Columns

Lock and Load:
Guerilla Marketing for BBSes
Robert Parson 1:3822/1

After mulling over the idea for several weeks, I have decided, for the second time in my career, to write a column. I really should have learned my lesson the first time.

At one time, Fidonet stood on the brink of being THE Network for international computer based communications. Let's face it, that opportunity has been lost because of the dynamic growth of the Internet.

So what.

In my previous column, I wrote something along the lines of "BBSs will become the convenience stores of electronic information. They'll be useful for getting some quick information, but you'll have to go to one of the commercial services if you need if you need to get serious."

That comment was made about two years before the breakout of the Internet, but I generally still hold to it, except you probably should change "commercial services" to "the Internet." Be that as it may, and I'm sure you agree with me, BBSs still provide a useful and vital communications link.

There's no reason why BBSs should continue to do their work in obscurity and be considered the shadowy side of electronic information. To that end, I'm offering to help through this column. With "Lock and Load," I hope to give you the ammunition you need to raise public awareness of your BBS.

You cannot compete with AOL or even your local Internet Service Provider. You don't have the money or the manpower. I'm going to look at helping you market your BBS in your community using just a few hours and less than 20 dollars a month (with a target of Zero dollars a month!)

What makes me audacious enough to think I should write this column? That's a fair enough question. First of all, I am a broadcast journalist with nearly 20 years experience. Secondly, I wrote The "BBS Guide to Public Relations" some years ago (by the way, it's still available for download at Jackalope Junction BBS (1:3822/1), but is no longer being actively supported. Among other things, I need to completely overhaul the file. Perhaps I'll get to it one day). Thirdly, I want to be of help.

Now the groundrules. I am going to deal only with Public Relations and Public Image issues in this column. If you contact me in E-mail or somehow track down my home phone, I will be happy to discuss particular issues or problems at no cost. If you send me snail mail, please include a self addressed stamped envelope if you expect a response (Hint: I love getting BBS newsletters.). I'll print my mailing address in this column occasionally. Any discussions or correspondence could become fodder for this column. Unless specifically requested, your name, BBS name, and node number could be included in the article. I will NOT be writing this column weekly. but it will be in every other issue of Fidonews. At least until I run out of things to say. These groundrules are subject to change. But I will let you know in advance.

Okay, now with all that out of the way, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Order some business cards. Nothing fancy. Just the name of your BBS, your name and title (I suggest System Operator since the average Joe on the street is not going to know what a Sysop is.), the number of the BBS and your voice phone.

Sample Business Card:

_______________________________________

               Newsbob BBS

              Robert Parson
             System Operator

XXX XXX XXXX Data    Voice XXX XXX XXXX

________________________________________

You can probably get these pretty cheap at the printshop or you can make your own using a desktop publisher. If you decide to make your own, you can get blank card stock at just about any office supply store.

While you're at it, get some letterhead. Order it at the same time you order your business cards. Again, though, if you decide to make your own letterhead, you can usually turn it into a template in your desktop publisher or wordprocessor.

Your BBS may be "Just a hobby." But at the same time it's bit of a profession. You should present a professional image in any dealings with the "outside world," even if your BBS is primarily a gaming BBS. Keep in mind "professional" doesn't mean "not fun."

Now I want you to get out your phone book and get the phone numbers of the newsrooms for all the newspapers and television and radio stations. Over the next couple weeks I want you to collect from newspapers: the names of the Business Editor (if they have one) and the Editor, the fax number to their newsroom, e-mail address and their mailing address. From radio and tv stations: the names of the News Director, Assignment Editor, and Public Service Director (if they have them), the fax number, e-mail address and their mailing address.

In most cases, they will be happy to provide you with the information, although they may want to know who you are and why you want it. Be honest. Tell them your name and you would like to send them some information soon.

In two weeks, we'll discuss what sort of information to send them.

Robert Parson
2501 Phoenix
Fort Smith, AR 72901

Fidonet: 1:3822/1

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