Face the Media

By Debbie Elicksen

Face it. If the NHL wants to survive as a going concern, it has to get with the times.
Yes, it has revamped its Website to include interesting blogs, live video and audio feed, and numerous other features. The updates on the media site score sheets are still two to three minutes behind the actual game clock, but it has improved. (See the National Lacrosse League site for actual real time updates.) However, its media credential policy still lives in the Dark Ages.
There is an old saying -- maybe it's this writer's old saying: if you want to find your target audience -- go where they go.
We are in the middle of a media revolution: out with traditional and in with new technology. It's ever changing but those that learn and move with the ebb and flow of the Internet will likely find more success than those stuck in the old traditional formats that are drying up.
For example, many have stopped buying newspapers because a) they pile up faster than you have time to read them and b) it is a pain in the backside to take the bulky weight of them to the recycling bin. But more so, people are getting their news and sports online and through cable television because it's instantaneous; it's easy; and you get a broader viewpoint.
Here are the facts:
o The high fixed costs of printing and distribution are not going down any time soon.
o The Rocky Mountain News, which closed its doors in February, was said to be failing in 2001 when it joined forces with the Denver Post; owner E.W. Scripps Co. says it lost $15 million in Denver in 2008
o The Philadelphia Inquirer, Baltimore Sun, and Boston Globe shut down their foreign bureaus; Time and Newsweek downsized their foreign correspondents (LJWorld)
o The Tribune Co., owners of Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, is in bankruptcy proceedings and outsourcing its foreign news coverage; the New York Times is in financial trouble
o (Pew Internet and American Life Project November 19 to December 20, 2008): 70 percent Internet users get their news online; 45 percent get sports scores online; 29 percent listen to live or recorded radio broadcasts; 36 percent get their news online daily; 29 percent look for their hobby or interests online daily; 15 percent look for sports scores online daily
o (Statistics Canada, June 2008): 73 percent of the population 16 and older go online for personal reasons; 68 percent are online every day; men stay online longer than women; most online users earn over $95,000; 84 percent of online users have some post-secondary education
o (The Conference Board and TNS): close to 16 percent of Internet-using U.S. households watch television broadcasts online; 3/5 of those that watch online broadcasts say it's more convenient
o Television networks have lost 17 percent of its 18- to 49-year-old demographic to Internet TV (comScore)
o (Awareness Inc.) 93 percent of organizations surveyed use some form of unpaid social media in an era of declining marketing budgets
The NHL and other like organizations cannot ignore what is happening. The desired demographic is online, not on the networks or reading newspapers. Pew reported in December 2008 that 74 percent of adults use the Internet and if you look at the demographic breakdown - it's exactly who the NHL is trying to reach to keep its business afloat.
18-29: 87 percent use the Internet
30-49: 82 percent
50-64: 72 percent
65+: 41 percent
And the higher the income, the more Internet use.
One of the jobs of PR departments is to control the company message; whereas the media's job is to relay the message to the general public that doesn't have the upfront access. For the organization, the media actually provides free advertising. If the media organizations all dried up overnight, the NHL would not have a venue to market its business.
Because the mainstream media industry is changing, NHL PR departments have to rethink their priority hierarchy when it comes to media importance. They can no longer afford to "diss" the electronic media, as they may be the last ones standing in the new era that is taking place at this very moment. That doesn't mean accrediting every Tom, Dick, and Jane that has a sports blog or Website. But if the NHL brass actually took a moment to click on the most frequented sites and blogs that are continually updated and those with writers that are serious about writing, the NHL might consider adding those outlets to the list.
Look no further than the presidential campaign of Barak Obama to see where the future is going in media. He brilliantly incorporated social networking (Facebook and Twitter, etc.) as part of his marketing campaign. As of this writing, there are 5,842,010 supporters that have joined his Facebook page and 393,269 Twitter followers.
Rick Sanchez of CNN, who calls his show "Your" newscast" has basically changed the way his fellow anchors deliver the news overnight. He skillfully incorporates viewer feedback through Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, reads and shows some of the comments live. He has 63,383 followers on Twitter.
The time is now for the NHL to get with the times. It owes it to its fans.

Debbie Elicksen is the author of the bestselling Self-Publishing 101 (Self-Counsel Press) and offers publishing support to both royalty and self-publishers. You can reach her through her Website: http://www.freelancepublishing.net/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Elicksen

What Are Digital Media Products?

By Ray Johnson

Over the last few years the growth in the impact of Digital Media on our everyday lives has been phenomenal. It is a term we have got used to hearing almost on a daily basis, but what exactly does it mean? In this article we will have a look at the definition of digital media, and examine the different types of products that come under this description.
Without getting too hung up on the technicalities, all electronic media represented by digital codes is referred to as digital media. Information of various kinds is broken down into a series of zeros and 1s so that it can be interpreted by computers. Common examples of digital media that you will be familiar with can be broken down for simplicity into 4 main groups audio (sound files), visual (video and picture files), written information (eBooks, Word Files, Excel Files etc) and data (such as computer software).
The written information form of digital media products is probably the most widespread. Any document that can be read or interpreted fits this category. The usual ones are spreadsheets, word documents, power point files and eBooks in the form of PDF files. These files can be examined and studied by anyone who can read. Data files are the codes that make up the executable programs that we know as software. Unless you are a programmer the raw program file would not make any sense to you, but your PC will convert them to a format you can understand.
The most common type of audio file is of course the music file, in mp3 format. This has revolutionized how and where we listen to music. We can download an mp3 file from the internet, play it on our PCs, burn it to a CD or transfer it to out Ipod or Smartphone. Visual still images in the form of photos and moving images in the form of video make up the fourth group. Anyone can take a picture or video with their camera, transfer it to their computer and send it via email around the world.
Of course there are many more products that would fit the description of digital media web sites, graphic designs, the list is endless. What these products all have in common though is that their portability (you can store a whole book or music collection in a tiny device in your pocket) and their ability to be transferred via email, data stick or CD to another computer. Truly a revolution and without the digital technology none of this would be possible!

Join me, Ray Johnson - Google.Com no.1 ranked information product eseller. Let me show you how to build a massive digital media & internet marketing business with step-by-step mentoring all the way! Join me at:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/e-z-sell-ebooks

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Johnson

What Makes a Good Media Story?

By Robert Abbott

Media relations can be difficult, but also rewarding. And the lessons we learn from working with newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and online publications should increase the effectiveness of all our communication initiatives.
That's because dealing with the media parallels our dealings with other stakeholders. In media relations, the competition to be heard and get a response intensifies. As the old saying about New York goes, "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!" So, if you can get the media to pick up your 'story,' you should be able to get other stakeholders to do the same.
To get media attention for your story, you'll need to make it appealing to reporters and editors. One way to do that is to ensure it includes at least one of the four characteristics that make a story attractive to magazines, newspapers, radio, television, and online publications.
These characteristics come out of a chapter on media relations in my book, A Manager's Guide to Newsletters: Communicating for Results. In turn, that was based on 10 years I spent working as a radio news writer and announcer, and subsequent freelance contributions to print and electronic media.
While the details vary from medium to medium, reporters will look for these characteristics in your news release or article: widespread interest, something new, something dramatic, or timeliness.
Widespread interest refers to the degree of relevance for readers, listeners, or viewers. And, that's specific to the audience of individual outlets. For example, a subject may be relevant to listeners at a youth-oriented radio station, but not an adult-oriented station.
Something new refers to unique or previously unknown information, as in conventional news stories. It may also be a new perspective on existing information (which is what most columnists and commentators create).
Dramatic interest: Does an unknown factor somehow grab readers' or listeners' imaginations and not let go? As I'm writing this, a strike by teachers dominates the headlines. And, we ask, "How long will the strike last?" and "Will students be able to complete their school years?" Two questions with inherent drama in them.
Our fourth category, timeliness, kicks in most often around major holidays and important events. Most obviously, stories about the Christmas spirit in December, articles about making and keeping resolutions in January, and gardening stories in spring. Many quick-moving media relations campaigns also connect with high-profile events.
Now, as you can imagine, stories often have overlapping characteristics, so for example, as the teachers' strike goes on, we can expect articles about skipping the traditional spring break holiday so students can catch up. That directly brings in both drama and timeliness. Indirectly, it also increases widespread interest, because others will be affected if spring break is cancelled (think of resort employees, for example).
Here's where the parallel with other communication comes in. If your other communication includes one or more, and preferably more of these characteristics, then it should be more effective. In fact, you might even start by asking yourself which characteristic you'll try to include when you write your next memo.
In summary, by ensuring your story includes at least one of the four characteristics, your media relations initiative is off to a good start. In addition, you'll improve your communication with other stakeholders.

Robert F. Abbott is an online writer and publisher specializing in consumer information sites, including a QuickList on Cuisinart PowerPrep Plus (TM) [http://www.cuisinartpowerprepplus1.com], and business communication, including articles that help you increase your communication skills [http://www.communication-newsletter.com] and knowledge.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Abbott

Social Media Marketing (SMM) - For a 'Casual' Business

By Venus Kumar Vij

Social media marketing has taken the garb of the present-day advertising. There is hardly anything that goes unnoticed at the hands of a social networking spot. The Netizens have added social networking to their daily routines and make sure that no buzz goes out without their knowledge. This trend is what has kickstarted the new epoch that is springing up at such a fast pace.
When was the last time you went to watch a movie without giving an ounce of information to your virtual social circle, and didn't discuss it even once when you returned? Quite a while back, right? As far as I have observed, it has become the trend among the masses to let the world know of the updates about us in digital formats like scraps, chitchats, comments and tweets. If this is the level of dedication towards the social networks, then why should the businesses lag behind? They, too, have opted for social networks to let us know of their latest tidings.
Social media optimization (SMO/SMM) works in a very sensible manner by making appearances at the spots where the target groups frequent the most, and what could be better than Facebook, Twitter, Digg and Reddit? An online marketing provider targets the concerned user groups and makes frequent appearances to fall into their sight.
The businesses can attain a lot of information about their consumer group by just keeping an eye on their online discussions. When a social media consultant for a leading chocolate company sees people talking about one specific product more than any other one from the same company, it is but obvious for him to believe that the product in question is better than any other. This little analysis boils down to two things
• The brand gets to know that the other products need to be raised to the level of the most loved one. They do it much in time, thus raising the sales.
• Those who have not had the best one wish to try it, thus raising the sales. Those who have not tried the new entrants wish to try them, thus raising the sales.
As is quite clear, opting for such a marketing package is a win-win deal for the chocolate company, and for the consumers too. This multi-utility status of social media optimization (SMO/SMM) stands true for every business house. It raises the sales to an extent much larger than what mere advertising could target.
Media has been conveniently split into three broad segments Electronic Media, Print Media and Social Media. When there are advertisements running across the TV screens and in the newspapers, why not do the talking on a universal portal? See what social media services have in store for you opt for an effective package... NOW!

The author is associated with SunTech online services Pvt. Ltd. which is a premiere online marketing company providing Website development, website designing, content writing, search engine optimization, social media optimization and online reputation management services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Venus_Kumar_Vij

Why Researchers Want an Electronic Lab Notebook

By Janice L Dennison

Faster workflows and organizing research records are examples of improved productivity that researchers say they are looking for in an electronic laboratory notebook product, according to a recent survey by Rescentris.
Electronic lab notebooks on the market today are full of advanced features, but improved organization and productivity still top the lists of why scientists themselves say they wanted to implement an ELN. According to a 2011 client survey report (1) by Rescentris, other major driving factors for implementing ELNs in research environments include regulatory compliance, modernization, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These findings reflect the real reasons scientists are choosing to work with ELNs in the current market. Electronic laboratory notebooks are reported to improve efficiency by 25% or more (2) over paper notebooks by reducing repetitive tasks, reducing writing time, and minimizing time spent looking up information.
Top Reasons Reported for Implementing an ELN
Grouped by category
1. Productivity
•Organization and keeping records in order
•Streamline workflows
•Manage data in one place
•Improve SOP functionality
•Better management oversight
•Management and task accountability
•Document time to invention for patents
2. Compliance
•Built-in witnessing of notebook entries
•Electronic timestamps
•Regulatory compliance, including GLP/GMP compatibility and ISO certification
•Solid documentation of research steps
3. Modernization
•Get off paper notebooks
•Incorporate electronic media types
•Virtual corporations are using remote collaboration
4. Data Retention
•Employee Turnover
•Graduating Students
•Rotating Fellows
5. Security & Privacy of sensitive business data
6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Survey takers also reported why they chose the ELN they did over competitors, answers that further reflect real needs in the research and development process. Users cite logical workflows, ease of use, and universal access as important to their decision-making process.
7. Overall ELN concept
•Combination of document management and notebooks in one system
•Ability to hierarchically organize data into Filing Cabinets, Notebook Collections, Notebooks, Sections, Pages
•Ease of use
•Forms-based entry capability
•Did not require Oracle
8. Cross-Platform & Mobility
•Wanted something more than just web-based [platform]
•Staff use Mac OS (50% of responders use Macs or combination of PCs/Macs)
•iPad tablets are slated to replace PCs in lab settings
9. Sales representative / Support Staff
•Ability to meet deployment deadline
•In-person demo
•Training
•Understanding of researcher needs
10. Collaboration
•Works well for multidisciplinary research
11. Customizable
12. Reasonably Priced
Resources:
1. 2011 CERF Post-Sales Survey Report, Rescentris.
2. "Lab Notebooks Offer Efficiency Gains: ELNs Help Companies Achieve their Goals by Providing Meaningful Workflow Improvements" Gail Dutton. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News website

Janice Dennison has a BS in Biology from Ohio Northern University and is the Web Content Manager for Rescentris, a division of ELN Technologies, developer of the award-winning ELN product CERF (Collaborative Electronic Research Framework).
More information about ELNs can be found at http://rescentris.com, or about CERF at http://rescentris.com/cerf/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_L_Dennison

How to Make Social Media Advertising Effective?

By James Copper

Sales and advertisement are interrelated. An effective sales mechanism accelerates the sale. There are many sales mechanisms such as the print media, the electronic media such as television and of course, the Internet. The Internet is one of the most effective media for advertisement. Even on the Internet, the social media are the most sought after mechanism for implementing an effective advertisement strategy. The uniqueness of social media is that every surfer voluntarily participates in the advertising; he reads, understands and spreads the news about product. While doing so, he gives his opinion and the process continues. However, there are many more ways through which social media can be made more effective and here are some suggestions for it:
Target channel:
There are many social media sites like Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook. A shrewd marketer should be able to identify in which social media his product will receive the best response. Then he puts his website in such media so that it reaches the target. In other words, the trader must aim to reach the target. The sales depend on how effectively he has reached the target.
Target user:
Having targeted the channel, the next aim is to target the user in the channel. This is one of the most ingenious ways of marketing. Here is the way it is done. For example, a mail is sent to a friend intimating that his dad got him a pair of particular brand of shirt. Now, the manufacturer of shirts targets both the person who sent such a mail and the recipient of the mail. The trader places his advertisement of his brand of shirt in both the mails. So, the trader has targeted both the persons directly. So, either or both of them could possibly buy the brand of shirts that the manufacturer has informed them, the next time they go shopping for clothing. This is more effective than putting the advertisement in the general block where there is likelihood of it being missed. This is a more positive and ingenious way of advertisement.
Type of advertisement:
The right types of advertisement are those which are target specific, and are always preferred. The content of the advertisement must have right key words which is free from grammatical and spelling mistakes. It must be precise and clear in content. FAQ that are scientifically formed with unambiguous solutions in additions to the points mentioned above are some of the basic requirements for the advertisement. At the same time, the advertisement must use graphics, images and video in right proportions. Particularly, the videos must use multimedia format so that less time is taken while downloading.
Social networking:
Higher ranking is very important in any social media or on the Internet. Pay per Click (PPC) advertising is the deciding factor to ascertain the ranking. Higher the PPC higher is the ranking. At the same time, those who surf always click on such higher ranking firms. Therefore, every trader tries to achieve higher PPC. It is for this reason that firms now vies with one another to achieve higher PPC. They try to integrate social media with social networking and this form of marketing strategy which is now refined. The present marketing principles aims not to miss the target.

James Copper is a writer for [http://www.thebigagency.co.uk] where you can find information on social media marketing services [http://www.thebigagency.co.uk]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Copper

Affiliate Marketing Choices - Tangibles Vs Electronic Products

By Marigold Grace

One of the ways in which many people are finding their financial footing these days is through affiliate marketing programs. This is one of the best home based business opportunities because it does not require specialized knowledge, nor does it require hours upon hours of work, unlike many other types of home based businesses.
Tangible Products
These are products that you can pick up and use. Common affiliate programs for tangible products include vitamins and health products, clothing, food stuffs, gardening products, sports products and pretty much anything you can think of that a person or business would use.
When looking at tangible product affiliate programs, consider whether you will need to order the products yourself and arrange for delivery to customers or is there an option to drop-ship the orders without you ever needing to warehouse the products yourself. Chitika is an excellent resource for finding tangible products to sell on your website.
Another consideration is the quality of the products and how to handle returns, charge-backs and customers who are unhappy with their orders. Hopefully, you will do your homework and choose affiliate marketing programs with high quality products with reported high levels of satisfaction in those products. If you are selling good products, then you are likely to have less problems with returns and unhappy customers.
Look for affiliate programs that provide direct customer service for returned items and refunds to unhappy customers. Be prepared that you will probably have any returns or charge-backs deducted from your payments from the affiliate marketing company.
Electronic Products
These are products that are delivered electronically and can be viewed on the customer's computer, iPod or other electronic media device. For many affiliate marketers, electronic products are the best of all worlds. They can choose to either sell and deliver the product directly, or they can send interested customers to a seller who gives them a commission for directing buying customers to them.
When considering promoting electronic goods, choose products with high commissions rates that are good sellers. One way to do this is by researching various keywords and the products that are available for that keyword or phrase. Companies like ClickBank or Commission Junction are good resources for this information. Creating an account is free of charge and they can make payments directly to your PayPal account.
Another alternative with electronic products is to create and sell eBooks directly on your own website. Although this concept can be intimidating to anyone who is not a natural writer, there are ways around this. For example, you can hire a freelance ghostwriter to write your eBook and convert it to a.PDF file for you. You can also convert it yourself with almost any.PDF program, such as Adobe PDF or OpenOffice. Another option is to purchase eBooks with the right to resell the product. This is an excellent way to save time and many eBooks and reports are available at little or no cost, making them very financially attractive to home business owners who are just starting out with internet marketing.
You do not need to write a 1,000 page report. Most successful eBooks are approximately 20 pages (well spaced) long and are on topics of interest to the general public. For example, eBooks on how to lose weight or on crafts are easy to write and very popular. Also, books on sports, history or anything else that you enjoy are excellent sources of material for a simple eBook that you can sell on your website.

All in all, if you are looking for a home based business [http://yourfreewebsitesystem.com/marigoldm/] that is easy to apply and has the potential to reap vast rewards, consider affiliate marketing and selling. Even if you have little web experience you can find success with the affiliate program.
Marigold Grace is a partner at V&M Enterprises, a successful home based businesses. The past several years she has worked exclusively with affiliate marketing through ClickBank. She has designed, operated and reaped the benefits of five home based business websites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marigold_Grace