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Post by The Editor on Nov 7, 2010 13:23:30 GMT
Around the quarter and half way stages of the campaign, the Amber Aleman often proffers a useful insight and comparative look at how we're progressing in the season compared to previous years and the likelihood of our challenging for promotion. We're just over a quarter of the way through the season, so it's a good time to take stock of various parts of the club - the gaffer looks at the budget and shuffles his pack (always staying within boundaries set, well done Paul). And so do I, looking at programme sales. Before you fall asleep, can I give you these simple facts.
In simple terms. We currently average 152 sold programmes per game. To break even we need to sell 180. Roughly speaking, this shortfall will see us lose around £1,500 for the season.
So please, if you don't normally buy a programme, think about it this time. It's now only £2 for one of the best programmes* in the league (*independent verdict). And you'll be supporting the club... Can we sell just 30 more? I thank you in advance for your help.
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Post by maw on Nov 7, 2010 15:29:00 GMT
How many programmes are printed for each home game?
Does the number vary depending on the type of opposition or Sutton's position in the table?
I always buy a programme but find the read limited when compared with, say, the matchday programme at Crystal Palace (for £3).
Mark
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Post by The Editor on Nov 7, 2010 16:23:18 GMT
We have a minimum print run (fixed cost up to 200 copies) and print more copies (at a small increase in total price) for games when there's a chance of selling more. For some reason, despite being a larger crowd, Kingstonian fans tend not to buy programmes. The Billericay league game saw the most bought (197).
Limited in what sense?
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frakey
1st team Player
Posts: 1,757
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Post by frakey on Nov 7, 2010 16:23:48 GMT
The prog needs more original content, not just match reports taken from the internet.
I'm not sure a Championship club's prog can be compared with a n-l club's one. They are gonna sell more for a start.
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Post by Del on Nov 7, 2010 16:28:43 GMT
To be honest i always used to buy a programme but there is really nothing in it for me that can provide any more information than i can get off the internet nowadays.Apart from the souvenir value i feel that programmes don't really serve a useful purpose.I realise thats not what you want to hear but a simple 50p team sheet and league table would suffice for most people.
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Post by The Editor on Nov 7, 2010 16:44:15 GMT
We're obliged by the league to produce a programme and it's been a case of big debate for a while as to how big or small it is and the quality of paper, etc. We're also fully aware of the impact the internet has had. I try to minimise the direct copy from the internet (match reports are now usually the only things that are the same), but it is a concern. If anyone has any thoughts for future seasons it'll be much appreciated.
In the meantime... please buy a programme. It could be a collector's item if we have to radically change our offering!
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Post by Del on Nov 7, 2010 16:59:38 GMT
Just another point to bear in mind is the cost of a programme as a percentage of the admission fee presently 20%.I may be wrong but i can't remember it ever being so high in percentage terms since i started watching football in the 50's.
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Post by The Editor on Nov 7, 2010 17:16:33 GMT
It's 50p cheaper than last year.
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Post by maw on Nov 7, 2010 17:31:43 GMT
I feel the programme is limited by being too formulaic (like most programmes) - the structure is the same each game. Structure is important of course (for current information), but what about something different each time.......
Comedy is always a good way to test our senses! Cartoon strips? Jokes? Funny stories? Colmanballs?
A biography of a player / manager long gone.
Other fans' views of Sutton United.
How non-league football generally is progressing and Sutton's part in this.
Interviews with players / other staff - past and present.
Maybe even a crossword puzzle here and there! Or dot-to-dot for Kingstonian supporters.
Mark
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frakey
1st team Player
Posts: 1,757
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Post by frakey on Nov 7, 2010 17:32:58 GMT
Er, I already do a small bio of a previous player.
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Post by maw on Nov 7, 2010 17:52:09 GMT
I missed this frakey - I'll look more closely next time!
How far back do your biographies go?
Mark
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tonyd
1st team Player
Posts: 1,494
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Post by tonyd on Nov 7, 2010 17:59:16 GMT
I like the programme and the content, particularly notes on the opposition (it is a programme for a football match, not a club magazine, after all). Would it be cheaper to produce if it wasn't on glossy paper, because whilst it looks better, I don't think it's necessary.
Incidentally, the structure should be the same each game, so you know where to find things!
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Post by Stewart on Nov 7, 2010 18:11:19 GMT
I think Sarah's blog should go in the programme - long before it is seen on the internet.
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Post by Del on Nov 7, 2010 18:22:04 GMT
Sorry Ed.How much is it now as i thought it was £2.
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Post by Stewart on Nov 7, 2010 18:30:24 GMT
£2.50 last season £2 this season
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