:::::::::::::: bbs-pr1.txt :::::::::::::: �����������������������������Ŀ � The Computer Bulletin Board � � � � Guide to Public Relations � ������������������������������� Ver 1.6 (c) 1993, 1994 Robert Parson NOTICE The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations is copyright and remains the property of Robert Parson. You are encouraged to use this guide to help publicize your BBS in particular and to help improve the image of BBSs generally. You are further encouraged to distribute this guide and accompanying materials at your discretion. However, all BBS- PR files named in this guide must be included in your distribution. This guide may not be sold for profit without prior approval of Robert Parson, although the cost of disk duplication and postage may be charged. NO WARRANTY IS MADE OR IMPLIED. NEITHER ROBERT PARSON OR APHELION PROMOTIONS ARE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE USE OF THIS GUIDE. Robert Parson 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 646 9332 (voice) Support BBS Paradox of Arkansas (Fred Ayers Sysop) 501 484 0944 501 484 0944 Jackalope Junction (Steve Prado Sysop) 501 785 5381 Internet r.parson@genie.geis.com GEnie R.Parson Fidonet 1:3822/1 BBS-PR 1.6 FILES The following files are part of BBS-PR16.ZIP: README.1ST A brief introduction to what BBS-PR is all about. FILE_ID.DIZ Description of BBS-PR16.ZIP BBS-PR1.TXT Part 1 of The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations. The guide you are reading now. BBS-PR2.TXT Part 2 of the Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations BBS-SAMP.TXT Sample News Releases and Survey PRODUCT.TXT A questionnaire and discussion designed to examine your BBS SURVEY.TXT A survey the author would appreciate filled out and returned. PR-RATES.TXT Private Consulting rates for individual BBSs by Aphelion Promotions. PRINT-PR.BAT A printing utility to make everything look nice and neat. ������������Ŀ �INTRODUCTION� �������������� This guide came about because of my frustration caused by the poor image BBSs have in the popular media; TV, Radio, Newspaper and Magazine. First, that image was tarnished by stories of pirated software, then by stories of viruses and most recently the rash of stories involving pedophiles using BBSs to further their illegal activity (child pornography). This guide is not intended to be the final word on public relations for BBSs. Someone is always coming up with a new idea or putting a new spin on an old one. This is just a basic guide with some general rules of thumb you can use to enhance the image of your BBS. Keep in mind that there will likely be some things in here that you disagree with. In that case, I'd like you to write to me, state your case, and maybe you can persuade me to see things differently. In addition, I am not an attorney, cannot provide legal advice, and this is not intended to be a legal guide. I strongly suggest you hire an attorney familiar with Communications Law and First Amendment issues BEFORE you have trouble. ��������Ŀ �CONTENTS� ���������� Who "They" Are.........................................1 The Public........................................1 The Media.........................................2 Finding the Media......................................2 Newspaper.........................................3 Television........................................4 Radio.............................................4 Your Product...........................................5 You are the BBS...................................5 Graphics..........................................6 Making Changes....................................7 Tools of the Trade.....................................7 Business Cards and Stationary.....................7 Brochures and Fliers..............................8 Do it Yourself or Hire Someone....................9 News Products..........................................10 News Releases.....................................10 Public Service Announcements......................12 News Conferences..................................13 Handling the Media.....................................14 Market Research........................................16 Creating a Survey.................................16 Making the Call...................................18 Crisis Management......................................18 Friendly Faces....................................19 First Amendment at Risk...........................19 Out of the Box.........................................20 Final Comments.........................................21 ��������������Ŀ �Who "They" Are� ���������������� The Public A Summer 1993 survey by Dell Computer indicated that 55 percent of the public does not take advantage of technological advances. That in itself is the single biggest Public Relations problem a Sysop faces. BBS users, obviously, fall somewhere in the remaining 45 percent. Those who fear technology are the ones that are the most difficult to explain electronic communications to. They may see computers as taking over their lives. There are chips in their cars, in their microwaves, in their stereos, and in their VCRS. Computers send them their utility bills, credit card bills, track their income tax payments, and note when their daughter is born. Those in that 55 percent are not necessarily technophobic. Most of them are just technologically disinterested. These are the people that we should be most concerned with from a Public Relations standpoint. What they know about computers, modems and BBSs comes from the mainstream media. A reporter assigned to a story about BBSs may or may not fully understand what they are reporting on. The remaining 45 percent includes you and me, the expert user, the average user and the novice user. This group doesn't need quite as much public relations massaging since it already knows the benefits of using a modem to connect with other people. People that were overwhelmed when they first called a BBS and decided it was too tough to try again also fall into that 45 percent. They have computers, they may be technically adept, they can probably even program a VCR. But the mysteries of 8-N-1 elude them. In addition, there are those who were at one time active in the BBS community, but are no longer involved. Maybe they had a falling out with a Sysop or another user. These are both disaffected users There is also the group of people that have modems because it came with their computer but they have not used it. Some because they don't know they have one, some because they aren't interested in using it. How can you distill all these diverse groups into one simple Public Relations campaign? Simply put, you can't. BBS-PR pg 1 The Media News can be defined broadly as something that is out of the ordinary (such as a murder) or something that is a matter of public record (such as a City Council meeting). Generally, though, news is a change in the status quo. Many people get upset over what is perceived as a liberal or conservative slant in the news. Because both sides get upset about slanted news, that indicates to me that most media coverage is unbiased or at least politically moderate. So-called objective reporting is a relatively recent invention. Before the American Civil War, most newspapers were just a cut above political tracts. But journalism history and theory is not our topic. Most stories involving BBSs involve a crime that has been committed, usually pirated software, viruses, or pornography. Even though one BBS may be raided for improprieties, it reflects poorly on the entire BBS community by guilt through association. This is similar to many American's mistrust of all Arabs due to the misdeeds of a few, as an example. It isn't fair, it isn't right, but it's The Way Things Are. �����������������Ŀ �Finding the Media� ������������������� The easiest way to find out who you need to talk to or write to is by looking in the phone book. All the TV and Radio stations and Newspapers will be listed under those categories. You might want to also look for Magazines and News Services. A phone call can uncover a lot of information. You will need the media outlet's voice number, fax number, address and the person to talk to or send mailings to. Your best luck in the Public Relations arena is going to be in the local media. Remember that not all your public relations efforts are going to be successful. For instance, most News Releases are thrown in the trash. But if you keep at it your efforts will pay off. BBS-PR pg 2 Newspaper Because of the rise of electronic information distribution, many people have predicted the demise of newspapers. That's unlikely, at least for the next fifty to one hundred years. Yes, readership has declined. Newspapers, though, are chameleons and are able to adapt. Thirty years ago most newspapers looked like the New York Times. Most newspapers now have much more open and "friendly" looks. They are also the most powerful of all the media. No other media shapes and forms public opinion to the degree newspapers do. This is usually because they have larger news staffs and much longer traditions than broadcast media. Print also has a permanence that broadcast does not have. As a Sysop, your Public Relations efforts should start with the Editor or City Editor, whichever the case may be. These Editors will assign stories to a reporter. You may be tempted to change your mailing list to a certain reporter. Although this may seem like a good idea, reporters tend to change jobs on a fairly regular basis (this is especially the case in broadcast media). You might opt to add a reporter to your list, but make sure you continue to send material to the Editor. I do not recommend offering to write a column. You will run out of things to write about much sooner than you think. Not only that, newspapers have access to syndicated columns that may not deal specifically with BBSs, but will touch on them occasionally. The opinion page provides several opportunities to get your name and the name of your BBS out. The Letters to the Editor section can be quite effective in telling your message. You might even be asked occasionally to write a guest opinion. Use those opportunities whenever possible, but be wary of writing too many Letters to the Editor. If they get printed often, you will lose your impact and become just another shrill voice on the opinion page. News about computers and computer technology tends to become lodged in the Business section of a newspaper. If your paper has one, you need to put the Business Editor on your mailing list. Be careful with multiple mailings to newspapers. If you have a News Conference, you could have several people from BBS-PR pg 3 one newspaper there. There are few things that annoy editors more than finding out that the paper had "overstaffed" a news conference. It might be wise to note on the announcement the departments or individuals that are getting copies. Television Television thrives on good video. Too often, a story with good video will override a good story with no video. That is part of the reason why even though nearly everyone watches tv news, hardly anyone trusts it. Despite that, television can get your message across to more people in a shorter period of time. Assignment Editors are the people that tell the reporters what stories they will tell that day. Most of your productive work with tv stations will be with the Assignment Editor. Assignment Editors work with the Producer, and both are supervised by the News Director. Should you be lucky and they are interested in doing a story about the current state of art in BBS technology, remember that you need to make yourself visually compelling. Show lots of activity on the screen, blinking on the modem, the tangle of wires for the phone lines. Present yourself as a business professional, even if you are operating a one-line, non-commercial system. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to wear a suit and tie, although that would be a good idea. BBSs have become the whipping boy of tv news during the past year. Sex and Pornography are probably the topics they will be most interested in, especially child pornography. If you are called out of the blue someday by a tv reporter wishing to do an interview, those are the likely topics. Be prepared to dodge bullets. Radio Radio Journalism is a dying art. There was once a time when no radio station would even think of not having a news department. Now many stations have only a morning newsperson that rewrites the morning paper, and they might not have even that. It's very tragic. But there are still a very good number of radio stations with active news departments. For the most part, you will BBS-PR pg 4 deal directly with the News Director. Some larger stations may also have an Assignments Editor. Radio stations will be looking for stories that can be told very quickly and have good "sound." Normally, a radio reporter will simply be seeking an interview. But there may be an occasion in which a reporter is doing a special report or a series. BBSs don't really have much sound to record, but there is some. Modem tones, connection alarms, and ANSI music are a few. Because the pace of radio news departments is even faster than tv, believe it or not, it won't be uncommon for a radio reporter to call on the phone to get a comment on a breaking story or even a follow-up on a story idea you may have presented them with in some correspondence. If you are contacted on a "slow" news day, you and your BBS could be included in a number of radio newscasts. Even in music intensive formats, radio news tends to be listener active-- that is listeners pay close attention to the news. News/Talk stations are particularly good targets. They are nearly always looking for good people to interview on the air. ������������Ŀ �Your Product� �������������� You are the BBS First of all, you have to think of your BBS as a product. Whether you have a 32 line commercial BBS, a single line hobby board or somewhere in between, you are selling a service. Just as with any other product, you have to decide where and how your public relations efforts should best be spent. Would you sell Lambroghinis in rural Oklahoma? You can try, but you probably wouldn't sell very many. And what happens when your Lambroghini has a major recall? How would you handle the Public Relations crisis? Now may be a good time to look at your BBS and take an inventory. If you haven't already done so, print the file PRODUCT.TXT included with this package. It will help you take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of your BBS. PRODUCT.TXT examines the inventory and looks at some of BBS-PR pg 5 the immediate public relations problems that could occur as a direct result of the features of your BBS. Since this file goes into depth about particular items on your BBS that may cause some Public Relations problems, we won't discuss it in detail here, but we will touch on some of the same issues. The first and foremost question you should ask yourself is "Why should someone call my BBS?" To answer that question, let's create two BBSs to use as examples: Beta BBS has message bases, files and a couple games. Delta BBS has message bases, files and a couple games. Nothing really different here. The Sysop of Beta BBS is an active participant in his BBS in that he writes messages on a regular basis. The Delta BBS Sysop turns up on occasion and makes an announcement. Hmmm. Looks like Beta has a slight edge; the Sysop doesn't seem so unreachable. There is nothing wrong with Delta BBS, but it seems so ordinary. There are hundreds of other BBSs using the same software in the same manner and it appears the Sysop is an out of state landlord. If there is only one weapon I can give you in your Public Relations campaign that weapon would be yourself. You must allow your personality to become a part of the BBS. In this manner BBSs are identical to TV News. They may offer the same plate, but the plate is presented a little differently. You might like the person who does the weather more than the other station's weatherblond. That is why you watch Eyewitness News instead of The Newscenter or whatever the case may be. Graphics Sometimes a subtle change in the graphics scheme can make a big difference in how a user perceives your BBS. If you use a lot of bright,garish colors a caller may get the impression that the BBS is loud and brash. Look closely at how TV stations use color. They generally use two or three colors to set the overall graphics image and everything else is either based on those colors or is worked into them somehow. You should also examine how your menus are laid out. Your first concern should be whether they make sense. A caller shouldn't have to scratch his head trying to figure out what he should do next, unless he really has no idea. BBS-PR pg 6 Secondly, is the picture busy? A busy menu page takes longer to draw and is harder to read. If after the screen is drawn and you find yourself distracted, chances are your layout has too many elements. Graphics artists for print publications talk about what is called "white space." That is the amount of nothingness that surrounds text and pictures. The more there is the more pleasing to the eye the page is. There is nothing wrong with using a background to support your menus, but it should be unobtrusive. Making Changes Whenever you change or add something you need to think to yourself "Is this something that my users need or want?" You also need to think of the image you want your BBS to present. If you have a Science Fiction themed BBS, that new CD-ROM of Civil War statistics may not fit in very well. I want to make the point, though, that you might prefer to run a BBS that offers something of interest to everyone. But if you do have a thread that runs throughout the entire system you need to think twice before making a change or an addition. If it doesn't feel right to you then it probably won't be kosher with your users. ������������������Ŀ �TOOLS OF THE TRADE� �������������������� You have your computer(s), phone lines(s), software, message bases, and file areas. But do you have your stationary and business cards? Unless you are running a commercial system, you probably don't (and many commercial systems don't either). Business Cards and Stationary From time to time you'll want to write a letter as the Sysop of your BBS. This letter may be to a user, your city officials, your Congressman or even to local media outlets. Your letter will carry more weight if it is on stationary. Make sure it has the name of your BBS, mailing address, voice line and data line. Your name and title are options since BBS-PR pg 7 you will be signing it anyway. If you work as a salesperson, an engineer, or any other service oriented business, you wouldn't think twice about getting business cards. They are an essential part of your business armament. You hand them to every new person you meet during the course of your day. You should do the same for your BBS. Business cards are an effective way of getting the word out about your BBS. You don't need anything fancy. Just the name of your BBS, your name, your title, a mailing address, your voice line and your data line. As for your title, I would recommend System Operator. The average person on the street, including some who claim to be computer literate, may not understand what "Sysop" means. If you have even the slightest reason to write someone on BBS stationary, then you should do it. Always carry some BBS business cards with you and pass them out at every opportunity. Stationary and business cards are inexpensive and extremely effective. One word of caution, though. If your BBS is not affiliated with your professional career, you need to make sure you keep the two separated. This can be a problem when handing out business cards in particular. You might be tempted to give a client cards from both work and your BBS. Should you do this, the client must be made aware that they are two completely separate entities. Not only that, but your boss might not be too keen on the idea. Brochures and Fliers Brochures are also good promotional items for BBSs. Although they are not as necessary as business cards and stationary, they can be very good tools. Brochures can be left at computer stores, taken to conventions, or used to send in response to advertising. Good brochures don't necessarily have to be professionally produced, printed on glossy stock paper and using four colors. You can produce an effective brochure using a desktop publishing program at home. A brochure should hit on the main points you want to make, have some graphics, and entice the reader into calling. A brochure is intended to introduce your product to potential BBS-PR pg 8 callers. Don't feel you should fill up the entire brochure with a lot of copy. For one thing, if there's a lot to read, most of it won't get read unless it is extremely compelling. The majority of the time, though, simple will suffice. When developing your brochure, you should design it by cutting the page in thirds and deciding what needs to be on which page. Obviously, you want the name of the BBS, the phone number and maybe a graphic on the front. You get to the nitty gritty of what is on your board inside. The middle section of the outside should be left blank so you can put an address on it. A flier generally is one page, and follows roughly the same guidelines as those for a brochure. In general, though, you layout for the entire page instead of in thirds. I mentioned "white space" earlier, and I want to emphasize that again, especially in regard to your printed materials. The more white space you have, the more pleasing to the eye your layout is. Of course, that doesn't mean have a blank page with only one sentence on it. You do need to keep your pages from looking cluttered and busy. Do it yourself or hire someone Personal computers have liberated us to do work ourselves that we would previously have hired someone to do. That includes personal publishing. There are a number of desktop publishing programs available at your friendly neighborhood computer store. There are even some available as shareware. �����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ � Do it yourself! � �advantages disadvantages � � � �inexpensive time consuming � �print when needed dot matrix printers � � usually inadequate � �complete control graphics or fonts � � may not be available� � � � Hire someone � � � �professional layout assistance some loss of control� �consistent print quality large print runs � �fast service expensive � ������������������������������������������������������������� BBS-PR pg 9 As you can tell from this table, choosing whether to produce your own stationary and business cards or having it produced by a printshop is really as much a matter of convenience as it is anything else. When we talk about expensive, that is compared to doing it yourself. For roughly $75 you can have some basic stationary and business cards printed professionally. I think it's worth the investment. When you think about what to put on your stationary and business cards remember that "conservative never offends anyone." Keep the layout clean and simple, especially on the cards. If you have a graphic that is used to help identify your BBS you should use it. Colored paper and spot color can be very effective. But you need to be very careful. Your information can be hard to read on dark paper. Spot color is exactly that-- a small touch of color to highlight something on the page. But it can be put in the wrong place. A couple things to note about having your work done professionally: colored paper and spot color usually cost extra. The printshop will also likely charge you to have a graphic scanned and placed on your stationary or business cards. :::::::::::::: bbs-pr2.txt :::::::::::::: �������������Ŀ �News Products� ��������������� News Releases News Releases can be among the most effective tools you use in your public relations efforts. This may seem hard to believe, but much of what we read, hear or see in the news is prompted by a news release. The News Media really does want to know what is going on in the community and News Releases provide valuable tip-offs for stories. Among other things, News Releases can be used to make yourself "The Expert" in the field. There is much attention being paid in Washington D.C. to the National Data Highway. By making yourself the expert in computer communications, local media might contact you for local reaction to a story about the National Data Highway or other topics, including computer pornography. BBS-PR pg 10 On any given day, a news department can receive dozens of News Releases. If you send a News Release to a Newspaper, or Radio or TV station, don't assume it will be used. Lack of a local angle, lack of timeliness, and obvious business promotion are among the reasons most are thrown away. The biggest portion of those that are thrown out, though, are News Releases that are poorly written. ������������������������������������������������������������������Ŀ � Topic Ideas for News Releases � � � �New BBS Major New Feature� �Millionth Caller Meetings/Seminars� �Public Service performed by BBS Awards � �Recent Membership in National Organization Crisis Management� �Change in Ownership/Management � �Unusual or Controversial Message Threads or Files � �Local Angle to National Story � �������������������������������������������������������������������� Anyone who has watched tv dramas about reporters knows that the basics of a news story are Who, What, When, Where, Why. Those are also essential to a News Release. You should also strive for clarity and brevity. Even if you consider yourself a poor writer, if you include all of these factors, your News Release will probably be at the very least readable. A News Release should have a Headline, a release date (even if all it says is FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE), and contact information in addition to the news itself. Put the news release on your BBS stationary and include a business card. Even if your News Release is thrown away, the business card might be put into someone's rolodex. Focus on your information. What exactly is it you want to convey? The best news releases usually have one specific point to make and everything else supports that one point. Think logically. Your first paragraph, or the lead to use journalistic jargon, should make your point clear. The second paragraph should have more information that supports the first, the third should support the second and first, so on and so on. Write simply. Don't use "big" words unless you absolutely have to. They won't impress anyone. You should also write short simple sentences. Long complex sentences are harder to read. Newspapers are written at an eighth grade reading level. Broadcasters have only one chance to BBS-PR pg 11 make the listener/viewer understand the story. If you have the media confused you will be ignored. Avoid the use of computer, modem or telecommunications jargon. Jargon that is used should be explained in simple terms. For instance: "GIFs are pictures that can be viewed on a computer screen." That may be oversimplified, but it works. One page is usually sufficient for a News Release. Two pages are acceptable, but more than that is pushing the patience of the person you sent it to. However, if you have material to support your News Release, such as a graph or a table, include that also. If they want more information they will call you. Even if your News Release does not become recycling fodder, it may not be used immediately. It may be put into a file for future use. The file PR-SAMP.TXT includes sample news releases along with explanations of how and why they were written. Public Service Announcements Radio and TV stations devote some programming time to Public Service Announcements, or P.S.A.s. Newspapers may not call them that, but they run them as well. These are a bit trickier to write than a News Release mainly because there are fairly strict rules concerning what is or is not a PSA. The litmus tests for a PSA are: 1. Is the group mentioned a profit organization? 2. Is the topic of the PSA controversial? 3. Is the group mentioned controversial? 4. Will the reader/listener/viewer feel they are hearing an ad as opposed to a PSA? If the answer to any of those is "yes" that doesn't necessarily mean it is not a PSA. Chances are, though, it won't qualify. PSAs have much in common with News Releases in that they will include Who, What, When, and Where, but might not have a Why. If there is a cost involved, that needs to be included BBS-PR pg 12 as well. PSAs will normally be sent to the PSA Director at Radio and TV stations. PSAs sent to Newspapers can usually be sent to the Editor, who will know which department to send it to. Many PSAs can be sent on a postcard. The file PR- SAMP.TXT has a sample PSA. News Conferences My first thought on holding a News Conference is not to hold one. Unless you have something of extreme importance or of a compelling nature, a News Conference probably won't be necessary. There are only two reasons I can think of for a BBS to hold a News Conference. One is when a BBS is launched, but even that is of marginal news value. The other is Crisis Management. Whichever the case may be, you need to be fully prepared. Have copies of your statement and support materials available to distribute to members of the media that attend. If I am hesitant to recommend a News Conference, I am adamantly against a Sysop holding a question and answer session only. If you have a News Conference, you had better have something specific to say or you are going to alienate those attending. Although it is acceptable to read directly from your printed statement during your News Conference, you need to practice it several times beforehand so you are completely familiar with it. You might even want to practice the entire News Conference. This can be accomplished by having some friends or business associates listen to your statement and grill you afterword. Chances are many of the same questions a reporter will ask will be asked by this "practice group." Why do you need to answer questions following your statement? There may be something in your statement that was unclear, or maybe needed to be expanded. Sometimes you might even be asked to repeat certain sections. But when things appear to be slowing down, don't be afraid to call an end to the News Conference. Make yourself available for individual interviews following the News Conference. TV or radio stations might want a more intimate sounding discussion of BBS-PR pg 13 what the News Conference was about instead of the formal statement. A reporter might have a question he/she didn't want to ask in a group setting. Your News Conference will be competing with all the other news events going on throughout the day. Don't waste time and don't expect everyone invited to attend. I've found early afternoon or mid morning to be the best times to hold News Conferences. News Conferences can be a very productive method of getting your message across. But they are also quite misused. Hold a News Conference only if you feel the need is absolutely imperative. ������������������Ŀ �Handling the Media� �������������������� Timeliness is a very important factor when sending material to the media. Most News Releases that are not dated can be mailed at any time. If they are going to be for release on a specific date, they should be mailed one to two weeks before the date. Public Service Announcements and Event Schedules should be sent two to four weeks before the event. This gives the media plenty of time to schedule reporters and other resources. I do not recommend calling an Editor or reporter asking when your News Release or PSA will be published or aired. They might consider this badgering. However, you might call and ask if they received it and had any questions. That doesn't guarantee that it will be used, but it might increase its chances, and you might even find out when it would be used. The Media is not the enemy. When you are talking with a reporter or a group of reporters there is no need to be nervous. Be friendly but professional. Treat them as you would your co-workers. Generally, be calm but assertive. You have the information they want. Because computer communications is still a burgeoning field, reporters may ask what you think BBS-PR pg 14 are dumb or inconsequential questions. Just answer them patiently. Offer information you think is pertinent to the issue. The more facts they have the more accurate the story will be. If you read, see or hear a news story that you feel was unfair in its coverage of the BBS Community, don't be afraid to call or write the Editor or News Director and complain about it. Don't be angry, but point out what you feel was unfair. The worst thing you can do is get into an argument with a member of the media. Any headway you've made previously can be destroyed. You are more likely to be listened to by being candid but keeping your head on your shoulders. They might make a retraction to the offending story or offer you the opportunity to set the record straight. If nothing else, you got it off your chest. Video cameras are so ubiquitous these days that you shouldn't give them a second thought. You should be aware of their presence though. A dark sport jacket with a light colored shirt works best on camera. Flashy or very colorful clothes can be very distracting. The viewer might pay more attention to what you are wearing than what you are saying. Never, ever, at any time knowingly tell a falsehood. You'll be caught and you'll be hung out to dry. If you say something that later turns out to be incorrect, then you can honestly admit your mistake. In addition, if there is something you don't know, admit that also. It's always better to admit a lack of knowledge than it is to dance around a question with a pseudo-answer. You can always look up the correct answer and call the reporter later. Drawing on that same theme, if you have gotten into a situation in which you feel you have gotten in over your head, defer the issue to someone you feel comfortable has the proper skills and knowledge. In most cases, a reporter will accept your suggested replacement. The only time it might not work is when the reporter is asking about something that directly impacts you or your BBS. This may seem obvious, but you should return calls promptly. Reporters are always under some sort of deadline pressure. The sooner you can return their calls, the more they will appreciate you. BBS-PR pg 15 ���������������Ŀ �Market Research� ����������������� Who needs to do Market Research? You do. The days of opening up a BBS with a few file areas and some message bases are numbered. Successful BBSs will be those that plan carefully with an eye toward what users really want-- not the desires of the noisy few. While online questionnaires are quite useful, they often don't go far enough or have a large enough base for you to make long term decisions. The biggest problems are low response rates and questions that answer themselves. Very few online surveys that I've seen provide enough qualitative information for anything other than short term planning. If you are planning on pulling in some new message bases, but want to know which ones will actually be read by users, then online questionnaires are quite sufficient for the job. But if you plan on opening a new BBS, a major change in image or thrust, or becoming a larger player in the BBS community you probably need to do more than question your active users. But there are still times in which you must simply go with your visceral instincts. If you have just done the most extensive survey in the history of the industry, you may just have to do what your gut tells you to do, even if it is in total disagreement with what the research says you should do. The easiest, least expensive, and probably the most effective research for BBSs to do is call-out research. Pick up the phone and start dialing. But you must have a method. Creating a Survey Depending on what you want to find out, you'll want to angle your research in different directions. A person setting up a new BBS is going to need information different from that an established Sysop would need to consider whether to expand or add services. For our purposes, let's assume you want to do some basic research on the group of people that use modems. To make things as easy as possible, we'll assume you will be conducting 100 surveys. This does NOT include people who hang up on you or you terminate because they do not fit the demographic profile you are looking for. BBS-PR pg 16 The first thing you'll need to determine is the demographic breakdown in your community as a whole. What is the percentage of men and women and their age groups? This information can easily be found at your local library. Use the most recent census data available. Take those percentages in each age/sex demo and conduct the same number of surveys (23% women aged 25 to 32 in your community, then 23 surveys with women in that age group). The first thing you need in the survey is a set of Terminal questions. These questions help you determine the age and sex groups you need, whether they own computers, whether they own modems and how often they use modems. If they don't answer any of the questions in the appropriate manner, you break off the interview. These people are NOT included as part of your 100 completed surveys. If you want an overview of the BBS community compared to the community as a whole, you will need to keep track of the people that are terminated. Since we are developing a profile on the modem using public in your community, we need a set of questions to determine how often they use them and in what manner. We then need some questions to find out what services they use, what activities they participate in, and what they might see as any shortcomings. Finally, some questions on their hardware and software. All these numbers can be inserted into a spreadsheet program. From there you can make pie charts or bar graphs to represent just about anything and help you make planning decisions. There is a sample survey in the BBS-SAMP.TXT file. Here are some terms that are in the sample survey that you might want to know: PROMPT-- Ask about listed items. Subject may offer one or more. QUERY-- Ask for more, do NOT specify. Ask "Anything else?" and write down responses (see XX)-- Depending on response to a question, then go to the question with that number (eg: see 5B) SPECIFY-- Subject may offer an answer. If not, ask. TERMINATE-- Bring to an end. BBS-PR pg 17 Making the Call You don't need to buy a list in order to make call out research. All it takes is a phone book or city directory. City directories are helpful in that they will have phone numbers and addresses that may not be in the phone book. City directories are also expensive, especially when compared to that phone book you received when you ordered a phone line. Starting with the first residential listing, keep dialing down the column until you are able to get a completed survey. Skip the rest of that column, next column and start at the top of the following. For example, if you have a three column phone book (most are), you get a completed survey on the tenth call in the second column. Skip the remainder of the second column, skip the third column, and then start again at the top of the first column on the second page. This will give you a fairly random sample. Also make sure you do not purposely call business numbers. Businesses get irritated when people make unsolicited calls. Many individuals do as well. Expect a lot of people to hang up on you. ALWAYS thank the person at the end of the interview, even if you terminate them after the first question. �����������������Ŀ �Crisis Management� ������������������� The first thing to remember about Crisis Management is to avoid creating one. That isn't always possible. In that case, the second thing to remember is "Don't Panic." You simply don't have time. Always keep your head. It's quite unlikely BBSs will be responsible for volcanic eruptions or toxic waste dumps. Most crisis a BBS would be involved in are legal in nature. If that's the case, you'll need to contact your attorney at once. In fact, you might even want to consider keeping one on retainer or having a pre-paid legal plan. Your attorney should be familiar with communications law and First Amendment Issues. Your local Bar Association should be able BBS-PR pg 18 to help you find one. The media has easier access to prosecutors than to defendants. That is why in most criminal cases it appears a suspect has already been convicted and hauled off even though the case has not yet been brought to trial. The good news is that more defense attorneys are becoming media savvy and are willing to make statements to reporters. Most of the time, the best thing to do is to let your attorney do your talking for you. Among other things, that's what you are paying him for. He will know what can and cannot be said in public and is in a better position to deal with legal intricacies that may come up. For now, the online community tends to rally around BBS operators who have been accused of improprieties. Unless your counselor objects, you can begin drumming up support from within the industry. Among other things, you can make legal documents available in computer readable form. Contact industry magazines such as BOARDWATCH, BBS CALLERS DIGEST and CONNECT and let them know what is happening. But you should always advise or consult your attorney before doing any of this. Friendly Faces I've made this point before and I'll make it again. Reporters assigned to cover a story involving BBSs or other online services may not fully understand the industry. Some of them may even be technophobes. With that in mind, there is another position you can work yourself into. That is the position of the Local Expert. For sake of example, another Sysop has run into trouble with the law. You could make yourself available to help explain what some of those complicated technological terms are all about, making sure you stay clear of the legal issues involved. You may not get your face on TV or your name printed in the paper, but you will be providing a valuable service to your local media. The First Amendment at Risk The online community is under attack. There are many in government who apparently believe First Amendment freedoms should not be extended to BBSs and other online services, BBS-PR pg 19 even if they don't explicitly state this. The Clipper chip is just one example. The battle lines are being drawn in the courts and in the mainstream media. Solid wins in the justice system will help ensure a place for the First Amendment in the future. Diligent and deft manipulation of the media will help ensure public support for the online community. ��������������Ŀ �Out of the Box� ���������������� Many Sysops set up a BBS in a cloistered room, hunch over a brightly lit screen late at night tweaking here and tweaking there. "Heh!" they think, "this new door game will bring me a few more callers!" Wrong. You can be assured that new game is A) already on another BBS in town, B) the potential new callers won't know for sometime that you have it or C) potential new callers won't care that you have it. The game can wait 'til tomorrow. Do something that is more likely to bring in potential callers to your BBS in particular and into the BBS community generally. Get out of the house. Chances are your BBS or the local BBS or Sysops' Association sponsors a picnic or some such at least once a year. Although this is a good idea, it usually is a gathering a modem users. You need to become more involved with the community as a whole. There are many, many opportunities to create a good public relations image within the community. Even though the mainstream media should be a part of your public relations efforts, you do not have to rely on them to tell your message. Your local Chamber of Commerce probably has some sort of monthly or annual list of events going on in the community. There should be several that you can attend or co-sponsor on behalf of the BBS. You can also make yourself available to talk to Service Clubs and Youth Groups. BBS-PR pg 20 Have you thought of conducting a seminar? Let's face it, BBSs are not among the easiest computer applications to use. You could teach users and potential users about telecommunications and BBSing. With more and more BBSs connecting to the Internet, a seminar on how to use the Internet could be quite valuable. As an aside, you might even be able to bring in a few bucks by conducting seminars. Schools are another place to make your mark. Donate your time to teach a class or be a guest in a class. You might even consider donating your old equipment to an elementary school when you upgrade to newer equipment. That might even bring you some good press coverage. If you have a laptop or an older computer you wouldn't mind toting around, take it with you with a scaled down version of your BBS to show people what it looks like. Very few things work better than a good visual aid. If you produce a newsletter for your BBS that is mailed to users on a regular basis, add the local media outlets to your mailing list. Just as with News Releases, most newsletters will be thrown out. But sometimes someone will grab an idea from one and produce a story from it. By golly, you'll probably be the first person they call. Everyday thousands of cars go past yours or you pass them. Bumper stickers are moving billboards. Make them available anytime you are out meeting the public. Because you must make a quick impression, just have the name of your BBS and the data phone number printed on them. Coffee mugs and t-shirts are good promotional items that can also bring in some money. Sale items such as those are really best for larger commercial systems, though. ��������������Ŀ �Final Comments� ���������������� I am quite conscience of the fact that I did not discuss paid advertising in this manual. Among the reasons: 1. This was intended to be only a brief discussion of Public Relations. 2. Paid advertising can be quite expensive, and most BBS do not have the money to do it. If there is demand for information about advertising for BBSs, it will be included in future editions. BBS-PR pg 21 Thanks to Fred Ayers of Paradox of Arkansas BBS, Steve Prado of Jackalope Junction BBS, and Mary McGuire of KMAG-KWHN Radio, all of Fort Smith, AR. Their comments, suggestions and complaints are greatly appreciated. The current edition of BBS-PR (BBS-PRxx.ZIP) will always be available on Paradox of Arkansas BBS (Fred Ayers, Sysop) and Jackalope Junction, (Sysop, Steve Prado). I will answer E-Mail, snail mail and even discuss some problems on the phone. I am also available for private consultation. See the file PR-RATES.TXT to see what services are available and at what cost. Even though News Analysis is one service available, I encourage you to send copies of News Releases, newspaper articles, and audio and video (vhs) tapes of broadcast stories with no obligation to engage my services as a consultant. About the Author Robert Parson is a Broadcast Journalist with over 15 years experience to his credit. He is a former Contributing Editor for "International Online Magazine," a magazine door available from Arkansas River Valley BBS, Russellville, AR (501 968 1931). Robert is an active participant in his local BBS Community. This Guide is dedicated to the First Amendment. Freedom of Speech is our single most important Constitutional Guarantee. Robert Parson 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 646 9332 (voice) Paradox of Arkansas BBS 501 484 0944 or 501 484 1043 (Fred Ayers, Sysop) Jackalope Junction BBS 501 785 5381 (Steve Prado, Sysop) R.Parson (GEnie) R.Parson@genie.geis.com (Internet) Fido 1:3822/1 BBS-PR pg 22 :::::::::::::: bbs-samp.txt :::::::::::::: �����������������������������Ŀ � The Computer Bulletin Board � � � � Guide to Public Relations � ������������������������������� Ver 1.6 Samples of News Releases Public Service Announcements Market Research Survey For the record, the BBS, all events and persons are fictitious. However, the address and phone number is mine. If you feel any of these samples would be useful, feel free to adapt them for your needs. APHELION BBS 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 XXX XXXX (data) 501 646 9332 (voice) For Immediate Release INTERNET COMES TO FORT SMITH Aphelion Computer Bulletin Board System has now connected with the Internet. The Internet is a worldwide network connecting Universities, Research Centers, Government and Business with electronic mail, news, public message bases, and computer programs. This is the first time the Internet has been publicly available in the Fort Smith area. System Operator of Aphelion BBS, Robert Parson, says "The heart of computing is being able to share information. Now users in Fort Smith can easily share information with the world and gather information from sources they couldn't reach before." Aphelion BBS will provide a free Electronic Mailbox to anyone wishing to receive private messages. A rate of $6.00 an hour will be charged for all other Internet resources. Computer users can dial Aphelion BBS at 501 XXX XXXX with their modem at speeds up to 14,400. For more information call Robert Parson at 501 646 9332 (voice) -30- *** The Internet news release is a simple product announcement. It says the Internet is available, explains why this is news (first time publicly available) and also explains how to access the BBS. It also provides a "warm body" with a quote, and how to contact the "warm body." This is also an example of a "hard news" type of news release. It states the facts with few embellishments. The next news release is a bit more complicated since it starts with a softer lead, or beginning. It has a "feature" feel to it. *** BBS-SAMP pg 1 APHELION BBS 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 XXX XXXX (data) 501 646 9332 (voice) For Immediate Release INTERNET SEMINAR SPONSORED BY APHELION BBS Navigation of large computer networks is much like navigating the ocean. It takes time, practice and instruction. The Internet is, if not the largest, one the largest computer oceans. Aphelion Computer Bulletin Board System is sponsoring a seminar designed to help computer users learn to navigate through the Internet. "This seminar will focus on Electronic mail addressing and file transfers," according to System Operator Robert Parson. More seminars dealing with other aspects of the Internet are planned. The Seminar will be held Saturday, October 9 at 1:00p.m. at the Fort Smith Public Library. The cost of the seminar is $5.00, which will pay for materials used by participants. Aphelion BBS recently made the Internet available to computer users with modems. E-Mail boxes are provided at no cost. Other Internet services are available for a $6.00 an hour charge. Modems can connect to Aphelion BBS at speeds up to 14,400. For more information about the Seminar or Aphelion BBS, call Robert Parson at 501 646 9332 (voice). -30- *** The seminar news release is quite similar to the new product announcement in that it says what the seminar is about, where it will be held and why it is being held. The charge for the seminar was included since it was necessary, but it was buried deep in the news release. If you'll notice, both of these news releases have a contact name and number. This is critically important on any news release. If a media outlet can't find someone to talk BBS-SAMP pg 2 to about a story, it will usually end up in the trash. The following news release is a local angle to a national story. *** APHELION BBS 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 XXX XXXX (data) 501 646 9332 (voice) For Immediate Release "Kiddie Porn" warning blasted The Justice Department recently warned parents to examine their children's electronic mail for possible signs of contact by child molesters. The System Operator of a Fort Smith Computer Bulletin Board says BBSs are being unfairly singled out as a source of this illegal activity. Robert Parson of Aphelion BBS says "The Justice Department has bruised the entire BBS community because of a few cases." Parson adds that as far as he knows, there has been no activity involving child pornography or other illegal activities in the Fort Smith area. "All the Bulletin Boards that are in operation in Fort Smith are on the up and up. I invite anyone to call any of them and look for themselves." Aphelion BBS can be reached at 501 XXX XXXX by any computer user with a modem at speeds up to 14,400. For more information Robert Parson can be reached voice at 501 646 9332. -30- *** This is based on an actual news story from September 1993. The Justice Department did issue a warning to parents advising them to check their children's electronic mail. This news release accomplishes several things. It blunts the impact of the Justice Department warning, Robert Parson is seen as an expert in the field, and the invitation BBS-SAMP pg 3 to call ANY BBS could expand the user base of the BBS community (although Aphelion BBS will likely be the first one called). You could also include a list of BBS names and numbers with this News Release. The "-30-" at the end of each of these stories indicates that, yes, the story has come to an end. If there were two pages, the first page would have a notation at the bottom of "-more-" Let's try something fairly simple: a Public Service Announcement. *** Who: Greater Fort Smith System Operators' Association What: Seminar When: Saturday, October 9, 1:00pm Where: Fort Smith Public Library Topic: How to use a Computer Bulletin Board System There is no cost for this seminar. For more information contact Myron Aberchrombie at XXX XXX XXXX. *** First of all, I want to know just who these guys think they are having a FREE seminar when I'm having my FEE-BASED seminar! At the same place even! What gall. Anyway, that's just one form a PSA can take. One of the nice things about that format is it can fit on a postcard, which has a lower postage rate. But some people prefer to write them similar to a news story. Now for something quite a bit more complicated. The following is a statement for a News Conference. *** APHELION BBS 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 XXX XXXX (data) 501 646 9332 (voice) For Release 10-9-93 1:00p Statement by Aphelion BBS System Operator, Robert Parson BBS-SAMP pg 4 I am very distressed that the Justice Department raided and shut down Aphelion BBS yesterday as a threat to National Security. I have allowed the People's Front for the Liberation of Refrigerator Magnets to have a forum without fear of recrimination. But as the raid proved, I was apparently wrong. Yes, the PFLRM is working toward separation from the Nation of Cellophane Tape. The People's Front, though, should have the opportunity to have its opinions and views out in the open as any political party does. As the System Operator, I have always encouraged freedom of speech, no matter what form that speech takes. There have been times in which some users have left messages I felt were not just politically incorrect but downright vile. However, that is what the First Amendment protects. I am looking forward to the coming days in court and firmly believe that we will find that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights do have a place in modern society. I will answer any questions you might have. -30- *** Obviously, the Justice Department wouldn't raid a BBS over something like this. But just the same, this is an example of Crisis Management. It is a firm statement made at a News Conference, and an invitation that representatives of the BBS are open to meet with members of the media. Should you be raided, you normally won't have a News Conference. The judge would probably place you under a "gag" order, which prohibits you from talking publicly about the case, or you would be advised by your attorney not to say anything. Let's just hope you never get raided. Here is a News Release designed primarily to keep your BBS and your name in front of an editor. *** BBS-SAMP pg 5 APHELION BBS 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 XXX XXXX (data) 501 646 9332 (voice) For Immediate Release The Information Highway that has captured the imagination of Government and Communications Firm Officials is still several years in the future. Right now, though, Fort Smith residents with a computer and a modem can call over a dozen Computer Bulletin Boards and exchange messages, download files and even play games. Several are connected to national message networks. Here is a list of BBS numbers in the Fort Smith area: (a list of several numbers. If you live in a large city, you may not want to list all of them) Although the exact number cannot be determined, there are an estimated 57,000 Computer Bulletin Board Systems in the United States. For more information, call Robert Parson, the System Operator of Aphelion BBS at 646 9332 (voice). *** BBS-SAMP pg 6 ����������������������Ŀ �Market Research Survey� ������������������������ Hello! I'm ____________ From Paradigm Research. We would like to ask you a few questions here on the phone if you have a few minutes. We are not trying to sell you anything. 1. Are you 12-18 19-24 25-42 43-55 55 or over 2. Do you own a computer? Y N (if N, terminate) 3. Does your computer have a modem? Y N (if N, terminate) 4. Do you use your modem (prompt) often (see 4B) occasionally (see 4B) seldom (if SELDOM, terminate) 4B. How often would you say you use your modem? (prompt) less than once a week once a week twice a week more than twice a week 5. Do you have accounts on any national online services? (if Y then prompt) (if N, go to 6) America Online Compuserve GEnie Delphi Prodigy Other ________________________________________________ 5B What is your average monthly bill? _______________ 6. Do you call any local Computer Bulletin Boards? Y N 6B. (if Y, then query) Which ones? _______________________ ____________________________________________________________ 6B1. Have you subscribed to or donated to any local Computer Bulletin Boards? Y N 6C. (if N, then query) Any reasons why you don't? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 7. What would you say you do most often? (no prompting) play games download files read/write messages other (specify) __________________________________________ 8. What type of computer do you use? (no prompting) IBM or compatible Apple (any) Commodore/Amiga Other _________________________ 9. How fast is your modem? _______________________________ 10. What modem software do you use? _______________________ Thank you for your time. BBS-SAMP pg 7 I would like to know what Public Relations efforts you are conducting. Send copies of your News Releases, brochures and fliers, newspaper clippings, even audio cassettes of radio newscasts and VHS copies of tv news stories to: Robert Parson 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 Survey results can be sent to that address, or to my E- mail addresses: R.PARSON on GEnie r.parson@genie.geis.com on the Internet ROBERT PARSON on Paradox of Arkansas (Fred Ayers, Sysop) ROBERT PARSON on Jackalope Junction BBS (Steve Prado Sysop) 1:3822/1 Fidonet These will be part of a continuing research project I am conducting. If you would also like personalized analysis of materials you have sent, please see the file PR-RATES.TXT. BBS-SAMP pg 8 :::::::::::::: file_id.diz :::::::::::::: The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations ver 1.6. Several text files Sysops can use to help improve the image of their BBS and the BBS community as a whole. New in this version: Market Research and expanded Crisis Management Information. :::::::::::::: print-pr.bat :::::::::::::: @echo off @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � This batch file will print all the files in � echo � The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations. � echo � Because of the page format I used, you need to make sure � echo � your printhead is at the top of the page. � echo � � echo � This batch file does a simple "COPY FILENAME.TXT PRN" � echo � because the DOS PRINT command spews out form feeds where � echo � there should be none � echo � � echo � If you do not wish to use this batch file, press � echo � CTL-C to abort. � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ echo Is your printhead at the top of the page? echo If not, make the appropriate adjustments now! @pause @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � Now printing � echo � � echo � The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations � echo � Version 1.6 � echo � � echo � by � echo � Robert Parson � echo � � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ @copy bbs-pr1.txt prn @copy bbs-pr2.txt prn @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � In just a moment, we'll print out some samples � echo � to accompany The Guide, but first, this commercial � echo � announcement: � echo � � echo � At this writing, BBS-PR16 is being supported on � echo � Paradox of Arkansas BBS (501) 484 0944/(501) 484 1043 � echo � Fred Ayers, Sysop � echo � Jackalope Junction BBS (501) 785 5381 � echo � Steve Prado, Sysop � echo � My thanks to Steve and Fred � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ echo Is your printhead at the top of the page? echo If not, make the appropriate adjustments now. @pause @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � Now printing � echo � � echo � Sample News Releases, Public Service Announcements � echo � and Market Research Survey � echo � � echo � If you find these helpful please let me know � echo � Robert Parson � echo � 2501 Phoenix � echo � Fort Smith, AR 72901 � echo � Paradox of Arkansas BBS (501 484 0944/(501) 484 1043 � echo � Jackalope Junction BBS (501) 785 5381 � echo � Internet r.parson@genie@geis.com � echo � Fido 1:3822/1 � echo � Voice phone (501) 646 9332 � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ @copy bbs-samp.txt prn @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � This next file will help you look for some potential � echo � Public Relations problems with your BBS. � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ echo Is the printhead at the top of the page? echo If not, make the appropriate adjustments now. @pause @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � Now printing � echo � � echo � A worksheet to help you analyse your BBS, and a � echo � discussion of that worksheet. � echo � � echo � � echo � � echo � � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ @copy product.txt prn @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � Next, a survey I would like to have filled out and � echo � returned. Again, those addresses are: � echo � � echo � Robert Parson � echo � 2501 Phoenix � echo � Fort Smith, AR 72901 � echo � Paradox of Arkansas BBS (501) 484 0944/(501) 484 1043 � echo � Jackalope Junction BBS (501) 785 5381 � echo � Internet r.parson@genie.geis.com � echo � Fido 1:3822/1 � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ echo Is your printhead at the top of the page? echo If not, please make the appropriate adjustments now @pause echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � Now printing � echo � � echo � The BBS-PR Customer Service Survey � echo � � echo � There is no registration charge for using � echo � The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ @copy survey.txt prn @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � I am available for Public Relations Consultation for a � echo � fee. � echo � � echo � This next file is my rate schedule. � echo � � echo � Robert Parson � echo � 2501 Phoenix � echo � Fort Smith, AR 72901 � echo � Paradox of Arkansas BBS (501) 484 0944/(501) 484 1043 � echo � Jackalope Junction BBS (501) 785 5381 � echo � Internet r.parson@genie.geis.com � echo � Fido 1:3822/1 � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ echo Is the printhead at the top of the page? echo If not, make the appropriate adjustments now @pause @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � Now printing � echo � � echo � The Public Relations Consultation Rate Card � echo � � echo � Among the items available: � echo � News Release Writing $25 � echo � Analysis of News Stories $50 � echo � BBS-PR: The Seminar (for groups) $2000 � echo � (see printed file for details) � echo � � echo � Robert Parson � echo � 2501 Phoenix � echo � Fort Smith, AR 72901 � echo � Voice phone 501 646 9332 � echo � Paradox of Arkansas BBS (501) 484 0944/(501) 484 1043 � echo � Jackalope Junction BBS (501) 785 5381 � echo � Internet r.parson@genie.geis.com � echo � Fido 1:3822/1 � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ @copy pr-rates.txt prn @cls echo ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ echo � ����������Ŀ � echo � � ALL DONE!� � echo � ������������ � echo � Thank you for using � echo � The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations � echo � � echo � Don't forget to send in your Customer Service Survey! � echo ������������������������������������������������������������ :::::::::::::: product.txt :::::::::::::: ���������������������������Ŀ �The Computer Bulletin Board� � Guide to Public Relations � ����������������������������� Ver 1.6 BBS Analysis �������������Ŀ �BBS INVENTORY� ��������������� BBS Name__________________________ Sysop_________________________ # of Lines__________ Highest Speed__________ Slowest ___________ Software____________ CPU speed________ HD size_______ speed_____ Graphics: Ansi Rip NAPLPS JPEG Other (specify) ___________ General Interest? y/n or Special Focus (specify)? ____________ # of Users ________ # of Active Users _______ Average User Age ____ Predominantly Male/Female Aliases permitted y/n Subscription (price)________ Variable access for variable price y/n Donations y/n Free y/n FILES # of File Areas_________ # of CD-ROMS________ FREQ permitted? y/n Virus Check? y/n Outdated files deleted? y/n Primary Archive Type PKZip ARJ ARC PAK Other______ File Distribution Network? y/n Adult Files? y/n Youth Files? y/n MESSAGES # of Message Bases____________ # Local__________ # Echos__________ Echo Networks _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ Adult Message areas? y/n Youth Message areas? y/n Offline Mail Reader .QWK?______ Proprietary?______ Both?_______ Is mail compression type user configurable? y/n DOORS # of Single Player Games__________ # of Multi-Player Games_________ # of Magazines/Newspapers_________ # of Databases_________ MISC Bulletins: How Many?_______ Updated frequently?_______ Node Chat? y/n Association memberships _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ ������������Ŀ �Your Product� �������������� You have to think of your BBS as a product. Whether you have a 32 line commercial BBS, a single line hobby board or somewhere in between, you are selling a service. Just as with any other product, you have to decide where and how your public relations efforts should best be spent. Now may be a good time to look at your BBS and take an inventory. The Inventory included at the beginning of this file will help you take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of your BBS. Some of these things you may already have thought of. Others possibly not. Whatever the case may be, this is a very subjective matter and there are no right or wrong answers. We'll take this step by step and briefly examine some of the immediate public relations problems your BBS may present and some ways to solve those problems. I want you to bear in mind that it is NOT my intention to tell you how to run your BBS. In addition, I don't think there are any "bad" features for a BBS, except of course those that are patently illegal. If anything like that is implied, it wasn't intended. BBS NAME: The name of your BBS should be chosen very carefully and it should be in keeping with the overall tone of the BBS. Chances are you wouldn't want to call your BBS "Thunder of Cloven Hooves" if the emphasis is on scholarly Biblical discussions. Sysop: If you are known to users mainly as the Sysop, that could be creating an aloof image. That could be the image you want. On some larger boards with staffs that may be the best way to handle administrative duties. But if you want to have a more folksy and personable board you need to make yourself known. Create an account with your name, if you haven't already done so. Encourage users to refer to you with your name, instead of The Sysop. YOUR PRODUCT pg 1 General Interest/Special Focus You may want to have a BBS with a little bit of everything for everybody. Even with cable becoming more prevalent, the three major broadcast networks still have the largest viewership. A General Interest BBS with a very large plate to offer will draw users but could overwhelm some users, especially new users. A BBS with a specific interest runs the risk of being too narrowly defined. There is probably a market for a BBS about horse racing jockeys six feet and taller with green eyes, but it's also so specialized it would attract few callers (if any). Users Most BBS have very large user lists. Many of those lists are bogus in that they reflect all the people that have visited since the BBS was established. Some Sysops routinely clean the chaff out of the user lists. This is a good idea in that it makes it easier for Sysops to keep track of who is active and who is not. In addition it helps users who log in only occasionally. If a user hasn't logged on recently he has usually lost track of what happened the last time he was on. It reminds occasional users that it might be a good idea to stop in more often. Money: As I'm sure you are aware, a Bulletin Board can cost a lot to operate. The trend is to charge some kind of subscription. There are a number of different ways in which to do this. A very large portion of the BBS community believes that charging for access violates the spirit of freedom of information that has been intertwined with personal computers since their introduction. You will face that sort of resistance, especially if your BBS has had a history of access at no charge. FILES: File areas are arguably the heart of a BBS. And just as with a human heart, they can create a huge amount of trouble if not properly taken care of. File Requests can be a valuable promotional tool. Many software companies allow potential buyers to request a demo YOUR PRODUCT pg 2 from their support board to try the software before purchasing it. Some BBSs allow downloads of certain informational files without having the caller registered or verified. This is potentially a very powerful feature and probably should be implemented on your BBS if it isn't already. A file explaining your policies, the message bases available, some hints on how to use your BBS (especially if it uses a less well known software package), and maybe even a registration or subscription form. This gives the user an idea of what your BBS is like and can leave him with a good feeling in that he received something without having full access. BBSs are commonly cited as a major source of computer viruses. If you take great pains to check all files for viruses before making them publicly available then you can put many users' minds at ease. Make sure you promote that often on your BBS and in any advertising you do. Sometimes a virus will sneak through even the best virus checkers. Track down the offending file, delete it and apologize to those who downloaded it. But gently remind users that you are not responsible for damage caused by the virus. They downloaded and used it at their own risk. Message Bases: If File Areas are the heart of a BBS, then the Message Bases are the soul of your BBS. That is where your users have the biggest opportunity to contribute to the board. This is also where you have the biggest opportunity to set the image of the BBS. Your message bases can be wide and varied or narrow and focused on just a few topics. Keep in mind not everyone is going to be tactful and considerate. Some are rude and downright mean. Nationally echoed message bases can be a valuable asset to your board. But there will be times when there are matters of interest in Waxahachie, Texas that folks in Erie, Pennsylvania won't be interested in. Chances are you have at least one message base that is specific for local matters. You may want to consider opening up a few others depending on the demand from your users. DOORS: Your choice of Door programs create a twofold public relations challenge right out of the box. First, there may be times in which you add a door that doesn't quite fit the YOUR PRODUCT pg 3 image you are trying to create on your BBS. In that case it's a fairly simple matter to remove the door program. Second, a very popular door could tie up your BBS for hours a day with just a few users, causing frustration to others. This is particularly true of games. MISC: Most BBSs run a screen full of Bulletins when the user logs on. These bulletins should be updated as often as possible. Callers need to know what's going on with your BBS, even if it's just the latest scores for "Red Dragon." Most users don't read the bulletins on a regular basis. But, they leave the impression that you have a "happening" BBS. A business owner I once worked for said to me "The impression that we have business generates business." He always made sure there were cars in front of his business, even if they belonged to employees. Your bulletins can be the cars in front of your business. Curiously, though, a lot of bulletins can also turn away a user. If you have a potload of bulletins, you might want to think about moving some to areas in which they are more appropriate. Bulletins of game scores might be moved to a gaming conference, as an example. Rules, policies and news should be the primary considerations when developing log on bulletins. There are several BBS and Sysop groups and associations that you can become a member of. There might even be one or more in your area. They are sources of support, solutions, and other information. If you are having trouble with another sysop, the association can be a place to arbitrate your difficulties. If worse comes to worse and you run afoul of the law as a result of your BBS, the group may be able to put you in touch with some legal help. A meeting can also provide you with the opportunity to unwind after a hard day of slaving over a hot keyboard. I strongly recommend joining a group. YOUR PRODUCT pg 4 ������������Ŀ �GOAL SETTING� �������������� Even if you don't run a commercial BBS, you should think of it as a business. There is hardly any business that does not take an inventory on a regular basis. Any business that does not analyze itself occasionally is doomed to failure. Every six months or so, sit back and look at where your BBS has been, where it's at and where it's going. Do you have specific goals in mind? What are you doing to meet those goals? How is your Public Relations campaign reflecting the climb toward those goals? Whatever you are up to, PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE. Tell your users what's going on. Tell your co-workers. Tell the dog. Get the word out on the street somehow. This is only a cursory look at some the things you should be aware of from a public relations standpoint as you examine your BBS. You might want to do things differently. Public relations is an art, and you may prefer to do yours in oil while I prefer chalk. I encourage you to write me and let me know what your are doing in the area of Public Relations. Robert Parson 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 646 9332 (voice) Paradox of Arkansas BBS 501 484 0944/501 484 1043 (Fred Ayers, Sysop) Jackalope Junction BBS 501 785 5381 (Steve Prado, Sysop) internet r.parson@genie.geis.com GEnie R.Parson Fido 1:3822/1 YOUR PRODUCT pg 5 :::::::::::::: pr-rates.txt :::::::::::::: ��������������������Ŀ �BBS Public Relations� � Aphelion Promotions� ���������������������� Robert Parson 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 646 9332 (voice) Support BBS Paradox of Arkansas (Fred Ayers, Sysop) 501 484 0944/501 484 1043 Jackalope Junction (Steve Prado, Sysop) 501 785 5381 Internet r.parson@genie.geis.com Fido 1:3822/1 ������������Ŀ � BBS Rate � �������������� News Releases $25.00 per News Release News Analysis $50.00 (BBS must provide newspaper clippings, audio cassettes and VHS video tapes of stories to be reviewed) Interview Coaching (in person) $300.00 + expenses BBS Launch Services $500.00 + expenses (non profit BBS) $1000.00 + expenses(for profit BBS) BBS Analysis $100 + LD costs (non profit) $250 + LD costs (for profit) ����������������������������Ŀ �Sysop Association/Group Rate� ������������������������������ News Releases $50.00 per News Release News Analysis $150.00 (Association must provide newspaper clippings, audio cassettes and VHS video tapes of stories to be reviewed) Interview Coaching (in person) $600.00 + expenses BBS Analysis (community-wide) call for rates CONSULTATION RATES pg 1 �������������������Ŀ �BBS-PR: The Seminar� � $2000 � ��������������������� The BBS-PR Seminar is an intense workshop designed to give Sysops more detailed information about Public Relations and the News Media. The Seminar uses The BBS Guide to Public Relations as a basis. �����������������Ŀ �Research Services� ������������������� Media Market $15 per hour (one hour min.) Names, addresses and phone numbers for TV, Radio and Newspaper outlets in your community. Market Research Call for Rates Design, conduct and analyze consumer market surveys ������������������Ŀ � DAMAGE CONTROL � �CALL 501 646 9332!� �������������������� Even though News Analysis is one option available for personalized consulting, you are invited to send News Releases, newspaper clippings, and audio and (vhs) video tapes without obligation. This is part of a continuing project to keep track of Public Images of BBSs. CONSULTATION RATES pg 2 ��������������ͻ �BBS-PR Support� ��������������ͼ Support for The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations is available on Paradox of Arkansas BBS, Jackalope Junction BBS, on GEnie and through the Internet via my GEnie address. Paradox of Arkansas BBS Fred Ayers Sysop 501 484 0944/501 484 1043 Jackalope Junction BBS Steve Prado Sysop 501 785 5381 Fido 1:3822/1 Internet r.parson@genie.geis.com GEnie R.PARSON There is also a topic supporting BBS-PR in the BBS Roundtable on GEnie. To join GEnie 1. Set your communications software to: o 300, 1200, or 2400 baud o local echo (half duplex) o 7 data bits and 1 stop bit o even parity You should save the information sent to you in a file. 2. Tell your communications software or modem to dial: In the United States: 1-800-638-8369 In Canada: 1-800-387-8330 3. When your modem connects, type "HHH" Do not type too quickly, but don't use more than a second to type each one. GEnie will respond with the prompt "U#=" 4. Type "XTX99566, GENIE" 5. Follow the instructions on the screen to apply for your account. Before you finish, GEnie will issue you a user ID number and temporary password, your GE Mail address, and GEnie access numbers. Clients in the United States and Canada can contact GEnie's Client Services Department by calling the toll-free number: 1-800-638-9636 If you are a user outside the United States or Canada, call: 1-301-251-6475 We are available to help you Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To midnight and Saturday, Sunday, and GEnie holidays noon to 8 p.m., Eastern time. If you call about a problem, please be ready to tell the representative what your problem is and what you were doing when it occurred. :::::::::::::: readme.1st :::::::::::::: This is the Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations. It is designed to help Sysops create a Public Image outside of the BBS community. I have tried to jam as much solid information about Public Relations into as small a package as possible. There is no intent to tell Sysops how a BBS should be run. If that is implied at any point, I apologize in advance. All files in this guide are (c) 1993 and 1994 Robert Parson. BBS-PR is provided free as a public service of Robert Parson and Aphelion Promotions. No donations are asked for or are expected by your use of this guide. BBS-PR is supported on Paradox of Arkansas BBS (Fred Ayers, Sysop) 501 484 0944 and 501 484 1043 and Jackalope Junction BBS (Steve Prado, Sysop) 501 785 5381, and in the BBS Roundtable on GEnie. Private Consulting Services are available at cost from Aphelion Promotions. For rates, see the file PR-RATES.TXT. �����������������������������Ŀ �What's New! with Version 1.6!� ������������������������������� A brand spanking new section on Market Research, including a sample call out survey. Crisis Management information. PRODUCT1.TXT and PRODUCT2.TXT have been combined into one file (PRODUCT.TXT). Some sections in PRODUCT.TXT have been removed because I thought I was telling Sysops how to run their BBSs. A nifty new print utility (PRINT-PR.BAT) that should overcome some of the page break problems in previous editions. Because of this, I had to split the primary BBS-PR (which ran into 64K printer buffer problems) file into two smaller files. They are BBS-PR1.TXT and BBS-PR2.TXT. Thank you for your support of The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations. Robert Parson 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 646 9332 (voice) 501 484 0944/501 484 1043 Paradox of Arkansas, Fred Ayers, Sysop 501 785 5381 Jackalope Junction, Steve Prado, Sysop GEnie R.Parson Internet R.Parson@genie.geis.com Fido 1:3822/1 :::::::::::::: sdn.id :::::::::::::: BBS-PR 1.6 The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations DOS 1-TEXT NEWS GUIDE JOURNALISM MEDIA RESEARCH RADIO TV NEWSPAPER FILES: bbs-pr16.sdn Author: Robert Parson Registration: None! A set of text files to help Sysops conduct thier own Public Relations campaign outside of the BBS Community. Topics covered include how to write a News Release, finding the right media contacts, how to handle an interview, Market Research and other valuable information. Includes sample News Releases and a sample questionaire for Call Out Market Research. If you want your BBS to get to the next level of Public Awareness, you need to read The Guide. Even if you aren't a Sysop, this package can still help your group or orginsation with its Public Relations efforts. Written by an established and active Broadcast Journalist, this Guide gives you the basic tools to conduct an effective Public Relations campaign. Hardware Requirements: None ( SDN.ID Format Copyright 1994 SDN International 203.634.0370 ) :::::::::::::: survey.txt :::::::::::::: ����������������������������������������������������������Ŀ � The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations � � � � Customer Satisfaction Survey � � � � Private Consultation Rates � � � ������������������������������������������������������������ Thank you for reading The Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations. Please take the time to fill out this survey and return it. Doing so puts you under no obligation to send money or hire my services as a private Public Relations Consultant. I only want to make this Guide more useful to you and other Sysops. You can either mail this survey or upload it AS A MESSAGE (not a file) to the BBS-PR Support Board, Jacalope Junction (Steve Prado, Sysop). Thank you in advance, Robert Parson 2501 Phoenix Fort Smith, AR 72901 501 646 9332 (voice) 501 484 0944/501 484 1043 Paradox of Arkansas BBS (Fred Ayers, Sysop) 501 785 5381 Jackalope Junction BBS (Steve Prado, Sysop) Internet r.parson@genie.geis.com Fido 1:3822/1 Name _______________________________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________________ City ______________________ State _________ Zip ___________ BBS Name ___________________________________________________ BBS Phone Number _________________ BBS Software ___________ # of incoming lines _____________ # of users _____________ Is there a fee or subscription charge for access? How much? ____________________________________________________________ Do you have adult message areas? y/n file areas? y/n Are you a member of any message networks? If so, which ones? __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ Are you a member of any File Distribution Networks? If so, which ones? __________ __________ __________ _________ __________ Does your BBS have a gateway to Internet? y/n Did you find BBS-PR to be useful? y/n In what manner? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ What parts of BBS-PR did you find most useful? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ What would you like to see expanded? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ CUTSOMER SERVICE SURVEY pg 1 Did you find anything particularly useless? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Before reading BBS-PR, what sort of Public Relations efforts were you conducting? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Did reading BBS-PR cause you to make any Public Relations efforts? If any, what were they? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Other Comments ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Where did you get your copy of the Computer Bulletin Board Guide to Public Relations? ______________________________ __________________________________________________________ Would you be interested in a newsletter dealing with Public Relations matters for BBSs? y/n CUSTOMER SERVICE SURVEY pg 2