Sunday, March 01, 2009

The Winner Is... Results of the Houston Family Fun Survey

Thanks to all of you who completed the Houston Family Fun survey regarding my newsletter. A total of 94 people responded with 76 people completing all 6 questions. As promised, I drew one name from those 76 respondents to win a $25 American Express gift certificate as a token of my appreciation. The winner is...

Brigitte Hokaj!

Brigitte, I will email you to confirm your mailing address and send you the $25 gift certificate. Congratulations!

Here's a recap of the feedback you shared, that I'll be incorporating into future newsletters. If you're NOT a subscriber to this FREE email newsletter, sign up today.

Question #1: How much is the economic recession affecting your family buying decisions?
A lot: 18
Somewhat: 49
Not at all: 9

Question #2: In terms of newsletter content, do you prefer:
Suggested family activities and reviews? 67
Insightful articles on family topics quoting child experts? 3
Other: 6

Question #3: What do you like best about the Houston Family Fun newsletter?
Here's a collection of some responses:
- I get a lot of information for activities in town. it saves me time.
- Personal stories, photos, reflections about being a mother. Heart warming!
- Format, tone, down to earth quality, variety of activities and $$$$ suggested
- Variety of suggestions from free to paid and not just in one area of the city
- Easy to follow at a glance and links to where you need to go for more information
- So informative... especially since alot of times it lists specifics to the time period or holiday
- It has lots of meaningful information. It's worth my time to read.
- I like that' its emailed and gives all kinds of ideas. Advice is good also.

Question #4: What do you wish I'd change about the Houston Family Fun newseltter?
- Just an idea - timeframe suggestions - i.e. Great to do before 11 a.m., Best before 4 p.m....
- I think it is great! I loved the issue with the birthday party ideas.maybe you could add a seasonal section on where they offer different kinds of lessons for children around houston, dance, spanish,art, summer camps. ect...
- I'd love to see more ideas! Ideas on child-friendly places to eat and "kids eat free" or similar discount info
- maybe some topics about activities w/grandparents
- more activities - maybe even smaller, regional ones. Or maybe you could somehow categorize the activies into regions?
- nothing it is so wonderful and I really appreciate all your hard work!

Question #5: Do you have a copy of the book "100+ Activities for Houston Kids"?
Yes: 43
No: 32

Question #6: What else would you buy from me if only I was smart enough to offer it to you?
- Fun, simple crafts to do at home with your kids - if not in a book, you could start by doing one craft per newsletter and have it be adjustable to work with a toddler through preschool age child.
- Activity kits for rainy days
- I think your suggestions on family friendly restaurants has been fantastic, maybe something along those lines? You have been a blessing to our family. We have had so much fun as a family each month. We had a bunny buddies party at the Nature Discovery Center after visiting as a result of one of your newsletters, it was a BIG hit! Our 4 year old daughter and friends had a ball! Oh, how about including some places in the community that you and your child could help out by volunteering in some way.
- discounted memberships or tickets to museums and other area places and events * social networking for families in the various areas or neighborhoods of Houston looking for children of similar ages for play time * ways to connect with babysitters in a neighborhood or area of town (I just read of a group in Tampa, Florida - http://www.sittersoirees.com/)
maybe a zip-specific thing so that even small, random events could be included and would be convenient?

With so much wonderful feedback, I need to get busy researching & writing. Thanks to each of you for taking time to give me feedback. Please post comments to this blog or email me any time.

Until the next nap time...