As has been said elsewhere, we've had the most wonderful weekend discussing the new website, outings, reform of the EC, finances etc etc. And making the most lovely new friends!
After the AGM we had an early dinner, or was it a late lunch because at home we normally eat around half two (which you probably aren't really interested in knowing but you do now).
Anyway, in the course of joyful munching I had the most amazing and pleasant thought.
But, alas, far too soon, my mind returned to the Beaumont Society.

So, we have around 650 members. Would I be correct in saying that only about forty are likely to attend any Beaumont events?
Then the site itself. How many regularly use it? Fifty or sixty? Mainly those who attend events plus a few more.
So where is everyone else? Why do they join the Beaumont? Just for the magazine????

Let's stop for a minute and think.
Unless someone comes up with a more convincing argument, I believe that the overwhelming majority of our members are here just for the magazine. Which, of course, the active members have access to also.
We rightly spend a lot of time and money developing the site and planning outings but are we ignoring THE ONE THING that unites all members to a greater or lesser extent?
It would be my respectful submission (yes I had to put it that way) that we ought to be putting much, much, much more effort into the magazine.

Hey, time for "Karen's Random Thoughts"
(Which announcement to be accompanied by a fanfare on the organ and a couple of scantily clad beauties).
I've been chatting with Jennifer, the new editor, about a feature called (provisionally) "Beyond The Profile" being in depth interviews with Beaumont personalities in which they will hopefully reveal much more about themselves (with photos).
I would like to see abandonment of what looks like a wee club magazine (NOT my wording) and have more contributions from trans people outside the society and, if possible, outside the country. Or inside the country and outside the society. Maybe outside the country and inside the society. Then there's outside...!
I'd like to see interviews/articles by more famous trans people (Izzard etc) and supporters (Tennant etc).
Maybe the odd politician being supportive but not too party political.
Maybe get a patron or two.
Doubtlessly look at the sadly defunct Transliving magazine which appeared quite different to ours and had much to be said for it.
Maybe get a youth correspondent who wouldn't be a member (even if you paid them) but could let us know what's happening out there and what they want.
Maybe something of relevance by a drag artist. There is a crossover even if it's just some make-up tips.

Longer reports on events particularly as Transliving won't be doing them about their own ones. Weekly/monthly ones and not just biggies.
Lots and lots more advertising. A free quarter page (or larger) obviously trans related in some way in exchange for a member's discount. The company gets free advertising, our members get a good deal and we become a good source of information about products etc without any effort on our part. Just thought; maybe even Virgin Atlantic with whom we've worked in the past. All sorts of possibilities there (resulting in free flights for Scottish members of the EC).
A return of Auntie Kay's Problem Page.
We could do a wickedly "tranny" horoscope. Fabulously camp, Darling. (I think that Carol has volunteered).

Gosh, hope I've got YOU thinking.
Gosh, hope I've got you contributing.
Even without changing the magazine, Jennifer NEEDS your articles NOW if there's to be a new issue. So please, please, please.....
And if ye have'nae contributed ye cannae moan. Kxxx