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Re: [GWL]: Looking For A Writing Vehicle

Jeff Ball wrote:
> 
> Claude has obviously given the problem of finding writing opportunities deep
> and careful thought.  Before we go any further in trying to design a web
> site that might offer GWAA members writing opportunities, I think we should
> spend some serious time and professional critique reviewing the three or
> four large and expensive gardening sites that have failed. 

Jeff , thanks for the complement and sharing your insights.

Knowing why others have failed is extremely important if any new effort
is to succeed. Hours of research now beats dollars spent later to
attempt to fix major defects in the basic concept.

In my opinion, the basics problem in previous information web site
efforts has been two fold:

	1. Mixing information and sales, as consumer are very likely to receive
biased or slanted information designed to push the sales of products
being offered. Has anyone seen any material on posting on these sites as
to why the products would not be a good value?

	2. The information seemed to be aimed a a very generic audience as
would be expected for a national gardening publication rather than that
of a textbook constructed with hypertext links to allow the reader to
easily refer to more detailed explanations and prerequisite background
material necessary to fully understand the references in the basic text.
The sites did not expand the level of information available, but rather
attempted to serve a magazine format via a high tech media.

I would hope that the target audience reader comprehension in future
efforts would be that of a college level text rather than the typical
8th grade level so common on TV presentations.

The use of a zip code to customize the text is illusionary; however,
there are true regional differences that should be considered with
different versions providing timely suggestions of gardening activities.

Cultural requirements are one of those items that should be modified to
consider the vast differences in what constitutes full sun in coastal
climates verses interior Southwestern locations, etc. Growing seasons,
day lengths, temperature extremes, humidity, and other factors vary
widely and drastically affect plant performance and selection of plant
species and varieties.

Previous efforts of providing information via the web have NOT taken
advantage of the opportunity to provide a full range of
horticultural/gardening information for beginners through expert users.

INTERNET RESEARCH
The general public using the internet for research purposes is NOT a
cure all that will preclude the need for comprehensive articles
published in print, CDS, videotape, or the internet.

I must stress that the differences in the media does not compensate for
inferior preparation, conflicted research, and the inability to
communicate a clear, concise message.

I don't believe most computer users are very familiar with how to use
the many internet search engines to achieve the desired results. It
takes basic horticultural knowledge to frame the right questions and
select the proper keywords to effective use advance search features.
Most adult Americans can't even program their VCR machines and need to
ask their children for assistance.

The argument that people can obtain lots of free information on the web
and therefore a paid internet information site is not a viable concept
could also be applied to all forms of print media and the Home and
Garden TV cable channel. I doubt the availability of free information on
the internet is any more damaging than the free public access to books
and magazines at a local library is to book sales and magazine
subscriptions.

Assuming that most garden writers are not experts in every aspect of
horticulture/gardening issues and topics, an internet search is only the
starting point of assembling data. The key is following up on leads with
personal communications and weighing conflicting points of view and
statements of "fact".

A well balanced article that is comprehensive in its treatment of
details for topics with conflicting points of view takes many hours of
research, analysis, and multiple drafts to achieve a finished story.

It is not likely that the general public will find that level of
information at free web sites. The collective paid membership of even a
small percentage of the publications ceasing business could make a
cooperative publishing venture break-even. Yes, a realistic business
plan would need to be developed.

A weekly email with the list abstracting new articles could be sent to
members. They could view the full article online and download it if the
choose.

Contributors would be given stock representing a specific fee for text,
with additional fees for illustrations/photos/video associated with an
assignment. At the end of the year they would share in the profit or
loss of the operation. Cash payments eventually could be given against
anticipated profits. I am describing a legal cooperative in which the
initial funding comes from owner/participants. People buying in after
several years of operation pay higher fees to join the cooperative.

There must be considerable thought in preparing weekly assignments for
at least a 24 month period. Initially articles would receive substantial
review to determine a consistent high quality of the articles. Articles
not passing muster would be returned to the author to be rewritten and
failure to address editorial concerns would result in articles being
rejected.

I would not preclude such a writing cooperative producing CDs, books,
and video tapes with standard agreements to acquire rights and provide
compensation.

There have been plenty of discussions of the unethical business
practices of publishers who have a financial risk in acquiring articles.
The disaster that has occurred in web and magazine publishing business
does provide an opportunity to do it better. Who is better qualified to
structure such an endeavor than the authors, illustrators, and
photographers who provide the information content?

That's my opinion and with $4 you can get a cup of plain black coffee at
Starbucks - tip is extra.

Claude Sweet
San Diego, CA 92120

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