SHGA Presidency
Moderator: Chip
Just FYI, the SHGA is a not-for-profit, not a non-profit. The distinction is small to the rest of us mere mortals, but serious big-time stuff to the IRS and to the lawyers among us.... It does put some restrictions on us too. For details, ask a lawyer friend, or maybe SHGA VP, Larry Chamblee.
Fly High; Fly Far; Fly Safe -- George
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JT
Chip
From all I've read, I'm just glad that Jeff has finally consented to run for the BOD. I hope his voice of reason makes it through the election... and beyond.
Did I mention I voted for you? Now, about my designated parking space at the LZ...
Seriously, good luck to all the new and old members of the BOD to be. Please don't be discouraged. I know it's a lot of work and "no good deed goes unpunished." But the club really needs you all and you should take solace in the words of my good friend, BudRob: "I may not like everything they do but since I can't (and others won't) be involved, I can't complain."
Did I mention I voted for you? Now, about my designated parking space at the LZ...
Seriously, good luck to all the new and old members of the BOD to be. Please don't be discouraged. I know it's a lot of work and "no good deed goes unpunished." But the club really needs you all and you should take solace in the words of my good friend, BudRob: "I may not like everything they do but since I can't (and others won't) be involved, I can't complain."
Vote for Doug Martens
I need your Vote! and we need Your Ideas, good or bad.
Preliminary Beach Marketing Idea:
Gamera mascot (Idea from Chris Wolters imdb.com resume)
- Gamera is terrorizing Sylmar, destroying cell phone towers and windsocks, we need pilots to come help fight off the menace.
- People riding by the beach seeing a poster of hang gliders battling a flying fire breathing turtle destroying cell phone towers wont forget that image with a web address printed on it.
- The address can point to a high-resolution broadband short 30-second clip of a gamera battle scene with some hang gliders cheaply super imposed.
- If they still on the page give them some information about Sylmar and hang gliding and then allow them to watch the Vrezh Yosemite video in high resolution.
- Also the USGA discovery hang gliding 10-minute introduction video.
- Also some introductory lessons clips and Red Bull speed gliding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IODtFvooXm0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fofB5nJ8mCU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Z2B1baNVU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVTN65vodIQ
Marketing:
In this summer Paul Thornberry rated 40% hang 2’s in the United States. Take that Lookout Mountain.
We need to get those graduated hang 2 pilots from the beach to the sky in Sylmar.
For getting to Sylmar from the South rename the 118 freeway as the “Hang Glider Highway� to avoid 405/5 merge bottleneck and cut the drive time by 5 or 20 minutes.
We could seek corporate sponsorship like Red Bull and approach Willswing for glider factory rebate via our marketing campaign.
Money Items:
Is Crestline Soaring a non-profit church?
I read our company financial statements published in the High times before I recommended my Dues and Storage changes so I could see where we stand and project the net effect.
Allow Crestline and Sylmar members to fly either club for free.
The SHGA can openly contribute money to the campaigns of known Hang Gliding friendly political candidates.
The USGHA is paying Crestline $18,000 to buy a tractor.
My recommendations for Officers and Board of Directors needed skills.
- Owners of flight schools with web pages
- Computer/internet experts
- Recent hang 2 graduates
- Proven history of marketing hang gliding
Repairs have begun
Windsocks and streamers were blown down and are repaired.
Where do I post a pic of the windsock repair?
Preliminary Beach Marketing Idea:
Gamera mascot (Idea from Chris Wolters imdb.com resume)
- Gamera is terrorizing Sylmar, destroying cell phone towers and windsocks, we need pilots to come help fight off the menace.
- People riding by the beach seeing a poster of hang gliders battling a flying fire breathing turtle destroying cell phone towers wont forget that image with a web address printed on it.
- The address can point to a high-resolution broadband short 30-second clip of a gamera battle scene with some hang gliders cheaply super imposed.
- If they still on the page give them some information about Sylmar and hang gliding and then allow them to watch the Vrezh Yosemite video in high resolution.
- Also the USGA discovery hang gliding 10-minute introduction video.
- Also some introductory lessons clips and Red Bull speed gliding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IODtFvooXm0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fofB5nJ8mCU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Z2B1baNVU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVTN65vodIQ
Marketing:
In this summer Paul Thornberry rated 40% hang 2’s in the United States. Take that Lookout Mountain.
We need to get those graduated hang 2 pilots from the beach to the sky in Sylmar.
For getting to Sylmar from the South rename the 118 freeway as the “Hang Glider Highway� to avoid 405/5 merge bottleneck and cut the drive time by 5 or 20 minutes.
We could seek corporate sponsorship like Red Bull and approach Willswing for glider factory rebate via our marketing campaign.
Money Items:
Is Crestline Soaring a non-profit church?
I read our company financial statements published in the High times before I recommended my Dues and Storage changes so I could see where we stand and project the net effect.
Allow Crestline and Sylmar members to fly either club for free.
The SHGA can openly contribute money to the campaigns of known Hang Gliding friendly political candidates.
The USGHA is paying Crestline $18,000 to buy a tractor.
My recommendations for Officers and Board of Directors needed skills.
- Owners of flight schools with web pages
- Computer/internet experts
- Recent hang 2 graduates
- Proven history of marketing hang gliding
Repairs have begun
Windsocks and streamers were blown down and are repaired.
Where do I post a pic of the windsock repair?
SHGA Marketing
Awaremess marketing (that's what you're talking about) costs money. A LOT of money for it to be effective and penetrate to the degree you're talking about. Do you have a proposed budget? Specific marketing plan?
Re: SHGA Marketing
The plan is under development.lswendt wrote:Awaremess marketing (that's what you're talking about) costs money. A LOT of money for it to be effective and penetrate to the degree you're talking about. Do you have a proposed budget? Specific marketing plan?
We need to maintain a cash reserve to handle the unexpected and not spend it on marketing. Its not enough to buy any land but it could fix a major problem. Are you talking about running an ad like those clips but during the Superbowl? If we did that or Paris Hilton took a discovery tandem flight, rides up the hill would be booked well into May 2009. The police would check drivers license addresses of people exiting the 210 into Sylmar and cars would be backed up to the 118 and 5 freeways. Also the cost an ad would take all the money of all the flight schools in the USA and the USHPA funds.
Also we need to check first if we can market the idea of the existance of mythological giant flying turtles in the San Gabriel mountains.
Target marketing is another option. Engineers, bicycle, motocycles, aviation, etc.
Couple years back windsports had KTLA come out to Sylmar and do a 8:00am news story about hang gliding and free advertised the site, beach and webpage. I have an mpeg of it.
Last edited by dhmartens on Fri Dec 08, 2006 9:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I've been wanting to make a funny hang gliding movie for a while, and a few people want to help. I worked on one called Pterodactyl, a straight to video thing, and don't forget Vampire Bats.
One thing I was thinking for awareness marketing, was to go to a college and set up a table with info etc, and have a glider set up for people to get a real look at. Most college students don't have the time or money to get into hang gliding, but it would make an impression, and they would think about it later, when they get jobs and finally have some money. I know that UCLA, and NCTC have large open lawn areas that would be good. It's just a matter of getting permision from the schools. I'll look into that.
One thing I was thinking for awareness marketing, was to go to a college and set up a table with info etc, and have a glider set up for people to get a real look at. Most college students don't have the time or money to get into hang gliding, but it would make an impression, and they would think about it later, when they get jobs and finally have some money. I know that UCLA, and NCTC have large open lawn areas that would be good. It's just a matter of getting permision from the schools. I'll look into that.
uhh..........
Yeah, checks in the mail.dmartens wrote:The plan is under development.
Yeah, I was there. What was the outcome? It was cool to meet Gail, she's a real sport. But I wonder what the numbers come out to? I bet the results are NOT real tangible.dmartens wrote:Couple years back windsports had KTLA come out to Sylmar and do a 8:00am news story about hang gliding and free advertised the site, beach and webpage.
Now here's an idea with merit. But free? How about optionally raising the dues (slightly) and give a portion to CSS and Visa - Versa (members could choose to join both clubs at a discounted rate). Increased revenue and more members.dmartens wrote:Allow Crestline and Sylmar members to fly either club for free.
I just don't see this Gamera mascot marketing campaign your talking about being of any interest to the general public. What's monsters have to do with it? It's about flying ................ isn't it? It needs to be more emotionally driven (IMHO)
After watching all the videos posted, I'm wondering how hang gliding is truly represented here? It's presented more as a novelty than a sport. We need "dedicated" individuals that are up for a challenge and have more than a passing curiosity. All the pilots that have "stuck" with HG'ing have made a serious commitment to a lifestyle of flying (likely). This commitment is what is required to have the marketing success you suggest is possible with "cheesy" you tube clips.
This is kind of along the lines about an idea that Chis Smith had. Although he was saying something like recruiting college students to put on some sort of fund raiser / community awareness thing. The idea is they do all the work for college credits, and bring in the public for us. The students get credit for some project management class or something and our plight is their project (probably get a few of the students into HG'ing along the way). Chris's (lucky 13) idea also has promise.Lucky 13 wrote:One thing I was thinking for awareness marketing, was to go to a college and set up a table with info etc, and have a glider set up for people to get a real look at. Most college students don't have the time or money to get into hang gliding, but it would make an impression, and they would think about it later, when they get jobs and finally have some money. I know that UCLA, and NCTC have large open lawn areas that would be good. It's just a matter of getting permission from the schools.
I'm with you Christian
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JT
Presidents and precedents
I hope everyone out there who received a ballot is voting. I've been at the meeting for the count a few times and the turnout was dismal EXCEPT when there was controversy involving the way club money was being spent and the blame/praise the president received for doing it. Looks like we may be getting back to that.
About bringing hang gliding to more people. I think Greblo's school at the beach is one of the biggest ads/draws and is in a location populated by people that already like being outdoors.
Unfortunately, most people still think we are crazies. When the sport started, there were many, many testosterone loopy boys, Rome and a few girls that were ready to try the next great high. People came to watch in droves. Then, we started dying... publicly. A dead glider hanging from the wires over PCH on the evening news isn't much enticement. Most people want to die in their sleep. Those moments are what stay in the collective memory of all those now forty-to fifty somethings that are potential pilots or fathers and mothers with the means . And all the YouTube clips of crashes aren't much help, either.
What we really need is a good story and the potentate to bring it to a wide audience. Think what "A River Runs Through It" did for Orvis and fly fishing schools. Think of a new "On Any Sunday." BLM finally had to set aside huge acreage to keep the still-popular sport of off-road motorbikes from destroying the entire desert/mountains/Sylmar/my neighbor's backyard, etc.
Trouble is, we don't have Steve McQueen in a hang glider. Do any of the candidates know anyone? How about George Clooney? Hell, we'll even take that Aussie the Gladiator... better yet, Nicole - is she available?
Start thinking along those lines, guys, if you're really serious.
About bringing hang gliding to more people. I think Greblo's school at the beach is one of the biggest ads/draws and is in a location populated by people that already like being outdoors.
Unfortunately, most people still think we are crazies. When the sport started, there were many, many testosterone loopy boys, Rome and a few girls that were ready to try the next great high. People came to watch in droves. Then, we started dying... publicly. A dead glider hanging from the wires over PCH on the evening news isn't much enticement. Most people want to die in their sleep. Those moments are what stay in the collective memory of all those now forty-to fifty somethings that are potential pilots or fathers and mothers with the means . And all the YouTube clips of crashes aren't much help, either.
What we really need is a good story and the potentate to bring it to a wide audience. Think what "A River Runs Through It" did for Orvis and fly fishing schools. Think of a new "On Any Sunday." BLM finally had to set aside huge acreage to keep the still-popular sport of off-road motorbikes from destroying the entire desert/mountains/Sylmar/my neighbor's backyard, etc.
Trouble is, we don't have Steve McQueen in a hang glider. Do any of the candidates know anyone? How about George Clooney? Hell, we'll even take that Aussie the Gladiator... better yet, Nicole - is she available?
Start thinking along those lines, guys, if you're really serious.
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DigitalBishop
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:56 pm
- Location: Reseda, CA
Gamera as a mascot? What are you on? I want some! I'm hoping that you were joking on this but something tells me that you weren't. Not to mention if you weren't there is this thing called rights and we would have to get the rights to use the Gamera image. Besides, it's a turtle. You want giant creatures to represent us, use Mothera. At least it has wings.
As far as me getting to Hang 2. I'm working on it! The holidays are a crazy time for me.
For getting the sport out there I think we need something like Discovery Channel/Discovery Wings to come out and do a series on a student learning to hang glide from Beach fledgling to Kagel solo (in HD!). And yea, it would be great if Paris Hilton did it but unfortunately I guarantee that she is either too much of a wimp or her keepers will think it too dangerous (despite the fact that she parties which is much more dangerous).
Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread but I thought I would add to the insanity.
As far as me getting to Hang 2. I'm working on it! The holidays are a crazy time for me.
For getting the sport out there I think we need something like Discovery Channel/Discovery Wings to come out and do a series on a student learning to hang glide from Beach fledgling to Kagel solo (in HD!). And yea, it would be great if Paris Hilton did it but unfortunately I guarantee that she is either too much of a wimp or her keepers will think it too dangerous (despite the fact that she parties which is much more dangerous).
Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread but I thought I would add to the insanity.
Jamie Krasnoo
Increasing membership by partnering with Crestline
Chip wrote:
I believe Crestline has many more paraglider pilots that the SHGA. That is not bad, but we would need to consider the impact of having a greater number of aircraft of that type. Paragliders topland where we setup. We should clearly designate a top landing area. Paragliders don't necessarily know that a hang glider cannot deal with a kiting sail in the L/Z. Clearly posting and communicating the needs of these different aircraft would be required to avoid the conflicts that can happen in absense of that. No problem, but it needs to be handled.Now here's an idea with merit. But free? How about optionally raising the dues (slightly) and give a portion to CSS and Visa - Versa (members could choose to join both clubs at a discounted rate). Increased revenue and more members.
Re: Increasing membership by partnering with Crestline
Nothing a few bumpy days at Sylmar wouldn't solveJoseph wrote:I believe Crestline has many more paraglider pilots that the SHGA. That is not bad, but we would need to consider the impact of having a greater number of aircraft of that type. Paragliders topland where we setup. We should clearly designate a top landing area. Paragliders don't necessarily know that a hang glider cannot deal with a kiting sail in the L/Z. Clearly posting and communicating the needs of these different aircraft would be required to avoid the conflicts that can happen in absense of that. No problem, but it needs to be handled.
Bumpy Days and Marketing
Chip, now remember it's the USHPA. 
On another subject - marketing. For it to be successful you need a plan. If you don't have a plan then cheap, easy and a very low downside is best. Windsports has their training hill at Dockweiler beach. On any given weekend a ton of people rollerskate, bike ride, walk past that location. There are advertising restrictions, but placing just a picture with no commercial references at the Windsports site might be good and not cause problems with the powers that be. It doesn't have to be big just make an impression. I am sure lots of pilots have some killer pictures that they would contribute.
I think most people believe hang gliding is skimming over the ground and slowly gliding down close to the ground and then crashing. Chris Smith's picture of him above the clouds would do a good job of countering that perception and recasting hang gliding as an "aviation" sport where you can fly like a bird for hours to all those people that pack the beach every weekend.
On another subject - marketing. For it to be successful you need a plan. If you don't have a plan then cheap, easy and a very low downside is best. Windsports has their training hill at Dockweiler beach. On any given weekend a ton of people rollerskate, bike ride, walk past that location. There are advertising restrictions, but placing just a picture with no commercial references at the Windsports site might be good and not cause problems with the powers that be. It doesn't have to be big just make an impression. I am sure lots of pilots have some killer pictures that they would contribute.
I think most people believe hang gliding is skimming over the ground and slowly gliding down close to the ground and then crashing. Chris Smith's picture of him above the clouds would do a good job of countering that perception and recasting hang gliding as an "aviation" sport where you can fly like a bird for hours to all those people that pack the beach every weekend.
I am still wondering why a local club needs to devote so much mental energy to marketing hang-gliding.....WTF USHPA?
There are enough threats, real and imagined, to our site that all energies should be directed to solving these issues:
Launch access (establishing new and maintaining existing)
Securing property from development (that threatens LZ, approach etc.)
Mentoring/Adventure Pass (H-2 retention, education etc.)
Interactivity through web cams, weather per text etc. (general accessibility)
Cleaning and tidying up grounds and infrastructure (time permitting)
Joseph is right with keeping the accounting clean, Nothing sinks a entity faster than screwed up books.
A well run, clean and orderly looking club is it's best advertising.
An education about the possibilities of hang-gliding can be limited to maybe a short DVD that can be given to interested parties (at Dockweiler) This could show the progression from bunny hill to "aviation" using video as well as stills. Much more likely to be looked at than a "link", in case anybody is thinking that. DVD's in bulk are pretty cheap.
There are enough threats, real and imagined, to our site that all energies should be directed to solving these issues:
Launch access (establishing new and maintaining existing)
Securing property from development (that threatens LZ, approach etc.)
Mentoring/Adventure Pass (H-2 retention, education etc.)
Interactivity through web cams, weather per text etc. (general accessibility)
Cleaning and tidying up grounds and infrastructure (time permitting)
Joseph is right with keeping the accounting clean, Nothing sinks a entity faster than screwed up books.
A well run, clean and orderly looking club is it's best advertising.
An education about the possibilities of hang-gliding can be limited to maybe a short DVD that can be given to interested parties (at Dockweiler) This could show the progression from bunny hill to "aviation" using video as well as stills. Much more likely to be looked at than a "link", in case anybody is thinking that. DVD's in bulk are pretty cheap.
Last edited by JBBenson on Fri Dec 08, 2006 3:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The happiest I ever saw Ken, our outgoing president, was when anything actually got done. Often anything that actually got done was hardly talked about at all. Somebody just did it. Bulletin board fix, windsock replacements, laptops in the LZ.
Picking up a rake is worth three plans to save hang gliding.
Picking up a rake is worth three plans to save hang gliding.
Marketing isn't my main concern, however, I have some realy good ideas for it. Not just marketing to get new people to join, but also exposure, and improving the image of the sport. Most people think we still fly Rogollo style kites. My main concern is survival, and what I mean by that is our site. We have a right to be here, it is the best site, an old and famous site, and it is our last site in the Los Angeles area.
I attended the board candidate initiation meeting last night along with candidate Chris Wolters for 3 1/2 hours and we discussed the entire historic background and all vital current issues and strategies, along with some good flying stories.
JBBenson has critical concerns with the various launch access and threatened LZ development. Yes club members, it seems we are constantly at war. I had done my homework and was well briefed on the Golf Course incursion of September 1998.
http://www.active-media.com/shga/newsle ... t1998.html
This was our last major threat and we won a decisive victory and established a good standing in the community and gained valued allies. The top issue at hand for our club members today is to continue their longstanding support and volunteer work for the Forest Service. We might be able to open up 2 new launches. The Saturday 16th 8:30am work party needs a huge turnout. We meet in the LZ, work, and fly around noon.
In the very remote chance we loose the above-mentioned war, these 2 launches would serve as an avenue of retreat. In the almost certain likelihood of victory, we will have 4 launches. In either case the Forest Service will have a trash free pristine forest and we will still be able to fly.
We discussed lesson pricing plans, the history of the marketing efforts, and the $11,000 radio ad failure. On occasion A Senator, politicians, and key people took tandem rides. I wonder if we could put dot com’s on the training glider sails.
Another marketing idea hang 4’s might like could be a contest:
T2 versus Lightspeed
I’d like to see the outcome of that too.
JBBenson has critical concerns with the various launch access and threatened LZ development. Yes club members, it seems we are constantly at war. I had done my homework and was well briefed on the Golf Course incursion of September 1998.
http://www.active-media.com/shga/newsle ... t1998.html
This was our last major threat and we won a decisive victory and established a good standing in the community and gained valued allies. The top issue at hand for our club members today is to continue their longstanding support and volunteer work for the Forest Service. We might be able to open up 2 new launches. The Saturday 16th 8:30am work party needs a huge turnout. We meet in the LZ, work, and fly around noon.
In the very remote chance we loose the above-mentioned war, these 2 launches would serve as an avenue of retreat. In the almost certain likelihood of victory, we will have 4 launches. In either case the Forest Service will have a trash free pristine forest and we will still be able to fly.
We discussed lesson pricing plans, the history of the marketing efforts, and the $11,000 radio ad failure. On occasion A Senator, politicians, and key people took tandem rides. I wonder if we could put dot com’s on the training glider sails.
Another marketing idea hang 4’s might like could be a contest:
T2 versus Lightspeed
I’d like to see the outcome of that too.
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JT
We already know the outcome of that competition; just look around you:
Litespeed, 20(+?); T2, 1. Sorry Chip I couldn't resist.
And the posts above have it right: the club is constantly in danger of losing the site. That will be a chronic concern of every officer on the BOD.
Forget marketing to find new pilots. This is a local issue for this club best left to the school, up to the point that Greblo gets them to visit the LZ. Then, everyone needs to be an ambassador. Every newbie knows the frustration of being left sitting in the LZ without a ride. I did, and I had my own personal mentor. I had to get my own personal driver, too. Fortunately, my wife likes most of you guys.
An example of poor outreach was an occasion during summer 2005. A bunch of H2s organized a barbecue one afternoon and invited all the H4s present "to get to know them." Some of the H4s ate, then went back to their cooler of beer and didn't bother to learn the names of the H2s feeding them. I haven't seen much of Monishe, Don and Cheryl
Thompson, and a couple of others since that day. At least not to fly. Could it be coincidental? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe they just got too busy to fly.
What do you guys think?
Litespeed, 20(+?); T2, 1. Sorry Chip I couldn't resist.
And the posts above have it right: the club is constantly in danger of losing the site. That will be a chronic concern of every officer on the BOD.
Forget marketing to find new pilots. This is a local issue for this club best left to the school, up to the point that Greblo gets them to visit the LZ. Then, everyone needs to be an ambassador. Every newbie knows the frustration of being left sitting in the LZ without a ride. I did, and I had my own personal mentor. I had to get my own personal driver, too. Fortunately, my wife likes most of you guys.
An example of poor outreach was an occasion during summer 2005. A bunch of H2s organized a barbecue one afternoon and invited all the H4s present "to get to know them." Some of the H4s ate, then went back to their cooler of beer and didn't bother to learn the names of the H2s feeding them. I haven't seen much of Monishe, Don and Cheryl
Thompson, and a couple of others since that day. At least not to fly. Could it be coincidental? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe they just got too busy to fly.
What do you guys think?
What would this be marketing? The Litespeed? Moyes would not mind I am sure but what is this going to do for membership?dhmartens wrote:Another marketing idea hang 4’s might like could be a contest: T2 versus Lightspeed
It is still a better idea than this though: "Gamera is terrorizing Sylmar, destroying cell phone towers and windsocks, we need pilots to come help fight off the menace."
Maybe you guys should have a Dungeon's and Dragon's match to find the new president...
Thanks to Chris and Doug for throwing their hat in
©hris wrote:
So first lesson: You have to have a tough skin to be involved.
Looks like ©hris meant this comment all in fun, but it is not easy doing this stuff. Comparing this process to basically a joke is likely to be anything but funny to everyone who has participated.
Maybe you guys should have a Dungeon's and Dragon's match to find the new president.
So first lesson: You have to have a tough skin to be involved.
