National Geocaching Newsletter...

[EcoTeam]

Taken from the NSW caching thread...

Please, everyone, take a few seconds to respond to the Poll above!

The question:
There was talk about a NSW geocaching newsletter, but a few people have expressed interest in a National Geocaching newsletter instead.
This would require a sub-editor for each state (I have volunteered to be editor and NSW editor), and also people to contribute stuff such as:
- A profile of your team, using a fixed template, "answer the questions" type thing
- Caching stories
- Caching equipment reviews
- Photos
- whatever else you can think of

EcoDave

[hardunits]

Are you thinking an online newsletter or an email thing? Maybe it could be just a section of Geocaching Australia site? I have thought a news section would be a good idea anyway. I'm willing to help!

[EcoTeam]

I'm thinking of your typical "newsletter" type flyer in PDF format, in a kind of magazine style format. Not overly fancy (I'm no graphical layout expert), but better than your typical web page format.
I figure it would be a good way for everyone in the geocaching community to keep up to date with recent news, events, new caches, exciting caching stories and the like. Something nice to read on the train, on the can, or wherever. It would be good for those who don't like to read or participate in the forums also.
Cahers will also get a chance at a little bit of fame by being profiled in the newsletter.

The PDF file could be automatically distributed as part of an email list, and/or simply downloadable from the front page of the GC.com.au site.

Yes you can do a newsletter as a web page, but a PDF that came out say once a month would be easier to read, print and distribute. You can also pass it on to your friends or part-time caching partners that just don't like to surf around every day. I guess it would kind of make the sport more "official" and visible too.

EcoDave

[EcoTeam]

BUGGER!!!!!!!!!
I edited my post above and it killed the POLL!
How do I get the poll back, or create a new one?

[hardunits]

Sounds like a good idea. I take your point about the format.

I think the main thing is having someone behind it to really drive it. I am willing to put in and do a bit, even do sub-ed for SA. However, you really need someone who is comitted and can really push it and get stuck in.

[EcoTeam]

ARGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now its doubled up on my poll options!
SOMEONE HELP!!!!!!!!

--------------------------------------

Well I'm sort of commited (no jokes please!). An overwelming response would spur me on, but a lack of responses will probably kill all my enthusiasm.
Perhaps there is someone better suited to the national editing position?, someone with wizz-bang editing skills, boundless enthusiasm, and long lunch hours at work??
I'm happy to do the NSW thing, but being the driving force would require some encouragement. I'm also busy writing other things at the moment too, so don't have much time.

EcoDave

[Team Pathfinder]

Fantastic idea!! For once WA is ahead - we have had a weekly newsletter for months - I wouldnt mind contributing from WA when you get things moving.

[pyrenees kid]

I think its a great idea but I am sorry i dont have the time to help but i will certainly have a look at it.

[EcoTeam]

From what I can see of the WA newsletter, it seems to focus on what caches have been found in the last week etc
I don't envisage that the National newsletter will have anything like that, so it wouldn't replace the WA newsletter I suspect.
The national one would focus on major news, reviews, cache stories, cacher profiles and photos. A much bigger production, which is why it wouldn't be possible to have it weekly or even monthly. Ok, monthly is possible, but I'm lazy :->

We'll have a crack at the first issue soon and see how it goes.

Ok, now what about a name for it?

EcoDave

[swampgecko]

Crazy Aussie Cacher Happenings, Events & Review (C.A.C.H.E.R for short)<P>or
<P>
Oz Cacher

[hardunits]

I'm up for writing a piece on the recent SA winter Geocaching weekend. I'm no writer but I will give it a go.