Re: Hi Everyone - can I pick your brains?
 

Great ideas so far. Hadn't thought of the training or schools ideas and also getting the local MP or councillors for that matter to write a column could be good too.

Shillelagh, would it be possible to get the copy of the BB5 guide from you? I'll happily send you a SAE. I had heard that it wasn't all that good but I'd still like to see it.

I'll also try and get hold of a copy of the Herald. I thought that was mainly Whalley, Clitheroe and Padiham area but if it's getting as far as Clayton-Le-Moors I reckon I need to consider it as competition!

As for the Citizen, we won't be weekly, probably monthly instead and again, it seems to be getting more like the Observer and covering a huge area. The idea behind mine is to be very local. We hope that local businesses would want to advertise with us for just that reason. In time we hope that the Gazette would be one of the first places people would look for local tradesmen - who might also like to offer discounts through the magazine? Coupled with the website it will be a great opportunity for businesses to get their message out there. Why go to all the expense of printing flyers and getting them delivered when they could have an ad with us for less money?

Thanks again for all the ideas. My list is growing longer but the more the merrier so please keep them coming. Also, if anyone would be interested in submitting any articles etc please do let me know. There's no point in re-inventing the wheel and there must be loads of you out there with tons to say!

Thanks.
Matilda.

Re: Hi Everyone - can I pick your brains?
 

Hi Matilda, your proposition should have the same chance as any other publication, thats to say that if you put enough effort in to the various aspects of it it will be a succes. Just be aware of those different aspects such as Editorial, Production, Distribution and probabily the toughest, Sales.

Also remember that as with most fledgling businesses you will feel as if you're working for very little reward in the early day, months, or even years!

BTW, I speak as an advertiser in local and regional publications, and yes I had an advert The BB5 GUIDE.
:)

Re: Hi Everyone - can I pick your brains?
 

its in the post ... 1st class today ...

Re: Hi Everyone - can I pick your brains?
 

Hi Shillelagh,

Thank you so much for the BB5 Guide. It arrived this morning. That's really good of you.

It looks a little better than I thought it would actually but I still think we can dramatically improve on it. The first thing would be to have some colour there and the second would be to include a lot more local content amongst the ads.

As others have said though, perhaps the hardest part would be getting businesses to agree to advertise and pay for it. Me thinks that perhaps the best thing to do is for me to create a mock up and go and visit a few local businesses to see what they say.

In the meantime if there is anyone out there who has a local business, please could you let me know if you would be interested in advertising in such a publication. Again, I'm not touting for business - honest, just want to know what you all think.

Thanks again Shillelagh and if I can return the favour, please just let me know.

Matilda.

Re: Hi Everyone - can I pick your brains?
 

You can talk to me when your ready...

Re: Hi Everyone - can I pick your brains?
 

Wish you luck, but as you seem to understand, raising money through advertisers will be the major problem. I know recently that many local businesses would'nt pay £50 per year for a full page advert on a website aimed at promoting Hyndburn. And many of the Market Traders baulked at £25 per year!!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Hi Everyone - can I pick your brains?
 

Hiya,

Sorry I haven't replied sooner, I've been away for a couple of days and nowhere near a PC. I've now got withdrawl symptoms!

Thanks for the support guys. As for paying for ads, it seems so far that as long as the price is right, businesses around here are still willing to pay. Perhaps it's because our proposition is in dual format - printed as well as online. Either way, I'm encouraged enough by you guys to plough on and I'll keep you all posted on progress and no doubt keep asking for your thoughts as we go.

In the meantime, please keep your ideas for content you would like to see and your thoughts on businesses advertising.

Thanks once again.
Matilda.

Re: Hi Everyone - can I pick your brains?
 

Just like to say that we get the Herald delivered. It may be nicely presented and glossy. But aside from the adverts, not much seems to be of local interest, apart from the odd input. Most of the stuff in there seems to be pulled straight from internet sites, and a lot of it most people have heard before. In fact I even jokingly asked them if I could have a job there, as i could generate them loads of stuff, lol.

I think the key thing IS local input. whether it be asking people to send in items, or asking people to be "local reporters"

OK we get local items in the LT an the Obby, but items form readers with a personal view on topics in their area could be of more interest.
Even local people giving views on their own interests.