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Originally Posted By: xraytrapper
how do you get the fancy "I Subscribe" icon in your signature?


Contact a moderator and they will add it for you.

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Originally Posted By: sprkplug


If the forum exists in part, maybe even a substantial part, in order to try and drive up subscription rates, then maybe a quick look at the "who's online" box on the left side of the page might provide some insight. As of this moment, 12 registered users and 251 guests. 20 onlookers, most of which are probably non-subscribers, to every registered user. Most of which probably ARE subscribers.

We're all familiar with "why buy the cow when you get the milk for free", I'm guessing? Has the PB forum become PB magazine's biggest detractor?


I used to be on an astronomy and telescope forum where you could also buy and sell, kind of like Tractorbynet. It was a great site to buy and sell equipment, and have discussions on how to use it. Every user was verified and used their real name. After a few years, donations started flagging, so the forum owner started charging $12 a year for membership. He was way ahead of the times, too far. There are only a handful of members now, mainly those who buy and sell a substantial amount of equipment, which no longer applies to me. The mandatory donation killed the forum. But, I think the future is paid forums. It keeps out spam and supports the good info obtained.

I think we either should subscribe to the magazine or support the forum by at least donating a little. All voluntary. Server costs are not insignificant, and the info received is quite valuable. Just my 2 cents, fwiw.

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I wonder how many visit the forum, ask a question or two, then disappear? How many visit, never ask a question, but avail themselves of the HUGE library of info archived here? In my opinion there are few new questions, but many that have been answered before and will turn up with a little digging. I think it's probably a whole lot easier to get the fanatics on board than it is the new pond owners.

Bob's asking "how do you know what you don't know?" Good question. I wonder how many folks are tending to their ponds, unaware that they don't know. I'm guessing a large percentage. But it begs to ask, if you don't know what you don't know, are you really worse off? If everything is running in a manner that they are happy with, should they consider their lack of knowledge a debilitation? How's that old saying go...."you can't miss what you never had", or something to that effect.

If that segment is the targeted audience for new subscriptions, it may be a hard sell. The pondowners that fit into that category are the ones needing an answer AFTER the fact, not before. Sure, if they had set about expanding their knowledge base BEFORE whatever it was happened, they might've saved a whole lot of stress and/or $$$. And, after having seen what can happen, they might be open to the idea of spending some bucks on a subscription.

But there are thousands of non-fanatic, existing pondowners out there, blissfully unaware of their ignorance where water is concerned. And they're happy. They don't KNOW they have any reason for concern. Getting them to acknowledge their lack of knowledge, will be tough to accomplish. Especially if they only have a question or two, and the forum membership does what it does best....provide the answers, free of charge.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Captain KillJoy!


Fishing has never been about the fish....

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....when you know, that you don't know...that's when you know...


...when in doubt...set the hook...
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Delete. Was considered NVA.

Last edited by Bill D.; 03/19/17 09:15 PM.

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Originally Posted By: stickem'
....when you know, that you don't know...that's when you know...


I know, right?


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Here's what I see. The forum is free, true. But, as extensive as the information is in the forum, it's piecemeal. Way better than any Extension Service publications, but still piecemeal. With the magazine, we try to weave the piecemeal stuff into a fabric people can use. The magazine articles are way more comprehensive (and still easy to read) than the forum. I see this forum as an introduction to people who are looking for information to get started, or for DIYer's looking for a specific solution and an affordable way to do things. I've had many advertisers make those two statements to me...and that's why some of them have stopped answering questions. They don't see the gain from the forum that they do from people who buy the magazine. I see the registered members who participate regularly as the passionate, die-hard fans who want to help others, or be involved in this fascinating community.
One of our big pushes for people to subscribe to the magazine is to provide information that not only educates them about what to do, but also what NOT to do.
I can't tell you how many times I get a call or an email from someone who thought they were doing the right things (because they didn't know what they didn't know) and now, four or five years later, they figured out they messed up. I see that all the time. With the magazine, we write about that stuff.
I see the forum as a friendly place to motivate people to learn and to become involved as they learn to help others. And, that's typically what happens. At the same time, for our team, this is a business.
For the question about the 40% who don't renew, some of them sell their places, others lose interest in pond management, others go away because they ignore their renewal notices. Believe it or not, that's a big one. Several times, I've personally sat down, called people or sent them a personal letter, reminding them to renew. They always do, with the statement, "I guess I just forgot." I'm thinking about setting up an automatic renewal system like lots of other businesses do. I bet our renewal rate would rise beyond 75% if we did that.
The other option is a push for advertising on the forum. More banner ads on the top, more ads on both margins, and a harder individual push on members.

Yes, there are quite a few people who register, ask a question or two, and then drop back. They go back to 'lurking' on the site. I'll never forget Bruce Condello telling me he 'lurked' for six months before he registered, because he was intimidated by everyone and was afraid he'd ask a "stupid" question. Of all people...

With our new marketing specialist, I expect subscription numbers to rise. That's a big part of her job. Get the subscriber numbers up. Here's what I know. There are between 4.5 and 6.5 million private ponds and lakes across the United States. Those ponds are owned by at least 500,000 people. All I want is about 1% of those people to get on board, and subscribe to the magazine. I totally believe they are out there. We just need this forum to help us reach all those people. That's why we offer free information. That's why we revamped the website. That's why we keep this forum healthy and moving.

If we need to make changes with the magazine, I'm in. We don't want to change for the sake of change, but we know change is inevitable and we'd like to change for the better, if that's what it takes.


Teach a man to grow fish...
He can teach to catch fish...
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Is this a survey or a debate between one side that sees no value in PBF and PBM and another side defending them?


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I think the content/format has gotten better and better each year. After 16 years of this pond obsession stuff, I still learn or get an idea(s) from each and every mag. To me it comes down to positioning and exposure, at least here in the north.

IMHO- The value of the magazine most definitely outweighs the price.

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I believe the request was for the honest reason (s) one did, or did not subscribe to the magazine. I'm not aware of a side that claims no value to either the forum, or the mag.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Sorry if that came out a little harsh. It was not my intent. If I have a magazine in my home that remains unread it is typically for one of two reasons. One, I don't have time to read it or two, I don't believe there is any content that will be of interest/value to me. Not saying it is a bad magazine, just not of value to me.


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I subscribe to PBMag for the articles, not just to look at the pictorials.


"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever."
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I subscribe to the PBmag and regul - even though I don't think I've done so in 2017. My one acre pond is about 11 years old and I learned alot of lessons during the first few years of what to do and what not to do from both sources when I was "gung-ho" about creating a perfect fishing pond. Sadly, being gung-ho only caused sadness and stress while I realized there is no such thing as a perfect acre pond when you only can spend (most) weekends at the property and most of it is to perform other required duties, like cutting grass, herbiciding/pesticiding, etc.

The last half-dozen years I still enjoy the articles in the mag and the forum and I still learn things but mostly I don't use the lessons but save the mags in case I ever need to look up an articles. After all, sometime in the future I'll have to rebuild my pond. PB is the only subscription I receive and I'm happy to get it and usually read it from cover to cover in about a week after I receive it. Generally, the only thing I skip is the "kids corner" but my grandkids will be old enough to read that in a few years so I wouldn't suggest removing it. If I knew anyone else that owned a pond I'd quickly get a gift subscription but I do not.

Speaking specifically for the forum.... I attend that daily as much for the fellowship as the information contained therein. I like that there are several people on the forum (both professionals and regular pond owners) who spend quite a bit of time logged in with the only goal to help others. This is the reason I've also been to the last 2 PondCons and am signed up for PondCon VII.

As far as I'm concerned, Keep up the good work!

Thanks,
Dan


1 ac pond LMB, BG, RES, CC
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Just a thought on to why I didn't really push myself to renew the subscription a while back: My pond is only a small one, and I am more or less stuck with what I have. Budget and time limits and all... Some questions I run into are pretty easy to answer on the pond apart from getting the koi out of it (which incidentally a top-end aquarium store wants to fish them out and sell them!)

So to me at least, I would be more interested in a broader-scope publication that includes more land stewardship. For example my wife and I try to strike a balance between wildlife habitat, small-scale farming for the food cupboard, and other various things you do with a decent chunk of land (big for us at least).

What still draws me to the forums is looking at the pictures other people share of their ponds. It is a nice escape of being surrounded with electronics at work, and gets me dreaming of warmer weather and being outside. I also enjoy sharing in any help I can provide when I can.

I would be more apt to subscribe if it also came with a free forum membership, where the forum would cost a little less if you didn't wish to purchase the magazine. I would also be even more apt to subscribe if it covered product reviews on maintenance equipment, humor columns, and continues with the short stories. You now, bathroom fodder. Also a monthly owner property pond themed photography contest would be nice, where the winners would get published.

Just some thoughts.

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Originally Posted By: liquidsquid
What still draws me to the forums is looking at the pictures other people share of their ponds. It is a nice escape...


me too liquidsquid...I really enjoy seeing pictures of other members' ponds and surroundings as well. It makes it a lot more personal and creates a bond especially of someone many miles away. It's interesting and can be educational too.

It's frustrating when I see others struggling to figure out how to post pictures and can't do it. I think we would see even more pictures if somehow we could walk people thru the process of posting pictures in the forum. The problem is...I find it really easy to do, but not easy to explain. If anyone ever wants to post a picture, but can't figure it out send me a PM and I will try to walk you thru it, and if that doesn't work you can text me the picture and I will post it in the thread you want. Maybe moderators could pitch in with this as well?

ps: maybe some Pond Boss Magazine issues could contain a highlight story about a member's property with pictures?



Fishing has never been about the fish....

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For me this is easy. I subscribe because of the information I receive both in print and from the PB app on my Ipad. I am not a fanatic. I am not an expert, I am not a newby. I am just a guy trying to add to my small piece of the puzzle. I feel the need to give back to nature. I have flown over every ocean and at least five continents more times than I can count. I have seen it all. So when I get back to the farm and see a wonderful sunrise or sunset where the colors are spectacular and I can see the angles dance, I have to stop and and thank the Lord for the gift of our farm and ponds. Stewardship is not a right, it is a privilege. And anything that helps me to be a better steward is good.

The friends I have met here are priceless as well. I have hosted several groups at our pond because I love to share. If someone learns form me, that is great. If I learn from them, that is great also. But for me, seeing those friends is the reason for the gathering. We have hosted the Wounded Warriors several times and look forward to doing it again. I set them up for success by tossing in several fin clipped bluegill every time I go out for a few weeks before the event, the guys who have never fished light up when they hook on to a four to eight pound bass and the game is on!

We have also had three PB meet ups at our farm, they have been some of the most fun. I have learned that it is about meeting the people and putting faces to names for most. I still have my projects ready to demonstrate, but most are not there for that reason. There has not been an event where someone asks if I have read a certain article from PB magazine. There was something in it I had missed, and that something made my ponds better.

So, why do I subscribe, I feel the need to improve, to share, and to learn, and I love the people that feel the same way. I have more finger than real friends, but half of them are friends because of PB.

The funny thing is I don't always read the magazine the month it comes out. Living at 500 miles an hour is time consuming, but one of the simple pleasures I have is sitting down and reading PB magazine when I finally get the chance to slowdown and see the sunrise or set at our farm. I then know I am home and at peace.

Bob, if you want to improve PB magazine, have a few more stories about failure and the process it takes to repair the damage. Oh, and I most likely owe you another installment from our pond. It is still getting better after the freefish guy's damage. Boy is this a long process or what. And the new brood ponds are coming along. I hope to fill the first one this month or next at the latest.

I love this place.


Brian

The one thing is the one thing
A dry fly catches no fish
Try not to be THAT 10%
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i was thinking the same thing Zep. would be neat to see one members pond per magazine and have them explain all about it with pics and maybe things they did right and wrong or whatever they wanted to share.


.75 acre pond dug in September 2016. YP, HBG, HSB, SMB, and RES.
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Xray,

Bob has published several of those articles in the past. The pond owner needs to be able to write their story. Bob can edit well, but the story needs to come from the owner.

FYI Mine took four articles and the story is not finished...


Brian

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A dry fly catches no fish
Try not to be THAT 10%
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Before building the pond, I called PB and ordered as many of their past magazines as possible. Cost money, but saved more in mistakes I avoided.

Sure, I still made mistakes. But I felt more confident with more knowledge, and did a better job.


7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160




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Originally Posted By: highflyer
The pond owner needs to be able to write their story. Bob can edit well, but the story needs to come from the owner.

True...I guess we all better start the process of "writing our story" to submit to Bob one day in the future.

Originally Posted By: highflyer
and the story is not finished...

and HF it never will be....especially with you!...mr DIY cool project engineer!

people asked me all the time...
"so when are you gonna be finished out there"

i politely giggle and say "never"

is anyone ever really "finished" with even their own house where
there is not one single item they would like to change or update?

it's the journey....not the finish line!

who wants to be "finished"?....then what?....lol


Fishing has never been about the fish....

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Originally Posted By: Bob Lusk
others go away because they ignore their renewal notices. Believe it or not, that's a big one. Several times, I've personally sat down, called people or sent them a personal letter, reminding them to renew. They always do, with the statement, "I guess I just forgot." I'm thinking about setting up an automatic renewal system like lots of other businesses do. I bet our renewal rate would rise beyond 75% if we did that.

That is me in a nutshell as I will miss the renewal. The reason why I also suggested a 5yr subscription option is because I also do not like to do anything auto renewal. I personally would not even require a discount in price, but just figured it would work better for getting others on board. Also I do not know how many times a spouse has decided to order their special someone a different kind of magazine (because they did not understand the difference) for a gift when they see the renewal notice. I know I read those power motor yacht mags. LOL

Originally Posted By: Bob Lusk

The other option is a push for advertising on the forum. More banner ads on the top, more ads on both margins, and a harder individual push on members.


Something I noticed starting more in other places (even at my U sports forum) is a push for extras for donating / paying members. Note nothing involved in doing any less for the non-paying. It goes something like this you have extra forum exclusively for verified Pond Boss Magazine Subscribers / Forum Donators of xx AMOUNT. Have it were content can only be viewed by those verified after they log in. Also Like in my sports forum we have people that have earned a near permanent status even if the never make another donation due to their past body of work. Non-paying persons can see this Forum but do not have access until they are verified. All Advertisers & financial supporters also have access to offer any specials or bounce ideas off of these people since they are a verified specific target audience. As long as you can make that forum beneficial and the verified members talk about it publically others will join / purchase a magazine subscription just to get in there. It is also a lot easier for someone on a more restricted budget to justify membership if they can present to ones spouse how it is going to save them money in the long run. You know a hey honey I would have saved if I would have been a member and purchased that Texas Hunter feeder (not to mention I would have got that cool magazine.
wink

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I subscribe to PB to support the cause. I don't read it as much as I thought I would, because it's never close when I do most of my reading, at lunch. I really think the best thing PB can do is go more toward the mobile friendly side of marketing. Make the magazine and forum mobile friendly, and my guess is use will go up.

Heck, now the old men at the coffee shop are even on their phones. How often do you see someone reading a paper or a magazine these days?

This site, Pond Boss IV, Bob's Outdoor website, and the magazine have taught me so much over the last couple years. Thanks.


1.8 acre pond with CNBG, RES, HSB, and LMB
Trophy Hunter feeder.
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Brian L,

Try the Ipad app it is greatness away form home.


Brian

The one thing is the one thing
A dry fly catches no fish
Try not to be THAT 10%
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Originally Posted By: Zep
Originally Posted By: highflyer
The pond owner needs to be able to write their story. Bob can edit well, but the story needs to come from the owner.

True...I guess we all better start the process of "writing our story" to submit to Bob one day in the future.

Originally Posted By: highflyer
and the story is not finished...

and HF it never will be....especially with you!...mr DIY cool project engineer!

people asked me all the time...
"so when are you gonna be finished out there"

i politely giggle and say "never"

is anyone ever really "finished" with even their own house where
there is not one single item they would like to change or update?

it's the journey....not the finish line!

who wants to be "finished"?....then what?....lol


A man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a Heaven for?


7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160




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