New Sites Directory and Handbook
As per the latest issue of the club's magazine, the new Sites Directory and Handbook is on its way and will be delivered between mid-December and early January.
Comments
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I totally agree Phishing. I wonder how many members are like me and never use the paper directory anymore. Even though the website leaves a lot to be desired it’s still my first choice for finding Club Sites or CLs to visit. If you’re a CL user then the website has got to be the most up-to-date version of the directory. Every month the Club Magazine has a list of new and closed CLs, so unless you’re very organised and make regular edits to your paper copy then it will quickly be out of date.
Maybe the Club could ask members to opt in or out of receiving a paper directory, possibly offering a small discount to those who opt out. What do members think?
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Wow, paper directory with OS references, how quaint.
What is quaint about it? An online version isn't much good if your travelling and there is no signal?
I use OS maps on my GPS devices and phone when out on the fells but I always carry paper versions as well.
Some people like paper versions (as above) some like online, they are not mutually exclusive and no reason to force people into one particular option or label one as quaint - (attractively unusual or old-fashioned)
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Maybe the Club could ask members to opt in or out of receiving a paper directory, possibly offering a small discount to those who opt out. What do members think?
I would certainly be happy with a digital subscription at a small discount, as we do with the CCC. Although the book will work anywhere, you still need a minimum of a phone signal to book the site. In most cases these days an internet signal is also available and I would use my pad or phone. The App does work offline for information only, so that's an option in 3 / 4G dead spots.
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The directory lives in the tow-car for me as a back up, and it is perhaps used a few times a year but I don't think I'd like to be totally digital.
Opting out of the magazine would make more sense, though personally I wouldn't but can see why some would. I don't think you'd get a discount on that though as it is self financing I recall (?) and the club would lose income from the (vast) amount of adverts?
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I'm thinking of what we do, put the directory in the van and use it for directions, change of plan etc. Generally we use it when away from home. We don't rely on phones and satnav ...especially approaching some site entrances and sometimes opening the directory on the right page is the easy option.
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and homes always have the internet? some people probably still book by ringing in? There should be a level playing field shouldn't there?
Anyway who says PD?
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No intention to force anybody to do anything. There will always be the option of online access as well as the paper version, but for those who never use the paper version why is there a need to receive it?
Granted, as JVB66 as said, there is data in the handbook in addition to site information but that hasn’t changed much in years, if at all. Maybe I’ll just carefully tear the sheets from my 2021/22 Handbook and use them when Covid panic shoppers have emptied the shelves of toilet paper. 😂
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Although we use the web to look at sites it's mainly after having read them up in the SD. I religiously scan both the magazine, and Maddie's updates on here, and update my copy of the SD. We may book the first few sites of a tour while at home but use the SD to research for follow on sites, especially when we have no WiFi &/or phone signal, subsequently going out in the car to find a signal and book chosen site.
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I didn't say you did GB, sorry if you thought that, I was replying to P's post who appeared to want that?
Recycling is good
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Absolutely. My intention was never to suggest that the Sites Directory should be withdrawn and, of course, those who find it useful should be able to receive it. Maybe, I’m the only member who hasn’t even opened the wrapping on the Sites Directory for the last few issues. At one time I used to always keep it in the rear pocket on one of the front seats in my car, but haven’t done it for years.
As a keen CL user I like the online ability to click the available options of site facilities to quickly reveal which CLs in a particular area would suit my requirements. That would be very time consuming to achieve with a printed copy.
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As a keen CL user I like the online ability to click the available options of site facilities to quickly reveal which CLs in a particular area would suit my requirements. That would be very time consuming to achieve with a printed copy.
As another keen CL user, whose requirements are few, EHU and dogs allowed, with HS in the winter, it's easy to identify those sites in the AD and isn't time consuming IMO.
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I really dont know which is worst the fact that it wastes the resources in producing the directory in the form it currently is and has been since god was born, or as some have stated that it is easier to use to find a site than the website.
How about producing it in a decent digital format ( a proper one not a digital download of the 1960s catalogue format) that can be downloaded as a data file to devices. This would mean that they could amend as required and only need to update the changes so could keep it current and advise of any issues etc.
Save tonnes of paper, save loads of money, have an interactive download file with active search strings.
If they want to sell the book to the ones who want it at the true cost of production then fair enough.
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or as some have stated that it is easier to use to find a site than the website.
Can you find one quote where that has been said exactly like that? The only one coming anywhere slightly near is:
Generally we use it when away from home. We don't rely on phones and satnav ...especially approaching some site entrances and sometimes opening the directory on the right page is the easy option.
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Agree brue, we have used CLs with poor connectivity. I am pleased we still have the option. I usually leave our old ones in Club Site information rooms. They are usually gone within 24 hours😂
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What I find is that when loaded onto a device it is the screen size that makes using a paper version often easier. Unless your device is bigger than the actual page or map you often have to end up scrolling about where as you can take in the paper version all at once.
As I said I love all my Garmin and other GPS toys, they certainly make navigation easier when on the move, but nothing replaces getting a real map out to see all the surrounding area at one glance.
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As I said I love all my Garmin and other GPS toys, they certainly make navigation easier when on the move, but nothing replaces getting a real map out to see all the surrounding area at one glance.
I agree, (except when it’s windy😂) although now most of the maps I use are digital on a device, or A4 print offs. I still have a cupboard full of paper versions, some positively historic. It’s nice to take them out and peruse occasionally.2 -
I don't use the Site Directory that much as most of my planning is done online. However there are times when it comes in useful so I don't think I am ready to junk it just yet!!! What would be useful is to have the Site Directory online in .PDF format. That would allow you to print off the odd page here or there if required. It depends what format the Club submit the directory to the printers but it's not uncommon for that format to be .PDF.
David
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But how many, that are away touring for extended periods and are not sure where their trip will actually take them, have a printer at home, or carry one in their LV?
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Nellie
Don't quite understand the comment? My suggestion was for a .PDF file in addition to the Site Directory. I imagine if you are on the road you will have your Directory to hand? Having said that you could always invest in a compact printer whilst on the road, something I have considered in the past.
David
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David
I think I understood Nellie's post better than I understood your reply. The confusion i think stems from your wording, " That would allow you to print off the odd page here or there if required." which implied to me, Here, Home and There away. Which is probably where the thoughts of having a printer when away from home came from. Quite why that would be an investment to have in a caravan is strange to me.
I am an old fashioned traditionalist and will always prefer the directory. It's there when you want it. It doesn't rely on power or internet. I never keep them up to date with additions/deletions and have never come unstuck.
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Harry
I don't see why there was any confusion in what I said which was that I wanted to keep the printed site directory as it is but in addition I wanted it to be available in a .PDF files as well. That would help me if I was compiling a tour of various sites so in my file I could have a printed version of the directory page for that site. That would go with all the other information about places to visit, public transport, fuel stops etc on my tour. Perhaps people don't go to those lengths when planning their time away but sadly I do! As I mentioned in my original post the Site Directory is probably sent to the printers in that format anyway so there wouldn't be any cost involved to the Club beyond adding a link somewhere on the website. I am only expressing a personal "like to have". The original idea about printing was to be done at home although if one had the facilities it could also be done on the move. The only reason I don't take a printer with me is that I have yet to find a compact one at a reasonable cost. Others must do what suits them.
David
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