July 2013 Colorado Editor

colorado Inside: Legendry Conarroe wielded a fiery pen. PAGE 3

Official publication of the Colorado Press Association / coloradopressassociation.com / Vol. LXXXIV, No. 7 July 2013

editorChanges should not impact most CPA members

Last year, the Federal Trade

Commission (FTC) issued its final amendments to the Children›s Online Privacy Protection Rule.

COPPA requires commercial websites and online services that are either directed to children under 13 or have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information

from children under 13 obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from such children.

Final revisions significantly modify or expand key definitions within the Rule, including the definitions of “operator,” “personal information,” and “website or online services directed to children.”

What this means for newspapers: the changes broaden the scope of online entities that are subject to COPPA and they provide new pathways to compliance for certain

child-directed sites. New safeguard requirements related to personal data minimization and disposal obligations are also included.

The revisions are intended to ensure that the Rule continues to provide privacy protections for children who increasingly participate in social networking and interactive

gaming, or engage in online activities or applications (apps) through a mobile device.

Final amendments went into effect on July 1, 2013.

CPA General Counsel, Chris Beall, said that the rule changes are not likely to affect CPA’s members because, in general, CPA’s members are not running websites “directed to” children, nor are they knowingly collecting information from children.

“If those assumptions are true, then what went into effect last week will not have any effect on CPA’s

members,” Beall said.As a general rule, Beall

advises that media clients install a mechanism for their online registration systems that will block a user›s registration if the user gives a birthdate that puts the user under the age of 13.

For questions about COPPA or more information regarding the changes or how they might apply to online sites at your organization, email CPA Executive Director, Samantha Johnston, at [email protected].

Article first appeared in Communications Lawyer and is reprinted with the permission of the American Bar Association.

By Steven D. ZansbergSteven D. Zansberg ([email protected]), chair of the Forum on Communications Law, is a partner at Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz, LLP, in Denver.

Speech is not free if you must spend dearly to defend it. In New York Times v. Sullivan, the Supreme Court recognized that the cumulative cost of several sizeable civil libel judgments could be as chilling as a criminal conviction and sentencing.1 Numerous other courts have recognized that even the successful defense of libel claims can prove so costly that there is a need for speedy resolution of claims premised upon the exercise of free speech.2

In their seminal 1996 book, SLAPPs: Getting Sued for Speaking Out, University of Denver law professors George W. (“Rock”) Pring and Penelope Canan describe “strategic lawsuits against public participation” as civil lawsuits filed not to obtain substantive relief but

NewsTrain 2013 will kick-off at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Upper Lodge at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs.

This jam-packed, two-day editorial training workshop is designed to attract reporters, editors, copy editors, photographers and other newsroom journalists looking to learn something new

and improve upon current skills. Sessions will include planning and editing content, organizational development and management, innovations in digital media, videography, Freedom of Information and data collection and analysis among other topics.

“Because APME is committed to providing training that is

meaningful and relevant to the audience they are serving, input and direction provided by local editors and educators is the key driver of session content,” said CPA Executive Director, Samantha Johnston. “We formed a committee of editors representing large, small, daily and weekly newspapers as

New COPPA rules in effect as of July 1

Anti-SLAPP: Protector of a free press

Photo courtesy of the Holoyoke Enterprise.

Holyoke, CO celebrated its 125th birthday in June. Festivities included a vintage clothing contest. Winners of the contest are pictured from left, Marie Mallander, Delvin Claymon and Holyoke Enterprise Publisher and Colorado

Press Association Board Chair, Brenda Brandt. Brandt’s dress, owned by Nancy Berges, was made in 1912 and was to be worn for the annual Maypole Dance. Before the dance was held, a typhoid fever epidemic broke out and six young women died. The dress was never worn until the late 1960s when the family asked Berges to wear it in the Ash Hollow Pageant. Other accessories provided by Berges and worn by Brandt include beads, white lace boots with pink socks, pink gloves, a parasol, a purse, a hoop and the fan that dates back to 1907.

NewsTrain planning chugging along for Sept. 27 eventNewsTrain• When: Sept. 27 & 28• Where: Colorado Springs –

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs – Upper Lodge

• Cost: $75 per person (includes breakfast, lunch and snacks for two days)

Full summary of COPPA revisions can be found at kelleydrye.com/publications/client_advisories/0783

ANTI-SLAPP on page 7

NEWSTRAIN on page 7

• Lodging: A list of Colorado Springs hotels is available on the NewsTrain Website.

• Register: http://www.apme.com/?page=ColoradoSprings

Classic style

2 colorado editor July 2013

colorado editorISSN #162-0010

USPS # 0122-940

Vol. LXXXIV, Issue 7July 2013

Colorado Editor is the official publication of the Colorado Press

Association and is published monthly at 1336 Glenarm Place.Denver, CO 80204-2115

p: 303-571-5117f: 303-571-1803

coloradopressassociation.com

Subscription rate:$10 per year, $1 single copy

StaffSamantha Johnston

Publisher/Executive [email protected]

Brian ClarkDesign Editor

Board of DirectorsOFFICERS

ChairBrenda Brandt

The Holyoke [email protected]

PresidentBryce Jacobson

The [email protected]

Vice PresidentTerri House

The Pagosa Springs [email protected]

TreasurerKeith Cerny

Alamosa Valley [email protected]

SecretaryBart Smith

The [email protected]

DIRECTORSMark Drudge

Cortez [email protected]

Laurena Mayne DavisThe Daily Sentinel

[email protected]

Paula MurphyTrinidad Times Independent

[email protected]

Matt LubichThe Johnstown Breeze

[email protected]

Don LindleyThe Durango Herald

[email protected]

Larry RyckmanThe Denver Post

[email protected]

Periodical postage paid atDenver, CO 80202.

POSTMASTER:Send address changes to

Colorado Editor1336 Glenarm Place

Denver, CO 80204-2115

from the executive director

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a journalist in Grapevine, TX or Saskatchewan, when asked what the single most important thing a press association should provide to journalists is, the answer is overwhelmingly “training.”

Which begs the question, if training is the most important thing I can offer to my membership, why is training consistently poorly attended in Colorado? At first I thought that the training offerings simply weren’t good enough or relevant. I also thought that maybe this was a Colorado problem. So, I surveyed the membership and that’s not what I heard. The standard bell curve showed that a few people still think CPA caters only to small papers and a few people still think CPA only caters to the large metro papers. But most of the respondents said that the training offerings seemed legitimate and reasons for non-

attendance ran the gamut from no training dollars and traveling too far to natural disasters and unexpected newsroom absences.

I understand all of that. It’s not unique to any newspaper or any business. Things come up. But by and large, when asked about training opportunities, response is overwhelmingly favorable at the outset and the actual attendance is underwhelming.

Coincidentally, the CPA Philanthropic Advisory Committee and the CPA Board of Directors have both identified training – across all departments

in a news organization – as key initiatives in 2013 and 2014. We started with bringing the Associated Press Managing Editor’s event, NewsTrain, to Colorado Springs in September. This two-day editorial seminars offers some of the best training and most influential speakers about topics identified by all of you as important: data-

driven reporting, video storytelling, shooting video, using social media as a reporting tool and Freedom of Information issues to name a few. It costs $75 for both days and that includes lunch. There simply isn’t a better offer, at a cheaper price in a more centralized geographic location for Colorado editors, reporters, online producers and designers. I hope that your organization will take advantage of this training and we can show up in droves to renew our commitment

to the training that we know is important.

The annual convention is another important training opportunity. Each year, I survey all of you to determine best topics, most interesting presenters and most relevant concepts. Of the nearly 300 people surveyed, my highest response to training topic questions has been 31. Ten percent of our membership is shaping the direction for the entire organization. If not for that feedback, I’m left to construct a program that I think will meet incredibly diverse needs. It’s my job, I’m happy to do it, but without your input, it’s my best guess as to what you all need. Your candid feedback is the best way to move the needle in the direction you think is best.

Planning for the 2014 convention is underway. It’s an exciting time for me, because I love the social interaction, networking and learning that is jam packed into two and a half days. It’s one of the high marks of my year. My true victory will be the year when attendance outperforms our objectives and training is well attended from beginning to end. To that end, you’re going to be hearing from me a lot more. A lot more. In addition to my newspaper site visits, emails, MediaTrends newsletter, and Colorado Editor, I’m going to start picking up the phone. I want to hear from you. I hope you’ll start picking up the phone or firing up your email, too. When you have an idea, no matter how big or small, share it with me. I want and need your feedback so that I know you’ll have a vested interest in attending the events that we work hard to host for you.

I’m always available to you. Call my cell phone at 720-412-4240, email me at [email protected], shoot me a message on Facebook, send me a note @ColoPress or stop in when you’re in Denver.

Cheers!

Offering training opportunities a key goal for CPA

samanthajohnston

cpa executive director

The annual convention is just one training opportunity facilitated by the Colorado Press Association.

colorado editor 3July 2013

obituary

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N WAWNANOW2013

Percy Allen Conarroe died peacefully in his sleep in Louisville, Colo., on June 15, 2013 with his loving wife, Carolyn, at his side. He was 86. Born March 3, 1927, he was the son of Lawrence and Grace (Allen) Conarroe. Percy grew up in Calhan, Colo., a few miles south of the quarter section of land his grandfather, William Conarroe, homesteaded on the eastern plains near Fondis starting in 1898

At age 15, Percy played alto saxophone for the touring dance band The George Bates Foot-Stompers, and was offered a gig in the big band circuit in Chicago but decided to stay home and finish high school. A debilitating car accident at age 17, caused by a truck driving on the wrong side of the road, left Percy with one lung which made him ineligible for military duty, but he continued to play saxophone into his early 80s.

Percy did not go to college, but he worked to become one of the most acclaimed editorial writers in Colorado. He started his journalism career in 1948 at the Calhan News. He later purchased and published the Simla Pike View Farmer (now known as the Ranchland News) from 1952 to 1965, and during that time advocated and lobbied for adequate rural health care.

Owner, editor and publisher of the Louisville Times, Lafayette News and Erie Review from 1965 to 1997, Percy never backed down from a political battle because he felt that any local newspaper worth its salt should get involved in local controversies. He helped form the Louisville Chamber of Commerce and was a key figure in helping bring Storage Technology Corporation to Louisville in 1969. He worked every day with courage and passion to make Louisville, Lafayette and Erie well-planned, economically vital communities.

During his 50-year journalism career, Percy mentored — he called it “Percy’s Imperfect Newspaper Training School” — dozens of budding Colorado journalists, including those who later became executives, editors and reporters at Ogden Publications, Dolan Media, Reader’s Digest, Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Business Weekly, Knight-Ridder News Service, Asia Inc. magazine, The Denver Post, The Pueblo Chieftain, the Denver Business Journal, Johnstown Breeze and many others. He was a past president and an honorary lifetime member of Colorado Press Association. In 1992, he was named CPA Newspaper Person of the Year. He also served as mayor and town trustee of Simla, volunteered for the Simla Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years and was a 48-year member of Lions International.

In 1950, he married Carolyn Jeannette Morris in New Carlisle, Ohio. They worked side-by-side in the family newspaper businesses and, after retirement, moved from Louisville to Erie, then later settled in Longmont.

As was the case with his professional career, he especially loved rooting for the underdog, so the Denver Broncos were his favorite team — until they started winning.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Olive Thayer and Shirleen Banuelos, and a daughter, Catherine. In addition to his wife of 63 years, he is survived by his sons David (Judy) Conarroe and Doug (Dana Coffield) Conarroe, and his daughter, Cynthia (Mike) Campbell, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Despite wielding a fiery pen, Percy was a kind, caring, gentle, humble and jovial man even in his last hours. He was a loving father, grandfather and husband and spent a lifetime gleefully lecturing his offspring about conservative politics and good government

while at the dinner table and at family gatherings. He will be dearly missed.

Entombment will be at Coal Creek Memorial Cemetery in Louisville. A memorial

service is planned for June 28 at 10 a.m. at Longs Peak Methodist Church, 1421 Elmhurst Dr. in Longmont.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that

you either write a letter to the editor about something you care about or send a donation to TRU Community Care hospice, 2594 Trail Ridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026.

Kind and gentle Conarroe wielded a fiery pen

Percy Conarroe, 1927-2013.


When I was a college student living in Texas, I got used to hearing people say, “Boy, howdy.”

This wasn’t a greeting, as you might think. It was more along the lines of “You’re not kid-ding!”

It’s struck me as funny that, as I thought about the best way to explain the reaction to

Adobe’s Creative Cloud announcement, the first words that came to mind were, “Boy, howdy.”

Did Adobe open a huge can of words by moving to the Creative Cloud model? Boy, howdy. Did they ever. Is the creative and publish-ing world up in arms about it? Boy, howdy. Are they ever.

Is there anything we can do about Creative Cloud? Probably not.

For those who have been hiking the Ap-palachian Trail for the past two months and aren’t familiar with the changes at Adobe, here’s the short version: You no longer buy Adobe software. You lease it. Think of your cable company. For a monthly fee, you have access to hundreds of channels, even though you prob-ably don’t watch more than three or four.

Cable seemed like a good idea when I moved into my place three years ago. I got 200 channels, HBO, high-speed Internet and a phone line for $99 per month. It’s hard to argue with that. What I haven’t been able to figure out is how my cable bill went from $99 per month to over $200 without my noticing it. And I don’t even get HBO anymore.

And that’s the catch about Creative Cloud, isn’t it? Sure, we get InDesign, Photoshop, Illus-trator, Flash, Acrobat InCopy and a couple of dozen other apps. But let’s face it, how many of our people use more than two or three Adobe applications?

And that price of $30 per month per user? That sounds like an OK deal. $360 per year for the latest version of Adobe software. But what about next year. That price is only guaranteed for the length of the one-year agreement. And, unless something changes, the $30 per month goes up to $50 for folks who sign up after July 31, 2013. So beginning August 1, that $360 moves up to $600 annually.

Are people upset? Boy, howdy. There are blogs and online communities dedicated to complaining about the changes at Adobe. They’ve recently been compared to Quark, whose corporate attitude in the 1990s led to their quick descent from their lofty perch as king of the creative world.

In 1997, Publish Magazine asked me to write an editorial comparing Adobe to Quark. Not a software comparison, but a comparison of the companies. At the time, it seemed like just about all of Quark’s customers were tired of their corporate “take it or leave it” attitude.

Quark customers left in droves after the release of Adobe InDesign. Over the next few years, the king of the creative world was sitting at the bottom of the heap, looking up at the new king.

I’ve received calls and emails from pub-

lishers from New York to California. I even received a call while I waited for a flight in Bos-ton last week from a National Newspaper Asso-ciation board member. He called, during their meeting, to learn what our alternatives are as an industry. Apparently it was the board’s “hot” topic at that moment. My answer, “Not much.”

At this moment, however, I’m letting my mind play “What if?” The game is played some-thing like this:

• What if Quark got together with Corel and packaged the latest version of QuarkXPress with Corel Paintshop Pro and sold the bundle for $699?

• What if Quark bundled QuarkXPress with GIMP, a free Photoshop “clone” application and made some tweaks so the two applications could work seamlessly together, like InDesign and Photoshop?

The problem with playing “What if?” is that it’s just a game. It looks like none of these scenarios are going to happen. I just got off the phone with Gavin Drake, VP of Marketing at

Quark, and it sounds like they’re not planning any bundles or making any plans to take on the Creative Cloud.

And let’s face it. If Quark’s not interested in competing with Adobe on the publishing front, who will?

And, for those of you who are wondering, I did talk to Liz Mitchell, PR Manager at Corel. She was very kind and happy to answer my questions concerning Adobe users looking for alternatives. However, in the end, Corel has products that serve as alternatives for Adobe Il-lustrator and Photoshop, but their products are primarily Windows-based and there is nothing to compare to InDesign or QuarkXPress.

I’m not worried about the changes with Adobe software. We can always keep produc-ing newspapers and other publications the way we always have. What does worry me is that companies like Adobe and Quark don’t see the traditional publishing world as a market worth concern any longer.

And as logical as it seems, creating an al-

ternative to InDesign just isn’t feasible. I was involved in the K-2 project - what later became InDesign - and it seems like it took seven years or more to develop the original version of the application.

So what’s my advice? There doesn’t seem to be a viable option to Adobe Creative Cloud at the moment. Eventually you will be forced to upgrade equipment and software and, when you do, you’ll probably sign up for Creative Cloud.

In the meantime, read carefully. The price goes up significantly after July 31, 2013. If you are going to upgrade software, do it before then. Otherwise, you’ll spend $240 extra per user over the next year.

Am I a little frustrated that we don’t seem to have other options? Boy, howdy, am I ever. But like everyone else, there doesn’t seem to be much I can do about it at this point.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about the changes at Adobe. Email those to me at [email protected].

Storm cloudAdobe opens can of worms with Creative Cloud

kevinslimp


Most newspapers set their body text justified. It runs from the left edge of the column to the right edge and the spacing between words is evenly distributed.

Some choose to set body text flush left for columns, features and the like, pushing the extra word spacing the the right side of the type.

I’ve recently received some inquiries about the difference between the two and if one is better than the other.

Although there are editors (and typographers) who will go to their graves screaming that one is superior to the other, there is no incontrovertible proof that either is easier to read. There also is no incontrovertible proof that one is longer than the other over the length of a full story.

Nevertheless, justified text is clearly the choice at most newspapers.

Why? For many newspapers, it’s because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Or the editor learned long ago during a J-school class that “justified should always be used for hard news, though you may use flush left for features and columns and the like.” It’s my belief that the professor who laid down that rule was told many years before that “justified should always be used for hard news, though you may use flush left for features and columns and the like.”

For all of my almost-50 years in newspapering, it’s been “the way we’ve always done it.”

In the face of all that, I suggest that flush left text is every bit as readable, every bit as comfortable as justified text.

Some points to consider:

LENGTH: Again, there is no incontrovertible proof that a story set flush left will be any longer than one set justified. It depends on the paragraph breaks.

COMFORT: There is no proof that justified text is any easier to read than flush left—or vice versa. One advantage to flush left is that it automatically adds more negative space to the page, giving your paper a more open look.

TRADITION: Here, the advantage goes to justified text. It’s certainly a more traditional, more

conservative approach. Some would argue that this gives your paper more credibility.

READER REACTION: When asked about the difference between justified and flush left body text, the strong majority of readers don’t even notice—and those that do will say it makes no difference to them.

In the illustration with this column, the text on the left is justified. Check the type next to that mug shot. The word spacing is awful, isn’t it? Now check the type next to the mug shot in the column that’s set flush left. No ragged word spacing

there, because all of the space is pushed to the right of the column.

Unfortunately, most editors at most small newspapers pay little attention to this—partly because they haven’t been trained to and partly because they just don’t notice it. And, if they do notice it, they don’t know how to fix it or they feel they just don’t have the time to make any adjustments on deadline. So, they let this go. And it looks sloppy. And looking sloppy certainly detracts from their newspaper’s credibility.

I am not arguing here that you should change your body text from justified to flush left. I am pointing out that it’s worth considering. When we redesigned Pub Aux early last year, we made the switch to flush left—with very little reaction.

Here’s a quick story to sum up:A few years ago, I mentioned to a

publisher—and the VP for editorial of the group I was working with—that they should consider flush left as part of the redesign we were working on. They both argued that justified was the only acceptable way to run body text and that readers would not like the change.

The next day, I asked them to look at some mockups. I had prepared two sets—each of four pages—for them to review. Each set was comprised of mockups of page 1, the opinion page, the sports front and the obits page.

Remember: this is a publisher and a VP/Editorial. These guys are experienced newspapermen who have reviewed thousands of pages during their time in the business. They have an eye for what works.

I gave them about five minutes to review the pages while I sat silent. After the five minutes, I asked them

to tell me the difference between the two sets.

“None. There is no difference,” they insisted.

I pointed out to them that in one set, the body text was justified, while in the other set the text was flush left.

That afternoon, the decision was made to set body text flush left.

A gift to the community

It’s amazing what we can learn over the course of a career. So many people have taught me so much. And then, there are the many things I’ve learned by observing newspaper people at work.

In more than 45 years in newspapering, one of the most important things I’ve learned: Small newspapers are a gift. But the real gift is the people who work at those newspapers.

Here’s why:The folks who work at small

newspapers live in the town. Many of them grew up there. They go to church there. They shop there. Their kids go to school there. They know who’s who and who would-like-to-be-but-isn’t.

You’ll not find harder workers than those who work at small newspapers. They put in long hours and rarely (if ever) complain, they’ll visit an advertiser before sunrise and they’ll report on those high school football games that run into double-overtime...at an opponent’s stadium 28 miles away.

They try to improve with every issue. If they hear about a better way to do things, whether it’s new software, digital photography, the

web—whatever—most are willing to give the new technology a shot. Granted, some are old dogs. But even they are willing to learn new tricks.

They have the best interests of the newspaper—and the town—at heart. They want to see both succeed and flourish and they are willing to go the extra mile to make that happen.

They are boosters. They will offer a balanced report on how things are going in town. They’ll tell the bad along with the good, but they look for the good and they focus on that because they firmly believe the town itself is a good place to live and work.

They are courageous. When that difficult story comes along, the one where they must hold up a mirror to the town and point out an ugly spot, they’re not afraid to tell the unvarnished truth. And they do that because they know that the truth is what makes the town and its people stronger.

They lead. Perhaps the town needs a nudge in the right direction. There’s a chance for growth—if the people are willing to take it. The publisher and editor will take up the cause and help to generate the momentum needed for positive change.

They appreciate core values. They’re too busy for office politics and they really don’t care for the gossip and back-biting that goes on at larger newspapers. They have no desire to go write for The New York Times or The Washington Post because they realize they are making a positive difference right where they are.

They treat each other like family. From the publisher on down, everyone on the staff at a small newspaper is “family.” They know

each other’s kids. They talk about the things that bring them together. They trust each other. And when one of them is hurting, they care for each other.

Small newspapers are part of the lifeblood of their town. Whether it’s a report on a hotly-argued county tax increase or a few sentences about a party for a bride-to-be, the people at a small newspaper take the time to get all the facts and figures correct, and all the names of the partygoers right. And...they work hard to give advertisers the service and support they need to be successful.

A town without the bright, dedicated people who work at a small newspaper is a town that struggles.

WANT A FREE evaluation of your newspaper’s design? Just contact Ed: [email protected], or 803-327-3322

IF THIS COLUMN has been helpful, you may be interested in Ed’s books: Henninger on Design and 101 Henninger Helpful Hints. With the help of Ed’s books, you’ll immediately have a better idea how to design for your readers. Find out more about Henninger on Design and 101 Hen-ninger Helpful Hints by visiting Ed’s web site: www.henningerconsulting.com

ED HENNINGER is an indepen-dent newspaper consultant and the Director of Henninger Consulting. Offering comprehensive newspaper design services including redesigns, workshops, staff training and evalua-tions. E-mail: [email protected]. On the web: henningercon-sulting.com. Phone: 803-327-3322.

Flush left: It’s a choice

edhenninger

Although there are editors (and typographers) who will go to their graves screaming that one is superior to the other, there is no incontrovertible proof that either is easier to read. There also is no incontrovertible proof that one is longer than the other over the length of a full story.”

Justified type, at left, can create awkward spacing. Flush left type, at right, is one way to fix that.


Meet Erica, a veteran of many years of sales presentations. “There’s a lot of talk these days about people who are drawn to Bright Shiny Objects,” she told me. “In most cases, that’s a reference to consumers rushing to purchase the newest technical gadget, even if their older version works just fine. But in reality, Bright Shiny Objects can refer to anything new and different.

“One of the lessons I’ve learned over the years,” she said, “is that some people are restless. For whatever reason – desire for novelty, competition with peer groups, or plain old boredom – they are always on the lookout for new things. In the business world, they are constantly trying new procedures, new initiatives, new vendors – even new employees. If the new thing works, fine. If not, there’s always another new thing around the corner.”

Erica explained that she looks for evidence of the Bright Shiny Object syndrome. For example, is an advertiser always considering new themes or media plans? Are marketing proposals requested frequently? Has he or she ever tried to shorten a long-term ad contract? Does the account seem to have a new ad agency – and a tweaked brand identity – every year?

“These are signs of someone who likes Bright Shiny Objects,” she said. “So I build my presentations around newness. Of course, I mention my paper’s stability in being around for a long time, but I put a lot of emphasis on the new things we have to offer.”

That’s a solid sales strategy. Let’s take a closer look:

1. New information. “Like any good sales person, I ask a lot of questions, Erica said. “There’s a lot of truth in the old saying, ‘knowledge is power.’ The only thing I can learn by talking is that I might be talking too much.”

She is consistently looking for new information about her advertisers. What are their thoughts on their current marketing? What are they considering for the future? What information can she provide that might be of help?

2. New audience. “Our number one product is readership,” Erica said. “When we expand our coverage, that’s big news. I’ve found it helpful to use a map to show the growth areas. A picture is worth a thousand words, and geographic changes are easy to illustrate.”

3. New products. According to Erica, this is where you can

score big points. A new product – whether it’s a special section, a snazzy addition to your web site, or a social media feature – is an authentic Bright Shiny Object.

4. Improvements in existing products. Does your paper have a new printing process? (That can mean better color and faster turnaround.)

Do you have access to new market research? (Better targeting.) Have creative capabilities been improved? (Additional design staff, recent creative awards, etc.) Has your paper opened a new office or revamped the old office? Are there new ad discounts? (Save money, get more bang for the buck.)

“It’s all about getting in step with advertisers,” Erica said. “I believe my paper can be just as bright and shiny as any other media vehicle.”

High-touch vs. low-touch

Travis is an experienced sales person who works hard to develop and maintain rapport with his advertisers. “I believe it’s important to touch everyone in my client base on a regular basis,” he said. “Different situations call for different kinds of touches. If I need to advance a sale, it’s high-touch all the way. In other situations, a low-touch technique may work fine.”

This strategic approach makes a lot of sense. In descending order of impact, his top seven touches are (1) face-to-face, (2) phone call, (3) e-mail, (4) snail mail, (5) text messaging, (6) voice mail and (7) social media. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Face-to-face meeting. This ranks highest on the touch-scale. “For impact, you can’t beat an in-person conversation,” Travis said. “You’re in the same room talking about the same thing at the same time. This also gives you the opportunity to tour their business, see their products first hand, and meet employees.”

Context is important. A meeting to gather information, present campaign ideas or analyze ad results is more meaningful than a get-acquainted visit.

2. Voice-to-voice phone call. A phone conversation doesn’t provide the opportunity to read

body language – which is an important part of communication. But it is next best thing to a face-to-face meeting.

“I’ve advanced a lot of sales in phone calls,” said Travis. “If you catch a client at a good time when they’re not in the middle of something else, they can be more relaxed than in a face-to-face appointment. The key is to be brief and get to the point quickly. Most business phone calls are short.”

3. E-mail. According to Travis, “E-mail is a great tool when you need to create a communications trail, follow up on meetings or send personalized information. But it ranks low on the touch scale when you send e-mail blasts or cookie cutter messages.”

4. Snail mail. The more of yourself you invest in snail mail, the more effective the message. Form letters and direct mail pieces are not as personal – and don’t rate as highly – as handwritten notes or personal letters.

“It’s a shame that more sales people don’t send handwritten notes,” Travis said. “A handwritten note – especially a thank you note – is so rare that it is one of the most powerful communications tools in your arsenal.”

5. Text. In order for text messaging to work, there has to be an existing relationship with that particular client. Otherwise, it’s a wasted effort.

6. Voice mail. “If you’re returning a call or providing follow up information, voice mail is a good thing,” Travis explained, “because you’re responding to a specific request. But if you’re making cold calls, a voice mail message is likely to be deleted.”

7. Social media. This is at the bottom of Travis’ list. “If meaningful dialogue is the objective,” He asked, “how person-centered is a message that can be viewed by other people?”

It comes down to this: High

touch equals better communication. And more sales.

Four great sales questions

As the old saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” In a sales context, the more you know about your prospects, the better you will be able to tailor your product – in this case, advertising – to their needs.

The best way to get information is to ask the right questions. Open-ended questions (which invite longer responses) are better than closed-ended questions (which invite yes/no or short answers). Let’s take a look at four of the most effective sales questions, listed here in no particular order.

1. What do you do that your competitors don’t do? Differentiation is at the heart of a marketing. What makes your prospect’s business different? What makes it stand out? What services or products can she provide that others can’t?

A clearly defined answer will result in targeted messaging. A vague answer will result in equally vague advertising – with weak response rates.

One of the key objectives in a sales dialogue is to help the advertiser identify relevant and specific reasons to buy (I call that RTB). Look for uniqueness that is relevant to the target audience.

2. What do you like best about your current marketing? The purpose of this question is to learn what your prospect likes best. The emphasis is on the positive. Does he like photos? Does he like weekly specials? What about web links? Or testimonials from happy customers? Or big sales events?

Of course, studying the current advertising will make it easy for you to sharpen the focus of this question. (“I notice that you use a lot of coupons. How does that work

for you?”)This information will give you

some guidelines in preparing spec ads. As long as his Want List follows principles of effective advertising, you’ll be able to include many of his ideas in spec ad presentations.

3. What would you like to do differently in your marketing? This is where you help your prospect visualize a desired future state.

Along the way, she might voluntarily mention some things she would like to change. If not, this question will help you shift the conversation. (After all, if things are going perfectly right now, there’s no need for her to consider any changes.)

Note that it is phrased in a positive way. Instead of saying, “What do you not like?” ask, “What would you do differently?”

4. How would you describe your ideal customer? This is an area where many advertisers – especially the Mom and Pop businesses – try to cast a net that is too wide.

I once used a shoe store as an example in an ad seminar. When I asked, “What is your target audience?” someone suggested, “People who buy shoes.” Certainly, that is true. But the focus needs to be tighter, in order to bring customers to the store.

The purpose of this question is to identify a specific target audience. If you try to appeal to everybody, you’re appealing to nobody.

Help your advertisers think in specifics. You’ll sell more. And their ads will work better.

© Copyright 2013 by John Foust. All rights reserved.

John Foust has conducted |training programs for thousands of newspaper advertising professionals. Many ad departments are using his training videos to save time and get quick results from in-house training. E-mail for information: [email protected]

johnfoust

Selling ads in a world of bright shiny objects

colorado editor onlinecoloradopressassociation.com

One of the lessons I’ve learned over the years is that some people are restless. For whatever reason – desire for novelty, competition with peer groups, or plain old boredom – they are always on the lookout for new things. In the business world, they are constantly trying new procedures, new initiatives, new vendors – even new employees. If the new thing works, fine. If not, there’s always another new thing around the corner.”


ANTI-SLAPP from Page 1

as a means of intimidation and harassment with the objective of silencing opposition speech or petitioning activity.3 To date, 28 states, the District of Columbia, and the territory of Guam have enacted anti-SLAPP statutes that provide for speedy resolution of claims premised upon a defendant’s seeking to participate in public debate to influence government. Although the statutes vary in their breadth and strength, several of them (e.g., California, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Washington, and the District of Columbia) have been applied to protect members of the press sued for publications either describing governmental proceedings or seeking to spur citizens to influence public policy.

The benefits of the more broadly-worded anti-SLAPP statutes are well-known to practitioners in states that have enacted them: Once the defendant demonstrates that the plaintiff ’s claims are premised on the exercise of free speech rights on matters of legitimate public interest, the burden shifts to the plaintiff to establish a probability of success on his claims. Failure of the plaintiff to do so mandates that the lawsuit

be dismissed with prejudice. And, under most statutes, this entire process is to be conducted promptly. In California, for example, the hearing on the anti-SLAPP special motion to strike must be set within 30 days of its filing unless no time is available on the court calendar, in which case it must be set at the next available time. In addition, the money-bleeding and burdensome process of discovery comes to an immediate halt (with the possibility of limited discovery only on issues necessary to resolve the anti-SLAPP motion). Some states allow for an immediate interlocutory appeal of a denial of an anti-SLAPP motion. And, in almost all cases, a successful anti-SLAPP motion entitles the defendant to an award of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. That can be the most effective deterrent against claims that are either questionable or, in many instances, bordering on frivolous.

In August 2012, the ABA House of Delegates adopted a resolution—one brought to the floor by the ABA Forum on Communications Law—that expressly encourages Congress, states, and local governments to adopt anti-SLAPP statutes. That is no small feat in the world of ABA politics. The resolution reads:

RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association urges federal, state, and territorial governments to enact legislation and support efforts to get legislation passed to protect the First Amendment rights of all citizens from lawsuits designed to chill their ability to communicate with their government or speak out on issues of public interest.

(Although the resolution was a group effort, special kudos go to past-Chair Chuck Tobin, Laura Prather, and Jim Dimos for leading the effort.)

In Washington, D.C., the Public Participation Project continues its efforts, working with various members of Congress to enact a federal PETITION (Protecting the Expression and Transmission of Ideas and Thoughts in Our Nation) Act, which would afford protection against SLAPP suits to residents of all 50 states. The Media Law Resource Center has also been working to encourage passage of new anti-SLAPP statutes at the state level and to strengthen and expand the reach of state laws already on the books.

Because it is in the interest of all citizens, as well as the news media serving them, to have a

fast, efficient, and effective means to dispose of vexatious and costly claims to avoid chilling public debate that is “uninhibited, robust, and wide-open”4—I encourage you to contact your congressional delegation and to exercise your free speech rights (including on editorial pages) to urge support for anti-SLAPP legislation. Also, if your state’s press association (or other organization with which you are affiliated) has not yet signed on as a supporter of the federal anti-SLAPP act, please encourage it to do so. The list of supporting organizations (including, now, the ABA) is available at www.anti-slapp.org/organizations/.

At a time when economic turmoil in the newspaper industry is shrinking newsroom staffs,5 it is all the more important that anti-SLAPP statutes be enacted, both at the state and federal levels, to protect the economic viability of a vibrant, independent free press. Only when protected speech is not so costly to defend can it truly be free.

Endnotes1. 376 U.S. 254 (1964).2. See, e.g., Freeze Right Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Servs., Inc. v. City of New York, 475 N.Y.S.2d

383, 387–88 (N.Y. App. Div. 1984) (“Courts should not be oblivious to the crippling financial burden which the defense of libel claims entails, even for major news organizations, and the consequent chilling effect this burden can have on the dissemination of news.”); Washington Post v. Keogh, 365 F.2d 965, 968 (D.C. Cir. 1965) (“The threat of being put to the defense of a lawsuit . . . may be as chilling to the exercise of First Amendment freedoms as fear of the outcome of the lawsuit.”); Myers v. Plan Takoma, Inc., 472 A.2d 44, 50 (D.C. 1983) (“The court . . . recognizes . . . that even a non-meritorious defamation action may stifle open and robust debate on issues of public importance.”); Kirby v. Sega of Am., Inc., 50 Cal. Rptr. 3d 607, 612 (Cal. Ct. App. 2006) (“In cases involving free speech, a speedy resolution is desirable because protracted litigation may chill the exercise of First Amendment rights.”).3. George W. Pring & Penelope Canan, SLAPPs: Getting Sued for Speaking Out (1996).4. Sullivan, 376 U.S. at 270.5. See, e.g., Paper Cuts, http://news paperlayoffs.com/ (last visited Feb. 22, 2013).

Anti-SLAPP statutes protect an independent free press

NEWSTRAIN from Page 1

well as educators at journalism programs throughout the state. The agenda we have crafted meets needs communicated straight from the horse’s mouth.”

Colorado Press Association submitted an application to host NewsTrain in Colorado and was accepted as a host state earlier this year. Criteria for selection included the ability of the host organization to garner adequate attendance as well as to secure a suitable venue.

“I asked a lot of newsroom leaders whether they could commit to sending editorial staff to this training if we did the leg work to bring it to their own backyard,” Johnston said. “Ultimately, the pledged support convinced me that

our member newspapers value this type of training locally. My fingers are tightly crossed that registration will reflect the excitement I felt several months ago. We have committed 100 attendees to the NewsTrain staff.”

The cost to attend the workshop is $75 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch and snacks both days. Hotels must be booked separately, but a complete list of host hotels will be available for out-of-town attendees.

To register for NewsTrain or for more information, visit the website at http://www.apme.com/?page=ColoradoSprings. For immediate questions, contact Samantha Johnston at [email protected] or by phone at 303-571-5117.

NewsTrain a chance to learn and improve

The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, an alliance of groups and individuals committed to ensuring the transparency of state and local governments in Colorado, has named Jeffrey A. Roberts as executive director.

Roberts, who has worked in journalism and public policy in Colorado for nearly 30 years, will lead a recharged effort to educate citizens and officials on the public›s constitutional right to access information on government institutions – how they operate and how policies are decided. The new CFOIC will build on the previous work of the Colorado Freedom of Information Council, which since 1987 has shed light on matters affecting the free flow of information to Colorado citizens by putting on seminars, tracking legislation, monitoring violations of open meetings/open records laws and awarding individuals for exceptional work in keeping government open and transparent.

Roberts, 54, was an award-winning reporter and editor at

The Denver Post for 23 years, and covered the Colorado Statehouse during the Romer and Lamm administrations. As The Post’s computer-assisted reporting editor, he routinely obtained and analyzed public-records databases. He also was a reporter for the Fort Myers (Fla.) News-Press and, more recently, helped produce a ground-breaking study on the long-term sustainability of Colorado’s state government revenue system while at the University of Denver’s Center for Colorado’s Economic Future. Roberts earned a bachelor’s

and a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

CFOIC member organizations include the Associated Press, the Colorado Bar Association, the Colorado Broadcasters Association, Colorado Common Cause, the Colorado Press Association, Colorado Press Women, The Gazette (Colorado Springs), the Colorado Springs Press Association, the League of Women Voters of Colorado, the Public Relations Society of America and the Society of Professional Journalists. Citizen members include Joyce Meskis, owner of the Tattered Cover bookstore, and representatives of the Colorado Association of Libraries and the Colorado Parent Teacher Association. The council’s president is Tom Kelley, an attorney with Levine, Sullivan, Koch & Schulz who specializes in First Amendment law.

The CFOIC is affiliated with and supported by the National Freedom of Information Coalition, based at the University of Missouri.

Sept. 27 & 28Colorado Springs – University of Colorado,

Colorado Springs – Upper Lodgehttp://www.apme.com/?page=ColoradoSprings

Local newspaper veteran takes helm at CFOIC

Learn more about the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition at http://coloradofoic.org

Roberts


cpa marketplaceREPORTERPace-setting reporter for six-day a week morning newspaper, covering police, courts, government and general news. Located within minutes of the Royal Gorge, surrounded by outdoor mountain recreation, and just a short drive to major cities. Ideal candidate will have daily newspaper experience and knowledge of AP style, but recent college graduates will be considered. Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plus 401(k). To apply, send resume, cover letter, and work samples to Editor, Michael Alcala, Cañon City Daily Record, 701 S. Ninth Street, Cañon City, Colo. 81212 or email [email protected]. No phone calls please.

REPORTER/JOURNALISTIs versatility your calling card? Are you passionate about community journalism? Are you just as comfortable covering a high school football game as you are a school board meeting, a street festival or a forest fire? Do you have proven abilities to cover a beat, ask good questions and write a clean, tight story (sometimes under deadline pressure) in an engaging, balanced manner? If so, then the Montrose Daily Press is interested in hearing from you.

We have an immediate opening, and we are seeking applicants with a variety of experience and skill sets with the intent of finding the best fit for you and for us. A background in sports writing is very important, but we are looking for someone with the ability to step beyond that.

This position is critical in developing and presenting engaging content for our readers which will also include video and photography. This is a fast-paced environment and requires a high level of creativity.

The following are but a few of the attributes we expect:

1. You must have an outstanding body of work demonstrating the different areas a newspaper covers.

2. Creativity and an unwillingness to allow boundaries to confine you are required in the position.

3. You must be open to trying new and different things; we intend to teach and invest in you, and you should be an active participant.

4. Besides your reporter skill set, you will need to have some know-how in photojournalism, editing and/or page design, and videography. Besides

touting your reporting skills, share with us your abilities, interests and dreams in these related news content areas.

More about us: The Montrose Daily Press publishes six days a week. We are part of a family-owned newspaper organization, Wick Communications (see our Web site for more information); we aren’t a publicly operated “media chain.” We have new Montrose leadership that is focused on growing our products. We have a number of new initiatives in place to see our franchise grow. The newsroom is an instrumental part of leading our paper and stewarding the community. We take pride in the work that’s been done here in the past and the legacy of success that has been established. We intend to create a most dynamic product; check out our website at www.montrosepress.com.

Location, location, location — Montrose is ideally situated on the Western Slope of Colorado and rests at the foot of the Uncompahgre Plateau and San Juan Mountains. Our community is home to nearly 20,000 residents and is looked upon as the hub of Southwestern Colorado. Outdoors opportunities abound.

This position is challenging, and we have high expectations of our employees. We fully expect a rock star, but you won’t be a one-person band. We want people who believe in the team mentality and who work well with others. This position will pay according to experience and talent. We are a small operation that leads to big opportunities. If you want to continue upstream, take on new challenges and demonstrate your capabilities, then now is the time, and this is the place.

Please apply ONLY electronically; no phone calls, please. Send a cover letter, a résumé and references, salary history and expectations to: Mike Easterling, managing editor, Montrose Daily Press, [email protected]. You will get a confirmation of your application. It is expected that the interviewing process will last a few weeks.

REPORTER/AD REPThe Julesburg Advocate, a weekly newspaper in Julesburg, Colorado, seeks a full-time reporter/ad rep to handle editorial and advertising sales. Candidate must be proficient with social media as duties also include posting to the website and Facebook on a daily basis. Flexible schedule includes some nights and weekends. Great benefit package. Application

deadline is July 12. To apply, send resumes, cover letter and references to Julesburg Advocate, Attn: Karla Johnson 108 Cedar St., Julesburg, CO 80737, or e-mail to [email protected]. The Julesburg Advocate is a division of Prairie Mountain Publishing, part of the Digital First Media family, and a subsidiary of MediaNews Group.

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORThe Pueblo Chieftain’s Opinion Editor is retiring after 50 years. Our paper is conservative, family-owned and in Southern Colorado. We require an editor with a communications degree or similar field and five years experience. Send resume, salary history and compensation requirement to [email protected].

An Equal Opportunity employer. JOB SUMMARYProduce daily editorials; edit syndicated columns, letters to the editor and design pages daily and Sunday Editorial Research- Researches and coordinates content ideas with the publisher and Editorial board Generates opinion ideas. Provides editorial quality control Other duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES• Generate content ideas;

researching and coordinating opinions stories; delegating and overseeing writing and editing assignments as needed

• Oversee scheduling, design daily editorial page as well as Sunday Ideas and Opinions section including page design, proofreading of Editorial Page and letter to the Editor.

• Coordinate freelance writers and syndicated columnists as required.

• Supervise part time researcher.

• Participate as member of editorial board; and perform other duties as assigned.

• Takes and responds to calls from public/readers.

JOB KNOWLEDGEBachelor’s degree in journalism, publishing, communications or related field

EXEPIENCE3 - 5 years experience in publishing with specific experience in Editorial writing, reporting, and editing.

CIRCULATION MANAGER

If you understand the balance of sales and service, enjoy plan-ning and executing successful marketing initiatives, and want to be a part of a high-energy, lo-cal company, then we would like to discuss our opening with you.

Exceptional service is a vital component. Thousands of area homes count on timely, quality delivery of the Press six mornings a week. That means working with our fine crew of independent contractors, handling subscription starts and stops, and resolving delivery issues. It also means building relationships with single-copy dealer outlets and making sure coin-operated machines look appealing and work well.

Sales is equally important. Residents are subscribing, our products are improving, and we shouldn’t just wait for a customer to walk through the door. Developing our messages, tailoring them to prospective customers and growing our customer base are all part of the opportunity. Marketing know-how and follow through are a must. The successful candidate must be able to consistently meet and surpass revenue, expense and volume targets. Creativity in developing new strategies is imperative to our success and culture.

Management: As our Circulation Manager, you will lead by example by always making sure the job is done to the highest standard. You will inspire and energize your team members with effective coaching and feedback. As part of the leadership team at the Press you’re charged with making decisions to enhance the entire company. You will also be responsible for preparing an annual budget and maintaining records and a database to meet audit requirements.

Education and experience: You don’t have to have newspaper circulation management experience, though it would be helpful, yet your resume should clearly show know-how applicable to this position. Your skill set must include the talent to execute successful marketing initiatives, the skills to manage employees and independent contractor relationships, and the ability and desire to provide the highest level of customer service at all times. This is not an easy job. It’s not an entry-level position and not 8 - 5; it is best suited for someone with a track record of success, is very prideful in their work and is eager to build something.

The position is salaried and it may require some early morning and weekend time. We offer a nice package of medical, vacation, bonus and other benefits.

Those looking for the challenge of making a difference and being part of a creative team should apply. To be considered for the opportunity, please

email the following items to [email protected]:

• Cover letter explaining why this is the perfect position for you

• Resume that includes dates of employment and salary history

•3 professional references

No phone calls or drop-ins will be accepted.

FULL-TIME SPORTS REPORTER NEEDED

Colorado Community Media’s MetroNorth News office seeks a full-time sports reporter to cover high school sports and regional athletics. Prefer background knowledge of high school sports in Westminster, Northglenn, Thornton, Federal Heights. Photo skills important and social media skills a plus.

Please email a cover letter, resume, 3-6 clips (including games and feature coverage), and several photo samples to Barbara Stolte at [email protected] and Mikkel Kelly at [email protected].

Please include “Sports Reporter” in the topic line.

FULL-TIME SPORTS REPORTER NEEDED

The Hays Daily News, located in Hays, Kan., is seeking a full-time sports reporter to join its staff. The successful candidate will help develop story ideas and provide daily coverage for two local high schools and Fort Hays State University, an NCAA Division II member of the MIAA. The HDN’s coverage area includes 37 high schools. Responsibilities would include event coverage, features, columns, copy editing and page design (InDesign/Photoshop), as well as producing content for our monthly niche full-colorpublication, Sports Ink. Please provide a cover letter, resume and portfolio examples, in electronic form, to HDN Sports Editor Nick McQueen at [email protected] with the subjec

EQUIPMENT FOR SALEHamada 800 DX w/spray unit, electrostatic unit, 3M dampening sleeves; LOG Etronics Film Processor Model #LL2218, 196-264 volts, single phase, 15 amps; Brown Ultra-lite 1500 plate burner; 2 Nu-Arc light tables; 1950 Anniversary Edition Heidelberg Windmill press, very good condition.Nor’west Press, Goodland, Kansas. Call 785-899-2338.Expires July 19, 2013