Bike Forums greeting card
01-07-12, 11:43 AM
#1
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Bike Forums greeting card
Back in October of last year, I started this thread on the General Cycling Forum:
I got some encouraging responses:
…to fuhgeddaboutit. I still think it’s a good idea; not soliciting, but more like pleasantly exchanging a business card with a potentially interested client for mutual benefit.
Last month I had the opportunity to learn how to use the Microsoft Publisher office program with the capability to design and print double-sided business cards; see photo below. Since the 50+ Forum distinguishes itself by its congenial and welcoming spirit, I'd be glad to offer these Bike Forum greeting cards gratis to anyone. Just send me a mailing address and I’ll send ten, or whatever requested, with your user name, or any other message of a similar nature.
I mentioned these cards to a local BF personal friend, a recent college grad and cycling roadie working as a bike courier, and he was interested, and even offered to reimburse me.
I also designed a double-sided joke card, based on an ethnic joke I once saw directed towards my own ethnic heritage (see below). Though intended towards snooty roadies, my friend is very pleasant and intelligent, with a degree in physics.
I am a year-round cyclist in Boston, and an enthusiastic subscriber to Bike Forums. We seem to have a lot of Forum members around here. Whenever I'm out on the road and encounter a serious-appearing cyclist, hoping to meet a fellow BF subscriber, I try to inquire if they are on the Forums, and if not, I try to introduce it to them. Often these encounters are brief, and the best I can do beyond a quick explanation, is to give them the URL (“BikeForums [one word, emphasis on plural] dot net” [emphasis on net].)
I was thinking about making a little business type card, 3.5 x 2 inches, to hand out for their further consideration. A first draft of my message is:
[SEE ORIGINAL POST]
I chose the Forums listed to demonstrate and appeal to a wide range of interests, and as self-explanatory by title. Any comments or suggestions?
I was thinking about making a little business type card, 3.5 x 2 inches, to hand out for their further consideration. A first draft of my message is:
[SEE ORIGINAL POST]
I chose the Forums listed to demonstrate and appeal to a wide range of interests, and as self-explanatory by title. Any comments or suggestions?
…Have you ever been approached out of the blue, out in public, by someone like that? I have. It's weird. Especially if they hand you materials to read. Like a laminated card. Or they are having a normal conversation with you then they spring "Jesus loves you" on you out of nowhere.
If someone has interest in reading about cycling online, they will eventually find BF.
If someone has interest in reading about cycling online, they will eventually find BF.
Last month I had the opportunity to learn how to use the Microsoft Publisher office program with the capability to design and print double-sided business cards; see photo below. Since the 50+ Forum distinguishes itself by its congenial and welcoming spirit, I'd be glad to offer these Bike Forum greeting cards gratis to anyone. Just send me a mailing address and I’ll send ten, or whatever requested, with your user name, or any other message of a similar nature.
I mentioned these cards to a local BF personal friend, a recent college grad and cycling roadie working as a bike courier, and he was interested, and even offered to reimburse me.
I also designed a double-sided joke card, based on an ethnic joke I once saw directed towards my own ethnic heritage (see below). Though intended towards snooty roadies, my friend is very pleasant and intelligent, with a degree in physics.
01-07-12, 11:53 AM
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I just noticed on the card, "...for a list some of the special interest forums..." should be, "...for a list of some of the special interest Forums..." 
Fixed on the template.
Fixed on the template.
01-07-12, 12:09 PM
#3
Time for a change.
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great idea.
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01-07-12, 12:26 PM
#4
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Cards like this came with my Tilley hat. I've given a few of them out.
The jersey is an attention getter, but I don't know of anyone who came to BF because they saw me wear one. If anything, I probably scared them off.
The jersey is an attention getter, but I don't know of anyone who came to BF because they saw me wear one. If anything, I probably scared them off.
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01-08-12, 07:57 PM
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We used them for the super moderators at a site I helped start for dirt bikes. I gave them out at tracks and to shop owners that were interested. Might work here.
Bill
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I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
01-09-12, 09:26 AM
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I have a friend who owns www.roadbikerider.com and he hands out cards like that, if, after a 3-5 minute conversation the other person seems interested in "learning more".
BTW: my RBR jersey is my favorite.
BTW: my RBR jersey is my favorite.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
01-09-12, 09:37 AM
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I hand out cards when asked about my Bright tail Light.
I also have BF cards with local info on them.
Encountered some that left BF because of the snarky replys from BF road riders.
I also have BF cards with local info on them.
Encountered some that left BF because of the snarky replys from BF road riders.
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01-10-12, 08:44 PM
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I think this is a very good idea, Jim. If someone simply told me of a website, I'd probably forget the address by the time I got home. This concept is probably best suited for those who ride in groups or in areas with heavy bike traffic. I think I'd likely have to throw the cards at those few I pass (or pass me) on my travels! 
01-10-12, 10:58 PM
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Bike Forums greeting cards
Thanks for the replies. As I have mentioned, my idea is not to be a shill for Bike Forums, but to make serious and/or potential cyclists aware of it for their benefit. I serendipitously learned of Bike Forums from an offhand comment on a blog devoted to a newspaper cartoon strip, and I was already a serious cyclist for over 30 years. I added an addendum recently to my introductory cycling biography written when I first subscribed to BF, telling of how it affected my cycling lifestyle:
The opportunity to talk to other cyclists is indeed fleeting and limited, to describe what BF is all about; thus my idea of a greeting card. Not to sound pretentious, but a favorite quote of mine as to how we find our way in the world is “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
Cards like this came with my Tilley hat. I've given a few of them out…
… Since joining Bike Forums, I have also ridden on the Second Annual Fifty Plus Ride...and with the Third Annual Ride...
Also since subscribing, I have adapted to riding my Cannondale Mountain Bike in rain and winter precipitation, including on icy roads, thanks to advice from the Forums.
Also since subscribing, I have adapted to riding my Cannondale Mountain Bike in rain and winter precipitation, including on icy roads, thanks to advice from the Forums.
I have a friend who...hands out cards like that, if, after a 3-5 minute conversation the other person seems interested in "learning more"
…If someone simply told me of a website, I'd probably forget the address by the time I got home. This concept is probably best suited for those who ride in groups or in areas with heavy bike traffic. I think I'd likely have to throw the cards at those few I pass (or pass me) on my travels!
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 01-11-12 at 04:40 AM.
01-14-12, 01:04 PM
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Last edited by Jim from Boston; 01-14-12 at 02:09 PM.
