| The survey sez .
. . Readers give The Communicator high marks |
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| By MARY CAROLINE
POWERS The conversion of The Communicator from a newspaper to a magazine format has been well received, according to the results of a survey published in the October issue. Seventy percent of the more than 200 respondents say they like the new format very much; another 83 percent indicate the length of the articles published is just right, and 85 percent say the information is presented clearly. As for subject matter, respondents were clear about what issues were "very important" to them: · 86 percent - contract negotiations; · 82 percent - civil service, pensions and retirement; · 77 percent - member benefits information; · 70 percent - contract enforcement, grievances, improper practice charges and lawsuits; and · 69 percent - state budget and legislative issues. Nearly 63 percent want more information on contracts. As one respondent wrote, "Contract-negotiation information is very, very, very important." Other respondents also took the opportunity to send additional comments about the publication and PEF. More than one wanted more articles for retirees, a few felt there was too much emphasis on Albany, and several wanted to know if producing The Communicator on glossy paper as a magazine was more expensive than the former newspaper format. In actuality, it is not. Yearly production costs are virtually identical in large part because The Communicator newspaper was published 12 times a year, whereas The Communicator magazine is published 10 times a year. More than one respondent mentioned a perceived bias toward Democratic politicians. "Endorsements are typically Democrats. Members are Republicans and Conservatives, too," wrote one respondent. Members from all 12 PEF regions were represented among respondents, and a handful of responses came from members or retirees living out of state. Asked to rate the magazine on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the best, the highest percentage of respondents awarded a score of "8" (31 percent), 18 percent gave The Communicator a "9," 13 percent said "7," and 7.5 percent accorded the magazine a top score of "10." "We're very grateful to everyone who took the time to complete the survey" said PEF Director of Public Relations Denyce Duncan Lacy. "Your input helps us stay focused on the information you need from the union." If you did not fill out the survey, copies can be obtained by calling PEF Public Relations at (518) 785-1900, ext. 277 or at 1-800-342-4306, ext. 277, or go to PEF's website to The Communicator page link to Member Feedback button or go to: comnovember1999/feedback.htm |
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