Post by Al Alven on Mar 23, 2005 15:23:44 GMT -5
The most powerful aspect of our growing community here, I believe, is our ability to truly make a difference in the Wildwoods by helping to get the word out about Doo Wop preservation.
Perhaps we can use this thread to throw out some ideas – logical or “off the wall” – and just see what sticks. Even a random, hair-brained idea conceived in 5 seconds can lead to additional ideas and has the potential to evolve into something special.
So, if it pops into your head, post it here!
Here are a few of my ideas…<br>
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# 1
First off, I think the biggest issue plaguing the DWPL’s cause is lack of exposure. When vacationers come down to visit the island this summer, they are going to see some differences. In some cases, particularly for those who stay in the Crest, these changes are going to hit them right over the head. So, right there, the sense that the island is changing should be apparent.
This is a golden opportunity for the DWPL to strike. I think the best course of action would be to set up shop, in some fashion, right where the action is -- The Boardwalk. Perhaps, a simple flyer or brochure can be made up, that explains what is going on in the Wildwoods and urges people to take action (by donating to the DWPL, writing to public officials, etc.)
Volunteers could pass out these brochures on nights or weekends, or whenever there is generally a lot of activity on the Boards. Perhaps some could also be distributed to popular eateries like Mack’s, Sam’s or the Hot Spot locations. If they are designed with a simple (yet striking) message and are visually attractive, I believe they could spark some interest.
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# 2
Every year, St. Ann’s Parish sets up shop on the Boardwalk with a raffle promotion that raises a nice amount of money for the church. I believe a car is usually the top prize. I'm not sure as to whether or not the DWPL has tried something like this before, but, either way, it could work.
The idea would hold a duel-fold purpose. First off (the obvious), a raffle could help raise money for the DWPL. Secondly, by setting up at a high-profile location on the Boardwalk, the league could gain more exposure and additional credibility.
As for the top prize, I don’t know, perhaps the DWPL could work in conjunction with one or more motels, and offer the winner(s) a free stay in town for a few nights. And/or free passes to Morey’s Piers, or something along those lines. There are a lot of possibilities here.
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# 3
People who love the Wildwoods like to collect Wildwoods “stuff.”<br>
When I was a kid, postcards were really popular. I know this, because, every year, new postcards of various attractions on the island would pop up. For a while there, it was actually difficult to keep up with all the new postcards that came out on a year-to-year basis.
I would like to see the DWPL come out with a new set of postcards, showcasing classic Doo Wop motels of the past and present. They could be sold individually, or as an entire set in a package-type deal.
These postcards could feature photos of the motels on the front (complete with fancy, “retro” graphics and/or border designs) and a brief history on the back.
If produced properly, it could be a neat little way for people to take home a little piece of the Wildwoods, while helping to promote preservation awareness at the same time.
Proceeds could go directly to the DWPL.
****************************
Those are just a few quick ideas off the top of my head.
Thoughts, comments, or additional ideas…?
Perhaps we can use this thread to throw out some ideas – logical or “off the wall” – and just see what sticks. Even a random, hair-brained idea conceived in 5 seconds can lead to additional ideas and has the potential to evolve into something special.
So, if it pops into your head, post it here!
Here are a few of my ideas…<br>
****************************
# 1
First off, I think the biggest issue plaguing the DWPL’s cause is lack of exposure. When vacationers come down to visit the island this summer, they are going to see some differences. In some cases, particularly for those who stay in the Crest, these changes are going to hit them right over the head. So, right there, the sense that the island is changing should be apparent.
This is a golden opportunity for the DWPL to strike. I think the best course of action would be to set up shop, in some fashion, right where the action is -- The Boardwalk. Perhaps, a simple flyer or brochure can be made up, that explains what is going on in the Wildwoods and urges people to take action (by donating to the DWPL, writing to public officials, etc.)
Volunteers could pass out these brochures on nights or weekends, or whenever there is generally a lot of activity on the Boards. Perhaps some could also be distributed to popular eateries like Mack’s, Sam’s or the Hot Spot locations. If they are designed with a simple (yet striking) message and are visually attractive, I believe they could spark some interest.
****************************
# 2
Every year, St. Ann’s Parish sets up shop on the Boardwalk with a raffle promotion that raises a nice amount of money for the church. I believe a car is usually the top prize. I'm not sure as to whether or not the DWPL has tried something like this before, but, either way, it could work.
The idea would hold a duel-fold purpose. First off (the obvious), a raffle could help raise money for the DWPL. Secondly, by setting up at a high-profile location on the Boardwalk, the league could gain more exposure and additional credibility.
As for the top prize, I don’t know, perhaps the DWPL could work in conjunction with one or more motels, and offer the winner(s) a free stay in town for a few nights. And/or free passes to Morey’s Piers, or something along those lines. There are a lot of possibilities here.
****************************
# 3
People who love the Wildwoods like to collect Wildwoods “stuff.”<br>
When I was a kid, postcards were really popular. I know this, because, every year, new postcards of various attractions on the island would pop up. For a while there, it was actually difficult to keep up with all the new postcards that came out on a year-to-year basis.
I would like to see the DWPL come out with a new set of postcards, showcasing classic Doo Wop motels of the past and present. They could be sold individually, or as an entire set in a package-type deal.
These postcards could feature photos of the motels on the front (complete with fancy, “retro” graphics and/or border designs) and a brief history on the back.
If produced properly, it could be a neat little way for people to take home a little piece of the Wildwoods, while helping to promote preservation awareness at the same time.
Proceeds could go directly to the DWPL.
****************************
Those are just a few quick ideas off the top of my head.
Thoughts, comments, or additional ideas…?
Fundraising in town can bring in the proceeds necessary to run these ads. I would never have known about Wildwood myself, had I not seen an article about it in the NY TIMES. Whenever I tell other New Yorkers about Wildwood, they're always pleasantly surprised that such a place exists. New blood in addition to the usual vacationers every summer would broaden interest in preserving the town.