Appraiser Webzine - A Question for AW Blog Readers

I am now considering an additional project, but it will only succeed with the help and assistance of fellow appraisers. Currently there is no place on the internet for personal property appraisers to visit that is current, informative and applicable to all personal property appraisers from all associations and divisions, including the major associations and also the smaller appraisal groups. In short there is not a destination site for the personal property appraiser on the internet. Yes each organization has its own site and most of the more interesting content is for members only, but I know of no site that would be considered worthy for all appraisers.

What I would like to do is organize a webzine (not to be confused with an e-zine marketing tool) with a large group of content providers who will have access to the main posting page of the webzine. The way I envision this is there will be one major content item at the top of the site, then three columns underneath. One for the main webzine body posts for authorized contributors of appraisal related content (just like on a blog), another column for other functions such as links and a third for sponsors and miscellaneous items. A sample of a more advanced site in a webzine format is the Huffington Post (see image, and no I am not making a political statement, only referring to the news deleivery concept) at www.huffingtonpost.com. It is a combination blog and magazine on the web.

With that in mind I would like to assemble a cross section of ASA, ISA, AAA, NAA, and ANA members (forgive me if I left any groups out), independents and others smaller personal property organizations as well as related industries to post commentary on the webzine. The content might include news, but I am looking more for opinions, association news/press releases theory, methodology, current practices, assignment discussions, and assistance posts.

I would set the site frame work, have an advisory council and then perhaps 30-50 authors and guest authors to contribute content. Typically posts would be in the 300 to 1000 word range, as it is the internet and content should not be overly long.

My question is, do you as fellow appraisers and AW Blog readers think this concept would be worthwhile and beneficial. If there are 30-50 authors and each pledges to contribute every month to month and half, the content should change frequently with little assistance by me once the site is set up and formatted. In other words it will be self sustaining so longs as the contributors post new content on a scheduled basis. It will also not be geared toward any one group or association, of course there can be news and information about these groups, but what I am looking for is diverse content and appraisal related news that will assist all personal property appraisers.

There is more and more standardization coming to this newly emerging "profession" and we need additional outlets for publishing, news, and current events. This webzine could be a partial solution and fill a current void for a website dedicated to all personal property appraisers just as the Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies filled a void and a need for a venue to publish.

If you think it is a good idea please let me know. Additionally, if you are interested in being one of the regular author/contributors please let me know. Remember, the being a contributor on a regular basis would have a minimal commitment, only a short contribution over 4 - 6 weeks period (more if you so desire). I believe I can easily set this process up, but I would need the cooperation and dedication of fellow appraisers for the content. If that is achieved, the webzine will be self sustaining with content and therefore require minimal upkeep.

Keep in mind that this is just an idea and in the conceptual stage, but I do think if done properly it could work. If any income were derived from the site it would be used to one offset some expenses which would be minimal, and the balance would be used to advertise and grow the site.

Any thoughts and ideas are welcome, either posted directly on the AW blog or privately sent back to me. I look forward to your comments.

Best regards,

Todd

PS Next month will be the one year anniversary of the Appraiser Workshops blog. I am very pleased with the results and the dedicated following that has developed for the blog and its content both through the email delivery system and daily visits to the blog. The audience and daily visits continues to grow, and that makes the project worthwhile. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement as the blog has grown and emerged over the past year.