THE GULF OF MAINE TIMES ROCKS! …AND IT NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Current status is that we had an edition last spring and one coming this spring with one fall Update *We are unable to maintain a consistent presence for our readers. This is “fatal” for a publication!

Current concerns: Uncertainty of funding Lack of real publication dates due to funding Uncertainty of whether there is an organizational commitment to the mission of the Times Uncertainty from one issue to the next of what the Times will become.

A Brief History… FY 07 – Four Issues of the Times (paper) with editor and assistant editor - $106,319 FY08 – Three Issues of the Times (paper) with in-kind assistant editor - $81,392 Currently : Issue by issue, online only, with editor - one issue and two updates $13,600 Editor and IT for two updates ~ $3400 Online publication which includes writers and editor $10,200

“ In my opinion, the Gulf of Maine Times should reflect first, the Gulf of Maine, and second the work of the GOMC. These are closely intertwined anyway, but while I think the work being done by the Council should be reflected in the Times, so should the work of others who are aiming at the same goal. Or, conversely, readers should be informed of issues that challenge the Gulf and its protectors.” Nancy Griffin – Times Editor

Business Plan Results (2008): Update Website Promote the Site Develop Notification Seek Paid Subscriptions Research for a Private Sector Partner Research Grant Funding GOMC contribution from Member Agencies

Water Words That Work: Communication Checkup WG March 2012 Better marketing of the Times on the website. Make better connection of the Times with the GOMC. Our best tool for “outreach” and program promotion and can be improved through greater utilization of social media …currently the Times has a facebook page. Increase our online readership, capture more contacts through online registration, build more sponsors.

The Next Six Months Implement new model, based on new online presence versus the paper model – 12 feature articles one or two per month along with other content, 2/3 GOM activities and 1/3 Action Plan activities. Beginning January monthly editions with one or two articles Survey of current subscribers Visit the current management/editorial model with a possible model that reflects potential in-kind editorial contribution from NH Build a new budget for June 2013 – in the spring do an agency/partner evaluation of the new model and its effectiveness and possible resulting funding increases.

There is a need for funding for the Times in the Budget beginning June 2013 The Times needs to be a component of the Core Services Budget Currently the budget ask would be in the Range of $20,000

Thank you! Theresa Torrent-Ellis US Co-Chair of Outreach and GOMT Advisor