Question detail: 15. What do you like most about THE ENSIGN? (blank or none responses deleted)

 15. What do you like most about THE ENSIGN?

Advertisements (6)

  1. Advertisements
  2. little advertising
  3. Not a ton of advertising.
  4. Don't have to go through many pages of advertising.
  5. classisfieds
  6. Does not contain 50% ads like magazines

 

Connection to USPS (37)

  1. It’s about people that I either know directly or can easily relate to.
  2. What other squadrons are doing to gain and keep members.
  3. Reports of USPS activities
  4. Shows pride in the organization.
  5. It is my only contact with USPS.
  6. Keeps me connected
  7. Connection to USPS.
  8. Keeps me thinking about things on the National level....
  9. It's a friendly, colorful, grown-up newsletter. I like it a lot, and feel its a valuable member benefit.
  10. Being kept up with all USPS activities.
  11. Tends to tie many aspects of the organization together to give context to members.
  12. my connection to the power squadron
  13. It connects our Squadron with other Squadrons and the national organization.  I do feel that perhaps the Districts are left out a bit though.
  14. It contains good reference information about USPS.
  15. National USPS news, events, and updates.
  16. Basically just keeping abreast of going-ons in USPS. I am not very active due to health problems.
  17. Information specific to Power Squadrons activities ... Vessel Safety Check updates and success stories.    
  18. The fact that it comes from the USPS. I get unique advice and opinions from 'expert' mariners and cruisers. I view the USPS as an authority and I value the organization’s perspective on all things marine related.
  19. Focus on USPS
  20. Timely information on what's going on at national level
  21. Its' focus on the Mission of the USPS
  22. It keeps me in touch with USPS nationwide
  23. THE ENSIGN is different from all the other periodicals I read, all boating related, because of the squadron connection.  A unique combination of squadron news and boating news.  Again, a quality product which continues to improve.
  24. grass-roots reporting ... can se that other Squadrons have the same issues that we do.
  25. Evidence that we are truly a nationwide organization.
  26. I think it's interesting seeing what other squadrons do. I also enjoy reading about places people have cruised to.
  27. keeps me in touch with the larger USPS community
  28. National information
  29. The fact that it evidences our legacy of commitment to civic contributions, our professionalism and the usefullness of our wealth of knowledge as applied to our most treasured sport.
  30. The contact list for National Officers and the National Meetings Calender.
  31. The broader picture of USPS!
  32. Interesting topics for boaters.  Lets me know what is going on nationally.
  33. It brings information about other squadrons and other areas into my home. It also indicates that all of us encounter the same or very similar situations.
  34. It keeps us in touch about what members are doing with their boats and what the national officers want to lecture (?) the members about.  Members do not want to learn about national level problems, i.e., boating is supposed to be an enjoyable experience for members in their time away from work, etc.
  35. It provides information about our National organization.
  36. Useful information to me as a boater and USPS member.
  37. It is our binding cement, without which we will start to lose our structure.

 

Design (34)

  1. The photography
  2. Its appearance, cover pictures
  3. I end up reading the stories of cruisers when a picture catches my eye.  Major course changes like the new Piloting/Advanced Piloting classes caught my eye. 
  4. The pictures.
  5. front and rear pictures
  6. the cover pictures
  7. Front cover
  8. High quality of production, using great photo quality and magazine quality paper.
  9. It is well laid out and occasionally has something quite interesting.
  10. action pictures
  11. Graphics are very good. Keep up the fine work!
  12. Often has some good lighthouse photos
  13. Cover and rest of new appearance.
  14. The cover photography
  15. Cover picture
  16. Color photography of other destinations.
  17. The cover pictures.
  18. Photos.  They remind me of my husbands photos and articles as well as the two one our wall from Ensign covers he took.
  19. Cover photos
  20. The pictures on the covers.
  21. COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
  22. Its graphics.
  23. Photos
  24. Cover photographs and cruising articles
  25. It has well done covers
  26. Nice format
  27. Cover photos.
  28. The photography
  29. Sometimes good pictures of boats in action.
  30. The pictures on the back and cover.
  31. Love the boating pictures.
  32. Cruising info and photos
  33. Front & back pages of photos
  34. Cover photos

 

Editorial (146)

Summary

count responses
28 Safety, tips, practical info, news to use
23 General stories, articles, good info
21 New Products
19 Cruising, adventure, destination
15 Personal experience
13 USPS information (national, benefits, education)
13 Stargazer
6 Squadron activities
5 Aharts
5 Safety articles
4 History
4 Boating education
4 Squadron success
3 Burgee
3 Boating news
2 Book reviews
2 Boat names
2  Navigation articles
1 Features
1 Weather
1 Local boating information

 

Detail

  1. Practical boating tips. Everyone, no matter how extensive their experience, can learn from the good fortune and mistakes of others.
  2. It gets me back to reality of why I chose this way of life.    At present, too many distractions are winning!
  3. The occasional good article about some aspect of boating.
  4. boating education and safety tips
  5. Information on boat maintenance & new products.
  6. I enjoy the history as well as the stories etc.
  7. The column on astronomy
  8. THE ARTICLES
  9. The photographs and Bridge articles.
  10. Product reviews, stories of people out cruising.
  11. Again, I'm interested in Boating Education, boating safety and articles about personal experiences.
  12. product reviews, news of other squadron activities, information on courses, boating tips
  13. Stories on safety, maintenance, adventures and lessons learnded.
  14. Information on National meetings, schedule of events, dress code, reservation forms etc.
  15. Travel info by other cruisers
  16. some of the stories have been very interesting, some very useful.  Some of the product evaluations have been very good.
  17. Articles on history and local boating areas.
  18. new products on market
  19. New Products & Safety
  20. Stargazer
  21. Tips and adventures
  22. Pictures about old boats and their history.  Articles about the future of the squadron.
  23. ED notes this section is what we are about
  24. Personal stories and maintenance issues discussed
  25. What's in a boat name?
  26. The stories about people's adventures.
  27. Articles and new products.
  28. personal stories
  29. Cruising stories
  30. The Stargazer and Featured Stories
  31. Many of the articles are very informative and useful. Contributors have been superb in content and writing style.
  32. has the commander's 'message' and lately some member benefits (also available at USPS.org)
  33. Do it yourself articles.
  34. new product reviews.
  35. Articles recording near disaster experiences of boaters which allow us all to learn from experiences.
  36. Reading about the national organization and the programs that are offered or might be changed.
  37. gives dates and places for national events
  38. good info
  39. squadron activities
  40. articles, tips and advice.
  41. The reader-submitted articles and letters.
  42. member's articles.
  43. Discussion letters. Good articles. Ideas for Squadron activities.
  44. Some good articles.
  45. New products...  Safety tips...  Updates
  46. Cruising stories, new products and product tests.  How to columns.
  47. The Stargazer
  48. I really enjoy the squadron burgee history lesson. How interesting.
  49. Stargazer column and the better technical papers!
  50. Safety alerts.
  51. Short timely articles
  52. product reviews
  53. Educational information.
  54. all of the articles
  55. It's timeliness to new products and safety related articles.
  56. I really enjoy reading the Ahart odyssey articles.
  57. Articles, new products, hot tips
  58. I love getting pertinent boating information and practical stuff on a wide range of subjects.
  59. Seeing what others are doing
  60. Reading about ideas from other squadrons that we might easily adapt to our own squadron successfully.
  61. I like reading the success stories that squadrons have had for their events or programs. 
  62. boating safety, legislation and product information
  63. Articles on cruising
  64. Articles on boating history, weather, and astronomy. 
  65. The articles have gotten more interesting than they have been in the past.  No specifics otherwise.
  66. mixed review
  67. Stargazer
  68. Very informative articles on technologies.  The travel adventures are entertaining.
  69. How to Articles
  70. hearing about clever, creative ideas that result in growth in a squadron, and stories about squadron cruises.
  71. boat repairs
  72. the calander and info an G/B meetings
  73. The Ahart Odyssey
  74. I believe I like the personal articles that come from the members.
  75. I appreciate the tips on good boating.
  76. Last Horizons to see if any old friends have passed.
  77. the articles on long cruises around coastal USA.
  78. articles with boating tips. 
  79. I really like all the self help articles, but if I had to pick just one feature it would be the story Ahart's submit as they cruise from one detsination to another.
  80. News about squadron activities across the country
  81. I found one article about the Japanese sailor very intriguing.
  82. New product reviews
  83. Journal of Ahart's journeys
  84. articles
  85. New equiptment.
  86. Personal boater experiences, good or bad, and product reviews.
  87. educational news
  88. Star gazer.    All the articles are good.    Letters to the editor are good.    Book review good.
  89. Techno talks.  
  90. Applicability of some of the ideas and safety tips
  91. Boating maintenance info
  92. the ahart odyssey
  93. Real life stories from real people.
  94. the articles
  95. stargazer
  96. short articles
  97. the Star gazer
  98. stargazer
  99. Stories about cruising
  100. personal experiences
  101. people's stories problems and how they fix them
  102. THE STORIES ABOUT ACTUAL EVENTS
  103. Extremely useful practical and technical info put in down to earth , common sense language that can be put to good use...mechanical, navigational or just good news on useful products..
  104. Do-it-yourself projects and maintenance tips.
  105. All round coverage of topics for private boaters - with emphasis of course on USPS safety goals.
  106. Hot Tips!
  107. I like news items regarding boating and boaters.
  108. Boating afety items that supplement, support and enhance classroom instruction. That is, 'Attention Grabbers.'
  109. informational articles
  110. Articles on cruising members and updates within usps
  111. keeping up to date in boating news and trends
  112. Seeing the members faces and articles about safe boating.
  113. Cruising articles,
  114. Stories and tips
  115. Education, safety and maintenance articles.
  116. Stories from other boaters.
  117. Stargazer
  118. Stargazer
  119. Product infromation, other boaters experience, information on education and course changes.
  120. Personal experience boating articles.  Extreme details of information for National meetings
  121. articles on cruising under sail
  122. Stories about cruises, boating incidents, general boating information. etc.
  123. The what's in a name and the burgee histories.
  124. Currently the burgee stories and the equipment reviews.
  125. Sqd.info,improvements.useful nav tips
  126. Read about true life situations of other boaters.
  127. Informative articles.
  128. Hot tips
  129. Cruising Articles / Maintenance articles
  130. Cruising / Destination articles
  131. Articles, news and very friendly reading
  132. Boating information
  133. Cruising tips, electronics updates.
  134. I like the articles on how to do things and on new products. The only change i would make in the new products listings would be to list the cost of the items
  135. Cruising articles by fellow members.
  136. Current information about boats, boating and nautical literature
  137. Crusing stories and destination descriptions.
  138. Safety Articles
  139. Reader articles
  140. The travel stories and the positive suggestions on how to improve the squadrons
  141. intersting articles about safety.
  142. Cruising and Boat Maintenance Articles as well as destination articles.
  143. Articles on navigation
  144. Seeing what teaching aids people devise!
  145. Articles written about above topics.
  146. 'In my experience...' articles

 

Nothing (6)

  1. I am hard pressed to find one good thing about it.
  2. Not much.
  3. it only comes once a month
  4. not much, get a copy of the BMW Car Club of America Roundel and compare that with their total membership versus USPS and total dues versus USPS.
  5. nothing
  6. Can't really think of anything.

 

Other (50)

  1. The articles are edited well and therefore make for 'easy' reading.
  2. It arrives regularly! 
  3. has a real feel
  4. up to date
  5. Sense that i can rely on the material covered
  6. A definite dedication to boating safety
  7. I learn about others in boating around the country.
  8. It's about boats
  9. Learning useful information
  10. You can tell it is by and for people who love boating.
  11. The wonderful, intelligent people who put it together
  12. The value of the articles provided by the authors
  13. You published my article, 'Chickamauga to Yellow Creek,' way back in March, 1996 on traveling the Tennessee river.
  14. It's easy to read and includes relevant information.
  15. As a Canadian, I really enjoy it and I learn more about your Organization each time I read it.
  16. included in dues
  17. Being on time
  18. Vast circulation and able to reach many potential readers.
  19. Feedback
  20. The professional staff does a wonderful job of putting together a magazine.
  21. In general, unbiased info, as opposed to Commercial Boating magazines that have slanted opinions.
  22. It comes every month for free.
  23. Authoritative
  24. Encouragement of the membership to submit articles, in addition to those prepared by staff.
  25. The information and education I've received from it.
  26. Its our magazine and you have to be a member to get one. It’s all inclusive.
  27. Easy to read and very informative.
  28. Informative articles
  29. It provides the reader with useful information without dwelling on the technical aspects. 
  30. I like the chance to put it in my hands and read it.  We seem to spend too much time on computers, and it's nice to sit in a comfortable chair, and do some quiet reading.
  31. educational
  32. Boats! Reading (that's difficult, have macular degeneration) about my friends and their activities.
  33. Some contains important knowledge of boating.
  34. It is useful in interviewing prospective members
  35. The price.
  36. That is is 'always there'... I can remember reading it when I lived on Long Island, New York. I thought, 'These guys are really serious about 'safe boating'... they are professionals, they get legislation started, and in force, they are at the 'cutting edge' of boating, and most of them are 'great guys' (.... Of course now I would say 'great boaters'... thanks to the female addition to our ranks which had do so much to move us along.)
  37. Timely info.
  38. It's user friendly...easy to scan/read and not a lot of ads
  39. Colorful, eye catching, easily read articles, and   current info on the latest happenings in the USPS. 
  40. Quick and easy, some new information
  41. I am 87 years old and disabled and live in an independent home set up.  Do attend weekly Squadron luncheons when ever possible. Look forward to each issue.
  42. The fact that you care and are asking these questions.  I understand that this publication is for an audience with exceeding diverse boating interests and needs.  For me, something like Cruising World or Ocean Navigator are of interest, but I can't expect all members to share these interests.
  43. it gives knowledge and pleasure to those who use it.
  44. Timely info
  45. I think it has become more interesting and useful
  46. It is very readable and frequently contains information that is useful to me.
  47. its boating orientation in general
  48. It keeps me informed and makes me a safer boater.
  49. Anything to do with boating I enjoy.l
  50. Informative

 

Overall quality (27)

  1. A good representation of the organization...high quality, diversified, and educational.
  2. It contains information to please all members
  3. I like to read most of the sections in The Ensign; can't decide which one is best...
  4. Over the past few years the Ensign has improved greatly in quality of articles and publication,
  5. I like it all!
  6. It normally has information in it that I find useful.
  7. All
  8. Casual writing style.
  9. Like most of it. Do not dislike any of it.
  10. It is time well spent.
  11. It tends to cover items of interest to me.
  12. MOST EVERY THINGS
  13. I use as much of the information presented as I can for other publications that I am involved with.  I like it all!
  14. everything
  15. most of it
  16. The user friendly tone of the presentation.
  17. Informative articles
  18. Everything
  19. Good writing
  20. I can't say specifically, but I have an overall positive opinion of The Ensign.
  21. In general it is good reading and I look forward to receiving it to see what is going on elsewhere
  22. The quality of the magazine and always on time.
  23. The quality of the magazine
  24. Content and appearance
  25. entire magazine
  26. easy to read
  27. quality magazine

 

Size/articles and magazine (16)

  1. Small magazine, and helpful articles. 
  2. make you feel part of a larger group
  3. Short, can read/scan it in a short time.
  4. It is not too thick, and about the right dimensions. Easy to carry with me.
  5. size of magazine.
  6. its a nice briefcase mag
  7. brief and to the point
  8. It's small enough to read in one sitting and travels easily.
  9. I can carry it with me to read
  10. Small informative
  11. Its overall length. Just about right to read in one sitting.
  12. Good quick read with good type.
  13. Short easy to read articles.
  14. Lots of information in a short time.
  15. I like the hard copy.  It can be dog eared or pages paper clipped for future reference.  It can be taken anywhere and read.
  16. Brevity

 

Variety (17)

  1. Diversity and ease of reading.
  2. It's general, its-across-the-board variety of articles.  But this is endangered by having high level officers/members vouch for sometimes trivial and mundane new products from advertisers.  A bit demeaning.   
  3. The variety of information.
  4. Variety of articles and info
  5. The variety.
  6. Good selection of articles, should be something for everyone
  7. Content mixture
  8. The squadron is many things to many people.  I like the variety of topics covered.  However, I'm not interested in reading about conferences, bylaws, etc.  In fact, I think TOO MUCH OF OUR DUES go to things the average member never sees, i.e. national and district meetings and bureaucratic items.
  9. Variety of articles 
  10. Variety of information and articles - 'something for everyone' - includes something for small and large boat owners - good job!
  11. The variety of subject material
  12. The variety of information included over several issues.
  13. variety of stories
  14. Mix of editorial. There's always something of interest.
  15. IT'S VERSILITY. AND THE ARTICLES I MHAVE MENTIONED THAT I REALLY ENJOY.
  16. wide range of appeal to boaters
  17. The Diversity