cap.gov - gocivilairpatrol.com - RSS Feeds... What's the deal?

[Murph]

Okay - does anyone have some real intel as to why we're moving off of cap.gov?

Also, has anyone noticed that gocivilairpatrol.com doesn't provide an RSS feed for the news section?  Are these guys for real?

Murph

[JC004]

I don't know the deal, but it sure is silly.

gocivilairpatrol needs a lot of work...there are a good number of things that should be done from a usability and even design standpoint.  From a million directions, actually.  As a wing webmaster, I have limited resources and we're going to be slow in putting out the new site if we don't get more help, but if these guys are hiring people, it should be top-notch.  They need to get civilairpatrol.com too.

[Eclipse]

NHQ is still sending feeds from eServices and CAP News Online, at least as of 26 Nov.

Beyond making sure I'm linking to GOCAP docs when applicable, I haven't given it much thought.  My guess is they started the transition, realized it was a bigger job then they thought and the resources dried up.

[Eeyore]

I got this email last week explaining when the new site will be the only site:

Click here for a Web version of this message:
http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=127003653&message_id=614798&user_id=CivilAir

We hope you are pleased with the launch of www.gocivilairpatrol.com, our exciting new "external" Web site designed to highlight the excellent work of our 56,000 members nationwide and to generate interest in CAP from prospective new members. As you may already know, the new "internal" CAP Web site for members is http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com. Both new sites are currently being refined and will remain online alongside www.cap.gov for at least 60 days. After  Feb. 15, 2009, visitors to www.cap.gov will be redirected to www.gocivilairpatrol.com.


The new www.members.gocivilairpatrol.com site was designed to mimic CAP's "external" Web site for recruiting, but with speed and easy navigation at the forefront. Check it out – and don't hesitate to let us know what you think. Just hit the "contact" button at the top of the site's page or e-mail hdunigan@capnhq.gov  to chat.


While you're browsing the new site, make sure to check out some of the benefits available to you as a member of CAP.  If you are planning on purchasing a cell phone as a gift this holiday season, then be sure to research the deals available at the CAP Wireless Center www.capwirelessonline.com.  Your membership in CAP gives you and your family exclusive savings of up to $100 on your next cell phone.  Plus, you'll receive a free companion airline ticket when you sign up for a new calling plan!

Choose from a huge selection of the latest in cell phones, wireless carrier plans and accessories.  Compare your options and choose the best value for your business, your family or yourself.  You'll get the same great rate from the carrier you select, plus a better phone at a better price than you would walking into a retail store.

In addition to great savings, the CAP Wireless Center brings you these additional benefits:

·        Exclusive promotions not available at any store or website, such as the free companion airline ticket offer
·        Side-by-side comparisons of phones and plans
·        A 30-day risk-free satisfaction guarantee and a 7-day money back guarantee with a full refund and no restocking fee
·        Fast FREE FedEx shipping
·        Fast, easy to use and no waiting in line at the store

Click here to unsubscribe


105 S Hansell, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

[A.Member]

I got this email last week explaining when the new site will be the only site:

Click here for a Web version of this message:
http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=127003653&message_id=614798&user_id=CivilAir

We hope you are pleased with the launch of www.gocivilairpatrol.com, our exciting new "external" Web site designed to highlight the excellent work of our 56,000 members nationwide and to generate interest in CAP from prospective new members. As you may already know, the new "internal" CAP Web site for members is http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com. Both new sites are currently being refined and will remain online alongside www.cap.gov for at least 60 days. After  Feb. 15, 2009, visitors to www.cap.gov will be redirected to www.gocivilairpatrol.com.


The new www.members.gocivilairpatrol.com site was designed to mimic CAP's "external" Web site for recruiting, but with speed and easy navigation at the forefront. Check it out – and don't hesitate to let us know what you think. Just hit the "contact" button at the top of the site's page or e-mail hdunigan@capnhq.gov  to chat.


While you're browsing the new site, make sure to check out some of the benefits available to you as a member of CAP.  If you are planning on purchasing a cell phone as a gift this holiday season, then be sure to research the deals available at the CAP Wireless Center www.capwirelessonline.com.  Your membership in CAP gives you and your family exclusive savings of up to $100 on your next cell phone.  Plus, you'll receive a free companion airline ticket when you sign up for a new calling plan!

Choose from a huge selection of the latest in cell phones, wireless carrier plans and accessories.  Compare your options and choose the best value for your business, your family or yourself.  You'll get the same great rate from the carrier you select, plus a better phone at a better price than you would walking into a retail store.

In addition to great savings, the CAP Wireless Center brings you these additional benefits:

·        Exclusive promotions not available at any store or website, such as the free companion airline ticket offer
·        Side-by-side comparisons of phones and plans
·        A 30-day risk-free satisfaction guarantee and a 7-day money back guarantee with a full refund and no restocking fee
·        Fast FREE FedEx shipping
·        Fast, easy to use and no waiting in line at the store

Click here to unsubscribe


105 S Hansell, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

The first part which describes the transition was fine (despite the fact that I disagree with the need for transition and much about the new site). 

However, the last part of the e-mail was just goofy.  It breaks into an advertisement for our cell plan?!     This should've been a completely separate e-mail.   

Then again, maybe that just helps illustrates some of the problems I perceive with this implementation right now.

[RiseAbove]

Has NHQ IT ever reached out to the general membership for volunteer help?  I am sure many would be willing to help if they could.

[Murph]

First of all, Eclipse, if you look the last story on the CAP New Online RSS is from Nov 18th and none of the current stories are in the RSS (check the news section of gocivilairpatrol.com).

Second of all, the transition is completely ridiculous - these guy SERIOUSLY need someone managing their brand.  All of the armed services have big time ad agencies representing them.  We on the other hand spend what I imagine to be hundreds of thousands of dollars on 19 million different jerks who don't know crap about this kind of stuff.

NHQ: Listen up!  You need to start talking about the Civil Air Patrol in terms of a brand ala Apple, Coke, Microsoft - once you get that message - recruiting will be much easier.  Then it's up to the local units to handle the retention.

As an aside, I have been talking about my unit in terms of a brand for a long time - in all areas - we have a consistent website, blog, business cards - every time we send out a release to the press - it's consistent.  It's made a huge difference in our perceived level of professionalism.  Maybe this needs to be a ground up effort.

UGH!!!

End of rant.

[Eclipse]

First of all, Eclipse, if you look the last story on the CAP New Online RSS is from Nov 18th and none of the current stories are in the RSS (check the news section of gocivilairpatrol.com).

The last eServices story is from 26 Nov.  It appears there is no RSS for the new CAP news online.

[FlexCoder]

Has NHQ IT ever reached out to the general membership for volunteer help?

GOOD LUCK!

[FlexCoder]

NHQ: Listen up!  You need to start talking about the Civil Air Patrol in terms of a brand ala Apple, Coke, Microsoft - once you get that message - recruiting will be much easier.  Then it's up to the local units to handle the retention.

Good point, Murph....perhaps the General Membership should start a Branding Campaign instead....why wait another decade for the Old Gray Hairs to get out of their rockers!

[Murph]

Eclipse: not talking about eServices, are we?

[Pumbaa]

We have been branding our new squadron.  Our patch/ logo is on everything, we got the design done and approved within 5 months of starting the squadron.  Every release follows a certain format and has the same layout. ie., letterhead.  Our website is always up to date and is branded as well.  We pretty much follow the same stylesheet on everything from business cards to posters, to invitations, to letters...

Only one person speaks to the press or communicates with the press to maintain a consistent message.  All interviews/ contacts go through the PAO... We submit at least 2 press releases per month to *ALL* media.  And yes, everything that goes out has the standard CAP tag line (Don't get me started on that).

We always have activities and invite the public through releases.  The main thing is getting AND keeping our name out there. Any local volunteer/ disaster relief meetings in the communities we send uniformed representatives.  If anything it is to get our names and faces known.

The funny thing is, I just found out that other squadrons in our group are complaining about all the PR and press attention we are getting.  Call me a WWWwwAAAambulance!  

HQ is generally a waste of my time.  I get approvals where needed, I keep in close contact with the group commander and squadron commander... otherwise as a squadron we think locally and act nationally in everything ... or was that act locally and think nationally???

We are a new squadron in the boonies and in 5 months we now have 26 members.  This is the 2nd largest in our group.  Only one squadron located in a small city has more.  Other squadrons in our group are bleeding members.  We get people in and we keep them because we have a good senior/cadet staff that works together and has activities and is caring to *ALL* members.  That is retention.

[Pumbaa]

Talk about branding.  I just found this on Youtube by the former Midway6

I thought it was very good.  We need more videos like this.  I have been linking some of the better youtube videos to our squadron website as well.  We need to reach the "YT" generation!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNDFstSQEow&feature=related

[Eclipse]

Talk about branding.  I just found this on Youtube by the former Midway6

Just as an FYI - that's the 2007 NHQ PAO video.

[NC Hokie]

I have been linking some of the better youtube videos to our squadron website as well.  We need to reach the "YT" generation!

Would you be so kind as to share a link to your squadron website?

[A.Member]

Talk about branding.  I just found this on Youtube by the former Midway6

I thought it was very good.  We need more videos like this.  I have been linking some of the better youtube videos to our squadron website as well.  We need to reach the "YT" generation!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNDFstSQEow&feature=related

I agree to an extent...at least there was an effort toward developing a strategic marketing plan.  However, the execution and especially the tagline were in desperate need of help - "More Than Meets The Skies" was laughable and the video was pretty amateur.  But again, at least there was some initiative.   

[Murph]

"Pretty Amateur"?

I work in the TV business in Chicago - the video - as with all CAP NHQ videos - was laughable.

These guys need a PR agency - PERIOD.  Have you seen this YT video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJRthpxDM10

Heck - I actually thought about joining the national guard myself!

[NC Hokie]

I work in the TV business in Chicago - the video - as with all CAP NHQ videos - was laughable.

This just goes to show that there is expertise available from within the ranks if NHQ would just ask for it.

Have you seen this YT video:

I saw that in the theater last week and must say that that is money well spent.  The website the video directs you to is nice too.  I know that CAP doesn't have the bones (cash, etc.) to spend on something like this but there is ONE thing they can copy from that website; offer something cool and require contact info to get it.

[A.Member]

It would be really great if we could figure out a campaign that instills not only a sense of pride in our country but a strong desire and sense of pride in volunteer service - service before self.  Make people do some self reflection.  Just as the 3 Doors Down video made Murph want to join the Guard, a successful message from us should make people want to rush out and volunteer with our organization.   It should be "cool".   Such a campaign should be directed not only at our young people but at adults as well. 

I don't know what message looks like exactly but that's essentially the one we need, IMO.

[Eclipse]

The best recruiting we can do is program execution.

Too much of our recruting efforts are wasted when potential members show up to a local squadron and find out that what is happening in their town looks nothing like the video.  The airplanes are all 300 miles away, the Humm-Vee was a loaner from a local dealership, no one in the unit can spell ES, and the 4 cadets who can be bothered to show up have attitudinal issues.

In all but the most unusual cases, when a potential recruit shows up to a military or guard recruiter they can count on a pretty consistent experience, and actually being able to touch some of the stuff they see in the commercial.

Its not about numbers, its about execution.

Those of us who have experienced anything close to a fully operational Squadron, whether cadet, senior, or composite, know that once you start firing on all cylinders,  the recruiting takes care of itself, in many cases at rates that are more than the unit can handle.  Fulfilled volunteers want their friends to play, too.

Yes, we need a better brand, but having one without anything to back it up isn't going to help.