Now that is an interesting question, and one being faced by many HOA boards. Deciding between the elimination of printed publications vs. keeping them, along with their cost and benefits, can be difficult.
Cost is certainly a legitimate reason to eliminate a hard copy publication in these tough economic times, where foreclosures and the ongoing costs of an association can dramatically affect the communities bottom line.
Printed publications can also be difficult to coordinate and publish, making them an easy target for budget cuts.
If promoting good communication is a priority in your community, then shouldn't you try to find the best solution to accomplish both goals? Why can't you promote good communication at an acceptable cost?
Eliminating the cost, and not realizing it creates a potentially much larger problem, is unfortunate. The fact that forcing residents to an online solution can be both frustrating for the users, and ineffective for promoting good communications within the community. That's because not everyone is internet active, and not everyone has an email address.
We offer both printed and online solutions for HOA's. The online HOA sites in many cases go dormant over a period of time unless there is an advocate in the HOA that drives content out to residents, just like an editor has to assemble the content from other residents in order to create a newsletter. Websites take as much effort as printed publications do. The net results of eliminating printed publications are reduced communication, and increased problems that poor communication creates.
How often had you heard from a resident that they were unaware of the meeting, the change to the by-laws, or didn't have your phone number to call?
Multiple methods of communication are certainly always preferred, if not absolutely necessary. So if multiple communication methods are better than one, why isn't everyone doing it? The answer is that the execution is difficult, and the cost can be high.
That's why you, as a community leader, should look at Tlehs Publishing. We specialize in providing turn key communication solutions to communities. Our program can consolidate and lower the cost of your communications, whether they be printed newsletters, printed resident directories, or full-featured online solutions. Give us a call, we make communication easy!
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