I see that the ARA will no longer be offering the membership directory in a printed format. What is your preference? I think both formats have their merits, but if you had to chose one, what would it be?

http://www.expressionsengraved.com

David,

I like the printed version, and had not seen that the ARA had decided to do away with it.

I prefer the printed version for the same reason that I like printed OWNER'S MANUALS, which some engraver manufacturers *cough*cough*Xenetech*cough*cough* refuse to provide for their software.

Simply put, I'm not always sitting in front of my computer when I want to learn something.

Just my opinion.

Cody

Cody,

I like the printed version for the instant convenience of it, but I also like the fact that an electronic list can be updated at any time, can provide direct links to the supplier websites, and can be searchable by product and/or service.

In an ideal world, I'd like to have both. I'm sure there was a substantial savings on printing and postage that was applied to the devlopment of the new "Buyers Guide" that wil be unveiled at the ARA Show in Vegas.

http://www.expressionsengraved.com

When you read the President's message in the latest Recognition Review trade magazine, you'll be surprised by the comments that appears to have steered the ARA in this direction with the directory.

Our small poll sampling so far shows what I had anticipated to be the preference, which is the printed version.

I personally think the ARA should eventually go back to providing both versions of the directory, even if the printed version is an upcharged membership option that must be ordered in advance.

The ASI, PPAI and SAGE all have printed directories, and are likely not to change anytime soon.

I'd be curious to know where the funds formerly used for directory printing and distribution will be redirected in the long term. I hope it is being redirected towards something that will be equally beneficial to the members.

I do have faith in our elected peers. We'll see where this change will take us.
http://www.expressionsengraved.com

Both directories have their good and bad points. I use my ARA directory(printed version) often, and it goes from phone to phone area in my building.

The e-version would be great for being able to be included or updated without waiting a year until the new printed version comes out.

One point on the e-version. Most of us on the forum seem to be pretty comfortable with our computers, and perhaps even use them often. Others however, are not as comfortable with computers and don't even have e-mail. So is ARA saying "get with the times or do without"?? What will ARA offer for those who don't even use e-mail yet? Believe it or not, there are more than you think of those types out there still.

Instead of an upcharge for getting the printed version, how about a lower membership fee? The ARA membership amount is more than my chamber of commerce dues, and in my town for sure there are less members than ARA members.

JMHO as usual.
Cindy M

David,
For something like a directory, I prefer web based. Makes it so much easier to search, plus with links etc. easier to get product/service info. ( In my opinion).
With THAT said, I think that trade magazines should be available in both formats. For example my subscriptiong to Recognition Pro ( Formerly Graphics Pro ) Mike Neer, publisher, has gone strictly electronic. Sadly, it was one of my favorites, but I do not read it anymore because it is less convenient.

Just my two cents. Want change?

Jeanette,

It sounds like you and others beat me to the punch. I waited a bit too long in trying to get a larger sampling as possible.

This does sound like a great tool. I am so glad that they made it the supplier's responsibility to maintain the product information. That spreads out the undaunting task of maintaining such a huge database.

I am concerned about how clean and accurate a database it will be. I have a feeling that some suppliers may stretch the definition of their products so that they get pulled up in a larger number of search results. If they do, it will be up to us to call them on it, and we will. :-) Time will tell.

I went through the ARA Directory a few years ago and highlighted the companies I felt I might do business with now and in the future. I then entered them into my Vendor database, which is part of my accounting and point-of-sale software. This keeps me a few keystrokes away from my vendor information, as well as applicable account numbers.

I wonder what the ARA will do about the coupon section that was in the directory. I personally redeemed enough value from the coupons to pay for most of my ARA membership.
http://www.expressionsengraved.com

Sorry -- didn't mean to jump the gun. I know Dr. Dave will appreciate hearing back from you when you have more numbers to show him.

You'll definitely want to ask him about the coupon section. I'm sure they have a plan ...

Jeanette,

You do realize I expect you to read my mind. ;-)

I'm sure they have tossed around all of the impacts these changes would have.

It all sounds pretty good to me, but I am sure there will be some who will really miss the immediacy of the printed version when they just need a phone number.

http://www.expressionsengraved.com

Chuck,

I guess another positive to web-based directories is the fact that you have the information with you wherever you have computer access.

http://www.expressionsengraved.com

Jeanette,
Thanks for finding out that information. As I mentioned in my post to David T, for product/service information I think an online directory is the only way to go. However for magazines etc, I still prefer the printed version.

On another not, could you either pm or email me Dr. Dave's email?

Thanks

His email is dbergeson at
connect2amc.com

That's great, as long as your DSL service doesn't go up and down constantly (like mine has this last week). :@

I wasn't totally AGAINST an online version to begin with, but Dave's explanation sounds really good!

The other side to the coin is that we still have previous years' directories for those times that the online version isn't practical. It won't be as current, but most of the information will still be accurate.

The more I think about this, the better it sounds to me. Heck, I just might get excited about it!

Jim,

I'm reserving judgement. I am curious to know if they outsourced this project, or hired additional staff to maintain the ongoing project.

http://www.expressionsengraved.com