Newsletter #14 - March 17, 2009

Using Phones in the Bahamas


In This Issue:

- ActiveCaptain Explores Using Your Phone When Cruising the Bahamas
- Captains Now Receive More Points for Entering Reviews
- So What Are ActiveCaptain Points Anyway?
- ActiveCaptain Helps Cruisers and Marinas Work Better Together



Using Your Phone When Cruising the Bahamas
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Our latest article (#19) attempts to untangle the quagmire of using mobile phones while cruising in the Bahamas. We look at information about the major cellular providers and explore some alternate ways of "phoning home." What is the best method? Roaming? A local number? Satellite? VOIP? While what's best for one cruiser may not work for another, we cover the basics so you can better balance your own need for communications, convenience and cost. Check out "Calling From the Bahamas" at:
http://www.activecaptain.com/articles/mobilePhones/bahamas.php



Captains Now Receive More Points for Entering Reviews
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Our users tell us that nothing is more valuable in ActiveCaptain than the reviews of other Captains. Seeing the experiences others have had at marinas and anchorages helps you determine the places that shouldn't be missed, the ones that should be avoided, and the ones that might have some unique attributes. So we decided to reward Captain reviews appropriately. From now on, all new reviews will generate 10 ActiveCaptain points rather than the current 1 point. So now when you add a review to the nearly 8,000 existing reviews, you'll earn more points. Not only will you be helping everyone in the ActiveCaptain community by sharing your knowledge and experience, you'll reap the benefits of ActiveCaptain points - read on...



So What Are ActiveCaptain Points Anyway?
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When we designed the ActiveCaptain web site we felt it would be helpful for us and for you, our fellow Captains, to have a sense of a Captain's experience level when reading a review. We developed a system of points that would be awarded for information which was contributed. One point for filling in the dock depth or information about marina amenities, ten points for adding a new anchorage or bridge, etc. Captains quickly began amassing points - many have hundreds of points, some have thousands, and one even has over 10,000 (see our January 28th newsletter, http://www.activecaptain.com/newsletters/2009-01-28.php). We're now just about ready to give new meaning to points and we want you to be aware of what's going to happen.

We've signed contracts with major marine distribution suppliers. We're going to create a new ActiveCaptain store for a variety of boating products at really good prices. Proceeds will ensure that the ActiveCaptain web site can continue to grow. But here's where it gets interesting. We'll provide price discounts based on the points you've accumulated. It's sort of like "frequent flyer miles" except there's no black-out dates! When you use your points to purchase products, we'll be able to offer outstanding prices. Just wait until you see...

Watch for next month's newsletter for more details.



ActiveCaptain Helps Cruisers and Marinas Work Better Together
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Not only have your reviews proved helpful to other cruisers, they are actually helping to improve the marinas! We have heard from some savvy marinas that have been monitoring their reviews to see how they're doing. The smart ones like knowing how they're being perceived. Recently, we were contacted by a marina that had received a less than favorable review and wanted to try and make it right. We contacted the Captain involved to see if he was willing to communicate with the marina directly. (Don't worry, your contact information will never EVER be provided without your explicit permission.) We later heard that the problem was resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.

Use the power of ActiveCaptain to let your voice be heard. Let marinas know you've read about them on the ActiveCaptain web site. Tell them you saw their fuel price on ActiveCaptain or ask them why it's missing. The more information you have, the more enjoyable your adventures will be and the more money you can save. Who doesn't want to save money today?

We thank all of our Captains for your continued support and encouragement! Keep adding those reviews and anchorages, and don't forget to mention ActiveCaptain every time you ask about fuel!


==================================
Karen and Jeffrey Siegel
aCappella
Castine, Maine

www.activecaptain.com
The Interactive Cruising Guidebook

2010-03-16	#29 - ActiveCaptain Co-Ops - This is big...
2010-02-23	#28 - ActiveCaptain "X" is now live
2010-02-15	#27 - ActiveCaptain Loves MaxSea/Furuno
2010-01-19	#26 - ActiveCaptain 2010
2009-12-10	#25 - ActiveCaptain X goes beta
2009-11-17	#24 - Quick Lists
2009-10-20	#23 - A fresh look at the iPhone
2009-09-22	#22 - Are we the wave of the future?
2009-08-19	#21 - ActiveCaptain Sets Sail
2009-07-21	#20 - Rescue Tape for 150 Points
2009-07-14	#19 - ActiveCaptain Rocks!
2009-07-01	#18 - ActiveCaptain Gets a Facelift
2009-06-02	#17 - Another ActiveCaptain award!
2009-05-19	#16 - Hats off to you!
2009-05-06	#15 - Twitter, New PodCast, and more
2009-03-17	#14 - Using phones in the Bahamas
2009-03-03	#13 - The best fuel prices
2009-01-28	#12 - SAIL innovation award
2009-01-05	#11 - Power accessories article
2008-12-02	#10 - Bluetooth headsets article
2008-10-28	#9 - The next wave
2008-09-13	#8 - ActiveCaptain Mobile news
2008-06-15	#7 - Mad Mariner
2008-03-12	#6 - ActiveCaptain Mobile
2008-01-21	#5 - Inlets
2007-09-19	#4 - Boat ramps
2007-07-09	#3 - Local knowledge released
2007-04-14	#2 - Global support
2007-02-11	#1 - Anchorages released

Every time you contribute to the ActiveCaptain community, you'll earn points. Earn enough points and you'll receive free items like an ActiveCaptain hat. You can also use your points for discounts in the ActiveCaptain store.

Learn more about how points work and the free products and discounts available.