Attitude RPR

Social media and you!

2011-02-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

I found a great new website today that I think can answer a lot of your questions about social media. Social Media Examiner really helped me through many of the changes at Facebook this month, and with the partnering of LinkedIn and Twitter. It seems more and more that social media is streamlining, and that's a good thing. I've been recommending to my clients that they at least develop a Facebook page. It's best to create one good social media page and keep it up-to-date, rather than try to be on all social networks and your pages become stagnant. Jump on over to Social Media Examiner right now and learn how to use LinkedIn with Twitter then tell me what you think!

Education Nation

2010-09-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

As MSNBC and NBC embark on their Education Nation segment this week, it's important for all of us to look at the role we play in education. Either as a taxpayer, parent, friend, teacher, volunteer, administrator, etc. we all have a stake in the future of the children of this country. I plan to watch, listen, evaluate, and then decide what I can do to help make education better. I'd love to hear from many of you! What is the real problem with education in the United States today, and where do you think we should begin to fix it?

Madalyn's Graduation Performance at SPAC

2010-05-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Exciting Book Tour Launches in California

2010-05-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Barbara Pokras and Fran Pokras Yariv on a very exciting start to their new book tour for "Feeding Mrs. Moskowitz and The Caregiver." Okay, they packed the very popular Vroman's bookstore in Pasadena on Friday night. Standing room only. That's the way to go ladies.

Emmy Award Winning Film Editor and Award Winning Screenwriter Launch California Book Tour This Month That Reaches Out to Caregivers

Sisters Reflect on the Sibling Relationship and Hot-Button Issues That Arise When Called on to Become Caregivers for Aging Parents

TIME magazine recently reported that nearly 43.5 million Americans are caring for elderly parents or relatives. Authors, and sisters, Barbara Pokras and Fran Pokras Yariv understand the ins-and-outs of caregiving, since they took care of their aging mother through three assisted living facilities in California. They have captured the essence of their experience in their new book, consisting of two novellas; the first is Feeding Mrs. Moskowitz, written by Barbara and the second, The Caregiver, written by Fran, who now is also a senior advocate.

In this pair of moving, gracefully poignant novellas, sisters Pokras and Yariv explore the world of the elderly with deft humor and heart-wrenching detail. Pokras’s Feeding Mrs. Moskowitz introduces us to the remarkable Golde Moskowitz, an elderly Russian widow living alone with her memories. In Golde’s world, “signs” are everywhere, the dead converse with the living, and dreams are real. Natalie Holtzman, a thirty-six-year-old graphic artist longing for connection, fills her world with work and with Artie, her commitment-wary boy¬friend. One sweltering summer morning, Golde decides to do some grocery shopping. Natalie, on her way to work, quite literally “runs into” her, and the lives of both women are forever changed.

Yariv’s The Caregiver unfolds in a series of stories, revealing the inner workings of Sunset Hills, a fictional upscale assisted-living facility in Hollywood. Narrated by Ofelia Hernandez, a young Latina caregiver, the stories capture both the mundane routines and the absurdi¬ties of the residents’ lives. With deep empathy and subtle humor, Yariv crafts intimate portraits of characters whose passion, intensity, and intelligence are only magnified with age.

This month they begin an extensive California book tour to discuss how they found the right assisted living facility for their mother, how they navigated the waters of the assisted living facility once she was there, how they divided up the responsibilities of caring for her, since one of them lived in California and the other on the east coast, and how they dealt with her aging and the impact it had on their own lives. Join them for a lively discussion at their bookstore events this month or on their blog at http://feedingmrsmoskowitz.blogspot.com/. They are ready to tell you all about their own experiences as caregivers, and how they’re embracing aging in their own lives.

Thank You Once Again NYS Government for Proving Who You Really Work For!

2010-01-20T05:55:00.000-08:00

Governor Patterson once again has led us down the path of ignorance and chaos. "Race to the Top" was a much needed incentive that New York State schools needed. Have you gone to your local school board meeting lately? I have. And yes, they're all talking about the Governor's cuts and how it will affect our children -- yours and mine! And yet, when money is offered with accountability strings attached -- the special interests win. Not sure you agree with me? Then read the articles below and tell me what you think.

(As reported yesterday in The Daily Politics) -- School aid is being reduced $1.1 billion (a 5 percent year-to-year reduction), targeted based on "local school district wealth and student need". Health care gets slashed by $1 billion, which includes reductions to Medicaid providers. Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/01/patersons-2010-2011-budget-pro.html#ixzz0d9oDevs9

Okay, so what's the problem then with increasing the number of charter schools and calling for teacher accountability in the classroom? Nothing, except a very powerful teacher's union. That's right! Thought the healthcare lobbyists were big. Think again. The NYSUT is even bigger. The two sticking points that are keeping NY State out of the running: increasing the cap on the number of charter schools in the State, and allowing for student's test scores to be considered in the tenure process for a teacher.

Seems pretty simple to me what needs to be done. $700 million isn't going to solve all our education woes, but it sure can help. Beyond the money, accountability is only going to make for better teachers and better success for our children. See what you think! Here's their argument:

Teacher accountability!

(From NYS School Boards Association, June 2009, by Marc Humbert) "On the issue of linking student performance to individual teachers, both Mills (former NY State Ed. Commissioner Richard P. Mills) and newly elected Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch have said they favor some sort of linkage, although not necessarily for use in decisions about tenure and merit pay bonuses." I say, why not? (read the article)

Richard Iannuzzi, head of the State teacher's union, NYSUT "showed his interest in having no accountability when it comes to scrutinizing his member teachers using test data since NYSUT's position is to ban the use of scores when making tenure decisions for teachers, which they got the legislature to do for them last year." (quote from the Chalkboard, NYCSA read it here!)

Charter Schools!

(From the Wall Street Journal, Jan 19, 2010) "In New York, the program has sparked a stiff political fight over charter schools that could jeopardize the state's chances. Charter schools are publicly funded but privately run, often by nonunion staff. New York lawmakers on Tuesday failed to agree on legislation that would allow an expansion of charter schools beyond the current statewide limit of 200. Despite the complications, New York submitted its application for the first round of funding."

(From NY Post, January 20, 2010) "State lawmakers flunked by blowing yesterday's deadline to lift the cap on charter schools -- imperiling cash-starved New York's bid to win up to $700 million in federal education funds. In doing so, Albany's Democratic leaders sold out students and sided with the powerful, anti-charter teachers unions, critics charged." Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/no_class_ny_nQpJxf7EqNZY4GNVUhiM3L#ixzz0d9wr3oED

You weigh in. Please tell me what you think.

Forcing the Flu Shot -- Was it all for Wall Street?

2009-10-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

I've been closely watching the response to Health Commissioner Daine's mandated flu vaccinations for State healthcare workers. Since it was first announced there's been a lot of controversy, and a lot of protest.  My brother even went up and protested the mandated vaccinations on the steps of the State Capital building a few weeks ago in Albany. Kudos to him (he's not a healthcare worker) and the other 300 plus people who set out that day to send a message to the Governor and the Commissioner. A message that was heard across the nation. What's important here is that a small group of people set out that day to be heard; and they were.

Now, it seems as though the tide has changed. After Daine's abrupt interview with Ali Skinner on WGY out of Albany, just one of many instances where he, the Governor, and local legislators have been put on the hot seat to answer questions about the mandate, it seems the Governor has now suspended the vaccinations.

In the Skinner interview the Commissioner cut the interview right in the middle of Skinner's question regarding Daine's wife's work for Goldman Sachs and the apparent conflict of interest that it might present. Does Daine's have a conflict of interest here? That's all Skinner was trying to ask. I think Daine's should have answered the question and that would have avoided some of this controversy. If you're wondering if Goldman Sach's could have an interest in the mandate -- check out this story Reuter's ran in 2007 that showed that investment firms like Goldman Sachs do have vested interest in pharmacueticals [read here].

Lo-and-behold the Governor now has suspended the vaccinations. All-be-it because he deems it's in short supply and should be given to those who need it most first. That's true and that has been most important from the start for Americans, but has it been that way for the Governor and the Commissioner? As altruistic as the explanation might seem on the part of the Governor, does he think the American public can't read between the lines? Who really benefits from the mandated half-million vaccines for New York State healthcare workers?   Yes, vaccines are important, but the line between making money and what's best for an individual is becoming more blurred every day.

Check out Al Roney (weekdays 9 am to noon 810am) and the WGY website to find more information on this interesting ongoing controversy [click here]. Then weigh in. Middle class Americans need to be heard whether it's on the steps of the Capital, calling into a radio show like Al Roney's, writing a letter to your Congressmen, or just writing to your fellow American's on the Internet. Start here by telling me what you think.  It's time to start asking the tough questions and if our legislators can't answer them, then let's vote them out and find people who can!

Accuracy Needs to be a Priority When Reporting the News

2009-10-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

The news is an ongoing issue for me. I was taught in college journalism class (many years ago) that the press was to report the news, and that it was not their job to set the agenda in this country, but to reflect it. Certainly, 24-7 news has changed all that. You'd think at a time when the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press is reporting that 63 percent of Americans believe news stories are often inaccurate — the worst report card it has ever seen, that the press would take notice.

I urge you to read the story out this evening by David Bauder with the Associated Press -- "Season of false start for news organizations." Check it out http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33472698/ns/entertainment-television/

Do you think your news is accurate? I'd love to hear it.

Public Relations in the Hudson Valley

2009-09-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Times are a changin' fast, and so are the options for sending press releases in the Hudson Valley region. This past spring a lot of newspapers in the region either downsized or closed all together leaving many businesses and non-profits wondering how to get their message out. Well, on the upside new media has popped up including the Northern Dutchess News and the Hudson Valley News. For these to be successful in our area you need to send them your news tips and your press releases. So, if you don't already have their emails here they are:

Hudson Valley News: jimlangan@thehudsonvalleynews.com or weekend@thehudsonvalleynews.com

The Northern Dutchess News: Kate Goldsmith northerndutchess@sdutchessnews.com or creativeliving@sdutchessnews.com

2008-12-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

For all you parents out there who are wondering about the impact the game World of Warcraft (WOW) has on your children, read below. WOW is highly addictive. The game is created that way, and parents need to be aware of how the game impacts the lives of their middle school, high school and college students. After looking at this email me your thoughts!

Some interesting links on the game:

Scroll to the bullet section of this link:

http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060222/sirlin_01.shtml

This is about ten minutes, but very interesting to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB5cSLdOr8U&feature=related

Here's an excerpt from a blog (http://soulkerfuffle.blogspot.com/2006/10/view-from-top.html) that explains the essence of how the game is designed:

".......These changes are miniscule, however, compared to what has happened in quite a few other people's lives. Some background... Blizzard created a game that you simply can not win. Not only that, the only way to "get better" is to play more and more. In order to progress, you have to farm your little heart out in one way or another: either weeks at a time PvPing to make your rank or weeks at a time getting materials for and "conquering" raid instances, or dungeons where you get "epic loot" (pixilated things that increase your abilities, therefore making you "better"). And what do you do after these mighty dungeons fall before you and your friend's wrath? Go back the next week (not sooner, Blizzard made sure you can only raid the best instances once a week) and do it again (imagine if Alexander the Great had to push across the Middle East every damn week)....."

FAQ's Answered by Blizzard on their website (the company that makes World of Warcraft):

Blizzard, the company that makes World of Warcraft, answers some of the most popular questions about the game below:

What is World of Warcraft?
World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). In World of Warcraft, thousands of players adventure together in an enormous, persistent game world, forming friendships, slaying monsters, and engaging in epic quests that can span days or weeks.

What is an MMORPG?
MMORPG stands for "massively multiplayer online role-playing game." In an MMORPG, thousands of players exist in the same game world at the same time. This creates an incredibly rich and active environment in which interesting things are constantly taking place. MMORPGs provide thousands of hours of game play, with a nearly infinite variety of goals to achieve across a vast world covering miles of land and sea. For World of Warcraft, we also add new content on a regular basis, thus ensuring that there will always be new adventures, new locations, new creatures, and new items to discover.

How does World of Warcraft differ from other MMORPGs?
World of Warcraft differs from other MMORPGs in many ways. Players complete quests and experience the world at their own pace, whether it be a few hours here and there or entire weeks at a time. Additionally, our quest system provides an enormous variety of captivating quests with story elements, dynamic events, and flexible reward systems. World of Warcraft also features a faster style of play, with less downtime and an emphasis on combat and tactics against multiple opponents.

Is there a monthly fee to play the game?
Yes. After the end of the free month included with the game, you need a subscription in order to continue playing the game. There are three subscription options: a month-to-month package at $14.99 per month, a three-month plan at $13.99 per month, and a six-month plan at $12.99 per month. The subscription fees for the three-month plan and the six-month plan must be paid in full.

Why isn't World of Warcraft free?
The fee is used to support the costs associated with the high-quality levels of service, support, and ongoing content creation that go into World of Warcraft.

Are there multiple methods of payment?
Yes, customers can pay their subscription fees using credit cards, PayPal, and pre-paid game cards, which can be purchased in many game and electronics stores. Other payment types may be added in the future.

Is there a version of World of Warcraft for the Mac?
Yes.

Can I use my World of Warcraft discs on my Mac and PC?
Yes, the discs are compatible with both Mac and PC.

Here's a link to the World of Warcraft online guide. It gives you an overview of the game and how it works: http: //www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/basics/guide.html

This sums it up:

Yea, I've been playing WoW since it came out and I can never stop playing it. The problem is I am only 15 and just left school, now waiting for my exam results I fear that because I was playing WoW alot between my exams that it would have a major effect on my results. I know it's a problem and that I need to stop playing but its just so dam hard to quit.

What's It Take in PR These Days?

2008-10-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

Wondering what you're going to have to do to get your business noticed? Well, the best thing is to analyze who you're trying to reach, what you're trying to sell them, and how best to reach them. Sounds simple? It's not. Today many businesses are faced with having to reach a population through traditional marketing, as well as, a population through new media marketing. What do I mean? Well, think about the senior population and how they get their information. This is a loyal, but aging customer group. For this market, online marketing isn't going to work. People in this age group have heard a lot about online marketing, but a good number haven't tried it themselves. As recently as July of 2008, the Associated Press summed up the use of the Internet by Senior Citizens. In a story triggered by presidential candidate John McCain's claim that he doesn't use the Internet, they said that's a trend that's changing. According to the article and the research data from April and May compiled by the Pew Internet Project at the Pew Research Center, only 35 percent of Americans over age 65 are online, but when you account for factors like race, wealth and education, the picture changes dramatically, and about three-quarters of the white, college-educated men over age 65 use the Internet. That's a great trend, but it still means that most of this population get's their information from traditional marketing including ads in local publications.

Now, the 50 Something Baby Boomers and the Generation Y, well there a group that's happy to do things online. They'll buy online, research online, and never have to meet you in person. Marketing to this group is a whole different game. Now, you have to think about how to budget for two separate forms of adverstising without blowing the budget. So, let's think about the Internet.

Why do most of use the Internet(73 percent of Americans use the Internet)? The top three reasons are, in order, email, informational searches, and finding a map or driving directions. There are also dozens of other conveniences: online banking, shopping, travel or restaurant reservations, job searches, real estate listings, and of course, the news.

Okay, so what's this all about? It's about identifying who you're trying to reach as your customer and the best way of reaching them. So many businesses decide to run print ads, or send out a mailer, but they really don't evaluate if they're reaching their target. You need to think viral marketing and how best to use the information you have for reaching your current clients and potential clients. Marketing is all about planning, and when you're faced with so many options for marketing you really have to fine-tune your plan so that you have a reasonable budget to work with, and you can give the marketing initiatives a chance to work. It's all about getting the best bang for your buck.

At Rebillard Public Relations we'd be glad to help you identify your budget and come-up with a plan that works. For more discussion on marketing for your business. Email me jeanne@rebillardpr.com