Part of the problem with the AOS is...

[Ray]

...a lack of advertisers.

Without getting into a "chicken or egg" discussion, I looked at a recent issue of Orchids, and counted 36 advertisers in the index, not including AOS entries.

I then went at looked at the November 1997 issue, and saw this - 140!:

 

[paphioland]

There are more problems with the AOS than that. The AOS is pretty useless. Especially in the Internet age. Dying group unless they change lots of things.

 

[Ray]

I can't argue with that, but it seems to me that if there were more opportunities to ogle in anticipation of feeding one's habit, it could help a lot. Not to mention put more cash into the AOS' hands, allowing other changes.

Damn! I was trying to avoid chickens and eggs.

 

[gonewild]

I wonder of the 140 you counted how many are still in business?

 

[My Green Pets]

Recently they have redone their website and started an Instagram account. They're on Facebook and YouTube, though their videos are few. They also offer free "webinars" that you can log in and learn from other growers.

They seem to be rising to meet the needs of the newest generations of orchid growers, but it takes time to establish a presence on so many platforms.

I would actually like to be more involved, since I have my own YouTube channel and would be quite chuffed to be able to sport some kind of affiliation with the aos...

 

[Ray]

Lance- not many, but there are a few long-timers.

Cam - Yeah, I did a webinar for them several months ago on semi-hydroponics, and it was quite well received.

 

[Justin]

It is the same trend with orchid societies.

If some has ideas on reversing the trend please let me know. We try to have more of an online presence these days which helps.

 

[Lanmark]

I think a robust online presence would do wonders not only for the AOS but for local orchid societies as well. Videos, photos, event calendars, moderated Q&A forums, vetted paying sponsors who sell plants, lighting, supplies etc would all be essential. Maintaining an up-to-date, relevant, interesting online presence across several platforms takes work and attention, though, and can't be neglected if it's going to be successful. People quickly lose interest if a website is static.

 

[JAB]

Well the "updated" AOS website is pretty much un-navigable IMHO. They are indeed behind the times on many fronts. As Lance mentioned many are out of business. The advent of online marketing and sales makes a magazine ad obsolete (anyone remember those yellow page thingy's!?).
That said I would have to believe the majority of AOS members are probably 50 years old + .... if our local orchid society is any marker, the majority of the membership is not online at all, or if so in very limited capacity (email, porn. Not much social media at all). So I am not sure how significant online sales and adverts are to their overall focus!?

 

[My Green Pets]

(email, porn. Not much social media at all).

LOL

 

[Ryan Young]

It is the same trend with orchid societies.

If some has ideas on reversing the trend please let me know. We try to have more of an online presence these days which helps.

Our society really focuses on Web presence, and keeping lots of updates on Facebook with great pics and a bit of info regarding the plant, it generates good interest form the older to younger crowd.
Lots of people like seeing blooming flowers and share the post which in turn receives a wider audience.
We go to garden centres to give potting demos and answer questions hand out orchid show flyers, culture sheets and offer memberships (there and at shows).

We've been stable for several years adding to members (older ones staying on) our culture classes we offer are well attended also.

Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk

 

[Lanmark]

That said I would have to believe the majority of AOS members are probably 50 years old + .... if our local orchid society is any marker, the majority of the membership is not online at all, or if so in very limited capacity (email, porn. Not much social media at all). So I am not sure how significant online sales and adverts are to their overall focus!?

There's nothing wrong with having older members, of course, but I think the point of having a top notch online presence would be to attract more new members of a younger age to grow the ranks of membership and keep the society going long into the future.

 

[JAB]

Certainly nothing wrong with it, but it has been my experience that many older folk are Luddites. Am having this situation with the NWOS where some of the younger crowd (and me) are trying to build a better online presence in spite of a seeming disinterest from many older board members.

Just a difference of focus and money, afterall that is the topic at hand.

 

[SlipperFan]

Certainly nothing wrong with it, but it has been my experience that many older folk are Luddites. Am having this situation with the NWOS where some of the younger crowd (and me) are trying to build a better online presence in spite of a seeming disinterest from many older board members.

Just a difference of focus and money, afterall that is the topic at hand.

I'm over 50. I'd be very happy to turn over the web site and newsletter to a younger member. Any takers?

 

[Ray]

I am over 60, and I was the society's webmaster until I passed the torch in anticipation of relocation. I also do all of my own website work.

When I moved to Louisville KY, and joined a society there, I was 25, and the vast majority of the members were over 50, so that sort-of stat is nothing new.

 

[JAB]

Interesting. In a city such as Seattle renowned for its tech savvy residents we have had headaches with website and social media aspects of the society both on users end and on developing and running it. Seems that many are anti computer. Strange.

 

[gonewild]

What could the AOS on a webpage offer to an orchid enthusiast that would be better than a private free forum like SlipperTalk?

Orchid vendors can't afford to pay for advertising now like they could before the internet. I imagine a nice ad in the magazine costs well more than $1000... same ad here on ST is free.

 

[Linus_Cello]

Orchid vendors can't afford to pay for advertising now like they could before the internet. I imagine a nice ad in the magazine costs well more than $1000... same ad here on ST is free.

And a more targeted audience.

In general, younger folks aren't interested growing plants/horticulture. The prefer spending discretionary income on "experiences" (travelling, eating out). Either residences are getting smaller (smaller apartments), or larger homes on small lots; no room for plants. I see the same trend with aquariums; folks would rather buy electronics than plants or fish.

 

[NYEric]

...a lack of advertisers.

Without getting into a "chicken or egg" discussion, I looked at a recent issue of Orchids, and counted 36 advertisers in the index, not including AOS entries.

I then went at looked at the November 1997 issue, and saw this - 140!:

I wonder of the 140 you counted how many are still in business?

That is a good point. So many vendors, at least in our region, have closed shop. Just looking at that page from the back, Ray Rands, Whipporwill, Sunset Labs, Stewarts...

 

[JAB]

Good points across the board!