[downeaster]

Bet you wondered where I was going with that subject.
Well here it is. I frequently read posts about Villagers receiving bad service, food etc. in this forum. Then a lot of replies follow from others with similar experiences.
One would think the vendors would stay tuned to this forum. They could learn a lot about the conduct of their business.
This forum is a credit to its contributors. They do a great job of stating their cases without overdoing it. I don't think I have read one comment that was not credible.
Keep it up, Villagers, the world is watching. (A lot of us, anyway).
BTW, I am a Villager and have been for nearly 7 years. Can't imagine living anywhere else.

DC

[JohnN]

I agree, vendors and TV employees/folks too should pay attention to this board, but I don't think they do. When I mentioned TOTV to my realtor (more than once) she looked at me like I was from outer space. Go figure

[samhass]

John, she must not be a happening, knowledgeable chick!! 1rnfl

I think you are right John and Happy Birthday again Sam. I believe most folks think this is just a chat group like any other. It definitely is not. Very good information is exchanged daily on this forum. I think Jan, Darrel and Tony really made it possible for all of us to collaborate on different subjects. Landscaping, shelving, painting, floor tiles, golf carts, eateries, etc. This information is so valuable to residents who seek information on reputable companies and workers that perform these tasks. The car wash debacle (on a prior thread) is a great example. One of our residents was taken for a ride and within minutes everyone was, at best, turned off by the new owner and are rethinking their postions about using his services. I don't mean to stray from topic but this forum is just a breath of fresh air when it comes to socialization and information gathering. Just IMHO.........

[JohnN]

samhass LOL, I guess she's not!!!
She was a wonderful person and real estate rep, very attentive,
just.. as I say.. "technically challenged" perhaps.

[garsha]

Some day they (all businesses) will know how powerful this site is. All us Villager-Want A Bees are gathering data on where to eat, RE Agents to use, what and where to buy golf carts. Just yesterday I searched sites for recommendation on a vet, actually called Park Heights that was recommended by many to check out what I may need to move the doxie with us.

Every community needs a post like this. I visit at least 4 times a week. Can't wait to be a full-timer in TV---but CA real estate is horrible and I think getting worse.

Thanks TOTV

[Talk Host]

Now, how can we get the thousands of local businesses to advertise here? :dontknow: We wanted to advertise TOTV with the Villages Media group (newspaper, radio VNN), but they refused our business. They view us as competition I guess. We have sent out hundreds of direct mail letters to advertisers, with little or no response. All of the advertisers you see here, have come directly to us on their own.

Ads here are seen 25,000 times a day by Village residents, present and future. Our rates are .10% of other media on a cost per thousand basis. It's a puzzle. What we need is a dynamic sales pro who could tell our story to these merchants. There is a ton of commission waiting for somebody who wants to sell a hot product.

[gfmucci]

How did you get B & H to advertise here? I know you're a photographer, but do you buy THAT much stuf from them?

[Mikitv]

Maybe we could get a list of e-mail addresses for the business and send them a note about how effective we are as a group. Just and idea.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by mikark

Maybe we could get a list of e-mail addresses for the business and send them a note about how effective we are as a group. Just and idea.

On two occasions, we have sent emails to thousands of area businesses. They don't seem to get the picture. They will though. ;D

Interestinly, there is a new member who is complaining bitterly that some negative comments here about a local business with which that member is directly connected, are hurting. Yet, when I suggested that the business advertise here, the reaction was that "it would do no good. :dontknow:

[handieman]

Mr. Talk Host, I think you need to advertise also. Signs in obvious places gathering Villagers attention and curiosity about what TOTV stands for, then they will come. Advertisers need to offer discounts for customers who have come to this site and have printed out their coupons. The coupon responce can be used as an advertising tool when approaching potential advertisers. You are in one of those situations that asks "what comes first, the chicken or the egg".

Keep the faith, look back to a year ago when I never heard of TOTV and thousands of others hadn't either. The membership numbers tell the story and to think Donna and I didn't even know each other, now the chat room has blossomed to lasting friendships which I shall be ever gratefull for

Handie :joke:

[graciegirl]

When I mentioned to our Villages rep, when we were here on our LifeStyle visit, that I had originally been "turned off to TV" but changed my mind because of information gathered and social contacts made on TOTV, she changed the subject. Being not pushy, I let it drop, now I wonder, did she not know about it, or was directed not to talk about it? I suspect that the "powers that be", the developers or their staff read TOTV on a regular basis. They would be foolish not too.

When I need to have something done or am thinking about buying something I first look at the TOTV advertisers. If I still have a question or I can't find the type of service I am looking for I post a question in the forum. I value other villagers opinions and feel the answers to my questions asked can be depended on. This is site that I look at every day and I look here first not last when I need advice. Thanks :bigthumbsup: :bigthumbsup: