On The Radar Screen
CompuServe's PR Forum: For Now, Business as Usual
With the Sept. 8 news that America Online [AOL] will take over rival CompuServe [CSRV], it begs the question: What's going to happen to the popular PR and Marketing Forum feature that's now part of CompuServe's online offerings? At least for now, nothing.
Wendy Goldberg, key AOL spokesperson, told PR NEWS on Sept. 11 that it will take about six months for the deal to be hammered out so it's too early to tell what will be in the offing when AOL decides what direction the content will take. Goldberg did say, however, that AOL wants the information to be geared toward small businesses.
Tom Moore, a consultant and former editor for PR NEWS, said that PR professionals will be watching closely to see what happens once the deal is gelled. He added that the forum hasn't only been a venue for spirited chats about controversies and trends but a valuable resource for gauging what's fueling the PR engine today. (Tom Moore, 301/279-9455)
Tools
Tip Sheet Out on 'Writing High-Tech Marketing That Sells'
Clifton Parker, a Davis, Calif.-based copywriter and marketing consultant, outlines in a new free brochure how to translate technical language and high-brow product concepts into copy that drives sales. "Writing High-Tech Marketing That Sells" provides insight into how to craft PR pieces, brochures, catalogs, media kits, news releases, direct-mail products and ads.
One of the tips? Write in a clear, conversational form. (Clifton Parker, 916/753-7154)
1998 Burrelle's Directory Available:
Burrelle's, the media directory marketer, is offering its five-volume 1998 media directory with this add-on: if you buy the $1,100, 6,700-page package, you'll also get the electronic version, on floppy disks, for free. (Burrelle's, 800/876-3342)
Kingston 'Call Us' Web Button: Smart, Very Smart PR
We can't tell you how much time we've wasted trying to find business phone numbers when we're making our daily rounds in cyberspace, but suffice it to say, many of you are forgetting that e-mail won't ever, ever, ever replace the occasional need to place a phone call. At the Kingston Technology Web site (http://www.kingston.com) users can enter their phone number and hit enter when they click on the "Call Us!" icon and - voila - they're connected to a live person. (Kingston, 714/435-2615)
Business Wire adds eMail Direct
Burgeoning Business Wire, http://www.businesswire.com, has added another item to its menu of services: eMail Direct, a feature that permits anyone coming into a Business Wire member's Corporate News on the Net page to sign up and receive the company's news releases via e-mail. It also allows a member to sign up and send releases via e-mail to his/her own list (directors, analysts and investors). (Business Wire, 212/752-9600)
Business Moves
New PR services firm News Generation Inc. has entered the Atlanta, Ga., and Bethesda, Md., markets. It specializes in radio placements for corporations, associations, PR firms and non-profits through radio media tours, audio news releases, audio sound bite lines, broadcast faxes and public service announcements. (404/812-5390)
KCSA, a New York-based PR firm, has changed its name to KCSA Worldwide. (212/682-6300)
A new PR firm, C. Russell & Co., has entered the Wichita, Kan., market. It will serve the technology, telecommunications, aerospace and defense industries. (316/636-2224)
Churchill Advertising Group Inc. acquired for an undisclosed amount marcom firm Jim Gillock & Associates, Houston. Gillock joins Churchill as executive VP/account management and a principal of the agency. (713/781-0020)
Porter Novelli, New York, has moved to 220 East 42nd Street, N.Y. Phone: 212/601-8000; fax: 212/601-8101