Web414 - Milwaukee's Web Community

Hello --

Last fall, I helped coordinate the distribution of a web414 business card:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndecember/2073789477/

Mike Rohde designed it, and we had it printed in time for BarCampMilwaukee2. On the back of the card are domain names of web414 members who each chipped in some money for the card's printing. The card serves as a convenient way to pass along the web414 mission statement and URL to a colleagues, contacts, or friends, plus it is cool to have participant domain names on the back--it gives a great deal of credibility to our group as we actually build the web, as the card says.

We still have some cards left, but perhaps it is time, and particularly since we have so many new members, to think about a new card. It is good that we have some time to get consider some options. I'd be glad to help organize it this time, also, or defer to someone else or to accept assistance.

Here are some ideas that I have -- perhaps we could bring this up at a future meeting and/or leave comments here:

1. The card really is a nice way to build our group identity with our domain names on the back. We had room on the last card for anyone who wanted to have a domain name included, and some members were able to have multiple domain names on the card, so if you didn't make the last card, you should be able to make this one, but please make sure:

A. You have at least one domain name you'd like to have on the card. It must represent your work and not be a subdirectory of another site (for example, not your flickr photos or facebook URL), but your own domain. This is actually a great way for some members to break into having their own domains--it was nice that in the last card, several members got their own domain names because of the card preparation--they became masters of their own domain.

B. You'll need to be a registered on web414 as a member

C. You'll need to attend at least one web414 meeting

The main idea is that it is neat to see domain names from members on the card -- you might even be able to have multiple domain names if there is room.

2. IDEA: The card might be a good way to raise funds for Web414's sponsorship contribution to BarCampMilwaukee3. For example, if each person gave $10 per domain name (or some other formula, like $10 first domain and $3 if there is room for others), after the costs of printing, we'd likely have almost all the funds necessary for Web414's sponsorship.

3. Comments on print run size: The thing is that the marginal cost of 1000 cards versus 500 cards is not all that much.

Estimated costs based on overnight prints current prices for glossy, double sided:

500 cards: $39.95 + $10 rounded corners = $49.95 + shipping (I think it would have been around $10, we got free shipping)

1000 cards: $49.95 + $20 rounded corners = $69.95 + shipping (I think it would have been around $10, we got free shipping)

So to get 1000 cards is only about $20 more .. plus there was a coupon we had and free shipping that kicked in... so we got 1000 last time and it was a small marginal cost over getting 500.

The order was $78.80 total last fall for 1000 cards (that with the coupon and free shipping because of buying the card holders). NOTE: we must order well in advance when we need the cards--"overnight" prints is not overnight--they delayed the order preparation as we didn't pay expedite fees, so it was orderd on Sep 24th and arrived at my place on October 4th, and only after I had written to them and complained about the delay.

4. IDEA: It would be most excellent to have some payment system set up for web414 (paypal, etc to an account);

Last time, I was able to collect the funds OK--some before printing, some after printing. I have no problem with paying for the whole thing up front myself, getting it shipped to me (home office), and then being reimbursed from the web414 account funds for the exact amount when the cards are here for distribution. But particularly if we use this for fundraising, we might want to have this in an online account so it could be a more organized way to make sure people are paid up before ordering (as it would involve more $) and the funds can be held securely in an account for later use for BarCampMilwaukee3 for example.

5. We will have a firm deadline for persons wanting to be on the card to have their domains up and running. So if you don't have a domain ready now, start getting ready. We could have a little talk about domain name strategies and web hosting options at the web414 meeting. But make sure you work ahead, as domain names that aren't live by the deadline can't be on the card. Also, make sure that it is a domain name you'll stick with, as these cards, with their lamination, likely will last centuries.

6. Mike Rohde and others -- is there some design change that would be appropriate for the second edition of the card? Not that it is necessary--it looks awesome as it is, but perhaps some subtle change to distinguish it?