Heavy-hitter e-news managers regularly use eight or more editorial enhancements in every posted article. Unfortunately, according to early results of my 8th annual e-news study, many B2B sites clearly are less than the best. For instance, of 220 articles scored so far, 173, or 79%, earned “low or lower” enterprise ratings. My new 60% enterprise…
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Several common editing snafus I found while reviewing web sites for my 8th annual B2B e-news study made up the bulk of my November Tweets. Of 200 articles examined so far, 79 are packed with foggy prose, 75 include headline/deck misfires, and 68 are burdened by run-on opening sentences. Evidence of enterprise reporting is scarce.…
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Did you take time out yet to apply my latest B2B study methodology to your current e-news performance? If not, don’t delay. For most publications, the need for improvement is crystal clear, especially where enterprise reporting is concerned. Here’s some background explaining how you might proceed. In my ongoing study of 50 online news sites,…
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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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