What's a Newspaper?

 

Welcome to my 100^th blog since joining Blogger in July of 2012. Prior to joining blogger.com (a free blog maker), I wrote blogs for a couple of years in a local paper online, The Mansfield News Journal, and Cleveland.com (online version of The Cleveland Plain Dealer).

The One Thing

One thing I would do different is create my own blog sooner in Blogger instead of focusing on my local newspaper as a primary source. Gannett News owns our local paper and ended blogging earlier this year by going to a pay-per-view version. For a little while, I wrote blogs in the last remaining Gannett owned newspaper in Montgomery Alabama. (Thanks to Hugmama).

One Less Blogger

At the end of the third business quarter this year, Gannett discovered it actually made money from going to pay subscription. Three days later, the Montgomery Alabama newspaper, The Montgomery Advertiser, hid their blog format and a couple of weeks later; ended public blogging altogether.

The Mansfield, Ohio paper gave us notification while the Alabama newspaper gave us no indication of the sudden change in policy. This method was poor public relations on their part, but it doesn’t surprise me.

Here We Go Again

Now the Plain Dealer is in financial trouble and may limit their paper printing and delivery to a few days per week. Will the Plain Dealer go to a pay-per-view subscription and how will that affect public bloggers? I still blog on Cleveland.com. They’ve voted me Blogger of the Week several times. It’s a first class newspaper and by recognizing bloggers weekly it shows the online newspaper values the folks adding value.

Why Start Now?

Part of the idea of creating my own online paper- The Rust Belt Chronicles came about from my adventures with blogging in newspapers and seeing what’s lacking in today’s digital news. The book I reviewed the other day- The Impact Equation by authors, Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, played a large role in those thoughts as well.

Extra, Extra, Read All About It?

The problem with Gannett News is it doesn’t offer enough niche information to justify subscriptions. In fact, our local paper appears to feature less articles focusing on our immediate area. National or World news can be read for free, so why pay for news that is free from countless media sources? Newspapers are dying a slow death. When was the last time you saw a newspaper rack on a sidewalk?

That’s what I thought. News has been digitized, amplified, and ostracized. But is pay-per-view how we want it to reach us? Local news is now competing with the biggest news source ever- the Internet.

The Good News?

These days anyone can be an owner, news breaker or story teller. To be successful doesn’t require being a giant conglomerate like Gannet News. The pendulum has shifted. The problem is newspaper media is responding by using a dated philosophy-reducing quality and charging a fee.

Seeing is Believing

Our local paper in printed format is nothing like it was in its prime. It covered meetings of nearly every organization and gave you all the updates. Newspapers offered page after page of full paid advertisements and thick as a brick on Sunday’s. I use to pity the paperboy carrying all those heavy papers in his paper bag, strapped over his shoulder.

Visit the local library and compare the content from 1972 and 2012. It’s a shocking change in the quality and quantity of articles.

In our lifetime, a small child will one day ask: “What’s a newspaper, Daddy?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

Book Review: The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith

 

Social Media expert and Blogger, Chris Brogan has been instrumental in my journey to become a blogger. His book, Social Media 101, not only gave me valuable insight it armed me with the education, passion and courage to enter the digital age. Naturally, I was looking forward to his next best-selling release, Trust Agents, co-authored with Julien Smith (another media expert in podcasting). Unfortunately, Trust Agents, left me puzzled somewhat, compared to Social Media 101.

Chris Brogan and Julien Smith have released a new book entitled: The Impact Equation: are you making things happen or just making noise? I am happy to report “The Impact Equation” is an insightful and useful book, written with strong advice and powerful tips.

The social media experts champion the premise that anyone can become a social media expert and owner without seeking permission or being rich. That’s right, for the first time in the history of civilization, you, me; anyone can partake, create and own our own channel. Scary isn’t it.  We can be a voice and make an impact in the world.

Chris and Julien use a simple formula for the principle of this success called CREATE.

C*(R+E+A+T+E) = Contrast is multiplied by reach (R), exposure (E), articulation (A), trust (T), echo (E). The CREATE formula can be applied to make an impact in regards to anything you do.

The Impact Equation also focuses on real examples to breakdown how we can make an impact. Just a few of the many topics covered are:

·        Recognizing good ideas from bad ideas.

·        The importance of goals.

·        The power of a sturdy platform.

·        Stop thinking like an employee.

·        Building a network based on trust from people who care.

·        Discovering your core message.

·        The human element.
 

The Impact Equation is about building an online tribe, offering added value, and how to maximize your chance of success. Chris and Julien suggest giving away their book to others when you are finished studying the book. This is another way to spread their ideas and create a loyal tribe of followers towards you.

Near the final chapter, Chris and Julien actually take time to explain their thoughts on their former book, Trust Agents and how it could have been more explicit in hindsight. That takes guts.

If you have an interest in creating your own media channel and have a desire to make your own impact, you must take the time to read: The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith.

The Impact Equation is the best equation never taught in school!

So purchase a copy today, read it several times, study the formulas and advice, then give it away to share with someone else.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Posturing 101

1.   Posturing

Verb

Behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others.

Adopt (an attitude) to impress or mislead.

-      The Free Dictionary

The act of people posturing is a daily ritual in some establishments. It’s a frightening display of human neediness within a fluttering workplace environment. When the environment becomes unstable with rumors, layoffs, closings and uncertainty; the emotion of fear produces some strange twists in behavior patterns. Suddenly the competition to be important and publicized becomes top priority in the whirlwind to be noticed.

Those in fear of their jobs seek popularity and publicized moments above everything else. Their desire to earn mass attention is what triggers every act of good will, performance and achievement. Fear produces posturing of epic proportions within management and employees.

I find nothing wrong in attempting to stand-out in a crowd. But to continually push beyond the boundaries, posturing becomes an addiction for all the wrong reasons. Exemplary work is fabulous, but throwing everyone under the bus to achieve stardom cheapens the reason.

Doing good deeds doesn’t require extraordinary effort, nor does it have a need to boast. Posturing inflates the ego and is a narcissist’s best friend. It depreciates the value of co-workers or team effort; causes dissention and promotes the selfish, shameless promotion of self. The long term destruction produces a lack of trust and unfair objective view of others.

It’s easy to see who the most insecure people are within a company. There’s a difference between a sincere act of generosity and a piranha like feeding frenzy fighting to be noticed. The distorted view becomes an endless competition among a few. The reality is misleading; it’s outlandish, ridiculous and over-the-top.

At the heart of the problem is the workplace environment. When an organization is motivated by fear the results are negative. The system in place is unaccountable for its actions and results. Posturing is viewed as a bench mark of effectiveness and used to increase the culture uneasiness.

Companies operating in this mode don’t offer counseling, truth or comfort. It’s a cat and mouse game of control by state of fear. Longevity doesn’t bode well for organizations seeking long term stability by practicing fear mongering.

It’s not 1947 and using Gestapo type tactics ruins reputations!

When you see an unusual display of people posturing for their livelihoods chances are: the culture is the problem and at the root is fear.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

A New Paper in Town?

Recently, I came up with the idea of niche marketing The Rust Belt Chronicles. Sometimes success isn't about something new. It can be achieved by tweaking a common idea and staying ahead of the curve. Doing something better at the right time, place and cost.

Perhaps, I could turn The Rust Belt Chronicles into a free local news magazine and challenge the status quo or I could just continue my current blog format.

Part of my reasoning is due to the lack of offering of in-depth local news coverage of stuff that matters, including investigative reporting. I’ve observed the reduction of articles within our local paper to the point of charging for online viewing while offering less substantial local coverage with additional regional network “filler” stories. It wouldn’t be unrealistic to see our newspaper reduce production to fewer days a week, much like The Cleveland Plain Dealer has proposed.

Today, we live in a society with the so many options to choose from and most of the “breaking news” is instant. No need to wait for tomorrow’s newspaper delivery. Those days are long gone.

While the newspaper industry has shrunk considerably Internet sources have exploded. The masses aren’t dependent on a local newspaper delivery system. Few care enough to subscribe. So the solution may is to change the way we do business.

Given those circumstances my idea morphed into an entirely different style of newspaper. A free magazine/journal that consists of only the best local stories: heart-warming stories, investigative stories, articles that give the local public the “inside” skinny including: court proceedings, fines, divorce proceedings, building permits, titles/transfers, events and obituaries. Editorials and blogs would be included. The rest of the detail is short and pithy.

No need to go into details on sports or weather. Those interested in what the Cleveland Indians did last night already follow their favorite sources for details. If I am travelling to Nashville or planning a cook-out tomorrow my best source of weather advice isn’t going to be the local paper.

If you can’t offer a superior story why bother when other sources specialize in that media? It’s just added noise in a crowded arena. Why charge for substance that is mostly open source news anyway?

I had a couple of hurdles to overcome to make this project a reality.

Would advertisers respond by supporting a local news magazine contingent on reporting un-biased news contribute if The Rust Belt Chronicles didn’t cater to the “Good Ole Boy’s Club” in Mansfield, Ohio? I believe so.

 I am not interested in their deep pockets, power or position. Our ability to change from becoming the new “Rust Belt Capital of the World” is dependent on new leaders, thinkers and businesses to replace the selfless promotion of the few who continue to line their pockets while we deteriorate from within.

The deciding factor on whether to attempt this project is based on one factor:

Does the local public care enough to follow a free news magazine with a goal to turn this town around?  

Years ago, we manufactured great products for people that cared about quality. As time passed and choices increased fewer people cared about quality. Once manufacturers recognized the people didn’t care about quality, the standard became mediocre products in mass for people who didn’t care.

So, does a local news magazine produced by those who care interest you?

**********Write me or comment- I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Risk is Now the New Safe!

We see people in the workplace going through the motions, completing task after given task. A few of those folks take the time to add value to their work while most just see the cycle of repetition as a means to receive the next paycheck.  Sometimes it’s due to an overworked environment and less than optimal staffing; other times it’s a case of employees accepting mediocrity.

It amazes me how many employees are habitually lulled to pointless tasks just to appear busy at work. How you can spend years doing the same thing over and over and not somehow feel cheated.

Instead of being productive with your time and life, you allow your boss, company or yourself to trade your mind for a physical quest in exchange for a fee. For compliance and obedience your most valuable asset has been shutdown. This was the way of the Industrial Age.

The message has been sent that you aren’t able to do anything else in life. Accept your role, surrender your dreams and stay in line. It’s all about fitting in and being a team player, don’t make a ruckus, do what you are told, don’t ask questions. Consider yourself, lucky to even have a job!  

This conditioning ensures you will never attempt to break-out of the prison walls. Never thinking of your future, take a risk or recognize opportunity. The parameters become an accepted form of fate. It doesn’t have to be this way.  

We are all capable of doing remarkable feats far more than we ever imagined. If you’re not moving forward you’re running backwards. Don’t waste valuable time trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. We only get one life, don’t waste it on stupid stuff.

Life can be rewarding, fun and prosperous if we step outside the gates. Do what you’ve always dreamed about. Find a way, set goals and make it happen. Don’t wait for permission, do it now. Research your ideas on the internet, seek good advice from entrepreneurs, take a class, but start now.

The Industrial Age is dying. Being a compliant and obedient employee has always been a dime-a-dozen in numbers. That’s not living a meaningful life, nor does it bring success.

Be rare, unique, creative and motivated. That’s what the new frontier is about.

Risk is now the new safe!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mansfield, Ohio - The Smoke is Clearing!

 

The 47 acts of Arson in Mansfield, Ohio have ceased for nearly a month. I raised a few eyebrows with some theories in my last blog. I’m happy to report through credible sources my thoughts are close to what transpired.

Since the smoke cleared, it's possible to read between the lines.


In fact, I may have hit the nail on the head!

• The fires were started by using a highly flammable accelerant.

•  As the investigation has deepened is it a coincidence the arson activities ceased?

• Were those acts of arson a significant reason for Mansfield, Ohio being awarded a 2.1 million dollar SAFER Grant?

• If folks are charged, were specific organization(s) involved or were the individual’s just seeking one of the 15 jobs to be created from the grant money?

As I stated in my last blog, the balking of accepting the SAFER Grant money (by a city that is nearly broke and a recent failed Safety Levy) leads me to wonder if city officials may suspect it would be embarrassing to accept the grant depending on how things shakedown.

I am also glad to hear State of Ohio Fire Officials have been assisting Capt. Amy McElvain in the investigation; I just wish their involvement would have come sooner.

Given Mansfield’s past history, let’s hope this case is solved quickly before the plot thickens.

Remember, you read it here first in The Rust Belt Chronicles.

Stay tuned!

Until We Meet Again,

 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Lessons Learned in Commission Sales!

The local markets in Lexington, Ohio are no longer carrying my book. Sales through Wayne’s Country Market dissipated to the point of not justifying shelf space. 

The other shop basically ripped me off by losing  a portion of my sales money or failed to charge correctly on a half a dozen books. This was really disappointing since 10% of the sales were to be donated to the Lexington, Ohio High School Music Boosters and a relative of the store formerly served with the Music Boosters.

Previously in 2011, I was shorted on sales for the book perhaps due to the store offering another book being sold for $17.00 at the store. I had provided the store with flyers and posters and a plastic display case for the book; the owner claimed the staff must have charged incorrectly for the book. I reasoned it was no big deal. I would just absorb the small loss.

When I dropped by the store (this Spring) to view how the sales were going;  I still had two or three books out of a dozen left on display. The envelope of my earnings was missing of prior books sold. The owner didn’t offer to compensate anything for my loss. I was upset and surprised at the total lack of accountability from him. He blamed his clerks for not separating my money from the customers overall sales. The loss- $100.00.

I purposely walked out of the store, knowing a couple copies were still on display.

So earlier this week, I stopped by to see if the handling of the sales had improved. The owner looked down under the counter and said the last book was their forever, finally sold and he didn’t have any money from the sale. No apology- Nothing!

I walked out of the store disgusted.

It’s a shame this establishment given their history and connection to the community in Lexington, Ohio couldn’t have been accountable. I personally don’t recommend shopping at this establishment because they failed to honor a simple verbal agreement regarding commission sales.

The Good News!

I will compensate the 10% fund out of my own pocket for the lost or stolen money from those sales. In hindsight, I should have monitored sales closer early on, but given the reputation and connection to the boosters program I really didn’t expect this outcome or their inability to correct the problem.

Brent Stephenson of Wayne’s Country Market did a terrific job of selling my book, positioning my book within the store for optimal sales and keeping excellent track of sales by issuing a check for every dozen books sold. Given the volume of business Wayne's Country Market provides, Brent and the owners are outstanding people to work with! I highly recommend shopping at their market.

Meanwhile, I am offering a 25% Christmas Special Discount on:

 The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School Band of Gold.

Between now and December 25^th-
 
Send a check or money order for $24.00 (includes shipping) to:

Paradiddle Publishing

PO Box 984

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

This book is the perfect gift for the ex-Band of Gold member or simply anyone who wants to be inspired by motivation, perseverance, innovation, goals and success. Most importantly, it’s about the impact- one person can make in other’s lives.  

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.