishing THE ENSIGN less frequently, but I think you should go the other way and publish more often...every month.
  8. Not have a long lead time. Needs to be more current to activities
  9. Publish it less often and make it really sizzle.
  10. Don't cut down the number of issues. With only two meetings a year now, this is our 'lifeline' to members. If they don't see articles and friendly faces each month they just could forget USPS or become uninterested. Maybe something else could be cut instead.
  11. more frequent
  12. Expand back to 10 issues each year.
  13. Return to 12 issues.
  14. Have it come out every month
  15. To save money, publish 6 times per year.
  16. to keep it a monthly newsletter
  17. It needs to get to our members monthly as it is the primary means of telling members what is going on, or what is about to go in USPS.  Reducing the frequency of publication will be a disaster.  If the national level is not going to communicate frequently why do members need it.  Note that virtually all committee communications to sqdn com/ch and elected officers has stopped.  Web site mail is not regularly visited by officers, com/ch or members at large.
  18. make it a weekly
  19. I know it would be tough, but go back to the monthly schedule to cover news better, and relegate articles that are not time-critical to the bi-monthly schedule. Might be able to same some on postage and paper while keeping a consistent presence.

 

Kudos/change nothing (17)

  1. THE ENSIGN HAS CHANGED AND IMPROVED OVER THE YEARS, KEEP UO THE GOOD WORK
  2. No changes recommended
  3. I like it just as it is.
  4. Keep up the good work
  5. For a volunteer organization, it is pretty good.
  6. I'm satisfied with it as it is.
  7. I think that overall, The Ensign is probably the best boating magazine that I get.  I can't think of anything I would change at this time.
  8. OK now.
  9. I like it as is.
  10. I like it the way it is. I always say,' if it working leave it a lone'
  11. I'm satisfied.
  12. I thing the present format is perfect.
  13. No change required
  14. Why change?
  15. I don't know at this point. It is very professionally done.
  16. '?' It is excellent!
  17. Wouldn't change anything, great magazine; look forward to receiving it every month.

 

Other (1)

  1. That I had more time to read it.