Re: educating military campgrounds

I recently spent three weeks camping at two military campgrounds and I was dumbfounded that these campgrounds had never heard of this website. They had never read the comments written about them, either good or bad. They never knew they were being rated by campers or that people were complaining about them (or praising them). Maybe these two were the only ones not informed, but ask when you check in and see if the campground you are visiting knows about this website and it's value to us campers.

Good advice!

I feel most are a little behind times, and don't really understand the communications link that is provided by the internet and web sites. These forums put a lot of information out in a very fast manner, to a lot of people, who otherwise wouldn't be connected. It's a great education tool, and it can make or break a business if used correctly. I used a RV campers forum when I got kicked out of casino's parking lot. I complained and let them know I was letting everyone on the forum know, they weren't welcome. Needless to say, I not only can go back to that casino's parking lot, I also get a steak dinner each time.

d.bentley

During 2007, I attempted to "spread the word" directly to the military campgrounds. The goal was to a) make them aware of this site, and b) encourage them to keep their listings current by sending me updates. I mailed 2 letters addressed to the campground manager of all listed military campgrounds.

I also had created "rack cards" (those tourist cards you find in racks) advertising this web site and the Directory software. In one of my mailings to the campgrounds, I included a few cards and asked if they would accept and make these cards available in their lobby or check-in counter. A few website users also agreed to accept and help distribute these cards during their travels in 2007.

In my campground mailings, I received a few dozen responses. Between the campground's and website users, over 5,000 of the rack cards have been distributed (I hope they didn't end up in the trash).

But I agree MANY military campgrounds are still not aware of this web site. I would estimate this as high as 50% of the campgrounds are not aware, or didn't take us seriously in the beginning. When I made the mailings in 2007, this website was just a little over a year old and probably had less than 500 reviews. As you can see, we have over 2100 reviews and 8500 registered members now; and we're still growing!

We DO have the management and camp hosts from MANY military campgrounds visit here regularly. It'd be great if the rest would also join in.

Winter is when I have time to make improvements to the website and Directory software. I already have some projects planned, but will do another mailing to all military campgrounds. This time, I'll mention that THEIR guests have been writing reviews on THEIR service. I was also asked (a few months ago) by a website user to create a "flyer" that users could print out themselves and give to the campgrounds. This will also be created this winter. Then you'll have an informative letter/flyer that you can provide to the military campgrounds you visit to help inform them of our existence.

Larry, as you know I've been distributing the "rack cards" for 2 seasons now. Some of the destination Famcamps have known of your website. The places I saw the cards on display were Barksdale & Ft. Bliss. I think that's a good example of the caliber of Famcamps that are aware of the website. I give out the cards to individuals also. Here's my (free & probably unwanted) advise for the "rack cards" the next time they're printed up. Leave off the "FREE TRIAL" , and all the other "FREE OFFER" boxes. It amkes the card look like a sales tool. (I know it is but we don't want it to look like it)Just promote the website as a service & as a tool to Military RV'ers. Once they use it and come to depend on it, they will probably purchase the CD or the online download, as I did. It happenned exactly this way by the first couple I gave the "rack cards" to at Redstone. At first they saw the prominent "FREE OFFER" stuff and handed me back the card saying "thanks but no thanks". I told them there was nothing to buy & to ignore the free offers- just use the website with no cost for as long as they wanted & see if they didn't love it. The very next morning I was told they had ordered the CD version, since they travel for business all across the Southern US & needed the great info when they couldn't get WI-FI. They told me your website was much better than all the printed stuff for sale at AAFES. The website sold itself. Ok, my 2 cents is over. best wishes-

I give out the cards to individuals also. Here's my (free & probably unwanted) advise for the "rack cards" the next time they're printed up. Leave off the "FREE TRIAL" , and all the other "FREE OFFER" boxes. It makes the card look like a sales tool.

Jim,

First, THANK YOU for helping distribute these cards. I'm sure we've gained a few hundred new users because of these cards. Secondly, I appreciate ANY and ALL feedback. I may not (or can't) take everyone's advice, but I do like to be aware of it. Over 50% of the features on this website were the results of feedback and suggestions from users. In this case, I agree with you 100%. If/when I create a new advertising piece, it will be about the website.