From: "Paul Fantini" <pfantini33-AT-comcast.net>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:50:03 -0400
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] brochures


You are right: websites are better than brochures.

I am small potatoes, so when I established a formal business I knew I 
couldn't afford recurring production costs of brochures and good direct mail 
program was not in my budget.  I simply tell people that my website is my 
brochure.  In the rare case that someone who can afford my show doesn't have 
internet access, I just print out the website myself and send it to them.

However, I would consider a very focused direct mail piece as being 
valuable, but not a general brochure.  Postcards are also handy in this 
regard..extolling the advantages of one show to a very focused segment (just 
libraries for instance) and the lower production and postage costs might 
make it possible to send it twice, which will make your offer or show more 
familiar with any group.

One more note: I think brochures (not nessecarily full color) are helpful in 
fundraising and development. That is not something I am engaged in 
presently, but down that line...well..we shall see.  It is hard to review a 
website in a paper file and I think the more support materials you can 
provide in a grant request helps the decision maker to focus on your group's 
strengths.

I don't have much experience with toll-free numbers, but I think your 
experiment speaks for itself.

More Words Later,

Paul Fantini
Principal Puppeteer
Storybook Puppet Theater, LLC
Union, NJ 07083
(908) 206-0449
www.storybookpuppettheater.com



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Rogers" <robertrogers-AT-robertrogerspuppets.com>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 11:43 AM
Subject: [Puptcrit] brochures


> Back in the days before the internet, I used to invest in a very colorful, 
> elaborate brochure.  I always received a lot of compliments, and it 
> generated a lot of bookings.  Lately though, with the rise of online 
> communications, I'm wondering if it's as necessary as it used to be.  I'm 
> thinking it is, because of the kind of brochures I receive from other 
> performing groups and theaters.  Some even send simple postcards that then 
> direct me to their websites.
>
> Similarly, I've always had an 800 telephone number, and this year did a 
> test.  I kept the number active, but removed it from my present 
> literature, stationery and website.  With unlimited long-distance calling 
> plans now very common, it didn't seem to make any difference.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robert Rogers
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
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> 

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