"First, after 10+ years in my professional life having designed and operated e-businesses, I went back to school in 2002 and received my MBA from Columbia Southern University, with a specialization in marketing and e-business. I feel that my professional career and education in web based marketing provides me with a certain insight and experience that could be useful to you.
"I believe that the Principality of Vikesland might be better served by initially offering a single noble title, that of Knighthood, styled as Sir, for sale to the general public interested in supporting Vikesland. In addition, the title itself wouldn't be for sale, instead, the fee associated with the title would pay for administrative processing to the appointment of the fraternal order of Vikeslandic Knights. It would also grant the new Knight the use of the title Sir or Lady. Then after having been appointed a Vikeslandic Knight, the individual would be eligible for further noble titles...mentioned on the website but not offered directly for sale until one is a Knight. This information would be included in their welcome packet and/or on the exclusive Knights forum.
"Also, by offering an initial single title for sale and at the lowest rank, you also are able to keep the higher noble titles more exclusive. I think you would also find an increase in the amount of noble titles being purchased both at the grade of Knight and higher. Then, the graduated scale of nobility could be offered. You could easily expect $500 to $1,000 for the title of Duke. Believe it or not, higher price can actually make people more interested, not less. Particularly in the area of nobility. Wording and presentation are key.
"Next, on the issue of the University... After having been briefly involved in the formation of an online Christian bible college, I can't think of a faster way to attract negative attention on the internet than by offering honorary degrees, regardless of how well the intentions may be. However, I think Vikesland U. is on the right track.
"Two things that would be of most benefit in this area and would help to avoid this negative attention... are as follows. A) You may want to consider associating the university with the Vikeslandic Church. The reason for this is that... there is a certain amount of acceptance internationally from church and ministry issued honorary degrees... Now, it doesn't have to be a big mention, but including that the university is associated with the church is probably not a bad idea.... B) Make it clear that the fees associated with the honorary degree are NOT for the purchase of the degree and these fees are for the administrative cost of the evaluation only. (Perhaps a portion of the fee returned if the application is rejected.) The degree is awarded based on merit and not money... more than anything this will be of the most benefit and would help to avoid being labeled as a diploma mill.
"Taking a page from the late Princes Diana [sic], I've determined that one of the best ways for the Principality of Vikesland to gain some international exposure with the UN is charitable involvement through UNICEF. Vikesland, as an organization, could give to UNICEF in amounts as small as $10 per donation. This would be the perfect tie in for the Order of Vikeslandic Knights and would serve to legitimize the issuing of Knighthoods beyond that of simply growing the Vikeslandic Bank... not that this is a bad thing. The Order of Vikeslandic Knights would then take an active roll [sic] in international relief efforts and becomes similar in purpose to that of the Catholic Church's Knights of Columbus.
"The following is a basic outline of what I think would be most beneficial to the Principality of Vikesland, the National Bank of Vikesland, the Royal Council and UNICEF.
"1. Realign in purpose the Order of Vikeslandic Knights as a fraternal organization that grants Knighthoods to all new members when they submit the application fee and a pledge of support for Vikeslandic International Relief Projects (UNICEF).
"2. Reserve higher titles of Vikeslandic Nobility to Vikeslandic Knights. Knighthood is a prerequisite. A statement about noble titles up to that of Duke could be made in terms that one could understand it is possible to ascend to a higher noble rank once they have been accepted as a Knight. In this way, Sir John Doe could become a Duke in the near future...etc. However, fees associated with this would not be presented on the public website. By doing this it reduces the appearance that Vikeslandic titles can simply be purchased for X amount and increases credibility as a micronation.
"This is a strong selling point. People are less apt to join the ranks of nobility when their friends can look at their certificate and do a search on the internet and see how easy they received it. However, they are more apt to be viewed as nobility when said friends find that this person is part of an International Order of Knights that a) defend the honor of the Principality of Vikesland and HRM ['Prince Christopher'], and b) support International Relief efforts.
"3. After each new member submits their application fee, or after a set number of members have done so, a regular donation to UNICEF could be made as an organization, "The Principality of Vikesland." The amount each time isn't as important as consistency. After a period of time, Vikesland could petition UNICEF to be accepted as a Member Organization. However, this should be done after at least a year or more of regular giving. Ultimately, during this time period, the Principality of Vikesland will be receiving letters of gratitude from UNICEF for it's [sic] giving. While it is frowned upon by UNICEF to directly use their name in connection with other efforts, there is no reason why the Principality of Vikesland could not post letters of thanks from UNICEF for donations already given.
"I suspect the results of following this basic outline will be a substantial increase in the amount of revenue to HRM ['Prince Christopher'] and Vikesland. In addition, a minimum of $75 should be attached to the fee for Knighthood... but, this could be experimented with. A higher fee may be more beneficial. I don't know what your click through rate from advertising noble titles is, but I suspect that the percentage of titles being conferred is about 2% to 5% of the daily visitors. I don't think that percentage will change because it follows a basic economic formula. Vikesland benefits by this, HRM ['Prince Christopher'] benefits by this and UNICEF will benefit by this."
It appears that the model was intended to work thus:
(1) make up 'titles'
(2) offer them for sale over the internet
(3) publish partial details of the scheme, in the hope of inducing further sales
(4) as a further inducement, involve a charity
(5) pay an amount over to charity, after deductions
Howe has not detailed what charges and expenses will be applied to any income generated from his present attempt to sell 'noble titles' so it is unclear what net sums might be available for charity.
However, we note that the above model indicates a donation of $10 from a charge of $75 or higher. This proposition would represent net deductions for 'expenses' of at least some 87% of the original charge. The model also explicitly states that the vendor's 'bank' would profit from the scheme.
It is also presently unclear how the business plan that Howe appears to have prepared in 2006 might apply to his current activity.
