Outlook Survey
Page 23
Outlook survey results
Last issue, we sent out a survey asking how we could improve the Outlook magazine, and we received questionnaires back from members, volunteers, donors, puppy sponsors, puppy walkers and others.
The results showed that each person who completed the survey had their favourite sections, as well as other pages they were not so keen on, but overall each section rated about the same across all groups.
The most read sections amongst members were the News, Features and the Hints and Tips pages. Guidelines is especially popular with volunteers, donors and puppy sponsors. However, the most popular section overall is the Feature article, with 49% of respondents rating it as either a four, or a five, out of five.
These sections will continue in their current format to provide information and profiles for readers, although we will freshen them up by providing new angles and different perspectives on issues of interest.
The feedback we received about print size and layout told us that equal numbers of members prefer black text on a white background or white text on a black background. We are currently investigating which elements that could be changed to accommodate these preferences, but we do need to take into account the different low vision requirements of all readers.
The overwhelming layout preference was for 16 point font size (the current font size used) and a two column layout for pages, so we will continue to produce Outlook in this format.
Members' requests for new sections fell into three main categories. These were: the opportunity for members to have their own letters or soapbox/ opinion page; international news and features; and regional pages or stories. We are limited to the current 24 page format, so space for content remains at a premium.
However, we can incorporate international stories and developments into future Features stories, and we recognise that people would like more regional stories, so we will consciously try to make sure the country is more evenly represented in future issues.
For the letters/ soapbox page, we will examine current content to see where we can fit an opinion column into the magazine.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out the survey. Look out for changes in upcoming issues.