I just received the latest issue of Knotline and I must say I am very disappointed. This publication has become nothing more than a slick marketing publication. It was much better when I first bought my Hunter. As a former Catalina owner, I was very impressed (even though they were published by the associations--with strong backing by the company.) They are worth emulating
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I agree
with you, George. I just received my first copy of Knotline - nothing in there but 1 owner bio, 2 fictional stories, and some brochure material. Save the advertising for the brochures, and give us something useful and interesting - maintenance tips, articles about what other owners have done to/with their boats. Good thing we have the HOW. If Hunter wants to advertise, maybe they can send registered owners a yearly catalog of the product line.
with you, George. I just received my first copy of Knotline - nothing in there but 1 owner bio, 2 fictional stories, and some brochure material. Save the advertising for the brochures, and give us something useful and interesting - maintenance tips, articles about what other owners have done to/with their boats. Good thing we have the HOW. If Hunter wants to advertise, maybe they can send registered owners a yearly catalog of the product line.
Make that three
Just more junk mail, it could be used and a treasure with information, but now just junk mail.I deep 6 it.
Just more junk mail, it could be used and a treasure with information, but now just junk mail.I deep 6 it.
I agree
Glad to hear I wasn't the only one that set it down after a few minutes - usually it is a good read with valuable information.
Glad to hear I wasn't the only one that set it down after a few minutes - usually it is a good read with valuable information.
Catalina Mainsheet
George, As you may recall as a previous Catalina owner, the Mainsheet is ALL voluntary (other than the publishing). This means that it is written by and for the individual members of each one design and All Catalina associations. The Tech Notes are feedback from owners. Catalina Yachts has very little to do with it, other than checking for some technical items. Hunter ain't gonna do it for you. If you want something that's worthwhile, you may have to start one by assembling interested owners and start writing and publishing. Stu C34 Intl Assoc Secretary
George, As you may recall as a previous Catalina owner, the Mainsheet is ALL voluntary (other than the publishing). This means that it is written by and for the individual members of each one design and All Catalina associations. The Tech Notes are feedback from owners. Catalina Yachts has very little to do with it, other than checking for some technical items. Hunter ain't gonna do it for you. If you want something that's worthwhile, you may have to start one by assembling interested owners and start writing and publishing. Stu C34 Intl Assoc Secretary
And, A Nod To HOW
I see it as a branding/advertising thing. It may evolve to more. However, I'm not so sure that it *needs* too much. Some more would be useful, but there is HOW, and it is even recommended as a source of information in one of the letters. That's pretty extrordinary. It means they have great respect and trust in the site, a really positive reflection of the contributors' maturity and the Phil's oversight and design. Rick Dinon
I see it as a branding/advertising thing. It may evolve to more. However, I'm not so sure that it *needs* too much. Some more would be useful, but there is HOW, and it is even recommended as a source of information in one of the letters. That's pretty extrordinary. It means they have great respect and trust in the site, a really positive reflection of the contributors' maturity and the Phil's oversight and design. Rick Dinon
thinly disgusied sales fluff
I'm a communications professional and a publication of this type is expensive to produce and mail out nationally. That's why I've been disappointed there's not more to it. In fact, I can't tell exactly what it's supposed to be. If it's product information, it's way too light weight and superficial and it doesn't need to be coming from the marketing department. If it's intended to be a sales piece, then bag the rest of the other content and focus strictly on new products, etc. As it is, it's neither fish nor foul and Hunter could save themselves (and us) a lot of money by simply discontinuing it. Nothing against Hunter -- it's just not a very clearly focused attempt to communicate with its customers.
I'm a communications professional and a publication of this type is expensive to produce and mail out nationally. That's why I've been disappointed there's not more to it. In fact, I can't tell exactly what it's supposed to be. If it's product information, it's way too light weight and superficial and it doesn't need to be coming from the marketing department. If it's intended to be a sales piece, then bag the rest of the other content and focus strictly on new products, etc. As it is, it's neither fish nor foul and Hunter could save themselves (and us) a lot of money by simply discontinuing it. Nothing against Hunter -- it's just not a very clearly focused attempt to communicate with its customers.
reflection of the contributors' maturity ??
Not the whinings of this particular thread! Excuse me guys for being blunt (and I will probably take the HOW contributors version of flaming for saying this); but I try not to set myself up for disappointment with arbitrary expectations of others. What I have heard is that Hunter Marine is pretty darn good at responding to questions on e-mail. I have found them helpful on the phone. So who writes the standards for their marketing material? And why is it being compared to a non-corporate publication associated with another brand? I say let it go, and get on with life.
Not the whinings of this particular thread! Excuse me guys for being blunt (and I will probably take the HOW contributors version of flaming for saying this); but I try not to set myself up for disappointment with arbitrary expectations of others. What I have heard is that Hunter Marine is pretty darn good at responding to questions on e-mail. I have found them helpful on the phone. So who writes the standards for their marketing material? And why is it being compared to a non-corporate publication associated with another brand? I say let it go, and get on with life.
"Institutional" Advertising
Knotline reminds me of institutional adverstising - primarily a goodwill builder (like your grocery store taking out a full doulble truck newspaper ad wishing a happy Thanksgiving to all their customers). When I get that slick, beautifully produced piece, I think "I'm glad to be a Hunter owner". Nothing more, nothing less - and I didn't pay anything for it.
Knotline reminds me of institutional adverstising - primarily a goodwill builder (like your grocery store taking out a full doulble truck newspaper ad wishing a happy Thanksgiving to all their customers). When I get that slick, beautifully produced piece, I think "I'm glad to be a Hunter owner". Nothing more, nothing less - and I didn't pay anything for it.
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