You’re probably familiar with the overworked expression, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” But how about the spin-off version: “If it’s already broke, can you save it somehow?” The latter dilemma confronts me every year when it comes time to summarize findings of my annual B2B e-news delivery summary. The 11 sites scored as…
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Starting entry-level editorial recruits off on the right foot requires nonstop effort. Providing hour-a-day training from day one is a best bet. The approach described here works with even the smallest crew. I first employed it at a B2B magazine where staff was just two of us: the editor-in-chief (me) and a single assistant. The…
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Written tests used to screen new editorial staff recruits should provide a learning experience to job candidates. And looking ahead, when newcomers reach senior level positions, is there a guaranteed next step in terms of career potential? These are just two of the personnel practice suggestions found in September’s tweets. Earning the gripe-of-the-month honor is…
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The premium handbook for B2B editorial managers, Get Serious About Editorial Management, can now be downloaded from Amazon.com in Kindle E-book format for just $9.99. Whether you use a Kindle reader, a PC or Mac, a tablet, or your smart phone, you can now consult this key editorial resource wherever you go. The E-book format…
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Is continued reliance on traditional ethics code guidance the best approach for everyone? In my previous post on this subject, I made a case for in-house codes that help avert potential conflicts over marketing matters. However, early responses to that post from two experienced editors argue for alternative measures. Building relationships is superior to butting…
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If you have yet to develop an enforceable in-house ethics code, delay no more. The motivating force looming over us now comes in the form of a new trend towards teamwork between sales and editorial staffs. This movement, pundits declare, reflects the imminent demise of Church & State separation—a prospect that probably cheers many marketing…
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Increasing signs of editorial-sales teamwork reported by B2B publishers may create new ethical complications for editors. This trend’s possible impact was highlighted last month in my posts on Twitter. As an editor, what can you do about it? Here’s one idea: create an enforceable in-house ethics code devoted to an array of potential conflicts with…
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Instructive evaluation of editorial productivity requires access to a variety of quantitative data. Consider, for instance, the data you need to determine whether staff and other writers are producing an acceptable number of features. What’s required is to go through the previous six print and/or online issues and count accurately—in pages, inches, or words—each author’s…
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Whenever possible, I pester B2B writers who persist in adhering to a source-first/news-later editing policy. The chance to revisit the topic arose during a recent conversation with Bianchi Public Relations president Jim Bianchi. Here’s how we addressed this exchange: Howard Rauch: There is a basic editing issue that shows up quite a bit in my…
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Do your PR contacts blog regularly offering editorial management how-to advice? Sounds like a good idea to me. I’m talking about the Meet the Media blog program created by Bianchi Public Relations. According to company president Jim Bianchi, the firm “tries to do two profiles per month on a journalist who covers our clientele—automotive or…
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