Boating Writers International wrapped up a survey in early May that provides a sketch of the typical BWI member, his or her work, interests, concerns and suggestions to help members grow in a difficult media environment. Among the highlights:

• 65 percent members are freelancers who earn the majority of their income from magazines covering boats 80 feet or smaller.
• The things members want BWI to help them learn, in order of preference, are social networking and new technologies, copyright laws and legal issues, how to build a website, how to blog, how to sell magazine articles, and how to write for online publications.
• More than half of members have a website or blog — and nearly half don’t.
• More than half want online forums and ask that they be open only to BWI members (note that BWI now has a LinkedIn page, where members can communicate).

Journalists who cover the world of boating have been affected like most others serving the recreational market, and they are experiencing additional buffeting from the sweeping changes taking place in general media. In a recently released membership survey, only 4 in 10 members of Boating Writers International (BWI) reported that their income has not changed since last year. Those who are earning less say they have seen a drop of up to 30 percent.

Looking ahead, BWI members are focused on learning to adapt to the accelerating changes in communications. BWI’s survey shows that members plan to, in order of preference: master social networking and new technologies, improve their websites and blogs, and create more material for online audiences. The harsh business climate is also reflected in their interest in copyright laws, contracts, and legal issues, to both protect their work and help assure that payment results from it. Read more »