[pyromaniac303]

After a recent phone conference, it was decided to produce and distribute leaflets to local firework stockists in time for the November rush, to help raise awareness of the society and hopefully attract more members.

What we would like is some suggestions for text to include in the leaflet, or just ideas that you think would increase the effectiveness and appeal of it.

I will start off with a few suggestions to get the discussion started:

"Are you as a member of the public interested in preserving your right to use fireworks, to influence legislation and to enjoy the art, history and science behind the UK firework industry?

The UK Pyrotechnics Society was founded in 2006 as a non profit organisation with the needs of UK firework users, manufacturers and enthusiasts in mind.

Benefits of joining include:

*Discounts from selected firework suppliers.

*Regular magazine keeping you up to date with the latest developments.

*Events across the country such as factory tours and displays.

*The chance to meet many knowledgeable members


Additionally we invite you to browse our website and forum found at www.pyrosociety.org.uk"

We should aim to get this produced and distributed by mid October, so there is not all that long left. Any help would be greatly appreciated in the areas of written content, graphics design, distribution to a local firework stockist or simply suggesting ideas.

Thanks,
Paul

[David]

Be aware that a leaflet offering "discounts from selected suppliers" with membership might put some shops off giving the leaflets out (specifically, shops who are not part of the discount scheme.) It would be a little bit like Burger King handing out leaflets that offered discounts from Mcdonalds!

[David]

Also, I've elaborated a bit more in a PM to Paul- but if Pyro Society is asking businesses to give out leaflets, it might be good manners (and prudent- a "sweetener" ) to offer something in return.

I worked in a small spar type shops ages ago, and we used to put up adverts. Well, one lady used to run Yoga classes, and she always used to bring in home made cakes for the staff with her posters. Her posters tended to get the best place in the window.

This post has been edited by David: 28 September 2009 - 11:50 PM

[Arthur Brown]

Well it's far too late to start for 2009. Getting copy in, getting it printed and distributed will take more than a month! This gives us 6 months to raise our game. If we are to advertise factory tours then we have to have some in the future already booked and not already oversubscribed! We have to have magazines in bulk with lots of interesting articles and the funds to send them out. Advertising discounts from other stores is a really great way to alienate stores not in the discount scheme (most of them!).

[crystal palace fireworks]

Benefits or reasons for joining UKPS in time for nov 5th 2010 leaflets

1, preserving & reintroducing bonfire night celebrations for back garden fireworks
(get parents to liase with schools to get kids to learn about the gunpowder plot and then make GUYS for back garden bonfires)

2, get new members to help campaign for a national firework school as a long term training & career goal

3, fight to save the old Wells firework factory as a future firework museum or firework school

4, firework related holidays abroad or november 5th trips to other bonfire night societies displays/celebrations

5, overnight stay/camping/meet-ups/barbeques to put on our own firework displays

This post has been edited by crystal palace fireworks: 29 September 2009 - 07:10 AM

[David]

The other thing is, if people are going to be reading leaflets, and checking out the site, then then front page would need updating. People may well be interested in events and factory tours, but these need to be advertised on the front page so people know about them.

[portfire]

'Working with local authorities to stop mindless yobs ruining things for responsible people'

[dumper truck]

Hey guy's i feel it might not be my place to put an idea in but i remember having the firebrigade come round to our school and teaching us about fireworks and safety, maybe in the future the UKPS could put together a volounteer group to go to some schools and do and assembly on firework safety, just an idea would look really good if we managed that.

[David]

dumper truck, on 29 September 2009 - 03:13 PM, said:

Hey guy's i feel it might not be my place to put an idea in but i remember having the firebrigade come round to our school and teaching us about fireworks and safety, maybe in the future the UKPS could put together a volounteer group to go to some schools and do and assembly on firework safety, just an idea would look really good if we managed that.

It's a good idea in theory, but the times are changing.

Nowadays, children are discouraged from using fireworks at all. It's illegal for people under 18 to buy them, or even be in possession of fireworks in a public place.

(To my knowledge) there is no law against children using fireworks on private property, but this is actively discouraged too.

I'm not saying I necessarily agree with such legislation, however I feel that going into schools etc might be percieved as giving out mixed messages.

This post has been edited by David: 29 September 2009 - 03:41 PM

[dumper truck]

David, on 29 September 2009 - 03:39 PM, said:

It's a good idea in theory, but the times are changing.

Nowadays, children are discouraged from using fireworks at all. It's illegal for people under 18 to buy them, or even be in possession of fireworks in a public place.

(To my knowledge) there is no law against children using fireworks on private property, but this is actively discouraged too.

I'm not saying I necessarily agree with such legislation, however I feel that going into schools etc might be percieved as giving out mixed messages.

Yea i see ur point david was just an idea.

[pyromaniac303]

I have just been looking at a few printing suppliers. In 2-3 working days the leaflets could arrive on my doorstep, and a further 2-3 days later I could have them posted to everyone who would be happy to distribute them to local, therefore I think it would be possible to get them out this year.

Good point about not alienating shops by offering discounts from other suppliers. It may be the case that shops would like to see something in return, however we are not a profit making organisation so it would have to be something simple or low cost.

I like Davids idea of offering a short period of advertising for free, though I don't know how well this would go with our existing advertisers who are already paying a fee. Maybe a small banner to be placed on the website for a few weeks rather than all the other privileges.

I think we need to avoid ideas where it sounds like the prospective member will need to put much effort in, such as protesting etc. Most people don't like to feel they have taken on a responsibility, and indeed just because they join the society doesn't mean they have to put in much effort (although it would be nice!).

[portfire]

pyromaniac303, on 28 September 2009 - 11:20 PM, said:

After a recent phone conference,

Can someone PM me the details please!. I remember it coming up a while ago

[David]

pyromaniac303, on 29 September 2009 - 05:52 PM, said:

I like Davids idea of offering a short period of advertising for free, though I don't know how well this would go with our existing advertisers who are already paying a fee. Maybe a small banner to be placed on the website for a few weeks rather than all the other privileges.

Yeah- or perhaps offer it half price, extending the same offer to renewals of existing adverts (or something similar.)

I'm sure you understand what I mean- businesses may well be happy to help out a non-profit organisation- but it never hurts to offer an incentive, too.

[crystal palace fireworks]

I don`t think anyone (so far) has mentioned protesting!..... campaigning (if you want the hard work) or signing a simple petition (support) for pyro related topics like a museum or fireworks school should be an OPTION to anyone that joins our society (NOT A COMPULSION),...advertising the UKPS via leaflets is about mentioning some of the possibilities that people may like to get involved in (hopefully more members from historic societies etc),........it would be a mistake to alienate certain groups,.....surely part of the UKPS mission is to encourage membership and look forward? (even in hope if need be).

You put in what you get out!,...or

"Ask not what your country can do for you - Ask what you can do for your country" - John Kennedy inaugual speech 1961.

This post has been edited by crystal palace fireworks: 30 September 2009 - 07:40 AM

[PyroPDC]

crystal palace fireworks, on 29 September 2009 - 07:37 PM, said:

I don`t think anyone (so far) has mentioned protesting!..... campaigning (if you want the hard work) or signing a simple petition (support) for pyro related topics like a museum or fireworks school should be an OPTION to anyone that joins our society (NOT A COMPULSION),...advertising the UKPS via leaflets is about mentioning some of the possibilities that people may like to get involved in (hopefully more members from historic societies etc),........it would be a mistake to alienate certain groups,.....surely part of the UKPS mission is to encourage membership and look forward? (even in hope if need be).

You put in what you get out!,...or

"Ask not what your country can do for you - Ask what you can do for your country" - John Kennedy inaugual speech 1961.

You make a very good point.
(its worth noting if anyone hasn't seen the thread E-petition LINK which would link into this quite nicely)

pyromaniac303 if there's anything i can help with on the graphic design feel free to pm me.

This post has been edited by PyroPDC: 03 October 2009 - 11:10 AM