Archive for August, 2009
Fingerprints of Internet Cowards
I wrote recently on my site, BlogStrategies.net, about the increasingly chronic issue of Internet cowards only to read a column by Maureen Dowd in The New York Times that it has been on her mind, too. I’m happy she wrote about it because no one wants to cross Ms. Dowd. Her column in the Times is very good.
A Must-Have Book for Any PR Pro
Here’s why it’s important for anyone in the field of communications and PR – you will get a clear sense of how a journalist works to get a story, what he or she is looking for, what makes it on the air and what does not. You understanding the thinking about what makes news.
Zeitoun, a Reflection of New Orleans and America
“Zeitoun” is an inspiring, tragic and powerful book that will endure decades from now about how America failed at helping New Orleans and the residents of the city during and after Hurricane Katrina. In a nonjudgmental and factual manner, the book recounts failed expectations and lack of accountability by the government in response to the devastation brought to the city by Katrina.
Dobbs Covers Another Launch in HD
My old friend and colleague, Greg Dobbs, sent around this message this morning about Monday night’s launch of space shuttle discovery that he will be covering live on HDNet. With his permission, I wanted to share the message here and also talk up his new book.
Good and Bad about a NewsHour Interview
In a television news world turned upside-down by propaganda, shouting and sensationalism, the PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer remains focused on clarity and solid, level-headed journalism. One reason is the NewsHour spends more than a minute to report news of the day. There is more substance, better understanding and often, better expertise … but not always.
Value of a Great Online Newsroom
With the newspaper business in America in shambles and much of the rest of mainstream media adrift somewhere between wild sensationalism and chaos, there are fewer and fewer places for a corporation, association or not-for-profit to get their stories shared and heard.
Ethics of Web Site Funding
A friend, who is the new head of an international not-for-profit organization in Europe, contacted me a few months ago to get my opinion about the propriety and ethics of funding a new Web site for the organization. Enough time has passed that I can now write about it here and solicit your opinions because I believe it is a valid issue.
I Remember New Orleans
I visited New Orleans this past week for the first time since Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005 and came away saddened by what I found. It is certainly not the city I remember visiting decades ago as a teenager and not the place I saw during a visit a few months before Katrina brought devastation.
Watching the Washington Post Crumble
The Washington Post is flailing. The signs are there that the newspaper is struggling, directionless, out of control. The Post is becoming a less credible and responsible newspaper. I have written here that if the Post were located in any other city but the nation’s capital, it would be out of business.
Easy Money and Washington Greed
I returned from a holiday in Europe to learn that just about the only legislation the U.S. Congress had passed was a silly program called “Cash for Clunkers” – turn in your old gas guzzler to get a rebate to buy another gas guzzler.
