Ocean Hills Country Club has decided after 25 years to change the name of the “Ocean Hills Country Club Newsletter” to “The News.”
Ocean Hill’s changes Newsletter.
They have also decided that it would be a great idea to put all the ads in the rear of the newsletter. Imagine that from the perspective of all the people who advertise in and financially pay for “The News.” For example, I have supported the newsletter for years by paying for an ad on page 3. Now the earliest place that I could advertise would be page 38. Very distressing! How many people would watch commercials on television if all were put in one lump at the end of each program. No one! Time will tell how well this new change works.
The mission of “The News” remains the same: to provide the residents of Ocean Hills with information concerning Ocean Hills Country Club and committee activities, Board decisions and other matters of community interest. The News will strive to do that accurately and responsibly.
The News has also been reorganized into specific sections that are easily identifiable. These sections are “Master Minutes,” “Association News,” “Rec. Happenings,” “Clubs and Classes,” and “Services.” This new design claims to be created to give residents a more reader friendly, visually interesting, and easier to use publications. But, some could argue that distributing ads throughout the publication provides readers with useful and helpful information that they will now miss with ads placed under “Services,” and conveniently hidden in the back.
When I initially saw the Ocean Hills Newsletter, I must say, I was impressed. It was very professional. It read and felt like a nicely polished magazine publication. It had content, and sprinkled throughout the publication were these useful nonintrusive little ads. Wow! I thought. This is the place to advertise. Then, I read your article on the board’s decisions to bury the paid ads in the back…not the best move to attract advertisers. As I understand, the publication is supported exclusively by advertisers. This decision could be problematic in the long term. I do hope the powers that be will reconsider. As for me, I’m looking elsewhere to advertise. Although I would like to be in this community, I see no upside. I wish them well.