tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28950310515952777512024-03-04T22:02:14.041-08:00BrightREADMediaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-47925412507778547062013-03-04T19:33:00.001-08:002013-03-04T19:42:14.264-08:00Tips From The Newsroom - Part 2So ..... you read my previous post about press release tips from the newsroom. Right?<br />
<br />
Oh, you haven't read it yet? Well, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2895031051595277751#editor/target=post;postID=240794574559481786">go here</a> and I will wait! <br />
<br />
OK. Glad to see you back. <br />
<br />
Now what?<br />
<br />
So I want to give you a few things you can do NOW to help you actually take action.<br />
<br />
1. <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Research</b></span><br />
It is really important for you to do this step before doing anything else. You need to know who you need to talk to and what station, show, magazine, newspaper or website is the right fit for you. Do your research. Getting the right fit will be the best way to ensure success.<br />
<br />
There is another part of this step that is really important and that is staying informed. I hear so many people who say they don't watch or listen to the news and that is just crazy to me ( I will have a whole blog post about this coming up soon. Stay tuned for that). You need to know what is happening in the world, in your country, in your community in order to know when you need to get out there and speak up about your product or service. Information is the key here. <br />
<br />
2. <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Make Contact</b></span><br />
This is obviously an important step and can really be the one people fear the most. It is important for you to make contact with someone in the newsroom, at the show or website you are interested in. This step is easier now than ever before. Hit Twitter or Facebook and start searching and then make contact. Just send a short hello, short and sweet. <br />
<br />
3.<b> Build A Relationship</b><br />
This step is where you move beyond hello. Start up a conversation on Twitter or Facebook. Introduce yourself and ask if you can email them sometime at work. Work at building a relationship so that when you do send something like a press release or want to set up an interview you can do it with some ease because you know each other. <br />
<br />
4. <b>Do Something... NOW!</b><br />
This step kind of speaks for itself really! It is important to take those contacts and relationships and do something with them. Send the press release. Make the phone call. Offer yourself up for an interview on a particular topic, issue or product. Just do it! <br />
<br />
5. <b>Follow Up</b><br />
This is just as important as all the other steps. There is no point in making contacts and building relationships in the media industry if all you are going to do is one hit. Make sure you follow up. Send a note to thank them for their time. Make sure to say you would love to connect again, could you send them emails from time to time. Don't let the connection die. Follow Up<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Let me know how you do! Connect with me, build a relationship and follow up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-45773723040112081472013-02-25T19:52:00.002-08:002013-02-26T18:34:42.959-08:00It Is All About the PerformanceWhether you are already on air in the media or you are a business owner, blogger or author who is currently speaking to groups ( or soon plans to ) there are always a few things to keep in mind when you are putting your voice out there to the world. Performance is everything. Have a great one and people will think you have done a great job and remember you for your poise, presence and performance. Have a bad performance and people will remember you for that and that is likely not how you want people to remember you. You would rather have people remember you for your talent, your skill, your poise, your professionalism but a bad performance over shadows all that.<br />
<br />
There are a few things you can do to pull off a flawless performance.<br />
<br />
1. Know Your Stuff<br />
No matter who you are it is important to actually know what you are talking about BEFORE you start talking to others about it. Be prepared. Do a little research before you actually get out in front of people.<br />
<br />
2. Keep Cards<br />
Cue cards can really help to keep you on
message. It is all part of the prep process. If you write down a few key
points on some cue cards they will be easy to refer to just before the
interview or speech. Keep the cards short and sweet and only for a quick
reference just in case!<br />
<br />
3. Practice<br />
If you are speaking to a group or doing a media interview, practice what you plan to say. If you need, practice with family or friends. You can also record what you plan to say (audio, video or both) and then play it back to yourself just so you can hear how you sound. It can really help to eliminate some things you are doing you might not even know you do like mannerisms, a funky tone in your voice or the over-use of words like "um", "eh").<br />
<br />
4. Relax<br />
It is really important to be calm. If you get too stressed out you will likely have a less than perfect performance. Do what ever you need to do to relax ahead of the speech, interview or panel. Sometimes taking a walk or meditating helps to shake off the nerves. <br />
<br />
5. Think About It<br />
Be mindful of what you are saying and how you are saying it. It can help you slow down, stop you from rambling and keep you on point and message.<br />
<br />
6. When In Doubt...Pause<br />
This is one of the things I tell my students. Sometimes it is better to just stop talking. This is a good tip especially when you feel you are rambling or straying off message or just stumbling and adding a lot of "ums". Just pause, collect your thoughts and pick up where you left off. Of course, if you are live on television or radio or in front of a crowd it should be noted we are talking about a very brief pause, we are talking a second or two not a minute or two. It shouldn't be long enough to make people notice.<br />
<br />
<br />
What do you do to make sure you have a perfect performance? I would love to here your thoughts and advice. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-2407945745594817862013-01-29T18:21:00.003-08:002013-02-18T17:47:39.589-08:00Press Release Tips .... from the newsroomSo you have a great company, product, service or story and you want to share it with the world. And you think you want to send out press releases to all the news organizations all across the city. How do you get noticed? How do you make it past the pile of press releases, emails and stories?<br />
<br />
You have to think outside the box a bit. By that I mean you need to make sure you are making yourself stand out, making sure your release stands out.<br />
<br />
Here are just five tips I think might help....<br />
<br />
1. Keep it simple<br />
Don't send a two page, dense news release. I likely won't have time to read it, nor will I have the interest. Keep it simple and brief (especially if it is first contact. Send me a longer release once I am interested).<br />
<br />
2. Write a great headline and/or opening sentence<br />
Think about what is great about your product, service, company and tell me about it right off the top so I don't have to go searching for it.<br />
<br />
3. Give it a HOOK<br />
The best way for me to notice your product, service, company or story is make me care about it. To do that hook it to something happening in the news. For example, March break is approaching and that means lots of families will be traveling with kids on vacation AND you have a service, book or blog that focuses on travel or traveling with kids, so send me a quick release on some news-you-can-use tips on how to travel stress free.<br />
<br />
4. Keep in touch BUT don't be a pest<br />
Keep in mind that in my case our newsroom is a busy place and the news is always changing so I might not have time to get in touch on a Wednesday but maybe I will on Friday. So make sure you keep in touch with a quick email, maybe say you will check in with my on Thursday night for a quick phone call.<br />
<br />
5. Try, and try ... and then try again. <br />
Just remember if you are reaching out to a busy newsroom you might get bumped for news of the day if your story is something that can wait. Don't get discouraged. Sometimes the timing isn't right but if you keep in touch with me I will likely find time and room for it again soon. If I liked it the first time I will like it later.<br />
<br />
<br />
***disclaimer: These tips are from my own experiences and my own opinions. There are lots of newsrooms and lots of different media outlets that have different criteria for story selection. Sometimes ( well actually a lot of the time) how we choose stories is completely personal and specifically tailored to the show and station we work for so what isn't right for me, could be perfect for someone else.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-51650799030352279442012-11-05T15:11:00.000-08:002012-11-05T15:11:38.579-08:00Want to be on camera?One of the thing that comes up every once in a while with bloggers is this idea of being an expert in their field and talking to the media about their specific topic of expertise. I often see people on T.V or hear them on the radio and just cringe. There is something to be said for a little bit of media training or coaching. I think there are a few things to keep in mind before you open your mouth to speak.<br />
<br />
<br />
1. K.I.S.S: Keep It Simple Stupid.<br />
*don't get too complicated.<br />
*remember you need to talk to a wider audience ...one that might not know anything about you, your product or service.<br />
* if you keep it conversational then you will ensure you are telling your story in a way everyone will understand<br />
<br />
2. Slow Down:<br />
*this is something that seems easy but can actually be very difficult to do when the camera or microphone is right in your face.<br />
*many people have a tendency to speed up when the talk to the media, so pace yourself.<br />
*prepare for your media spot by jotting down a few key points on some cue cards you can review before you get on set and that way you will have a guideline for the discussion in your mind. This step will help you pace yourself and keep the nerves at a minimum because you KNOW what you want to say.<br />
<br />
3: Think Before You Speak:<br />
*those cue cards will help you here too! Think about what you are going to say, often times people ramble when they are in the spot light. If you just take a second or two to think before you answer a question you are more likely to say what you want to say.<br />
*Be prepared.<br />
<br />
4: Be Yourself:<br />
*this is the best way to come across as a genuine expert.<br />
<br />
5: Relax:<br />
*don't get too stressed out ( O.K. easier said than done sometimes)<br />
*enjoy the spot light.<br />
*you are in the chair because the person interviewing you ( or the show) feels that you have something valuable to say so go with it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-25425973820980786072012-10-30T15:46:00.001-07:002012-11-05T18:52:59.527-08:00Tweet With News In MIND! So the story below is clear example of why it is really important for your people, especially the people who tweet for you, to pay attention to the news. There are often stories in the news that could impact how, when and why you tweet a particular link, story or comment. Keep those things in mind when you are tweeting to your community.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>President's Choice apologizes for 'insensitive' hurricane Sandy tweet <br /> TORONTO - President's Choice has apologized for an ``insensitive'' tweet about hurricane Sandy that has left many Canadians with a bad taste.<br /> The private label of Loblaw (TSX:L), posted Tuesday: ``What's scarier? Hurricane #Sandy or a beverage with marshmallow eyeballs?''<br /> It linked to a recipe for ``marshmallow bloodshot eyeballs,'' which suggests cutting marshmallows in half and putting a grape or blueberry in the middle to make it look like an eyeball.<br /> The account was flooded with replies criticizing the tweet as ``awful'' and ``tasteless'' for making light of a storm that killed more than 100 people, including a woman in Toronto.<br /> Millions of people remain without power and transit in the U.S. and in Canada the storm at its height left more than 200,000 customers in the dark.<br /> President's Choice tweeted again about an hour later to say it was sorry.<br /> (The Canadian Press)</i></span><br />
<br />
Sometimes it is just better to wait. Or sometimes it is better just to abandoned the tweet all together. Make sure you are talking to your team about keeping in tune with current affairs, news and events happening around the world.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-72254765120156963772012-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:002012-11-08T16:02:24.356-08:00ShesConnected 2012 Panel Presentation As promised .... the <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/marashapiro1/how-to-write-a-great-blog-post">ShesConnected Presentation</a>.<br />
<br />
I want to say thanks to the lovely ladies who joined me to talk about how to write great posts! <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahkelsey">@SarahKelsey</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/nsharona">Nadine Anglin @nsharona </a>and Mara Shapiro <a href="https://twitter.com/ChickyMara">@ChickyMara</a> I think it was a great collaboration. I also want to say thanks to Mara Shapiro aka <a href="https://twitter.com/ChickyMara">@ChickyMara</a> ... for being my new friend and for posting the presentation on slideshare!<br />
<br />
<br />
There is nothing better than sharing ideas and that is what I love about conferences like <a href="http://shesconnectedconference.com/Micro/">ShesConnected 2012</a>. Can't wait to share more tips, tricks and tools about writing and the media.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-38795816064005676352012-10-01T19:18:00.003-07:002012-10-01T19:19:01.296-07:00The Guardian - a great video"This advert for the Guardian's open journalism, screened for the first time on 29 February 2012, imagines how we might cover the story of the Three Little Pigs in print and online. Follow the story from the paper's front page headline, through a social media discussion and finally to an unexpected conclusion."
http://www.guardian.co.uk
<br />
<br />
<!-- Start of guardian embedded video -->
<!-- To prevent the video from auto playing set 'a=true' in the following line of code-->
<iframe height="397px" scrolling="no" src="http://gu-embedded-video.appspot.com/?a=false&u=/media/video/2012/feb/29/open-journalism-three-little-pigs-advert" style="border: 0; overflow: hidden;" width="460px"></iframe>
<!-- End of guardian embedded video -->
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-45008161194937345642012-09-28T20:09:00.002-07:002012-11-05T18:54:20.445-08:00Storify: Journalism and Plagiarism<script src="http://storify.com/ImFreckles/plagiarism-and-other-problems.js"></script><noscript>[<a href="http://storify.com/ImFreckles/plagiarism-and-other-problems" target="_blank">View the story "Journalism and Plagiarism " on Storify</a>]</noscript>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-31057797782367242352012-09-10T18:27:00.000-07:002012-09-10T18:27:09.056-07:00PR Pitches - Just My ThoughtsI have been reading a lot of tweets and blog posts recently about PR Pitches and how to deal with the good, bad and the ugly. I have had many, many years of experience dealing with PR pitches, not necessarily with products but with story and expert pitches.<br />
<br />
I find it interesting how some decide to deal with the bad and the ugly. There are many who lash out online, tweeting up a firestorm about how offended they are about a certain PR pitch. To be honest I think that is as unprofessional as the bad PR pitch. Neither is productive, effective or professional. PR types need to know who they are pitching, why they are pitching to them and what both sides should get out of the relationship. Blogger types need to remember it is business and they should act that way; be professional, be clear and direct about who you are, what you do and what kind of professional relationship you expect. Lashing out in any way benefits no one, especially not you!<br />
<br />
I think it is important to remember you never know when a great story or product will come along. Sometimes those opportunities come to you hidden, a gem buried under a pile of crap. The pro looks past the imperfections to see the jewel hidden underneath.<br />
<br />
One rule I ALWAYS use in my career is never burn bridges, and that applies to PR peeps as well as work peeps. You never know what will come in the future and when someone will have a great gig for you, or a great product or service, or when that person moves on to a great PR agency, or company.<br />
<br />
Be professional and that will come back to you two fold! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-45237021476129905772012-09-06T16:31:00.001-07:002012-09-06T16:31:22.943-07:00Teaching The Next GenerationToday was the first day of class for me. I am once again teaching a college class with two other instructors. We are teaching online news publication.<br />
<br />
I love the opportunity to teach the next generation about the ever changing business of news. The landscape of broadcasting is changing fast. New journalists need to have many skills, they really need to be jack of all trades. Online is more important than ever before with so many broadcasters using the online presence to reach more views, listeners and readers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-81591742000020764702011-11-09T15:19:00.000-08:002011-11-09T15:19:31.119-08:00Social Media Revolution 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3SuNx0UrnEo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love this video. <span class="watch-video-date" id="eow-date"></span>It is from
</div>
<div id="watch-description-text">
<div id="eow-description">
<a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.socialnomics.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://www.socialnomics.net/">http://www.socialnomics.net/</a>
and is part of the world's most watched Social Media video series; "Social
Media Revolution" by Erik Qualman. Based on #1 International Best
Selling Book Socialnomics by Erik Qualman. This is a shorter version
that includes new social media statistics for 2011.</div>
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3SuNx0UrnEo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-53054848092910214042011-11-01T09:43:00.000-07:002011-11-03T20:22:33.341-07:00NaNoWriMo - Let's Get StartedAnd so it begins. It is November 1st and that means it is officially National Novel Writing Month. The challenge is to write 50,000 words in the month.<br />
<br />
I am taking on the challenge. So what have I written so far? Nothing.... I am already begin and it has just begun.<br />
<br />
I will be updating my progress as I go along and hopefully that will help keep me on track. Check in regularly to see how I do.<br />
<br />
<br />
****update****<br />
<br />
November 3,2011<br />
<br />
So here is my update as day three nears an end. I have gotten off to a slow start. I have about 2000 words written. I was hoping to have more written but I am struggling to find time to write. That is often a problem. It isn't about finding the time it is about making the time. I hope to make up the word count over the weekend. Ideally, in order to finish, I should be writing about 1500 to 1700 words a day. I strive for that!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-81171507194722311852011-10-24T08:59:00.000-07:002011-10-24T15:56:03.519-07:00Social Media - Have a Plan So just this past week I decided that I needed to clean up my twitter stream. I used one of the easy tools to show me some of my stagnant twitter followers. I have more than 3500 followers and more than 3300 people that I am following. It can be hard to keep track of everyone. The other issue is that I kept hitting a limit to my followers and that was just irritating when I came across someone new that I wanted to follow so I needed to do a little house keeping. What I was amazed to find was some people, companies, twitter accounts that hadn't had any activity in months and even years. Seriously?<br />
<br />
Why am I mentioning this? Well, today in the National Post is an article about Social Media and the importance of a game plan. Part of that game plan is knowing how to use social media, and keeping up with the relationship with your followers. Tweeting a few times when you first get started and then forgetting about your account is a sure way to get you unfollowed.<br />
<br />
Check out the article, there is some great info. <br />
<a href="http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Social+media+presence+begins+with+game+plan/5595654/story.html">http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Social+media+presence+begins+with+game+plan/5595654/story.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-41516267806321132282011-10-16T16:11:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:45:38.383-07:00Waitress vs bad tipperThis story has made the rounds on tradition and social media.. the waitress who posted the receipt of the bad, and might I say, rude tipper on her Facebook status. He left the bill, without a tip, and then said that she could afford to lose a few pounds. There has been lots of debate swirling about this topic, here is just one of the stories responding/reacting to the initial story <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/10/victoria-liss-vs-the-bad-tipper-taking-our-frustrations-to-social-media/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social%2BMedia&utm_campaign=Twitter%2BTraffic">Canadian Family</a><br />
<br />
There is no doubt that social media has an immediate impact on peoples lives. Before social media like Facebook and Twitter this waitress would have told friends and family who would have retold the story like dozens of times. And while everyone would be shocked at the rudeness of this customer the story would slowly peter out BUT with social media this story has taken on a life of its own, become viral. Now instead of dozens of people hearing it potentially tens of thousands or even millions of people will read about this story or hear about it from their social media friends and networks. And is that fair? Sure the guy is a jerk but does he deserve to have a copy of his signature and his name spread all over the world for everyone to see and to judge him? Some would say yes that now in this day and age it is just something that we all have to live with, that all of our actions could potentially be put on display for the world to judge with the invention of social media. Some would say no that he has a right to a certain level of privacy, that he was in a private establishment and should expect that his credit card information and is name and signature would be handled in a private and professional manner. Which is right? Or is there a right and a wrong in this discussion?<br />
<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-11534036855396460312011-10-16T15:38:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:44:59.936-07:00Social Media is SocialOne the biggest keys to social media is the act of being social. Whether you are connecting with friends, customers, clients or businesses it is all about being social. It is all about communicating with each other. Why is that some of the most successful people in social media have the largest communities? It is because they are social, the interact with others.<br />
<br />
I don't think the importance of the Social part of social media can be understated. It is about creating a community, about creating relationships.<br />
<br />
How do you do that? There are lots of ways to go about this but for me it is all about interacting with others. On Twitter is it not just about talking to people but talking WITH people; engaging others, truly interacting with others, sharing stories, ideas, thoughts and responding to the stories, thoughts, and ideas of others. I think being authentic is also important. Be yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />
What ways do you connect to your community? How have you used social media to build a community?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-56310231404813369302011-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:002011-10-13T07:10:11.148-07:00Writing a Novel in a MonthYa that's right I said write a novel in a month. Or at least as long as a novel. 50,000 words in a month. It is a crazy number of words to write in just one month, especially when you factor in a full time job, a part time job and kids. I first attempted <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.com/">NaNoWriMo</a> back in 2009. To my amazement I actually finished. It was not easy and I almost gave up more than once. The last week of the challenge was where I made up most of my word count. Last year I attempted the challenge again but my second go around was not successful. So I am attempting the challenge for the third time this year. I am hoping to complete the challenge.<br />
<br />
I was proud of myself back in 2009 when I actually wrote 50,000 words in the month of November. I was more than a little excited about the book that I created and also excited about the potential in the words. I have always wanted to be a writer, ever since I can remember I was writing. When I was a little girl I would make up stories that my friends and I would reenact and then when I got a bit older I would spend hours writing short stories and poems. I continue to work with those 50,000 words that I wrote back in 2009 in the hopes that I can actually turn it into a novel that other people would love to read. Isn't that what most (all) writers want. Don't all writers want to share their creations with the world? I still hope to one day get my book published.<br />
<br />
This year I am hoping to write another 50,000 words. I am already thinking about what I am going to write about. I think this time around I will write up a profile of characters and plan out a story line. I think it will really help me flush out the story and help the words to flow.<br />
<br />
Are you going to participate in <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo </a>this year? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-73986774305493237952011-10-12T16:41:00.000-07:002011-10-12T18:57:33.988-07:00Social Media RulesThere have been a number of stories of the past few years about employers using social media, sites like Facebook and Twitter, to check on their employees or potential/prospective employees. It is one of the golden rules about social media, once you put it out there it is out there forever and that means you shouldn't say anything online that you wouldn't put on a billboard or say to someone in person. Whether right or wrong some employers were in fact lurking online to check up on people.<br />
<br />
Well, now one province is stepping into the discussion with some rules. British Columbia's privacy watchdog says social media should not be used to help organizations make background checks. The issue came to the attention of Elizabeth Denham earlier this year when leadership candidates for B.C.'s New Democrats were asked to supply their log in information so the party could check for possible embarrassing photos or posts.The party told Denham it asked for Facebook passwords after an NDP
candidate had to withdraw from the 2009 election because controversial
pictures of himself were shown in the media.<br />
<br />
<br />
Denham has issued guidelines that show the risks of using the information,
such as inaccuracies and collecting too much personal data. She now expects organizations to adopt the guidelines so that there
are standard practices that comply with privacy obligations.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts on this topic? Any advice or tips to add?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-45565578133308905022011-10-08T11:10:00.000-07:002011-10-12T18:58:11.583-07:00I'm All Tweet'd outSo I am going to admit something here. I am feeling a little online/social media fatigue. Can you believe it?<br />
<br />
I have been feeling like it is all just a little much. Staying on top of Facebook friends updates and birthdays, checking Twitter mentions, updating my Linkedin profile, updating my blog, checking email, responding to email.... it can all be so overwhelming sometimes. So I was glad to read a recent piece on <br />
<a href="http://amotherworld.com/main/featured/tired-of-social-media-how-to-enjoy-it-again/">AMotherWorld </a>talking about the very thing I have been feeling lately.<br />
<br />
<br />
The article reminded me that it is also important to pay attention to all the things in real life... all those real life friends and family. And of course Me. I have been forgetting about me. I need to do things for myself ...things that make me happy in my every day life. It is all about perspective... getting some and putting things into perspective.<br />
<br />
How do you balance your online and offline worlds? Do you every get tired of living life online? How do you unplug?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-41145500091223386382011-09-27T09:30:00.000-07:002011-09-27T09:30:02.001-07:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
SARAH RICHARDSON CHAT
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcsMkBf1cW_At6Ngr9P6BGINym5BHTxuNsy-uTjNkn63X0TNXMq_ZEnF3s2KH_YCatyBcRBDTpwIOpgTE04DnlFmJEZGKY9kxaITSirgWjkiUJDVzZLBzc5UbjLnVk-2oxCACRqks1ktw/s1600-h/bestsarah(2).jpg+3"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317167192525335298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcsMkBf1cW_At6Ngr9P6BGINym5BHTxuNsy-uTjNkn63X0TNXMq_ZEnF3s2KH_YCatyBcRBDTpwIOpgTE04DnlFmJEZGKY9kxaITSirgWjkiUJDVzZLBzc5UbjLnVk-2oxCACRqks1ktw/s200/bestsarah(2).jpg+3" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 125px;" /></a><br /><br />I
recently got the chance to ask one of my fav designers and tv hosts
some questions about work and motherhood. Sarah Richardson seems to have
it all and do it all effortlessly. Check out my article at <a href="http://www.urbanbaby.ca/articles/CelebrityMommy_Mar2009.shtml">Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine</a><br />
<br />
<br />
**first posted March 25, 2009 at <a href="http://frecklesthemom.blogspot.com/2009/03/sarah-richardson-chat.html">www.frecklesthemom.blogspot.com </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-82771374526803469092011-09-24T19:35:00.000-07:002011-09-24T19:35:00.372-07:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
GREAT FINDS #2
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
I just stumbled over this site. I am loving it and learning a lot.<br /><br />Check it out!<br /><a href="http://www.problogger.net/">http://www.problogger.net/</a><br />
<br />
**first posted August 8, 2008 on <a href="http://frecklesthemom.blogspot.com/2008/08/great-finds-2.html">www.frecklesthemom.blogspot.com </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-20891715127256891842011-09-24T10:00:00.000-07:002011-09-24T10:00:03.618-07:00Writing...and writing... and writing So I am going to try it again this year. What are you going to try you say? Well, I am going to try to write a novel in a month, or at least 50,000 words in the month. It is all for <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Writing Month</a>. I will start on the first day of November and finish on the last day of November. I have a few ideas that I am excited about so check back here often over the course of the next few months and of course during the month of November. I will be update the journey as I prepare and write. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>This is how I felt after I finished NANOWRIMO the first time! **posted Dec 3, 2009 on my other blog <a href="http://frecklesthemom.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-did-it.html">http://frecklesthemom.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-did-it.html</a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
So I have been absent lately. There is
a reason, it isn't because I was being lazy, just the opposite
actually. I found out about this thing, it is a writing challenge.
November was dubbed <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Writing Month</a>.
I have long dreamed of writing books, novels, children books, you
name it. I have spent my working career writing but nothing as
interesting as a novel. I write news. So when I heard about this writing
challenge I was intrigued. So I registered.<br />
<br />
<div style="border: medium none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="border: medium none;">
What did I register for you ask?
Well, the challenge was to writing 50,000 words in the month of
November. It is considered the equivalent of a small novel. A whopping
50,000 words. A lot right. Right! It is a lot of words for anyone but
when you factor in the fact that I am a Mom to two little girls, a wife
and a full time radio news journalist and freelance magazine writer it
is a seriously huge amount of words. I wasn't sure how I was going to
find the time to write but I committed to doing it. I was up for a
challenge. I love to write and heck I needed to put my money where my
mouth was. I have long said I wanted to write a book, so what was
stopping me. NOTHING. So, I just started to write.<br />
</div>
<div style="border: medium none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="border: medium none;">
It was hard. I found it
difficult to get things going but once things got rolling the story just
flowed. For a while anyway and then real life started to creep in. The
writing stalled as my other responsibilities were calling. As the month
continued I realized I was quickly running out of time. There was a
deadline that was fast approaching, 50,000 words by midnight EST
November 30th.<br />
</div>
<div style="border: medium none;">
The last week of November was on
top of me and I was no where near being done. I was only at about
20,000 words. I needed to haul ass. And I did. I got to work and just
let the ideas flow, I would have to worry about quality later. It was
all about quantity. I was worried that I wouldn't get it done but I did.
Thirty thousand words in a week. Amazing. <br />
</div>
<div style="border: medium none;">
<br />
It was hard. There were days that I struggled with what to say, or what
to write rather. It was hard to make the time to just sit at the
computer, uninterrupted and just write. I loved doing it but there is no
doubt that writing a novel is work. There are a lot of people who say
they have always wanted to write a book, but that is certainly easier
said than done. It is hard work. <br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
What
now? Well, I have a few other things that need my attention, things
that I was ignoring while taking on this writing challenge. And then? I
will revisit what I wrote and continue on the journey to write a novel. I
will keep you posted<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-92105455405726567042011-09-23T19:33:00.000-07:002011-09-23T19:33:00.822-07:00Old post - Another Find<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
ANOTHER FIND
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
In my quest for knowledge, about stuff in general and blogging in particular, I have discovered another great resource. Tina <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Su</span>
is a successful blogger, which is great but her blog/website is a great
resource for life in general. Check it out and you will see what I
mean. It is great reading!<br /><br /><a href="http://thinksimplenow.com/">http://thinksimplenow.com/</a><br />
<br />
**first post August 15, 2008 on<a href="http://frecklesthemom.blogspot.com/2008/08/another-find.html"> www.frecklesthemom.blogspot.com </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-79916001441287115372011-09-22T19:38:00.000-07:002011-09-22T19:38:00.414-07:00Old Post - Things I Love Thursdays<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
TILT: THINGS I LOVE THURSDAYS
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
I found this blog. It makes me smile. <a href="http://www.galadarling.com/">http://www.galadarling.com/</a>. I discovered her after finally signing up for twitter.<br /><br />She has this thing called Things I Love Thursdays. WHAT A GREAT IDEA.<br />
<br />
*first posted November 6, 2008<a href="http://frecklesthemom.blogspot.com/2008/11/tilt-things-i-love-thursdays.html"> www.frecklesthemom.blogspot.com </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-81859932627215021432011-09-21T20:57:00.000-07:002011-09-21T20:57:59.471-07:00Hockey or Election Coverage?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7vCns3NZ2_zAXxenk2Y8i8z7J_ekMqWfA-1_27ylGiBOcTarcYL56OL5Y0DsXN8eXu5GvTSI02knKVKOOcreeylE_nV7xRTaoSr6J9tlBDovWcTfqslAkayiZir1rXoLlIIi6fBVnoI/s1600/vote+check+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7vCns3NZ2_zAXxenk2Y8i8z7J_ekMqWfA-1_27ylGiBOcTarcYL56OL5Y0DsXN8eXu5GvTSI02knKVKOOcreeylE_nV7xRTaoSr6J9tlBDovWcTfqslAkayiZir1rXoLlIIi6fBVnoI/s200/vote+check+logo.png" width="193" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
October 6th there is a provincial election in Ontario. It is also the opening of the NHL Season and the first game of the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. A real conundrum for some people. What to do? What to do?<br />
<br />
Well, according to an <a href="http://www.thestar.com/special/article/1056589">online survey </a>done by the <a href="http://www.toronto.com/article/698912">Toronto star</a> a vast majority of Star readers will be watching the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and perennial rivals, the Montreal
Canadiens, followed by the Vancouver Canucks playing host to the
Pittsburgh Penguins. Hockey is king in a hockey town.<br />
<br />
It got me thinking. Does this mean people don't care about politics and the election? Or is it just that people don't care about the Election coverage that every single news outlet in Toronto will be airing? I think a bit of the first and a lot of the second. I think the poll results should really speak volumes to newsrooms everywhere about how they package election results. Do viewers/audiences really want hours and hours of results?<br />
<br />
I think the answer is NO! In the day and age where people, many people, turn to the Internet - Twitter, Facebook, Google + , email, smart phones - to get all the news that affects their lives I think this idea of hours of packaged election results coverage, with numbers, multiple reporters, analysis and multiple news anchors is getting old, fast. I think there is a need to give election results but it needs to be in a prettier package - a package that is more efficient, has a faster delivery, more information and less fluff and filler. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2895031051595277751.post-54875322624934038092011-09-21T19:32:00.000-07:002011-09-21T20:40:06.764-07:00Old Article, New Post<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As I have mentioned, I am a freelance writer as wells as Mom and Radio
News Editor. This is a link to an article I work for ParentsCanada
magazine. Check it out.</span></h3>
<br />
<a href="http://www.parentscanada.com/developing/pre-school/articles.aspx?listingid=208">http://www.parentscanada.com/developing/pre-school/articles.aspx?listingid=208</a><br />
<br />
<br />
**posted March 27, 2008 at<a href="http://frecklesthemom.blogspot.com/2008/03/old-article-new-post.html"> www.frecklesthemom.blogspot.com </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11241698983370605242noreply@blogger.com0