Mutiny on the AR Board

[jim goulding]

Here’s an idea for discussion regards PSky’s recent post about Mutiny and the state of AR.

I’m thinking a new format would help. I’m thinking a newspaper format. A front page with a headline (this would change frequently). Some pictures varying in size. Articles could include industry news and articles by members (this should be encouraged) and industry guests. Readers could be directed to another part of the paper depending on the article. Include a letters section. A box for contents at the bottom left like most papers. That’s how readers would enter. Regards any articles on this page, they could continue if need be by clicking on "con't".

Contents should include something like:

“Enlightened repartee by members of all things audio and video”. This would be the forum which I think is the reason most people are likely to join and stick around. New readers should be directed to a Join Now page to appear at the end of this section to include rules. At the top of every page there should be a banner, no, a bar, of where to go for this and that. Consolidate.

"Audio and Film reviews and commentary by members". The section should have separate sections for each. Encourage repeat entries by staying topical with what’s happening.in the here and now. During Oscar time, for example, encourage readers to nominate.

A "Supporting Industry Advertisers" section and MRSP when available to include dealers in addition to manufacturers to include a page of how to advertise in AR.

"Q and A". This would be for people opening with a question. Sections should be split out like CD players / DVD players / Amplifiers / Pre amplifiers / Hi Def Flat Screens / and so forth.

"Classifieds". Give Audiogon some competition. This is how they get paid.

"Letters and suggestions".

Each section should have its own sub-sections similar to what AR has now.

I don’t much care about systems myself but many do and so there should be a place for that. On the other hand, this could be done by just beefing up a profile section with more detailed information and photos when members want to submit.

The paper should be three color, of course, like USA Today.

Here’s a bad idea . . drop down advertisements. They’re annoying and bolster the impression that AR is about sales rather than news and information and discussion. The home page as it is begs for a change. The newspaper format would give AR a totally different look and the conditioned response is to turn to the section you want, as you do the paper, or browse em all.

Advertisers would see that AR is taking a big step to expand its market and esteem and that should translate to more advertising dollars.

(later) Failed to say anything about the review section. That's a keeper. And the layout is good. Just that the opening page needs some artwork or something.