APIOH has been sending out our newsletters for more than two years. In December 2009, we added our mission statement to the top of the newsletter. The mission statement is the same as the one that appears on our home page with one exception. Here’s how it reads. “APIOH: A Place In Our Hearts provides systems to memorialize our departed, recognize our achievers, and show gratitude to ur donors - within an organization and globally.“ What no one noticed until last month was the missing ‘o’ before ‘ur donors’.
This demonstrates an interesting phenomenon relative to communication and recognition systems. When a newsletter is sent out, it is affixed in content, in accuracy ‘and in error’. It can only be corrected through a retraction. When plaques or other fixed commemorative adornments are used in recognition, despite their splendor, their correction or modification can be difficult and take time to get done. It is akin to someone getting a tattoo and finding out when it was complete that it is spelled wrong. The damage can be undone but not without some pain and expense.
Alternatively, when a modifiable solution is used, necessary changes can be easily made at any time. True once someone sees an error or omission, some damage has already been done, but swift action to correct the error ensures the problem will not perpetuate.
There is an important balance between permanent (static) and modifiable (dynamic) solutions. One primary function of plaques is that accurately or not, they give an impression of permanence. The fact that modifiable solutions can change content is what makes many apprehensive to introduce such a solution. However, solutions such as APIOH’s interactive systems of recognition are not necessarily intended to replace current products, but instead enhance the qualities and characteristics of these less flexible alternatives. APIOH adds revision capabilities and substance while standard two dimensional representations add a different artistic element.
APIOH can provide organizations with both solutions, static and dynamic. Call us and we can work with you to help you determine what mix works best for you.