VFW WebCOM Training Department of Virginia

VFW WebCOM – What is it? VFW WebCOM weblogs and VFW WebMail are the internal and external communications protocols for the department. Every VFW Post and the Department of Virginia has it's own weblog. Universal domain system standardizes weblog addresses Universal branding keeps each site “in uniform”.

VFW.org – VFW WebCOM Audience Comparison VFW.org VFW WebCOM Demographic information from Quantcast.com 7/17/2007

VFW.org – VFW WebCOM Audience Comparison VFW.org VFW WebCOM Demographic information from Quantcast.com 7/17/2007

VFW WebCOM Usage thru 7/17/07 VFW WebCOM Usage thru 7/17/07

VFW WebCOM – Tools The VFW WebCOM network consists of nearly 10,000 weblogs. Every post and department in the VFW has it's own Internet presence. VFW WebMail. Over 31,000 VFW-specific officer accounts. Eventually to be expanded to include all members. Departmental Toolbar. Generates revenue for the department and instantly updates you with new information. Membership Forum. Information exchange between members around the world. Video platform. Videos of VFW events can be uploaded and shared.

VFW WebCOM – Objectives Increase membership. Quantifiable statistics show weblogs tend to attract a younger, internet-savvy audience. Increase communication to existing membership. Members stay informed as to events and activities. Increase communication to community by spotlighting members and community projects. Increase communication to elected officials. Generate revenue.

VFW WebCOM – Still to Come Events Calendars. Department and Post-specific storefronts. Additional toolbar functionality. More quick- links, information and veterans news. My VFW WebCOM. Will give membership easier access to network functions including photo-sharing, news and forum information. Expansion of video platform.

Frequently Asked Questions What's the cost? Services are offered at no cost to the organization. Costs are covered through various methods of revenue generation including advertising sales and toolbar usage. We don't have a computer or Internet at the post. What do we do? No problem. All of the tools which encompass the VFW WebCOM network are web-based. This means you can access them from anywhere in the world where you have access to a computer and Internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions Can I put pictures on the weblog? Absolutely. Each post weblog has been allocated 10 MB of photo storage space which can be expanded as necessary. People love to see pictures, so include them in your stories as often as you can. Our post already has a great website. Do we have to get rid of it? Congratulations, your post is ahead of the curve. You can keep your current site and add a link to the weblog to give your visitors more information. We do suggest that you eventually consider moving your content over to the weblog and eliminating the expense of running your own site.

Frequently Asked Questions How do we generate revenue with the weblog? 1. Identify those businesses and candidates in your community who support your post. 2. Show them your website and ask them to click on the 'Ad your Support' link at the bottom of the local ad or political ad zone. 3. Online storefront website will walk the advertiser through the purchase. 4. Advertisement will be reviewed and approved. 5. Department receives revenue share and disburses to Post.

Frequently Asked Questions How much can our post earn? - Each of the 8500 post weblogs has 5 text ad zones which can be purchased at a monthly rate. - Standard rate is $2/day or $60/month. - Ad serving company holds 20% of gross to cover expenses. Remainder is split (ads per blog) x $60 sponsorship= $300/mo 8500 (weblogs) x $300 = $2,550,000/month 12 months x $2.5M = $30.6 M/year Less expenses and revenue split with VFW Webcom $12,240,000/year organization-wide or about $1440 per post annually

Frequently Asked Questions Are there any other revenue opportunities? Yes. Posts and departments will also be able to generate income advertising sales to candidates running for office as well as sales of products and services in their online storefronts. Departments will generate revenue through statewide advertising sales on the weblogs and in the VFW WebMail system as well as through the use of the VFW WebCOM Department Toolbar. Departments will also receive revenues generated from unclaimed post weblogs. Where is it? Go to to get started.