As the newsletter editor for the Triangle Ferret Lovers (TriFL) club in
North Carolina, I am seeking advice from other clubbers.
 
TriFL began meeting in Sept 95, with our first newsletter in Nov 95.  It is
distributed to members, pet stores (+12) and vet offices in our vastly
growing area cities: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary.  Also, we have
several colleges in the Triangle area (hint: student ownership of ferts) -
NC State, Univ of NC, Duke, Shaw, Peace, St.  Mary's, and Wake Technical.
 
A TriFL member has graciously put up a web site at
http://doomsday.phy.duke.edu/ferrets/
AND another member created a list-serv at [log in to unmask]
 
Triangle Ferret Lovers began asking for optional membership fee of $15.00 in
the Mar/Apr 96 newsletter edition.  This fee will help to defray newsletter
production/mailing costs to members, vets, SPCA, Animal Control, and pet
stores for four counties, as well as, a permanent display exhibit with
signage for Adoption Days, and the annual NC Renaissance Faire, plus support
two local ferret shelters.  The newsletter is vital in providing all area
ferret lovers information on care and activities.  TriFL is working on
making membership cards and acquiring pet store discounts/ads.
 
TriFL meets once a month.  So far, out of the +/- 33 names on the
snail/e-mail address list, only about 11 turn out for the mtg, and we have
had very few optional membership fees come in.  We have had a few out of
towners requesting the newsletter, and are asking 1/2 the membership fee
since they cannot participate in our group activities, etc.
 
My question to other clubbers is: How else can the TriFL club grow with
limited revenue?  Should we run an ad in a local paper?  What should we
charge pet stores/vets for ads?  Do any of you other clubs have examples you
can snail, e-mail, or fax me?  Your thoughts and experience are appreciated!
 
Shari Gunter
[log in to unmask] or fax 919/872-9214
Triangle Ferret Lovers, PO Box 61091, Raleigh, NC 27661
[Posted in FML issue 1509]