Ask the Director: Free help wanted ads

 “Ask Doug” is an advice column by EPA Executive Director Doug Trouten, based on questions he encounters during the course of his duties.

Dear Doug:

I am thinking of writing to area businesses offering free help wanted ads in my newspaper. I would send another letter to every church in our area announcing our new jobs section.

I would hope the following would happen: people finding employment, heightened awareness/interest in the paper resulting in increasing circulation and locations, the paper filling an important role in the community, as well as opportunities for new display advertising.

I have been thinking of putting this online, where it would be much easier for us, but we thought if we did it in print, it would result in a boost.

Your thoughts?

Altruist

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Ask the Director: Free publicity

“Ask Doug” is an advice column by EPA Executive Director Doug Trouten, based on questions he encounters during the course of his duties.

Dear Doug:

It seems like I am getting more and more requests for free stuff. In the last few days, I had requests to do a story from a casket builder, new coffee shop, a chiropractor and so on. I asked each a few questions to determine if there was any type of story there- there was not so I politely turned them down and suggested they buy an ad. None have.
 
I have no problem with doing something that would be of interest to the readership. I need to develop a written policy – any suggestions?

Panhandled

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Ask the Director

Over the years, the role of EPA’s executive director has grown to include a fair amount of consultation to the members. Former director, Doug Trouten, realized that many of the answers he provided to individual inquiries would be helpful for the entire membership. One of EPA’s board members suggested adding an “Ask Doug” section to […]

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The Truth: Video Example

The order in which information is presented can make all the difference in the world. Here’s a clever piece shown at a recent Youth Specialties convention that powerfully makes that point.

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Them’s Fighting Words!

Stories that use these words are much more likely than others to be involved in libel suits. Calling someone a "coward" or a "fool" in print is a quick way to learn more about the judicial system than you really want to know. Here’s a list of "danger words" compiled by Bruce Sanford, counsel for the Society of Professional Journalists.

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