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Ferguson

November 25th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Ferguson, Missouri.  On this week of Thanksgiving, let us be with our families in peace.

Have a wonderful holiday!

The Evolution of Netflix

November 20th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Netflix is revolutionizing entertainment.  I remember when I first subscribed to Netflix. I was fascinated with a service that could deliver movies to my doorstep within a few days.  I could rent anything from a romantic movie I hadn’t seen in 10 years to a documentary about old Hollywood.

I looked forward to the mail coming every day.  Not only would it be delivered on-time, but one could keep the movie for as long as they wished.  This was special for anyone who had late fees from the library or video store.

I loved it!

Now, I still love Netflix but for many different reasons. Here are a few:

1. They have a wide selection.

2. Streaming has changed the way we watch TV.

3. Their specials and original productions.

4. Finally, they are setting new trends every day and this allows other companies like HBO and CBS to launch streaming services.

In the future, I doubt TV will be as we know it today.

Advertisers, beware!

Pop culture news

November 18th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Good afternoon all!

Today I wanted to give a roundup of all the latest news in the entertainment world.

1. Remember the hoverboard in “Back to the Future”?  Tony Hawke demonstrated a board made by Hendo.  It doesn’t hover very high and it can’t been ridden over aluminum or copper.  Oh, well.  I still want one.

2. Netflix’s is set to release “Marco Polo.”

3. TV Land cancels “Hot in Cleveland” after a 6 year run!

4. Matthew McConaughey gets a start on the Walk of Fame.  Ever wonder about the decision process?  Check out this article: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/01/how-do-stars-get-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame/

5. “Dumb and Dumber To” and “Big Hero 6” are big in the theaters.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

 

Hasbro to Buy DreamWorks?

November 13th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

There is an article in USA Today this morning about Hasbro in talks to buy DreamWorks.  A price has not been released.  According to the article and Deadline.com, the company is engaging in game changing negotiations that could transform the company.  This includes forming an entertainment powerhouse with Hasbro and also with Hearst to turn their Awesomeness TV into a joint venture.

It seems every day the media landscape is changing.  From online streaming options to new platforms to read books and listen to music.  The entertaining and news media are changing and struggling to find their place.

More artists are leaving Spotify and authors are struggling to leave Amazon.

What does the future hold for the artist?

What do you think?

Garth Brooks was a multi-platium performer in the 90s.  He sold out stadiums and sold millions of albums.  Then he went into retirement to raise his children.  While in retirement, the music industry changed.

This year he has launched a comeback with a tour and new album which goes on sale today.

However, he is breaking new ground by sticking to the old rules.

*His music is not on iTunes, Pandora, or Spotify.  Instead he is using a platform called Ghost Tunes in which he sells only entire albums.

* He announces tour dates individually and goes to the city for a week to 10 days.

*He does more than one show per night.

* He recently signed on to social media but I’m sure he will handle it differently.

Brooks is still selling out stadiums and more albums than most.  He is doing it by making his own rules. He did not follow the crowd and as a result lost millions or is not being paid for his trade.  Garth found his own way and his fans are embracing it. His music is heartwarming and he continues to make fans by being honest and human.

Keep rolling on, Garth!

Public Relations Pitches

November 6th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Good morning!

One of the most subjective areas of public relations is the traditional media pitch.  Some believe they should include a press release while others think a Twitter ping is the best.  In my opinion it is a little of both.  Including a press release is never a bad thing but it should not be the only thing.   Pitches need to be short.  Think about it this way.  You have the biggest piece of gossip in your neighborhood, you see your neighbor and you run up to them and tell them the gossip.  That is your pitch.  Don’t mention the history of the person or who they are in detail, just give them the facts!

Here are my tips for a great pitch:

1. Lead with the most important piece of information.

2. Make sure your grammar is correct.

3. Tell what makes your story credible.

4. Make sure to include your contact information.

5.  Match your story to the respondent.  In other words, make sure your story is relevant to the person you are pitching.

Here is a very helpful link from the program, This American Life.  The released pitches that were developed into stories.

Enjoy!

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/about/submissions/sample-pitches

It’s Election Day!

November 4th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Here are the basics of voting:

1. Make sure you know your voting location.  Usually you are sent a card identifying your polling place.

2. Bring ID just in case they can’t find your name on the list.

3. Make sure your name is accurate.

4.  Read the ballot.  I know this sounds funny but I had a situation once where I was voting in a primary in Iowa and the ballot confused me.  I had to read it many times.

5. Get your sticker!  It’s important to let others know you voted.  It’s your right!

 

Get out there and show your American pride today.  Democracy is not a noun but a verb!