| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
|
Chris James
Silver Member
 United Kingdom
497 Posts |
 Posted - 06 Dec 2006 : 8:40:32 PM
|
I don't know where to start - except I suppose I should state that I work for Horse & Hound as a freelance show reporter, I am a life member of the Arab Horse Society ( I came into some money 20 years ago - so not enough to do anything else with - but thought this was worthwhile, & I've certainly had my moneys worth.)I have purebred arabs ( & partbred coloureds) and love them to distraction. I always try to mention arabs at work (I'm something of a joke at H&H!)- although sadly it's now become more dificult as you're not out there at the County and agricultural shows.
So, it would seem many of you think that the AHS News isn't serving you well enough. I don't agree. I have had the priviledge to work with the last 4 editors - & no, I don't charge the AHS anything - it is my contibution to the breed I love.
If you look back over the years I have contributed freely to the AHS News and also to our own Arabian Lines (freely) if you look at the archieve (& before that Arabian Link)
The society can not pay an editor - Roseanne keeps asking for that, but it's not do-able, it has always been a voluntary task. She also says that people who can't write their own stories don't have a voice - sorry - but over the years I have re-written lots of stories with the guidance of the original speakers.
Finally - how short is your memory - under Val Cridge's editorship, not so long ago - we (I) asked for all your regional/amateur/junior news for slots that were designated and saved for you and after the first issue asking for it did we get any more - NO!
Roseanne is happy to fire poison darts - but apart from one article about PR in AHS News have we seen anything else? I don't see anything in our own A Lines file - have you submitted an article for the December A Lines magazine? Actions speak louder than words?
ANYONE can submit articles about their own horses/farm/riding holiday/ambition achieved/handicap overcome/dream etc. If you need help writing it - I will willingly help you just contact me (but ..a voice of reason.. if you are professional I'll charge you!!)
Whilst I'm at it I do understand Nick's reaction - but again - when he spoke to me in the spring I did something and got Abi a mention in H&H, I should have followed it up for the News but assumed he had done so - likewise someone who did follow up all the time and got a piece in the News from me - hasn't even thought to say thanks.
I know soon enough at H&H about complaints but people are slow to put in a good word - hence half our problem with arab coverage! Pony folk are very good at the PR and a good word goes down well - probably why I'm now covering more BSPS shows.
It really isn't down to money - I don't know who the next editor of the AHS News will be - but you really Do have a voice, so use it.
What's to stop you writing an article for the next Arabian Lines magazine - if you have something valid to say I'm absolutely sure it'll be used. Paula & I will help.
|
Chris James
http://home2.btconnect.com/cjames-arabians |
|
Report to moderator
|
|
|
Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 06 Dec 2006 : 9:06:37 PM
|
Golly Chris! What can I say?
My first comment about AHS News was that I thought Caroline had done a great job, giving loads of time and effort up - and she is now suffering an ulcer for it - to do what we members wanted.
People complained bitterly when the AHS membership went up considerably on the promise of six issues a year. They have not had that. My comments are in part due to the fact that I realise the society has been taking that money and it has not been returned in the form of what people saw to be most enjoyable to them; their magazine.
I DO believe that it is not good enough to 'charge' people for a magazine through their subs and then only give publicity to those who additionally pay for adverts. I think there should be some independent, editorial integrity to the project. And that means there should be someone there who, either on a voluntary basis if they have the free time and energy, or paid, should make sure there is some reflection of the whole Arab scene in Britain. If not it is not any kind of document on the Arab horse in Britain as at 2006.
I am currently talking to the rider/owner/trainer of the most successful Trec pure-bred Arabian in the UK today with a view to doing her story for AHS News next edition. I am NOT being paid and never have done. I am doing it in my own time to promote Arabs. I wrote a story on Abi in Pony Magazine - paying for my own expenses to south Wales to do so and take my own pictures, in order to promote Arabs among the non-Arab world. I don't think I am telling everyone what to do, and doing nothing. How many other people are contributing?
I have been proof reading and rewriting articles for the past few editions of the AHS (unpaid) because members were complaining bitterly about the standard of grammar and spelling in a previous edition. And I can tell you it takes quite a lot of time!
I would never critize any previous worker on the AHS News; I have only said I feel that if the AHS wants to be seen as THE authority of the Arab in this country, and I believe its magazine should be the country's 'archive' on the breed, that investment needs to be put into it. It has for too long been the responsibility of eager, energetic, responsible and generous volunteers who have largely gone unthanked.
How can people vote for the next Editor? There is no budget. It's a voluntary job and I'm afraid with two part time jobs, four children and three horses I can't meet the task... |
Roseanne |
Report to Moderator  |
|
|
Nick
Gold Member
United Kingdom
887 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2006 : 10:14:23 AM
|
Both you nice Ladies have been very good to us and we do appreciate it
and i have no wish for in fighting,
Apathy seems to be the enemy, and i fear some see the whole thing as Elitist, Many Amauteurs tell me they are frightened to submit as they feel it will not be hi-brow enough or not news worthy,competing in a local show is not like the Nationals, well that is wrong my favourite memory in over 25 years is Mair showing a little Mare over 20 years ago at a local show,
I have wrote in magazines, put my views forward sometimes quite forcibly on websites, i only wish others would follow suit,
I wrote in my old Dragon column about the greiff of losing our foal as the result of a fire, i wrestled with sending it wondering if it was the right thing was i making a fool of myself, Did people want this sort of thing,was it macarbe,The answer astounded me when printed the replies were astounding helped people come to terms with losing foals and they were in the same boat,
Let us try and make this a positive thread, we have two journaliasts prepared to help us make the most of it please,
Paula here on Arabianlines as the great on line mag, please contribute
Love Nick |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2006 : 11:03:41 AM
|
I remember trying desperately to get articles and advertising for the Part Breds and Anglo's for the news with Val. She got the price down to only £50 per ad, which must be the cheapest anyone can remember.
Can I say it was such a hard slog to get anyone to come forward with an advert or an article. I offered to transcribe the written word, which I did and in some cases actually wrote the advert for them or the article.
I didn't get the impression of apathy , just no one wanted to advertise full stop.
The British have always been reluctant to blow thier own trumpet. We are only just making the way forwards here. It has always been seen as 'not the done thing' to sing your praises publically, and I'm sure some still think this way.
The Part Bred/Anglo folk normally are true horse people(IMO), and they still hold this view too.
Our Pure bred owners are coming from another area now. Whilst appreciative of publicty, they want it now  and they want it with bells on too.
Just some observations. here.
I am always curious to know who is/are the real grass roots of the Arab world? With so many coming and going, there seems to be little continunity. One horse owners in my opinion do show the world what can be done with an arab, but so do those who have had arabs for many years, and go unreported, and unrecognsied because they only own a few happy hackers.
IMO what is needed is for these people to be persuaded to become members of the society. If they are not, how can they be included in our magazine or be reported on.
I bet an awfull lot who do complain are actually not even members of the AHS.
Grass roots is a big word, but those who support the arab world by doing anything positive, advertising, being a member, showing, breeding, etc. must surely be classed as the true grass roots, for with out them we would have nothing. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2006 : 11:39:42 AM
|
I have to say I feel rather attacked personally here and I can't understand why. All I have been saying is that to get a full round up of Arab news from around the country you have to be proactive. You have to go out and find it, and you can't expect a couple of people to give up their lives to do so. Horse and Hound does, of course, accept news from contributors, but most of their coverage is paid for.
All I have said is that I think, when subs are so high, there is a case for the AHS News spending some of its revenue in remunerating those who work so hard to get it out twice a year.
There was no criticism of Arabian Lines Magazine or any of the previous editors or contributors.
Arabian Link did not pay for articles. Like Nick I wrote features and gave photos for them occasionally in the couple of years it was functional and I was involved in the Arab world.
I have never turned down the chance to write about Arabs in any publication, mostly unpaid. I did two page-features on an endurance Arab and a new show colt that came to our area in our regional horsey mag. And in the upcoming edition of that magazine there is a long report on the Arab class at HOYS with a picture of Toman. And as well as proof reading/rewriting 17 articles in the current AHS News I have written two articles - a publicity guide and a stallion's story - in the last three editions. Just because one's name isn't on something doesn't mean you haven't been involved in its production.
My two part time jobs are writing front-of-paper news for a weekly newspaper and doing all the publicity for our local Arts Centre. I know how vital submitted stories are from both sides.
I can't see why it should be an evil suggestion that the AHS should devote some of its revenue to ensuring a really good publication that is in line with what people pay in subs, and what people expect from a glossy, written record of events. I'm not saying I should be paid - I'm quite happy to keep doing what I do for nothing - only that those who devote serious time do. Why on earth should it be a voluntary job? Is it wrong to ask that question?
Re your comments Sue, I think one of the most vital links to 'grass roots' Arab owners is through the regional societies and riding clubs. Again if there was a resource, raw material from committees/owners/riders/handlers could be 'turned around' into reports - by people like Chris and me for that matter. But it needs someone's time to be finding out email addresses of riding club secretaries from the Association and sending an appeal for regular news. The woman I'm about to write about with the Trec Arab organises these events for her own riding club and I know people like her would be only too willing to help. But it's a full time job!! |
Roseanne |
Edited by - Roseanne on 07 Dec 2006 8:42:25 PM |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Sheena
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1810 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2006 : 1:52:44 PM
|
Hi Chris,
I do understand your point regarding editorial that was put aside for regional/amatuer/junior. I obvioulsy can't speak on behalf of regional groups as to why they aren't taking the initiative to report back about members etc - but I can from a once junior (don't think i can count myself within that category anymore  ) and Amatuer. I have also in the past - and throughly enjoyed myself in doing so - written articles for the Arabian Link and . This is something I like to do , but increasingly unfortunatly don't have the time for. So i realise they are very time consuming and can take alot of energy. In the last  I was kindly asked by the editor after a successful Season with Sheena if i would like to write an article on her and Emily - which I did (I would not have done so had I not been asked!), I also then included a full page advert.
I guess my point is it is easy to say that editorial is put aside but that there are very few people that have the confidence to think themselves interesting/important/have the knowhow etc to pen something and send it in off their own back - I too wish more people would, but it's not realistice to expect that everyone is of that nature to take the intiative. Hence why (and I'm not knocking editors anywhere here - it is a thankless job, especially when it's voluntary) those in charge of magazines really need to be contacting people to say you ARE interesting - tell us your story - would you like to put an ad in etc - especially when they have had an successful season and probably more so when they fall into one of the catergories the society have always struggled to put to the fore, and probably in which they majority of the members fall. Again I'm not saying it's as easy as it sounds with limited time. I just think for some reason Arab folk do lack in blowing their own trumpet for whatever reason, and maybe I made the same mistake expecting someone else to cover Amatuer's this year. I was competing - I can't do both. Hence why I felt as a member that the Society would have this covered somehow - especially in the National round-ups.
I don't think any comments should just be made to put down the AHS Magazine or any work that is done by anyone. i do feel that it should be used as I hope it is intended by most - constructive criticsm on which the AHS can build. Is it a possibility that the AHS could survey it's members to find out who has what/competes in which sphere/has happy hackers etc - and concentrate at random occasionnaly on some of these people who would be over the moon to be involved in THEIR magazine. As well as making sure that when initiatives such as young handlers etc are set up that they are nurtured for these people to be encouraged to become the ground roots that hang around and don't give up. All just my opinion of course.
Alicia |
Alicia
     
|
Edited by - Sheena on 07 Dec 2006 1:57:08 PM |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
alistair leslie
Gold Member
England
1036 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2006 : 6:01:50 PM
|
Marketing is a science and media exposure is only part of it .
The fundamentals have to be right to get the maximum good results .
Always be aware of the external perception of the Arab horse.
There are a lot of one footed people walking around in our community after shooting themselves (and the rest of us )in the foot.
There are also some really super owners out there whom I am proud to be friends with who get on with it .
Wrapping up the magazine in the sub fee leads to disappointment.A seperate fee for the magazine might be better
Try this ---
Donate a book to the library of your local school.
I am told by a teacher that the Peter Upton book I gave to Felsted
is the MOST BORROWED BOOK in the library!!! |
    
blue moon |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2006 : 6:28:41 PM
|
| I can believe it Alistair. That was one reason for doing the feature about Abi in Pony - to get pure bred Arabs into the spotlight with young horsey people. |
Roseanne |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
MinHe
Platinum Member
England
2927 Posts |
|
|
LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2006 : 10:22:22 AM
|
I think that is an exellent idea Alistair!, the AHS should perhaps donate books to schools, libraries,and anything else where people read about the breed. Our horses have so much to offer and there are so many peole out there waiting to be converted
I can remember way back in the 60's a man who had loads of magazines (arabs) I begged him to let me see them and even invited myself round to his house on any pretext I could think of (because he wouldnt let them out of his sight) although I had loved arabs since I was a child I had never seen such beautiful horses as within these pages. it made me determined to get involved with them no matter what, and hey! here I am, got some of the best horses ever( well I would say that wouldnt I ) |
   
www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Sheer Versatility
Bronze Member
England
62 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2006 : 10:38:30 AM
|
I am sorry to see that this thread seemed to start with a 'character assassination' of Roseanne. Surely this is totally 'unprofessional' and this forum is not the place for it?
First, while Val and Caroline were unpaid (but I hope received their expenses) the previous editor did - as far as I recall receive an
Honorarium, so a 'paid' editor is not unheard of.
Val and Caroline have put in many thankless hours of effort and time and doubtless both have the stress to prove it. They have both managed to produce the most professional of magazines which does the Society proud and which we all enjoy.
Chris says that she asked for special slots for junior/regional news and laments the fact that there were none - were any submitted? I am sure Val would not have omitted them if they were there.
Someone suggested a survey. Perhaps you may remember that Tiffani McCarthy did one some time ago and the results were printed. (Had this survey been done by a professional marketing firm it would have cost £0,000s so here is yet another example of members offering their expertise!)
The News or the Yearbook is never going to please all the members all the time and I have to say that my personal gripe is that we do not seem to have had any Endurance reports for some time. Notwithstanding that omission how thrilling to see many RIDDEN Arabs reported -(tho' no show jumping or dressage reports from Malvern, but you can't have everything) the Marathon, HOYS, individual riders/horses and in some ads too! There was a good round up of Group news, stud profiles and a thought provoking piece from Princess Alia al Hussein. A veterinary article and the WAHO Trophy winner and, of course, Malvern, photos from Aachen and Moorsele.
I echo the suggestions that if you want to put something in put 'finger to computer!' A well written 100 words and a lovely photo (get copyright permission) may just fill in a quarter page. Find out how the editor would like it presented - attachment, jpeg etc - use the spellcheck, get a friend to proofread it and you will have done all you can in a positive way to make it attractive and printable. Many ads arrive on scaps of paper, the advertiser not epecting to pay any more for it to be converted into something professional and editorial is often submitted as a handwritten piece which 'someone' has to type out. In this day and age that is no longer acceptable
Sorry for length and I hope I have not gone 'off topic' too much
Judy P
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
madmare
Platinum Member
England
2129 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2006 : 10:46:26 AM
|
Chris...can I just point out that thr "grass roots" folk that you want to contribute, are the ones who don't know about how to do it? Or, and as an amateur myself, we think that you aren't interested, unless we go to something big, like BAC, Malvern, etc....or we aren't AHS members...I'm not at the moment, but once I can afford to join, I will be. I don't get the Yearbook, or AHS news, and I am a true amatuer, along with quite a few others on here.
I am proud of the fact I bought my girl as an unbroken 9 yr old, and have done all the work myself, and have been to BAC, in 1999. I still show at County level, and my lady is now 20 years old....I also think she was one of the first to be shown without shoes.
I have been featured in Your Horse magazine (Barefoot and Beautiful article a few years ago) and have done loads with my mare, just to prove to people in my area who think that Arabs are useless that they do have a job, are intelligent, loyal, and brave, and tougher than most folks imagine.
The AHS has a stuffy image, and it desparately needs to shed this. I was so intimidated when I bought my girl, it was unbelievable...everything, from the registrations, down to the very image of the AHS needs to be changed, for a friendlier one...we know the people on the other end of the phone are friendly, but some don't..and this is where arabs, the AHS, and arab owners get their image from...It needs to change, and soon! Or the arab showing scene will stagnate...and we won't be able to change. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2006 : 10:55:54 AM
|
Emma, if you would like, find a decent photo (or just your favourite) and one at BACS if you have one and send it to me with a phone number and I'll write you a story to submit to AHS News for consideration. My email is roseanne_edwards@journalist.com. I guess you're just the kind of person we've been talking about.
Judy, thank you. |
Roseanne |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2006 : 12:42:48 PM
|
I too wonder why not more contribute to our Arabian Lines on-line mag.
The Lines co-operates with the AHS and gives so much information FOC just by allowing us to post on the forum........look at Egberts thread, how informative is that. Plus all the wanted ads on here. Lots more too.
I really can't see how Paula can carry on like this much more, she needs adverts please and articles, photos from shows don't come in any more whats happening?
We mustn't forget this site, it is allowing non AHS members to see and hear what is going on very quickly, this could be used to all our advantage.
With so many that are not AHS members, they do miss out on the publications and what goes on in council,studs, rules regs etc, arabs for sale, the Lines is filling this 'gap' and helping (IMO) to get interest from non memebers who already have Arab horses, or are thinking of buying one. More could be done here, and as I've said before, joining forces with AHS and the Lines IMO could be so beneficial to us all.
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
MinHe
Platinum Member
England
2927 Posts |
|
|
shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2006 : 1:13:14 PM
|
Here's an idea that I think would help both AL and AHS mags get some more content. As with others on this forum, I am too very happy to help out writing articles. It would be very useful if the editors would put a short post on this forum to say something like: we've started working on the next issue, we have articles in the pipeline about these topics and would like your help with content for xyz, or ask for article suggestions etc. People like me would then be able to volunteer for writing things and get some help with whom to contact.
I would for example love to help out writing some horse life story articles, about grassroot events and about those of us who are not doing things to win and get the glory but to have fun with our horses and try to do our bit for promoting the breed in other areas, but if I don't know who to approach or even if the mag would appreciate what I intend to write, it's difficult to get started.
Judy, on your point about endurance I agree. Endurance is something I'd like to get started with next year but as I've never done it I don't feel qualified to write about it. Also, I've not read the mags for a huge amount of time so I wouldn't know if anyone had already written ten series about how to get started with endurance, or how to prepare your horse, how to progress between levels, how to pick the best endurance horse etc. I can think of loads of things to write about in this area but on the same hand I don't want to double up on work either if someone has already done it. Also, do members want to read articles from people like me who's not a 'big player' in the industry, just a small voice from the corner. I don't win shows, I don't have tens of years of experience of breeding and keeping Arabs, I will never qualify for HOYS or have an amazing story about life changing experiences - but I do love to write and I love Arabs and I hope by putting the two together I can write something that people like reading.
So, I think the editors do have an important role to play in communicating what content they would like to see in the magazines. Most other mags have forward feature lists or the editors email their contacts once every so often to tell them what kind of stories they are looking for. It doesn't take long and it's very useful when trying to raise content and support. |
West Sussex |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2006 : 2:15:53 PM
|
Paula, points taken here. If you don't mind not having things exclusively I'm absolutely happy to send any story I write to you with photos, the lot. The next coming up is about my Trec contact. I had been taking my time because there wasn't really much of a deadline but I haven't seen any appeals for photos, reports, features etc on AL and I wasn't aware of any deadlines. It's hard to know here how much you might already have in reserve, who's a regular writer for you etc. I write articles about people who either contact me, or who I hear of, or who I know personally or through others.
The reason I got involved with the AHS News was precisely what I now appear to be accused of not doing. I went to the AHS AGM, there was lots of bitterness about the magazine and how people had been cheated out of their six copies a year. The same question came up about how to get people to submit copy if they wanted wider coverage, so I got involved by offering a Step by Step Guide to publicity. That was accepted and I did it. You're welcome to have it here if you want it! The involvement extended when the editorship changed to proof reading and writing another article about someone I was recommended to. I've never refused help to anyone but I haven't seen any appeals for articles on here (not that I have loads of things in the pipeline) but anything I do have, you're welcome to.
I've only sold one horse since coming on AL and I advertised her here and nowhere else. I very much enjoy the forum and appreciate the contact with other Arab owners but I suppose like most people I have seen it as 'a website' - like others I came across it while surfing the net. didn't think by posting on the forum about everyday issues as an Arab owner that I was causing someone extra work or inconvenience. There's no question of me coming on here and taking advantage of anyone deliberately, and I really hope you don't think so. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Please let me know if you do want the Trec story and I'll speed it up. I already have the photos and have started a draft.
|
Roseanne |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2006 : 5:20:02 PM
|
In that case I will ask my Trec contact if she would like to be on AL too (she doesn't have access to a computer at home so is not a member and doesn't know anything much about the site). When is the AL mag out and what are the deadlines?
|
Roseanne |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Qui Gon Jinn
Platinum Member
Scotland
1627 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2006 : 9:54:54 PM
|
Roseanne if you are interested in Trec, then I can help you too. With my pairs partner, we have won the British Trec Championships 3 times and are the reining Scottish Trec Champs for the last 7 years. What do we ride..............Purebred Arabs!! As well as Trec though, these arabs do dressage, jumping and x country. The arab is most definitely a versatile animal, as Trec shows. I did write a piece for Chris a couple of years ago and it was in the AH News, which was great to see. It is heartening to be included with the professionals in the magazine, but in my opinion the editor will only know about such things, if we at the lower levels make an effort to tell them about ourselves.
Come everyone lets make more of an effort to tell what we have achieved, and what we are up to!
Paula you'll regret encouraging us now. You'll be inandated with reports from now on!! |
The Soul would have no Rainbow....If the Eyes had shed no Tears. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Topic Locked 