[stylist] Websites and resources

[Peter Donahue]

Hello Bridgett and everyone,

    This would be a great topic for a future telephone gathering. The 
closest thing to it was the telephone gathering where technical writing was 
discussed last winter. Perhaps Robert can find an individual who does 
freelance writing to participate in a future telephone gathering.

Peter Donahue

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 3:16 PM
Subject: [stylist] Websites and resources


Brad- I've not done this type of writing for commercial purposes, or
strictly businesses, but I do have experience in writing news releases,
pitch letters, speeches, fact sheets and briefings. I know people do
this kind of writing commercially but as an individual entity. I've
never heard of people free-lancing for existing agencies and firms
providing these services. That would be an interesting and potentially
lucrative profession. Are you looking specifically for those who do this
commercially, or are you looking for those who have knowledge of such
writing? Or both? I would think a lawyer, or at least paralegal, would
need to write a contract, though I guess, now that I think about it,
anyone can write a contract; I've watched enough court TV! LOL

Robert and all- providing information, whether it be links or something
else, to various resources is a great, and much needed, idea. The way I
see it, though, it would be a rather big endeavor requiring hardwork and
dedication. These are my thoughts:

1. Uniformity and organization are a must. Whomever may undertake such a
task, if anyone ever does, a predetermined concept of how material will
visually look and be organized should be discussed and decided upon
before executing. For example, unlike websites like Wikkipedia,
information should always be formatted the same, meaning wording,
headings, structure, etc. all be formatted the same.

2. Categorization would be a nice and appreciated feature. For instance,
if categories like Style Guides, Templates, Writing magazines and
Journals, etc. existed, it would be easier to search through especially
for those who know exactly what they're seeking.

3. Having a central person maintaining this would be better than people
being able to just upload information. This would help keep uniformity
and organization. One person, or a few working under one person, would
accept submissions, check validity of sources, edit to follow format and
place into proper category. This could keep it from looking like a
Wikkipedia page that's different page-to-page.

A list of members and their professions/services is a good idea too.
Again, I think a specific uniformity and organization should be
followed. And I think a central moderator should be in charge of
formatting and update with this too.  My thoughts for a
profession/services list are:

1. Each entry would be formatted the same. Example: Name, two to three
sentences providing background/bio, current profession, services
provided (if any) and contact info.

2. Of course, the list should be alphabetized, and individual categories
are a potential thought too; like everyone in journalism fields grouped
together, social workers, artist, public relations/media relations,
teachers, etc. Again, this may help in the research process for those
perusing the information.

3. A template could even be created allowing members to enter their info
in, and it would automatically be set up to post and even possibly be
placed into a category based on what a person selects as a career/job.

I have more thoughts, but these are some initial suggestions. It would
be a lot of work up front, but once the initial set up was done, and a
format/structure was agreed upon, I don't think the maintenance would
take quite as much work.

Not being technologically advanced, I'm not sure how to best provide
such information. Downloadable spreadsheets from the division website
may be the simplest to begin with, but I'd think eventually we'd want
something a little more sophisticated. The links could exist on the
website itself, or a single link could take people to another
website/blog containing all this info. I'm sure others know what would
be the best route.

I can't help in any way with the online construction, but I'd be willing
to work with any person/team as a consultant in the design and
development process. Just to add potential suggestions and ideas.

Jim- Joing the division would remedy that! LOL

It seems Jim and Peter might have the most knowledge to physically
construct this, but of course I'm not volunteering anyone who isn't
interested. *smile* And I'm sure others are on this list who have
knowledge of websites and stuff.

It's a big undertaking to begin with, no matter how it's done, but one I
think worthy of pursuing.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog for Live Well Nebraska.com at
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:25:13 -0500
From: Brad Dunse' <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] Quick poll
Message-ID: <131604631778986318 at t14.hostbaby.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

Are there any free lance commercial writers on list? Someone
who  helps with ad agency overflows, free lance writing individual or
business pres releases, business letters, contracts, speechs,
resume's, etc.? Basically writing that is not looking for so
called   "published" status.  I know Joe had a  web shingle out a
while back. anyone else in this now or before?

Thanks.

Brad


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