ASBPE Washington, D.C. Chapter

Aug. 12: 2011 Central-Southeastern Region/National Azbee Awards Luncheon

2011-08-09T15:43:00.003-04:00

Save the afternoon of Friday, August 12, for the presentation of ASBPE's 2010 Central-Southeastern Region and National Awards of Excellence. We'll see the winning entries, give out the awards, and hear the story behind the story about two award-winning articles.

Meeting Details

When: Friday, Aug. 12, 2011 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where:

National Association of Realtors
500 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001

How to attend: To reserve your place, send payment (credit card or check payable to ASBPE) by Aug. 5 with a completed reservation form (8K PDF) to the contact listed on the form.

Cost: $20 for ASBPE members; $25 for nonmembers.

Regional Azbee Awards Banquet: Aug. 12, 2011

2011-07-01T14:15:00.003-04:00

A luncheon banquet will be held to honor the Central/Southeast Region winners of the Azbee Awards at the offices of the National Association of Realtors in D.C.:

National Association of Realtors
500 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001-2020

More information will be posted as details become available.

Questions? Contact Steven Roll at b2beditor AT gmail.com.

Harnessing the Power of the Generation Y

2011-03-11T00:11:00.005-05:00

UPDATE: MEETING CANCELED, 3/22/11.

Participation trophies, helicopter parents, and Facebook status updates are among the things that the new generation of workers entering the editorial market place is known for.

Like the journalists who preceded them, Gen Y workers bring a unique set of perspectives and values to the workplace. In some cases, Gen Y has already set the tone for the future (e.g., Facebook's Mark Zuckerman).

In a time defined by rapid technological change, a Gen Y worker can fast become a valued member of an editorial team.

These so-called "digital natives," who came of age in a world that communicates via texting, Facebook and Twitter, often have an understanding of how to maximize a publication's presence on these social media platforms — a skill that often eludes their elders.

But harnessing these skills and coordinating them with the talents of other editorial team members requires time and patience.Watching over these new hires too closely will likely stifle their creativity. Giving them too much freedom could result in a social-media fiasco.

Please join your DC ASBPE colleagues for a lunchtime session on Harnessing the Power of Gen Y.

When: Friday, March 25, 2011 from 12:30 to 2pm

Where:

National Association of Realtors
500 New Jersey Avenue
N.W., Washington D.C. 20001

RSVP: To Steven Roll by March 18th at b2beditor@gmail.com

Cost: $15 members/$25 for nonmembers. A box lunch will be provided.

Paul Albergo, managing editor at BNA and adjunct journalism professor at American University, will discuss:

how seeing the workplace through the eyes of a Gen Y worker can trigger innovation and set the stage for future success the skills that members of Gen Y are not learning in college or graduate schools;
clues to look for when culling "paper tigers" from the resume pile;
why it's more important than ever to teach the fundamentals of journalism and good writing practices;
and practical solutions for encouraging enterprise and creativity, while limiting the impact of "rookie mistakes."

2010 Central-Southeast Region/National Azbee Awards Banquet

2010-07-23T18:34:00.004-04:00

Winners of the Central-Southeast region Print Azbee awards — and national winners from magazines based in that region — will be honored at a banquet in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 20.

Event details:

Date: Friday, August 20, 2010

Time: 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

Location:

National Association of Realtors
500 New Jersey Ave.
Washington, D.C.

Cost: $15 for members $20 for nonmembers

To RSVP: Please complete and fax this form (60K Word doc) to 703-341-1625, attn: Steven Roll by Friday, Aug. 13.

ASBPE-DC Event: Oct. 30: Web Video How-To Basics for B2B Editors

2009-10-27T14:23:00.003-04:00

B2B editors' job descriptions are expanding well beyond writing and reporting, and it's no longer uncommon the find journalists tweeting, podcasting, photographing, and videotaping. For many editors, these technologies are unfamiliar territory, yet most have little guidance to meet managers' high expectations. ASBPE-DC's latest workshop--Web Video How-To Basics for B2B Editors--addresses the most-demanding of these new tasks in a comprehensive, hands-on format designed to give you the tools and the confidence to master this growing reader resource. You will learn the basics of how to make videos, including:

how to use inexpensive video editing and upload to the Web, via an on-site demo

how to write scripts, including judging the length of your video and how to time pictures and text

tricks for viewer-friendly videotaping, including holding the camera, managing the audio, and putting your subject at ease

when to use which format (on-site interview, studio interview)

how to select topics

what not to do

Speakers Rob Freedman, senior editor of Realtor Magazine, and Jean Dimeo, an editorial director at Hanley Wood Business Media, have both recently made the crossover to multimedia journalism and will offer their been-there, lived-through-that experience so you can learn their lessons--and avoid their mistakes.

Event details:

Date: Friday, October 30, 2009

Time: 8:30 a.m. Continental breakfast/networking

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Workshop

Location: National Association of Realtors

500 New Jersey Ave, Washington, D.C.

(walking distance from Union Station Metro)

Cost: $10 for members, $20 for non-members

RSVP: Email Katy Tomasulo at asbpedckaty@gmail.com for a registration form by Weds, Oct. 28.

Questions? Contact Katy Tomasulo at 202-736-3303 or asbpedckaty@gmail.com

About Rob Freedman

Robert Freedman is Senior Editor of Realtor Magazine, published by the National Association of Realtors in Washington, D.C., and past president of ASBPE and the ASBPE Educational Foundation. He is involved in all aspects of multimedia publishing and produces weekly Realtor Magazine news videos. Robert is the author or editor of several books on business communications, including Journalism That Matters (Marion Street Press) and Best Practices of the Business Press (Kendall-Hunt).

About Jean Dimeo

Jean Dimeo is Editorial Director for Building Products magazine and ebuild.com, and is Chief Editor, Online for EcoHome magazine, each published by Hanley Wood, LLC in Washington, D.C. In addition to traditional print and online editorial responsibilities, she has taken on the role of producing weekly product videos for her Web sites and coordinates efforts for on-site videos at trade shows. Prior to joining Hanley Wood in 1992, Jean was a business and real estate reporter and copy editor for several newspapers, including the Dallas Times Herald. She has appeared on HGTV home improvement shows and has been quoted as a building products expert in metropolitan newspapers.

Free Admission to Central-Southeast Regional Azbees Ceremony, July 15

2009-07-09T07:26:00.005-04:00

Save the evening of Wednesday, July 15, for the presentation of ASBPE’s 2009 Central-Southeast regional Awards of Excellence. The awards ceremony will take place in Washington, D.C., kicking off the ASBPE National Editorial Conference. This event is free of charge, so come join us and bring your staff!

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location:

Washington Marriott
1221 22nd Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
Maps and transportation information

Cost: None

To RSVP: email asbpedckaty@gmail.com

ASBPE Author to Appear in D.C.

2009-01-05T16:20:00.004-05:00

Join ASBPE Immediate Past President Roy Harris for two special events in D.C. celebrating service journalism through his book "Pulitzer's Gold: Behind the Prize for Public Service Journalism." Released in 2008, "Pulitzer's Gold" explores the story behind the story, tracing the 90-year history of the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

Friday, Jan. 9, 6 p.m.: Book reading/signing

Reiter's Book Store, 20th & K

Wine and appetizers

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2:30 p.m.

Newseum, Knight Studio, Level 3

Roy will join The Washington Post's Dana Priest and Anne Hull to discuss how the two reporters uncovered their Pulitzer-winning story on deplorable conditions at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Upcoming Webinar: A B2B Journalist's Guide to Creating the Next New-Media Resource

2008-11-06T13:20:00.005-05:00

Join ASBPE for our latest Webinar: A B2B Journalist's Guide to Creating the Next New-Media Resource

Date: Monday, November 17th
Time: 1 pm EST
Duration: 60 minutes
Location: Your computer

Webinar Overview
The advent of the Internet has made it easier and less costly than ever for writers and editors to connect with a niche audience. It also has dramatically increased the value of their skills, enabling smart writers and editors to reach millions of people, as well as make money doing so, without the backing of a large media company.

During a 60-minute Webinar brought to you by ASBPE, you'll learn from Harry McCracken, the former editor-in-chief of PC World who has since founded the personal technology blog Technologizer, and Joe Pulizzi, founder and chief content officer of the search community site Junta42, how to:

develop an effective marketing strategy to promote your content
identify, and participate in, on-line conversations that can help draw audiences to your work
use social networking Web sites to reach out to on-line communities who are likely to value your expertise
leverage the power of "free"
build successful permission-based marketing initiatives

How to register: Register online here. Shortly after you register, you will receive a confirmation of your registration by e-mail that will include the dial-in number and access code.

Charge: This Webinar is $10.00 for all ASBPE members and $35.00 for non-members.

About the Moderator
JOE FLEISCHER has more than 12 years of experience as a writer and editor covering a wide range of topics related to customer care. He is a sought-after speaker and moderator at leading customer care events. He has developed and moderated numerous conference sessions, workshops and Webcasts, with the aim of helping companies to improve their communication with customers.

With Brendan Read, Mr. Fleischer is the co-author of the book "The Complete Guide to Customer Support."

About the Presenters
HARRY MCCRACKEN is the founder and editor of Technologizer, a Web site and community about personal technology that reaches 400,000 unique visitors a month.

Prior to launching Technologizer in July 2008, he served as editor-in-chief of PC World, the world's largest computing magazine, and its Web site, from 2003 to 2008. McCracken earned American Business Media's Timothy White Award for Editorial Integrity in 2008. He was named to Folio: magazine's Folio:40 list of media movers and shakers in 2008, and was one of min Magazine's 21 Most Intriguing People in 2008. McCracken's PC World editorials won American Business Media's Jesse H. Neal award in 2008.

He has appeared as a technology expert on ABC, the BBC, CBS, NBC, the History Channel, and many other TV and radio outlets, and has written for Family Circle, Popular Science, Slate, USA Today and other publications.

JOE PULIZZI, a thought leader, speaker, writer and evangelist for content marketing and custom publishing, is founder and chief content officer for Junta42, a content marketing and custom publishing on-line resource, helping businesses of all sizes learn how to create valuable, relevant and compelling content.

Voted American Business Media's "Custom Media Innovator of the Year," Joe is also president of Z Squared Media LLC, a content marketing consulting firm for marketers and publishers. In addition, Joe is co-author of the book "Get Content. Get Customers.," which helps teach businesses why and how to create their own compelling content to drive their businesses.

Congratulations ASBPE Central-Southeast Azbee Winners!

2008-07-21T10:48:00.003-04:00

Members of ASBPE's Central-Southeast region gathered July 17 for the annual ASBPE Central-Southeast Regional Awards banquet. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to mingle with fellow award winners and hear from guest speaker Tom Temin, veteran B2B editor and current host of Federal News Radio's morning drive-time program. And of course, we announced the awards for all of the region's Azbee finalists.

Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to the event's sponsor, The Fund for American Studies.

Central-Southeast Azbee Winners:

EDITORIAL
Case History Under 80,000

Bronze
"Blowing up the business plan"
Smart Business Columbus
Nancy Byron

Silver
"A Hall of Fame Homer"
The Big Picture
Gregory Sharpless, Kacey King, Peggy Middendorf, Clare Baker, Jaxon Cook

Gold
"Here's the Church, and Here are the People"
Rejuvenate
Regina McGee, Kate Burton, Karen Hoots, Chris Collinson, Laura Moss

Case History 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Library of Congress"
Government Computer News
William Jackson

Silver
"The New American Home 2007"
Builder
Rich Binsacca, Denise Dersin, Edwin Malstrom, Deborah Leopold, Boyce Thompson

Gold
"The Luxury of Time"
Builder
Jenny Sullivan, Nigel F. Maynard, Denise Dersin, Edwin Malstrom, Deborah Leopold

Editorial/Editor's Letter Under 80,000

Bronze
"Paris Hilton - 23 Days; BP Officials - 0" and "Making Your 'Neighborhood' a Positive Place"
Occupational Hazards
Sandy Smith

Silver
"No Detail Too Small," and "The Greener Side of Golf"
Golf Course Industry
John Walsh

Gold
"Viewpoint"
Quality Assurance and Food Safety
Dan Moreland

Editorial/Editor's Letter 80,000 or more

Bronze
"First Word"
Remodeling
Sal Alfano

Silver
"Just In Time"
IndustryWeek
David Blanchard

Gold
"Editor's Notes"
Builder
Denise Dersin

Feature Article Under 80,000

Bronze
"Changing face of propane"
LP Gas Magazine
Jennifer Webb, Patrick Hyland, Kim Traum

Bronze
"The Invisible Wall"
T+D
Michael Laff

Silver
"The Rise of the RN"
Architect Magazine
Ned Cramer, Amanda Kolson Hurley

Gold CSE
"After the Storm"
residential architect
residential architect Staff

Feature Article 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Back From the Brink"
Remodeling
Stacey Freed, Sal Alfano, Ingrid Bush

Silver
"To Roth or Not to Roth"
Journal of Accountancy
Paul Bonner, Delton Chesser, Charles Davis, Timothy Thomasson, Randi Grant

Gold
"Building Stability"
Military Officer
Military Officer Staff

How-To Article Under 80,000

Bronze
"Web Marketing 102"
Replacement Contractor
Jim Cory, Ingrid Bush

Silver
"What Are Your Weaknesses?"
Security Management
John Wagley

Gold
"Reinventing a Classic"
Developer
Alison Rice, Edito; Cati O'Keefe, Managing Editor; Rachel Z. Azoff, Associate Editor

How-To Article 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Dealing With Death"
Physicians Practice
Robert Redling

Silver
"Trade Secrets: Crunch Time"
Builder
Pat Curry, Steve Zurier, Denise Dersin, Evan Potler, Deborah Leopold

Gold
80,000 or more
"Command Performance"
Builder
Rich Binsacca, Denise Dersin, Evan Potler, Deborah Leopold, Boyce Thompson

Individual/Organization Profile Under 80,000

Bronze
"Urban Groundbreakers"
Multifamily Executive
Shabnam Mogharabi, Editor; Kate Herman, Managing Editor; Chris Wood, Senior Editor

Silver
"Custom Builder of the Year"
Custom Home
Bruce D. Snider, Leslie Ensor, Jennifer Goodman

Gold
"Sixth Sense"
Multifamily Executive
Shabnam Mogharabi, Editor; Kate Herman, Managing Editor; Rachel Z. Azoff, Associate Editor

Individual/Organization Profile 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Sweeter the Second Time"
Physicians Practice
Laurie Hyland Robertson

Silver
"HR at the Summit"
HR Magazine
Bill Roberts

Gold
"Cathedral Builder"
Remodeling
Leah Thayer, Sal Alfano, Ingrid Bush

News Analysis/Investigative Under 80,000

Gold
"The Writing's On the Wall"
Success In Home Care
Sara Jackson

News Analysis/Investigative 80,000 or more

Gold
"Wi-Fi to the Rescue"
Government Computer News
Trudy Walsh

Original Research Under 80,000

Bronze
"Top 100 Growers"
Greenhouse Grower
Sara Tambascio, Patrick Brickman

Silver
"WHZ SO VN?"
MOVE
Melissa Ferrari, Katelyn Wyszynski, Jason King, Stefan Lonce

Gold
"Keep Your Promises"
ProSales
Andy Carlo

Original Research 80,000 or more

Bronze
"IndustryWeek 500 / IndustryWeek 50"
IndustryWeek
Traci Purdum, David Blanchard

Silver CSE
"2007 Remodeling Business Benchmarking Survey"
Remodeling
Hayden Alfano, Sal Alfano, Ingrid Bush

Gold
"You Be the Judge"
Physicians Practice
Pamela L. Moore, PhD

Regular Column, Contributed Under 80,000

Bronze
"Circular File"
Waste Age
Chaz Miller, Steven Averett, Stephen Ursery, Chris Carlson, Deanna Hart

Silver
"The Business of Life"
Smart Business Atlanta
Jim Huling

Gold
"The New Bull Connors"
Youth Today
Mike Males

Regular Column, Contributed 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Berke on Safety"
Machine Design
Lanny Berke, Jessica Shapiro

Silver
"Shawn McCadden"
Remodeling
Shawn McCadden, Leah Thayer, Sal Alfano, Ingrid Bush

Gold
"Silicon Jack"
Latin Trade
Jack Epstein

Regular Column, Staff Written Under 80,000

Bronze
"Straight Talk" and "Fond Farewell"
ProSales
Chris Wood

Silver
"Pork Potpourri"
Youth Today
Bill Treanor

Gold
"Experts" and "Someday, Soon?"
Florida Trend
Mark R. Howard

Regular Department Under 80,000

Bronze
"Making the Rounds"
Today's Medical Developments
Kelsey Higginbotham

Silver
"Apartment Life"
Multifamily Executive
Shabnam Mogharabi, Editor; Kate Herman, Managing Editor; Chris Wood, Senior Editor; Les Shaver, Senior Editor

Gold
"Above the Fold"
PRESSTIME
PRESSTIME Staff

Regular Department 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Market Watch"
Remodeling
Hayden Alfano, Sal Alfano, Ingrid Bush

Silver
"Benchmark"
Remodeling
Sal Alfano, Judith Miller, Alan Hanbury Jr., Ingrid Bush

Gold
"History Lesson"
Civil Engineering
Brett Hansen

Special Section Under 80,000

Bronze
"Unwrapping the Final Rule"
HomeCare
Gail Walker, Susanne Hopkins, James Faucett, David Mitchell

Silver
"State of the Industry"
PCT Magazine
PCT Staff

Gold
"Homeland Security Report Card"
HSToday
David Silverberg

Special Section 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Financing"
Remodeling
Sal Alfano, Charlie Wardell, Ingrid Bush

Silver
"The Cutting Edge of Defense IT"
Government Computer News
Kevin McCaney, Wilson Dizard III, Kathleen Hickey, John Rendleman, Joab Jackson

Gold
"Green Remodeling"
Remodeling
Sal Alfano, Alice Bumgarner, Ingrid Bush

Technical Article Under 80,000

Bronze
"Decoding the Digital Picture"
Security Management
Laura Spadanuta

Silver
"Turning thoughts into action"
Medical Design
Victoria Reitz

Gold
"New Chemical Solutions"
Security Management
Matthew Harwood

Technical Article 80,000 or more

Bronze CSE
"Grand Inspiration"
Civil Engineering
Robert L. Reid

Silver
"Tower of Power"
Civil Engineering
Gonzalo García-Sobrinos; Ignasi Salvador-Villà, ICCP; Jesús Serradilla-Echarri

Gold
"High-Performance Art"
Builder
Nigel F. Maynard, Denise Dersin, Edwin Malstrom, Deborah Leopold, Boyce Thompson

DESIGN

Feature Article Design Under 80,000

Bronze
"After the Storm"
residential architect
Judy H. Neighbor, Various photographers and illustrators

Silver
"Gray Matters"
Florida Trend
Gary Bernloehr, Jason Morton, Jeffrey Camp

Gold
"A Serviceable Icon"
Architect Magazine
Aubrey Altmann, Ned Cramer, Jason Fulford, Amanda Kolson Hurley, Marcy Ryan

Feature Article Design 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Sky Watcher"
Civil Engineering
Jan Hilton

Silver
"Trade Secrets: Crunch Time"
Builder
Evan Potler, Denise Dersin

Gold
"Home Improvement Financing"
Remodeling
Judy Neighbor, Mary Endres, David Plunkert

Front Cover - Computer Generated Under 80,000

Bronze
"Clearing the Air"
Waste Age
David Mitchell, Stephen Ursery, Steven Averett, Deanna Hart

Silver
"Money Ball"
Florida Trend
Gary Bernloehr, Jason Morton

Gold
"Greener Pastures"
Building Products
Evan Potler, Allison Levy

Front Cover - Computer Generated 80,000 or more

Bronze
"2007 Business Benchmarking Survey"
Remodeling
Judy Neighbor, Anders Wenngren

Silver
"October 2007 cover"
American City & County
Bill Wolpin, Wes Clark, Lindsay Isaacs, Edward Brock, Deanna Hart

Gold
"The Cutting Edge of Defense IT"
Government Computer News
Jeff Langkau

Front Cover - Photo Under 80,000

Bronze
"Bright Spots"
Florida Trend
Gary Bernloehr, Jason Morton, Jeffrey Camp

Silver
"Out-of-Home Makes a Splash"
The Big Picture
Gregory Sharpless, Peggy Middendorf, Jaxon Cook, Clare Baker, Angela Prues

Gold
"Portrait of a Broken Lake"
Florida Trend
Gary Bernloehr, Jason Morton, Jeffrey Camp

Front Cover - Photo 80,000 or more

Bronze
"November 2007"
Civil Engineering
Jan Hilton

Silver
"August 2007"
Civil Engineering
Jan Hilton

Gold
"January 2007"
Civil Engineering
Jan Hilton

Opening Page/Spread - Computer Generated Under 80,000

Bronze
"Outlook 2008"
Landscape Management
Carrie Parkhill

Silver
"A Serious Crush"
Construction & Demolition Recycling Magazine
Jennifer Pies

Gold
"Bid Adieu To Bidding Blues"
PCT
Andrea Vagas

Opening Page/Spread - Computer Generated 80,000 or more

Bronze CSE
"Well served"
American City & County
Bill Wolpin, Wes Clark, Lindsay Isaacs, Edward Brock, Deanna Hart

Silver
"When Will It End?"
Builder
Evan Potler, Denise Dersin

Gold
"Midnight Run"
Builder
Evan Potler, Denise Dersin

Opening Page/Spread - Photo Under 80,000
Bronze
"Meet the Bloggers"
Architect Magazine
Braulio Agnese, Aubrey Altmann, Stewart Ferebb, Gideon Fink Shapiro, Marcy Ryan

Silver
"Growing Green"
Real Estate Portfolio
Kevin Hambel, The Magazine Group, National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts

Gold
"A Mod, Mod World"
Multifamily Executive
Shabnam Mogharabi, Editor; Susan Morrison, Art Director; Kate Herman, Managing Editor; Melissa Goldweitz, Graphic Designer; Jill Waldbieser, Contributor

Opening Page/Spread - Photo 80,000 or more

Bronze
"Passionate Pursuits"
Builder
Evan Potler, Denise Dersin

Silver
"Taking the Lead"
Civil Engineering
Jan Hilton

Gold
"Tower of Power"
Civil Engineering
Jan Hilton

Register Now for the Azbee Central/Southeast Regional Awards Banquet

2008-06-11T18:41:00.008-04:00

Once again, the Washington, DC chapter will be hosting the Azbee Awards Banquet for the Central/Southeast Region. Join us on July 17 as we recognize the region's award-winning journalists and enjoy an evening of networking, food, and fun.

In addition to the awards program, keynote speaker and veteran journalist Tom Temin will discuss new media and the opportunities it creates for B2B editors.

Temin hosts the Federal News Radio morning drive-time program. He has 30 years experience in journalism, mostly in technology markets, including serving as editor in chief of Government Computer News and Washington Technology magazines, both of which were regular winners of national reporting awards. Temin is now a communications and publishing consultant. Before joining Federal News Radio AM 1050 daily on air, Temin wrote--and will continue to write--a weekly column for FederalNewsRadio.com on government IT and acquisition topics. He's been a regular call-in guest on "The Federal Drive."

Event details:
Thursday, July 17
Cocktail/networking reception: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dinner, awards, guest speaker: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location:
Tivoli Restaurant
1700 N. Moore St.
Arlington, VA
(Located directly above the Rosslyn Metro Station; complimentary parking also available.)

Cost:
$65 for ASBPE members; $75 for non-members
Buy a whole table (8-9 attendees) and receive the member rate for all!

RSVP by July 3!
Email Katy Tomasulo at asbpedckaty@gmail.com to register. (Advance payment required; a registration form will be sent upon receipt of email.)

Questions? Contact Katy at asbpedckaty@gmail.com or call 202-736-3303.

Exclusive, Complimentary Newseum Tour for ASBPE Members

2008-06-09T15:03:00.004-04:00

Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 26, when ASBPE's DC Chapter will host a free, exclusive two-hour guided "Talk & Tour" of the Newseum, which re-opened in downtown Washington on April 11. The Newseum is the world's first interactive museum of news and has received critical acclaim for its exhibits and programs.

From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., we will view gallery exhibits on First Amendment rights, 9/11, the Berlin Wall, Pulitzer Prize photographs, and more.

Prior to the tour portion of the event, there will be a talk covering world press freedoms and a Q&A given by veteran broadcast journalist and Newseum Special Programs Director John Milewski. Milewski has extensive experience in moderating and interviewing, producing public affairs television programming and documentaries, and working with educators from around the world to create educational opportunities for students and adults. Currently he also is an instructor for Penn State University, where he teaches a course on politics and media.

Prior to joining the Newseum, for 20 years Milewski served as executive producer, managing editor, and host/moderator of Close Up on C-SPAN, one of the longest running news and public policy discussion programs in cable television history. In 2006, he served as interim producer of After Words, the flagship program of C-SPAN's Book TV lineup.

Over the years he has worked with high school and college students and teachers from South Central LA to Moscow, and from Indian reservations to Pacific Island U.S. territories. He has covered everything from presidential elections and Space Shuttle launches to the fall of the Berlin Wall. He has interviewed leaders of youth gangs and leaders of nations and has covered every presidential election since 1988, producing and hosting programs from every Republican and Democratic nominating convention since then. Most recently he covered the Democratic debate at Drexel University and the Republican debate at the University of Miami for the Newseum.

This private "Talk & Tour" promises to be informative and stimulating, as we discuss the issues journalists face every day.

Following the event there will be an optional informal happy hour at nearby 701 Pennsylvania Ave Restaurant and Bar for those interested (attendees will be responsible for their own food and drinks).

Event details:
Thursday, June 26, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Location:
The Newseum
555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Enter through the C Street Group Entrance
The Newseum is located near several Metro stops. Click here for directions.

Fees:
This is a free event exclusively for ASBPE members (a $20 value). Space is extremely limited and pre-registration is required. First come, first reserved. If you are not currently an ASBPE member but would like to be, head to www.asbpe.org and click on "Join ASBPE"; new members are welcome to register for this event.

RSVP by Friday, June 20:
To register, email Katy Tomasulo at asbpedckaty@gmail.com with your name, company, title, phone number, and email address. Because space is limited, please register only if you are certain you can attend.

Questions:
Contact Katy Tomasulo at asbpedckaty@gmail.com.

Webinar: Taking Your Webcasts to the Next Level

2008-03-10T14:04:00.004-04:00

From boosting readership and ad dollars to raising brand awareness, learn how B-to-B publications are gaining a competitive edge through webinars.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know what it takes to successfully produce compelling—and profitable—webinars for your trade magazine? Join the American Society of Business Publication Editors for a webinar on Friday, March 21, to get the inside scoop from top experts at Nielsen Business Media and InXpo.

You'll Learn How to…
• pick a compelling topic and present it for maximum impact.

• involve print and online staff editors in content development and presentation of webinars.

• manage the "church-state" divide and address common ethical issues when conducting webinars.

• package and market online events for potential viewers and sponsors.

• leverage webinars for related editorial content, including virtual trade shows, podcasts and e-newsletters.

Meeting Details
When: Friday, March 21, 1 p.m. to 2: p.m. EDT.

Where: Your computer. A Web conference dial-in number and access code is required, and will be provided to registrants in a subsequent e-mail.

How to attend: To reserve your place, contact Steve Roll by March 17 at b2beditor@gmail.com. Questions may be directed to Steve at 703-341-5926. You may also RSVP online at www.asbpe.org.

Charge: $10 for ASBPE members, $35 for non-members.

Learn more about the speakers after the jump.

About the Presenters
KRISTIN BEAULIEU is the Vice President of Client Services at InXpo, a leading provider of virtual online communities and trade shows. She works with leading publishers such as Nielsen, The Wall Street Journal, CMP, IDG, Ziff Davis Enterprise, and others to strategize their event businesses. Kristin was formerly the Vice President of Digital Events for the Consumer Small Business Division of Ziff Davis Media. She managed two online event divisions for Ziff Davis: eSeminars and PCMagCast. eSeminars was launched in 2000 and grew steadily to become a highly profitable division of Ziff Davis with year-over-year exponential growth in revenue and events. In January 2006, PCMagCast was launched as the dedicated online event division of PC Magazine.

PCMagCast received both Gold and Bronze 2006 Folio Fame Awards for "Best Online Events of the Year" for its "Security and Mobility Virtual Tradeshow" and the webcast "Selecting and Setting up an HDTV Set." Additionally, eSeminars received the 2005 Folio Fame Gold Award for "Best Online Event" for its Security Solutions Tradeshow "Protect Yourself Against Attacks."

ELLIOT MARKOWITZ is Editorial Director of Nielsen Business Media Webcasts and Virtual Events and is responsible for the content of all Web seminars across Nielsen's publications and brands. He is also Editorial Director of Nielsen's Small Business Resource Center and Mediajobmarket.com.

Previously, Markowitz was Editorial Director of Ziff Davis Media eSeminars, where he helped build the company's eSeminar business and launched its award-winning Virtual Tradeshow concept. Markowitz is an 18-year publishing veteran. Before Ziff Davis, he was Editor of Hotel Business magazine and HotelJournal. Before that he was Editor-in-Chief of CRM Magazine and the destinationCRM.com Web site and related live events. Before CRM Magazine, he was Business Editor at TechTV, responsible for helping to manage the TV station's Web site as well as conducting live on-air interviews with key industry executives.

Markowitz also spent 11 years with CMP Media's award-winning weekly newspaper Computer Reseller News (CRN), where he held many key editorial positions including News Editor, Business Editor, and Senior Executive Editor. In 1999 he was named Editor of CRN, responsible for the entire editorial operation of the newspaper and in charge of coordinating its redesign and re-launch in June 2000. While at CRN Markowitz initiated many key alliances, including the Industry Hall of Fame event in Las Vegas and the annual CRN/Raymond James Conference. Early in his career Markowitz was a news reporter on Long Island for the Massapequa Post.

One Week Left to Enter the Tabbies

2008-02-26T18:07:00.003-05:00

Entries for the Tabbies, the international awards program held by Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) are due March 5. The competition is open to trade, association, and business magazines published at least four times a year.

Categories include:
Design
Feature Design
Front Cover
Front Cover, Illustration
Front Cover, Photograph
Front Cover, Special Issue
Opening Page or Spread
Table of Contents

Editorial
Best Single Issue
Department
Editor’s Column
Feature Article
Focus/Profile Article
How-To Article
News Coverage
Regular Column
Single News Article
Special Section
Technical Article

Online
Best b2b Website
Online Feature

Click here for more details and entry instructions.

What You Missed: Video on B2B Web Sites

2008-02-25T16:41:00.003-05:00

by Christopher M. Wright

"People don't read anymore." That's right. Video is the future.
Here’s what you missed at ASBPE-DC’s panel discussion "Implementing Video on B2B Web Sites" on February 20:

Patrick Mirza, Online Multimedia Producer for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), said the day is coming when editors will have to think about slicing up coverage of a story and using the right tool for each aspect. Where a print piece can tell you how high a building is in feet, only a video clip can sweep the location and show you how imposing the structure really is. Likewise, video gets you closer to sources, communicating richer information through facial expressions, reactions to questions, etc.

If you had been there, you also would have learned how to go beyond simple "talking heads" to broadcast-style interviews with voiceovers and cutaways to referenced materials.

For Jeff Langkau, Creative Director for 1105 Media (Government Computer News, Federal Computer Week, etc.), the future is already here. The online version of a story, complete with video clips, is now the primary focus of editorial meetings and the print magazines are secondary. Preparation includes writing scripts, drawing up storyboards with camera angles and transitions, and planning out slideshows, Google Maps, etc. for the story's Web page. In short, what to invest in a story and how to maximize the return, i.e., increasing the number of news items that can be extracted from a single newsgathering effort.

The audience also heard from Jeff how to minimize expensive studio time and other costs.

During the Q&A, participants shared ideas on how to get started, where to look for case studies, and the relative merits and demerits of various video-editing software packages.

Don't miss out! Head to ASBPE DC's future workshops for great information and good company, all for a nominal cost and at a convenient downtown location. See you next time!

Mr. Wright is a freelance writer, ASBPE-DC Board Member, and winner of ASBPE Regional Bronze. He specializes in investment and technology topics for national and international clients. [www.sinewaveinvestor.com ]

Upcoming ASBPE DC Event: Implementing Video On B2B Web Sites

2008-02-11T12:16:00.000-05:00

Please join the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) and your colleagues in the trade and association press for a Wed., Feb. 20, panel discussion on Web video.

With the push of Web 2.0 and readers clamoring for fresh, relevant multimedia content, more and more B2B publications are making video a prominent feature on their Web sites. But the technology has left some editors wondering how to get started and what exactly to post. If you count yourself among the confused, join the Washington, DC chapter of ASBPE for our latest workshop, "Implementing Video On B2B Web Sites," in which our panel of experts will examine the following questions:

--Why should I use video on my magazine's Web site?
--How do I decide what to put on the Web and what types of formats work best?
--What topics or subject matters are most appropriate for Web video?
--How should editorial staff be involved with Web video?
--What are the basic steps I should take once I've decided to post a video?
--How should video fit into my magazine's overall efforts and future plans?

Panelists:
--Jeff Langkau, Creative Director, 1105 Media, publisher of Government Computer News, Federal Computer Week, Washington Technology, Defense Systems, and Government Health IT. Jeff is responsible for the look and feel of all print and online products, and last year assumed responsibility for multimedia products. Jeff manages a staff of Web production managers, Web designers, print designers, and copy editors.

--Patrick Mirza, Online Multimedia Producer for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In January 2007, Patrick started up his organization's multimedia program from scratch, including developing a strategy for multimedia, purchasing equipment, setting up procedures and workflows, creating collaborative processes for working with text editors, converting video for the Web, and producing videos. His entire previous 18-year career was in print publishing, where he worked as an editor on magazines and newsletters; prior to moving into multimedia, he served as the managing editor and editor of SHRM's flagship magazine for 10 years.

Event details:
Wednesday, February 20, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Boxed lunch provided

Location:
American Public Power Association (Please note new address!)
1875 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20009
(Near the DuPont Circle Metro)

Fee:
$18 for members
$23 for nonmembers

**Nonmembers: Join ASBPE during registration and receive free admission to this event!

RSVP by Feb. 18
For a registration form, contact Katy Tomasulo at asbpedckaty@gmail.com.

What You Missed: Get Your Book Idea Published

2008-02-07T10:48:00.001-05:00

By Christopher M. Wright

Here’s what you missed at ASBPE-DC’s special event "Get Your Book Idea Published" on Jan. 30:

Rob Freedman's most recent book is "How to Make Real Money in Second Life" (McGraw-Hill, 2007). Senior editor at Realtor magazine and a past president of ASBPE National, Rob said the first thing business book publishers want to know is why your book will sell. Consequently, they don't care how well you write as much as they want to see a business plan identifying the core strength of the book, which audiences will care, and how the book will find its way into their hands. Publishers gave him long lists of questions and it was from these that he crafted his book proposal.

Those in attendance also heard from Rob how best to leverage their personal ties to increase sales.

Roy Harris, senior editor at CFO magazine and immediate past president of ASBPE National, described three things that are important when trying to publish a scholarly work. For "Pulitzer's Gold" (University of Missouri Press 2008), Roy: 1) rejected advice that he needed to prepare a 100-page proposal and instead gave prospects a previously published chapter-length presentation; 2) learned that university presses are not interested in selling a lot of copies up front but are focused on whether a proposed book will have a long shelf life; and 3) showed commitment bordering on obsession, which impressed his editor.

If you had been with us, you also would have learned how Roy got his book into bookstores and promoted it on radio talk shows.

Sarah Davies, children's and young adult literary agent for The Greenhouse Literary Agency, puts together writers and publishers of similar bent and passion. Among her Top Ten Tips for children's writers: No. 2—Don't be derivative. No. 6—Work to develop a unique voice (she wants her hair to stand up). No. 9—Tap into emotions; it's what keeps readers reading.

Audience members also learned how to handle auctions and agents who charge reading fees.

For a few more insights, check out Magnificent Publications' coverage of the event.

Better still, don't miss out next time! The DC chapter will be hosting its next event, "Implementing Video on B2B Web Sites" on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at noon near DuPont Circle. Stay tuned for further details or email asbpedckaty@gmail.com. See you next time!

Mr. Wright is a freelance writer, ASBPE DC Board Member, and winner of ASBPE Regional Bronze. He specializes in investment and technology topics for national and international clients. (www.sinewaveinvestor.com)

ASBPE DC Event: Get Your Book Idea Published

2008-01-23T16:11:00.000-05:00

Have you been mulling an idea for a book? As veteran business and association publication editors and writers, you're well placed to translate complex topics into high-interest reading for a wide audience. In an exclusive event by the D.C. chapter of the American Society of Business Publication Editors, meet with two recently published authors and a literary agent for a relaxed discussion on what it takes to turn your ideas into book deals today.

1. Working with scholarly book publishers:
Roy J. Harris Jr., author, Pulitzer's Gold (University of Missouri Press: 2008)
Roy also is senior editor at CFO Magazine in Boston, published by the Economist Group, and is immediate past president of ASBPE National.

2. Working with business book publishers:
Robert Freedman, author, How to Make Real Money in Second Life (McGraw-Hill: 2008) and editor, Broker to Broker (John A. Wylie & Sons: 2006)
Rob also is senior editor at Realtor Magazine in Washington, published by the National Association of Realtors, and is a past president of ASBPE national.

3. Working with children's and young adult book publishers:
Sarah Davies, literary agent, Greenhouse Literary (London and Washington, D.C.)

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 30
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Place: Tabard Inn, 1739 N St., N.W. (two blocks from Dupont Circle Metro, on the red line)
Fee: $10 (includes appetizers)

Attendance is limited to 15.
RSVP by COB Monday, Jan. 28.

To RSVP, contact Katy Tomasulo, president, D.C. ASBPE: asbpedckaty@gmail.com.

Enter ASBPE's Azbee Awards of Excellence

2008-01-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season--awards season, that is.

The deadline for ASBPE's Azbee Awards of Excellence is Feb. 15. We've made it easier than ever to enter this year with a new Web-based entry system that allows you to enter most editorial and digital categories completely electronically--including uploading files. For those categories still requiring hard-copy entries (all design categories, magazine of the year, and a few others), you can still submit entry information and pay online all at one time. For more details on the entry process, download the entry brochure and instructions from ASBPE's home page.

While you're there, be sure to download ASBPE's latest member benefit--the ASBPE Tip Sheet. In our first Tip Sheet, award-winning B2B editors provide tips and tricks for winning more awards--from the planning stages through the entry process.

Good luck!

Editorial Winners Tell All!

2007-12-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Join ASBPE for a FREE webinar this Friday when editorial directors at leading B2B pubs give the low-down on why you should enter—and how to prepare for—the 2008 Azbee Awards of Excellence.

Want to know what it takes to nab an “Azbee” award in 2008 and what the honor can mean for your publication—and for your career? Join ASBPE for a webinar on Friday, December 14, to get the inside scoop from top editors at Hanley Wood and IDG, both of which garnered numerous editorial and design awards in 2007.

What You’ll Learn:
• How and why the editors chose the articles they entered

• What the awards have meant to the winners’ careers and to their publications

• How to build award potential into the articles you write and edit

• How to apply the standards of editorial competitions to your day-to-day work

Meeting Details
When: Friday, December 14, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST.

Where: Your computer. A web conference dial-in number and access code is required, and will be provided to registrants in a subsequent e-mail.

How to attend: To reserve your place, register online at www.asbpe.org.

Charge: This promotional webinar is free for all ASBPE members and non-members.

About the Presenters
DON TENNANT is vice president and editorial director of Computerworld and InfoWorld. Since joining Computerworld in 2000, Don has held several positions, including editor-in-chief. He previously spent eight years as editor-in-chief of the Hong Kong edition of Computerworld. Don was presented with the 2007 Timothy White Award for Editorial Integrity by American Business Media, and he is a recipient of the prestigious Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award for editorial excellence in news coverage. His weekly editorial column won national gold awards from ASBPE in 2006 and 2007, and a national gold award from Trade, Association and Business Publications International (TABPI) in 2006. Under his leadership, Computerworld has won dozens of editorial awards, including ASBPE’s Magazine of the Year Award in 2004 and 2006.

BOYCE THOMPSON is the editorial director of the Builder, Multifamily, and Technology groups of magazines published by Hanley Wood, LLC. He also directs the company’s editorial council. In addition to Builder, Thompson serves as editorial director of Big Builder, Multifamily Executive, Digital Home, ProAV, Developer, Affordable Housing Finance and Apartment Finance Today magazines. He manages an editorial franchise that includes 10 conferences, house plan sales, eight websites, and two show homes. Thompson has 27 years of experience writing and editing articles about home building, architecture, and retailing. He is the founding editor of several Hanley Wood titles, including Prosales, Residential Architect, Big Builder, Digital Home, and Developer. He also assisted in the creation of several other company titles, including Building Products, Custom Home, Kitchen & Bath, and Builder’s Best Home Designs, serving as both an editor and a writer.

What You Missed

2007-11-29T16:54:00.000-05:00

By Christopher Wright

Here's a sampling of what you missed at ASBPE-DC's luncheon seminar "The Great Debate: Is Telecommuting Right for Your Editorial Operation?" on October 24th:

Joe Haas, managing editor for CD Publications in Silver Spring, Md., laid out a case against telecommuting. He said good things happen when colleagues confer in the workplace, yielding synergies that can't be replicated electronically. "I happen to believe in the value of collegiality," he said. Haas described his experience when his company tried allowing some employees to telecommute part-time.

On the opposite end of the debate, David Silverberg, editor of HS Today, relies on a network of reporters and production assistants spanning the globe. He's never met some of them in person. All work is conducted by email and .pdf files. There's no office, and that's the way Silverberg likes it. "All offices, and especially newsrooms, are evil, inefficient, and costly," he said, backing up his provocative assertion with several particulars.

Don't telecommuters have too many distractions at home? Silverberg believes the opposite is true.

June Fletcher, real estate reporter for the Wall Street Journal (and Silverberg's wife), has been working remotely for 13 years. She spoke of how her employer allows telecommuting for reporters who have proven themselves, and how it can be used to retain the best people. She also spoke candidly of the downsides and how it's not for everyone.

For a few more insights, check out Magnificent Publications' coverage of the event and be sure to read David Silverberg's article on this topic in the November/December issue of the ASBPE newsletter, arriving in your mailbox soon.

Better still, don't miss out next time! Head to ASBPE DC's future workshops for great information, good food, and good company, all for a nominal cost and at a convenient downtown location. See you next time.

Mr. Wright is a freelance writer, D.C. ASBPE Board Member, and winner of
ASBPE Regional Bronze. He specializes in investment and technology topics
for national and international clients. www.sinewaveinvestor.com

The Great Debate: Is Telecommuting Right for Your Editorial Operation?

2007-10-09T14:35:00.000-04:00

Please join the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) and your colleagues in the trade and association press for a Wed., Oct. 24, panel discussion on the pros and cons of telecommuting.

Forget PC vs. Mac. One of the greatest debates among B2B execs and editors is whether to allow editors to telecommute, whether they live an hour away or across the country. Detractors say it interferes with day-to-day business operations; supporters believe it's a way to retain talented employees and save on overhead. So who's right?

Decide for yourself at the latest lunch workshop from the American Society of Business Publication Editors, D.C. chapter: Is Telecommuting Right for Your Editorial Operation? Our panel of industry veterans will weigh in on the whys and why-nots of working outside the office, with contrasting viewpoints from a staunch opponent and an equally staunch proponent.

Plus: If you're ready to consider telecommuting for you or your employees, this session will provide tips and tools for implementing a work-at-home policy, managing remote staff, and being an effective telecommuter.

Panelists:
--Joe Haas, managing editor, CD Publications, Silver Spring, Md.

--Jaimy Ford, editorial director, Briefings Publishing Group, Richmond, Va.

--David Silverberg, editor, HSToday, Vienna, Va.

--June Fletcher, reporter, The Wall Street Journal, Vienna, Va.

Event Details:

Wednesday, October 24, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Boxed lunch provided

Location:
American Public Power Association
2301 M St. NW
3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20037
(Near DuPont Circle and Foggy Bottom Metro stations)

$18 for members
$23 for nonmembers

**Non-members: Join ASBPE during registration and receive free admission to this event!

RSVP by Oct. 18
To register: See attached form.
Questions? Contact Katy Tomasulo at asbpedckaty@gmail.com.

Business Editors Need to Get a Life

2007-07-27T16:39:00.000-04:00

by Christopher M. Wright

Should business editors pay attention to a make-believe computer world where animal and fantasy characters adorn themselves in cool clothing and hang out in virtual dance clubs? To hear banquet presenters Rob Freedman and Dave Levinson tell it, half the Fortune 500 thinks so.

Love it or hate it, the virtual world Second Life provoked strong reactions from the audience at ASBPE's Central South-East Region Awards Banquet held July 12, 2007 in Washington, D.C. Comments ranged from profound skepticism ['you guys are way ahead of yourselves'] to appreciation for 'the best program the chapter has ever put on.'

Freedman is a past national president of ASBPE and an editor at Realtor Magazine (National Association of Realtors). His forthcoming book, Second Life Business Strategies, will be published by McGraw-Hill. Levinson, formerly of AOL, is CEO of Cranial Tap in Round Hill, Va., a full-service virtual world development firm which builds locations in Second Life for business clients.

Second Life was created in 2003 by Linden Lab (San Francisco) and is accessed by a special browser downloadable for free from the Second Life website [www.secondlife.com]. Second Life residents create an avatar (virtual person) which they move around the world trying to meet other avatars. "And then they try and ..., you have to use your imagination here...", Freedman said, provoking laughter. A lot of virtual business is built up around this activity - buying clothes and real estate, going out to virtual concerts, etc. "In order to develop a relationship, your avatar has to look good, so you've got to buy a lot of clothes, you've got to have a cool pad, and you've got to furnish it with cool stuff," he said. You can make these things with the 3-D modeling tools provided. "Or you can hire someone like Dave [Levinson] to do that for you to get that professional look," Freedman said.

But it's not all fun and games for IBM, GM, H&R Block, Coldwell Banker, and other big businesses that have established a presence in Second Life. "They're interested in using the platform to promote their business," Freedman said. Strategies vary - Starwood Hotels built a facsimile of its latest hotel design in Second Life and adopted many of the suggestions avatars made for changing the rooms and amenities. Universities and other organizations are using Second Life as a meeting place and teaching tool. As an alternative to conference calls in the real world, avatars enter virtual conference rooms and watch PowerPoint or video presentations in Second Life. Participants pay better attention, Freedman said, because they're not as tempted to multitask as they do during conference calls.

Business and editorial use will only expand as the technology evolves, Freedman said, so business editors need to pay attention. It will become possible for a homebuilder magazine to sponsor a virtual workshop on building techniques for its readers in Second Life, demonstrating with hands-on material how to install solar panels on a roof, for example.

Second Life is growing by leaps and bounds, Levinson said. There were 30,000 registered users in June 2005, 2.26 million at the end of 2006, and more than 8 million by July 2007. The site's success is due in part to the fact that the make-believe economy is based on the real-world economy, he said. Second Life residents pay for virtual goods and services with 'Linden Dollars' which are convertible into real U.S. currency under a floating exchange rate. Virtual clothing currently accounts for 40 percent of total expenditures in Second Life, he said. The remainder is spent in virtual shopping malls and island resorts, or on construction, virtual sex services, weapons, and art, among other items.

"Second Life is the first indication that the mass consumer market is interested in virtual worlds," Levinson said. Real estate agents and other business professionals are making all or part of their real-world livelihood serving customers in Second Life. "Some entrepreneurial users generate a six-figure income based on the objects they create and sell," he said.

"Cranial Tap believes that this space represents what is next for online entertainment, socialization, and business opportunity," Levinson said. Apparently, so do NBC, Fox, and Sony, among the media-related firms that have set up shop in Second Life. "They all understand that consumer adoption of this space is important, if not revolutionary," he said.

While some big companies use Second Life to promote their brand, others sell virtual reproductions of their real-world offerings. There are also interactive movie sets, virtual banks that pay interest, virtual stock exchanges with IPOs and daily trading, in-world interviews for real-life positions, and a virtual military base that facilitates interaction between family members separated by war. "Their characters can meet in a visual way, hug, and dance," Levinson said.

Three-quarters of the user base is outside the U.S. Europe and Brazil are heavily represented. "Appeal is absolutely global," Levinson said. A translation tool allows speakers of the 12 most common languages to communicate in real-time with each other. Second Life is a "a platform where humanity from different places on earth can interact in ways never before possible and, to me, that's amazing," Levinson said.

In the Q&A session that followed, it was brought out that there are other virtual worlds (Google may get into the act), and some are more reality-based. Fantasy or reality, each will draw a different types of user.

The subject of sabotage in Second Life was raised. Interlopers sometimes place objects on someone else's land in Second Life but, Levinson said, the problem can be minimized if the owners utilize the permissions settings in the software to prevent unauthorized construction. It's also possible to restrict your space, keep it private, and only let in who you want. Second Life is not lawless territory, Levinson said, and breaking real-world laws will get you into trouble.

One editor indicated that it's taken years just for his readers to become accustomed to visiting his magazine's Web portal. It's unrealistic to expect them to immerse themselves in a virtual world. But, as Rob Freedman argued - and here's the point for editors - Second Life is a way to reach a younger audience. Look ahead ten years when the video game generation comes of age. Your younger readers "will be totally acclimated to virtual environments," Freedman said. Not only that, an audience member piped in, they will require a different context than previous generations, such as a virtual world, before they will even be willing to take in new content from you. The technology is not going away, it was argued.

Mr. Wright is a freelance writer, D.C. ASBPE Board Member, and winner of ASBPE Regional Bronze. He specializes in investment and technology topics for national and international clients. [www.sinewaveinvestor.com]

# # #

ASBPE Central South-East Region Awards Banquet

2007-06-12T18:02:00.000-04:00

Join your colleagues in the business and association press for cocktails and dinner at the Hotel Tabard Inn on Thursday, July 12 at 6 pm.

Reward yourself for a job well done,

see which publications in our area are producing award-winning work, and

hear a fascinating key note address about the next breakthrough in business communications.

DETAILS:

GUEST SPEAKERS: Dave Levinson, CEO, Cranial Tap, Round Hill, Va.
Rob Freedman, author of forthcoming book Second Life Business Strategies (McGraw-Hill).

TOPIC: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SECOND LIFE - THE VIRTUAL WORLD THAT IS FAST BECOMING THE NEXT MARKETPLACE FOR BUSINESS, CONSUMERS, AND NONPROFIT GROUPS.

The online virtual world of Second Life is home to dozens of Fortune 500 companies and hundreds of other major companies and nonprofit organizations.

Are the companies and organizations you cover the next to migrate to this fast-growing 3-D world?

Hear from highly regarded Second Life developer Dave Levinsion about the ways executives are charting entirely new business models to leverage this key social media platform. Also, learn how your publication can leverage Second Life as a new communication channel to your readers from Robert Freedman, past ASBPE president and author of the forthcoming book, Second Life Business Strategies (McGraw-Hill).

DATE: Thursday, July 12, 2007
TIME: 6:00 p.m.: cocktails
6:30 p.m: Dinner, speaker and awards.

COST: ASBPE members: $65 per person
Nonmembers: $75 per person

Book a whole table (max. 9 people), and everyone gets the membership rate!

Rooms at the Tabard Inn range from $94 to $250. Call the Hotel Tabard Inn at (202) 785-1277 for more details.

THE RSVP DEADLINE IS JULY 2. BUT WE HAVE MORE WINNERS THAN SEATS, SO RSVP ASAP!

For further information, call him at 202-833-7242 or e-mail him at b2beditor@gmail.com.

Banquet tickets may be paid for by check or by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

LOCATION:

Hotel Tabard Inn
1739 N Street, N.W.
Washington, DC
(202) 785-1277
Valet Parking
Just a few blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro.

Effective Web-Based Information Sources

2007-05-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

By Chris Wright
--Freelance Writer and ASBPE-DC Chapter Board Member

The information sources I'm using in my B2B work are
changing and I'm wondering whether other ASBPE members are
having similar experiences.

I'm finding Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) a good first step
to learn about a new topic, personality, or company. It's a
good shortcut - you get a coherent view more quickly than
fumbling around in Google hits. It's not authoritative,
admittedly, but useful as a starting point.

Google has a blog search (
http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?hl=en&client=news or
link from Google News). I'm finding blogs useful for tapping
into industry 'buzz' and up-to-the-minute opposing views
from industry participants on topics I'm covering.

Then there's audio and video search. With more of the
world's information going multimedia, I predict this will
become increasingly important with the passage of time. I
use Podzinger (www.podzinger.com) and YouTube (search from
Podzinger). I don't know how they do it, but they pull
keywords out of audio and video files.

Reaction? Other new sources? Tips?

-

DC ASBPE Webinar: Uncovering Scoops With Basic Financial Analysis Techniques

2007-04-20T17:43:00.000-04:00

Stock analysts do it…so can you! Join the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) for a Webinar on how to uncover corporate scoops using basic financial analysis techniques. Leading the Webinar will be Steve Ross, editor of Broadband Properties magazine and professor at the Harvard Extension. Ross, who has also taught at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, has a gift for making financial theories seem simple.

Among other things, you'll learn:

why a company's stock price does not tell the whole story,
factors to consider when writing about the financial viability or competence of a particular company,
a simple formula for calculating whether a company is likely to remain as a going concern in the short term, and
how to spot signs of financial foul play.

Meeting Details:

Event Hosts: ASBPE's Atlanta, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C. chapters

When: Thursday, May 10 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST

Where: Your desktop phone. An audio conference dial-in
number and access code.

How to attend: The cost of the Webinar is $25.00. To reserve your place, e-mail DC ASBPE President Steve Roll at b2beditor @ gmail.com.