- Community of the Tonsured Servant
- Judy MacMillan
- Tom McMillen
- Jerry Stubbings
We have the opportunity to capitalize on recent advances in electronic media to overcome the distances that separate our branches from the Clan Centre and each other, as well as the substantial costs that conventional media and distribution of that media and other logistics would incur.A few pages and other elements contain information specific to the American market such as genealogical resources. Alternative pages will be provided for branches of other nationalities. Once the finalized, those letter-size pieces can be fit to A4 for branches needing that format. And nationality-specific information will also be folded into those pieces needing those revisions.You'll see that the North Central States logo is on some of the samples. Your logo (see the next column at right) can readily be substituted, along with information (e.g. fees, contact names) specific to your branch.
Fees: Most materials will be provided as 8.5" x 11" (letter-size) PDFs on a CD-ROM at no cost to Clan MacMillan branches. These can be opened and printed on either Windows or Macintosh platforms. Three larger pieces will be available as laminated archival prints for the cost of printing, packaging and mailing.
If you have any questions about anything on this page or those linked to it contact Mike McMillen or call 612.827.2174. On this site is also a page of computer terms which may be helpful.
A compilation of ideas, input and images from members of Clan MacMillan's branches on the subject of Highland games: preparing, presenting and following up these events.
This document is a PDF (not a web page) which can be opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader, version 5 or later. It is optimized to print out at letter size, though it could be reduced to print on A4 size paper. The document is 400 KB.
This isn't a page which will appear in your browser. You'll be downloading it to your computer. The name of the document is "clan_presence6-07.pdf". As each platform and browser has a different procedure for downloading files, I can't provide detailed instructions on how to do this. If you have difficulty downloading this e-mail me and I can attach the PDF to a reply.
A logo will impart a consistent image applied through a variety of media: display graphics, printed materials and electronic media like websites. A "family" similarity would reflect the extended family that is our Clan.
This makes use of Celtic typography incorporating stylized holly, the Clan plant badge.I can provide a variation of the logos below (for instance replacing "Glengarry & Ottawa Valley" with the name of your branch) to any branch that requests one, with versions also in black and white. Or a Clan MacMillan logo (the sample at top) that's non-specific to a branch. These logos would also be applied to appropriate materials I supplied.
Scottish Highland Games and similar events appear to be the best way to attract attention to your branch and create awareness of Clan MacMillan in general. While we have volumes of information to impart to MacMillans about their clan and heritage at these events, attendees are likely to absorb only small quantities of information in this environment.
These events are primarily entertainment, not education (though obviously the two can overlap.) Visual impressions such as maps and photographs are likely to make more impact and create a more substantial and lasting impression of both the branch and Clan. Click here to see more display samples.
As previously mentioned, few attendees are likely to read long passages from books while attending an event. If they are provided something to take away, they can not only absorb more information at their leisure, but can pass it along to others in their family who are interested. Click here to see more distribution samples.
Highland games are only a few days a year. A website can be a year-round presence. The benefits to a branch website are numerous:
- Clanspeople and others can find you through links and search engines.
- They can gain an impression of your branch remotely. This is important for those who fear being pressured in a face-to-face scenario or over even the phone. As ridiculous as this sounds they are a sizable proportion of the population.
- A website is a small fraction of the cost of any other medium available. No printing or media placement fees excepting a small monthly fee. A site can be changed instantly and without cost, at least for those who have the wherewithall to do so.
- The best medium to reach younger people. The younger a person is, the more likely he or she is to use the Internet as their primary source of information. A well produced website is instant credibility to those under 30. As that population ages the Internet will become more of a factor in reaching clanspeople.
Revised 20 June 2007
Maintained by McMillen Design