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Let's Brainstorm On: AvantGuild in the Digital Age
A member of our community asked this question recently on our Twitter feed: "What will happen to Mediabistro's "how to pitch" when print is no longer the primary industry we pitch?"
This is a great question, and one that's not easy to answer. Although we do feature HowTo Pitch features for solely digital publications, the fact is the media landscape is evolving rapidly.That includes the print industry especially.
Although AvantGuild offers other editorial content and benefits, How To Pitch has always been the core. But as the industry adapts, so must we.
So here's the question: How do you see AvantGuild in the digital age?
What should a professional media membership be about now? Are you interested in The American Express model, where you get special access to events and people that matter to your industry (like an intimate session with a new media strategist)?
What do you want to see as far as editorial content? What matters to you?
Should we create membership levels based on industry, such as journalism, PR, etc?
Are you into the whole gold, silver, platinum thing?
What type of work/life benefits do you want?
What else?
What we'd love you to help us out with: We love you suggestions, but we'd really love it if some of you would create a sample or "mock" AG membership. It can be geared towrd a specific industry, and as broad or focused as you like.
Share your ideas in this thread. Looking forward to seeing them!
Best,
Seamus
Community Manager
This is a great question, and one that's not easy to answer. Although we do feature HowTo Pitch features for solely digital publications, the fact is the media landscape is evolving rapidly.That includes the print industry especially.
Although AvantGuild offers other editorial content and benefits, How To Pitch has always been the core. But as the industry adapts, so must we.
So here's the question: How do you see AvantGuild in the digital age?
What should a professional media membership be about now? Are you interested in The American Express model, where you get special access to events and people that matter to your industry (like an intimate session with a new media strategist)?
What do you want to see as far as editorial content? What matters to you?
Should we create membership levels based on industry, such as journalism, PR, etc?
Are you into the whole gold, silver, platinum thing?
What type of work/life benefits do you want?
What else?
What we'd love you to help us out with: We love you suggestions, but we'd really love it if some of you would create a sample or "mock" AG membership. It can be geared towrd a specific industry, and as broad or focused as you like.
Share your ideas in this thread. Looking forward to seeing them!
Best,
Seamus
Community Manager
I’m pumped beyond reproach
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Inappropriate?The craft of the pitch will become much more 'crafty' - and MUST be soft-touch - as social/new media supplants MSM. All media will continue to be driven by storytelling, with the drive-by 'looky me!" stunts getting lots of short-attention-span attention (as always), and the think-pieces getting the smaller-but-loyal attention.
The challenge for both writers and publishers will be brand and community building that creates a revenue stream - and that's a BIG challenge. Straight-up ads won't get the industry all the way there - page or category sponsorship might.
This story will continue to unfold over the next year or two, with a completely different media phoenix rising from the ashes of MSM.
I’m excited about the possibilities!
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Inappropriate?I wish Media Bistro would do more to help impoverished Upstate NY writers.
I’m frustrated
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Inappropriate?I agree about the continuance of story-telling, however, here are some of the problems we face:
Challenge One:
Audiences have changed significantly since 1990. For example, 18-25 year olds are very media savvy. A "look-at-me" approach is not going to motivate them nor do they like eye-candy, confusing, or nonsensical advertising. Most importantly, they have a highly developed truth detector. Companies that try to communicate to them with feel-good ads but do not follow through in their day-to-day operations or deliver a quality product are in for a huge surprise.
Challenge Two: Selective perception. These young adults are so adept at web surfing that they easily ignore banner ads and also make snap decisions concerning the value of a website. Do not confuse this with a short attention span. This generation's attention-span is very long— if they see the value in keeping it focused.
Challenge Three: Children from the first grade onward are now producing their own websites and videos. They are used to being engaged with the new media and are building their own story-telling skills. Moreover, an increasing number of elementary and secondary schools are adding classes in media literacy.
Our culture is experiencing the same level of upheaval that happened during Socrate's time and Gutenberg's. It's going to be very interesting.......
I’m excited and intrigued
1 person thinks
this is one of the best points
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This is one of the best points
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Thanks for this input. Very excellent points. Lots of challenges to face and evolution to embrace. I didn't intend that to rhyme. -
Inappropriate?First things first: MAKE something out of the now-nondescript "mediabistro," if only highlighting our target, MEDIA. Perhaps a logo achieving it.
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Inappropriate?I wish that Media Bistro would make many of their classes more affordable. I think that by lowering the cost somewhat (some of them, considerably) you would be able to attract more people, especially during these hard times. Some of the classes are really forbidding costwise right now.3 Comments Add a comment
This is one of the best points
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a.Cost is a good point! i agree! Waht about your membership cost? Do you have a 1.Low income membership cost?2. studen price 3. senior price? 4. disabled price? Just some thoughts! Think about them?
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Membership levels based on career situation, industry, etc are things we are definitely thinking about. Would love to hear more suggestions.
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As Seamus mentioned, we are looking into offering certain variations and different levels of AvantGuild membership, especially for students. At the same time, keep in mind that offering different prices based on factors such as age, disability or geographic location would require us to actually verify that potential members met those criteria. Otherwise, everyone would simply be able to get the lower price, which would leave us pretty much in the same position we're in now: with a single low price.
To put it another way, our goal is for every member to be able to get more than $59 worth of discounts, services and earnings, so that memberships end up being investments that pay for themselves. So while you may see a few special offers here and there, our main focus will likely be on continuing to expand the benefits available so that as many people as possible can get their money's worth.
Hope this was helpful. Thanks for the feedback. -
Inappropriate?Lowering the price of classes is a good idea! In this economy, it would get you more students! i have always thought that aothough your classes are excellent! They are a bit"pricey!" eclectic
I’m amused
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This is one of the best points
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Thanks! I'm amused as well!
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Inappropriate?Lower the prices of the classes please and offer a select few for free every once in a while as a bonus to your devoted members/readers. Yes, along with professional membership, adding the ability to get special access to events and people that matter to one's industry is important towards networking and overall progress.
Also, ever thought of zooming in on Canadian media? We canadians would also like to get a piece of the action in hearing you cover the lastest happenings within the Canadian media.
I’m highy optimistic & determined
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This is one of the best points
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Thanks for these. Access is definitely something we want to integrate into the membership. And I hear you on our neighbors to the North. We have gotten similar inquiries about benefits that appeal to our international audience. We will be working on that in 2009.
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Inappropriate?Seamus, I hope that your comment about being amused doesn't refer to the many requests to lower prices on classes.1 Comment Add a comment
This is one of the best points
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Not at all. I was just responding to eclectic's humorous status. I'm very pleased that you're voicing concerns about course costs and other ideas. They are being scrutinized and passed on.
