OK, I keep reading the same gripes over and over. The number of OGs are proliferating. We all know that. So what can we do short of dropping WS membership (I know some of you will say, "Just drop the WS!!" but some shops aren't ready to do that just yet)?
How about Real Florists banding together and taking ACTION as a UNIT:
1. Pool resources and take display ads out in both FTD and TF directories, exposing the OG memberships? I'm sure a little creative finesse will do the trick: since FTD and TF aren't doing this, clearly list the membership numbers as SEND ONLY members. That can't be wrong can it?
2. Everyone who has a website with TF and/or FTD: The OGs list our shops on their websites, so why not turn the tables and educate consumers and list them as OGs to STAY AWAY FROM with the reasons why? We CAN put a custom page up our sites....
3. Start a petition to both WSs that OGs shouldn't be allowed to have memberships (they're using and abusing a service that was fundamentally created for REAL FLORISTS). If a significant number threatens to drop their memberhips unless the WSs change their ways, they'll be left with the OGs and no one to fill the orders. I know this one is a long shot, but still....they have boards of directors don't they? It has to reach that level....
How about Real Florists banding together and taking ACTION as a UNIT:
1. Pool resources and take display ads out in both FTD and TF directories, exposing the OG memberships? I'm sure a little creative finesse will do the trick: since FTD and TF aren't doing this, clearly list the membership numbers as SEND ONLY members. That can't be wrong can it?
2. Everyone who has a website with TF and/or FTD: The OGs list our shops on their websites, so why not turn the tables and educate consumers and list them as OGs to STAY AWAY FROM with the reasons why? We CAN put a custom page up our sites....
3. Start a petition to both WSs that OGs shouldn't be allowed to have memberships (they're using and abusing a service that was fundamentally created for REAL FLORISTS). If a significant number threatens to drop their memberhips unless the WSs change their ways, they'll be left with the OGs and no one to fill the orders. I know this one is a long shot, but still....they have boards of directors don't they? It has to reach that level....
