BirdLife and Marketing

I’ve got to be honest, I am absolutely gobsmacked by the attitude of a vocal minority of birding-aus subscribers towards BirdLife Australia. BirdLife Australia is the only organisation we have in Australia dedicated to the conservation of our birdlife, the promotion of birds and bird-related conservation issues and efforts in the community and the general support and promotion of birdwatching amongst the general public. Without Birdlife Australia there is nothing. And we object to a few invitations to donate money? Really? I get letters from my old school (that I finished attending almost 40 years ago) asking for money. I get letters from hospitals that I have attended over the years asking for money. I get letters from other organisations asking for money. Do I donate to them all? No. But I consider these letters to be invitations to donate that I am free to accept or decline. BirdLife Australia may not be the best or most effective marketers in the country (unfortunately that award goes to a very capitalist organisation, American Express). In fact, arguably, some of Birdlife Australia’s efforts may seem clumsy or awkward, but at least they are out there promoting birds and conservation. This is an organisation that warrants, and indeed, demands our support for without them we lose what little exposure our birds and birding conservation has. Traveling around the UK it is interesting to see the profile that RSPB has. Similarly, travelling around South Africa it is actually surprising to see the high profile of BirdLife South Africa. Personally, I would like to see BirdLife Australia learn from those organisations and create a far higher profile for itself – but this is something that takes time and effort and support from existing members to achieve. Paul Dodd Docklands, Victoria