3 minute read
EDITORIAL
What’s in a name?
Well …… quite a lot really.
CATCHY names stick in the memory and are readily recalled. For Orienteering, events with catchy names are more likely to attract entries from those who are less committed to attending every event on offer. Last year’s “Bendigo to Beechworth Carnival” was aptly named and QB3 is held each year on the long weekend in June. Later this year we have “The Grapes of Rock Tour” in NSW and next Easter we’ll all be at SnowE2005. Recently in Britain, two rounds of the UK Cup and the British Relays were held on a long weekend in the Forest of Dean, near the Severn Valley. The weekend of events was named “Triple O Severn” – a crafty name play on the location and a well-known super sleuth. In another example, a series of Sprint-O events held in the south of England was named the “Southern Express”. I had the good fortune to compete in the Southern Express though, in my case, it was more totter than express. Catchy names for events or series makes good marketing sense. For many people, an easily remembered event name is the first thing that attracts their attention. The “Run to the G” in Melbourne is a good example (this year’s event attracted 5000 entrants). If the event can also build a reputation for excellence still more people will enter. More participants make for more vibrant and successful events, and so the cycle builds. So, a message to event organizers, particularly those developing new events and new concepts – think carefully about how you name your event or series. Catchy names are certainly not the only requirement for successful events, but they’re a very good beginning. Good navigating.
Michael Hubbert
Ian Baker is retiring
No, not from Orienteering, but as editor of The Australian Orienteer.
Ian has been editor for the past eight years and under his stewardship the quality and appearance of our national magazine has improved in leaps and bounds. The magazine now ranks with the best amongst Australian sporting journals and is a show piece for our sport. Ian has been involved in the administration and promotion of Orienteering in some way since he first took it up in 1971. He’s had two stints as editor and has contributed his considerable promotion and marketing skills to the sport in many ways. We owe Ian a huge vote of thanks and express the hope that he will stay involved in the future. Attempting to fill those large shoes which Ian has left will be new editor, Mike Hubbert. Mike was one of the participants in that legendary first event at Upper Beaconsfield in Victoria thirty-five years ago (23 August 1969) and has been involved in competition and administration of the sport ever since. He intends to maintain the high quality of this national magazine; to further its in-depth reporting on issues of broad interest to all Orienteers; and to encourage and foster greater involvement and input from the various state associations who, after all, are the membership base for our great sport. If you would like to see a particular issue covered within the pages of this magazine then please contribute and your wish will be fulfilled.
In 1974, Ian Baker and John Lewis founded Victoria's O-Gear shop and advertised on control cards. O-shoes cost $17.95 and the best compass $14.50.
Ian Baker was instrumental in starting Ski-O in Victoria.
Don’t forget your Xmas presence XMAS 5-DAYS 2004
