Official XmarksTheScot.com Calendar

[MacSimoin]

This is my 100th post here at Xmarks, so I thought I’d make it worthwhile for everyone:

To begin, I took a look around the forums but only found one thread even remotely related to what I’m about to suggest:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...light=calendar

So, what’s my suggestion? A printed Xmarks Calendar with user-submitted photos.

I’m a minimal forums user (I’m active at only two other forum sites aside from this one) but one of the forums I frequent has just begun preparation for its own printed calendar, complete with monthly images submitted by forum users and chosen for the calendar by the site’s founder (I’m fortunate enough to be featured for the month of November, 2006).

Here at Xmarks, we (or the site owner) could start off this venture by getting an estimate for the print job; of course, the calendar specifics (number of calendars, size, style, colors, paper, ink, lamination, binding, etc) need to be selected before accepting any quote. Meanwhile, a poll could be implemented to prick users’ interest, which would allow them to select a ‘portrait’ or ‘landscape’ style of calendar (considering this site’s logo, ‘landscape’ might work best if the logo is enlarged and used as the calendar cover). Run the poll for a short, pre-selected time period and the one with the most votes wins.

The next logical step once the final quote is obtained would be to ask for donations to help the site’s owner alleviate any out-of-pocket expense. This is easy enough to do using PayPal since a user account is not required to send money (via credit cards, instant transfer of bank funds, etc); all that’s needed for Xmarks users is an email address to send payment to. I think there are enough forum users here to justify asking for a $5.00 donation (or more depending on your level of philanthropy); the benefit to those making donations could be a free calendar or $5.00 off the final retail price.

Of course, another motivation to spur donations (and photo submissions) would be to give away calendars to those whose photos are selected for each month’s displayed image. As I mentioned, since this is Hank’s site, he should have the final say as to whose photos are selected. And since Hank more than likely has his own site email, he could set-up a specific email address for users to send their photos to, or a thread could be started here at the site for that purpose.

The thread that’s posted above can be used to reference important events; these can be included in the calendar on their appropriate days. Xmarks members’ birthdays could be included as well, but that will increase the cost and might be too time consuming (a nice thought though). Nationally specific holidays (Memorial Day, St. Stephen’s Day, ANZAC Day, Boxing Day, etc) could be included but again, that’s more than likely an increase in cost.

When the time comes (once the calendars are printed), and you want to purchase an official Xmarks calendar, all you’ll need to do is visit PayPal and send the money to the email address provided by Hank (you’ll have to provide a mailing address for him as well when you send payment). The shipping method and cost is something Hank will have to work out but I’m sure he’ll be fair.

So, there’s my suggestion. Anyone in favour of an “Official XmarksTheScot.com Calendar”?

Thanks for your time.

[Robin]

Very nice idea!

[Mike n NC]

Aye. Bring it on!

Mike

[Livingston]

Great idea!

[Southern Breeze]

Good idea. I'm in favor of it. :grin:

[mudd]

I'd buy one!

[Bob C]

I favor the idea, but I question how popular it would be. Beyond the dozen people whose pics are featured, how many are likely to be sold?

[dwg]

Great idea!

[GlassMan]

I think it's a great idea. I'd submit a photo! 8)

Also, CafePress.com has a calendar item that can be personalized. If you used that then there would be no startup costs at all.

[MacSimoin]

Also, CafePress.com has a calendar item that can be personalized. If you used that then there would be no startup costs at all.

A good suggestion but the CafePress calendar is one-dimensional and not especially professional looking or editable when configuring its layout. And to experience better usability and design freedom while creating your CafePress items, you need to open a "Premium Shop" at $4.99/month. Not a bad price, but for one item it's hardly worth your time.