Mel Hopkins

On 2/17/2016 at 9:58 AM, Mel Hopkins said:

Statement By Robert L. Johnson In Response To Comments Made By Alfred Liggins And Michael Powell On The Universal Set-Top Box

Looks like FCC agreed with Bob Johnson

" FCC MOVES TO “UNLOCK THE BOX” TO SPUR COMPETITION, CHOICE, & INNOVATION IN SET-TOP BOX AND APP MARKETPLACE Proposal will protect copyright agreements, channel-lineups while giving consumers options"

@Troy Instant Articles on FB might be another way to use the AALBC Member blog  - especially for writers who may not have a facebook page - but want to take advantage of those 1.6 billion potential readers... I'm referring to this section from the overview:

Integrate with Existing Content Management Systems

"Publishers can easily publish their full catalog of articles each day directly from their existing CMS through an RSS feed with HTML5 markup, eliminating the need to author articles in a new location. Instant Articles are published when stories are pushed to the publisher's website and apps. Updates and corrections are also automatically captured so that breaking news remains up to date. "   

I'm not sure what to make of this - but is Facebook getting ready to share in the wealth of by hosting Instant Articles from everyone? This blogger says not much information is forthcoming but below is what what I found. 

https://instantarticles.fb.com/

"On April 12th at Facebook's F8 conference, we will open up the Instant Articles program to all publishers—of any size, anywhere in the world. We invite you to register your interest below."

1 hour ago, CDBurns said:

social capital in many instances is much better than financial capital.

I so agree! Without mentors you can waste valuable time on trial and error.

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/videos/the-black-panthers-vanguard-of-the-revolution/

The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution Full Film is streaming in its entirety until 2/18 (today.) I'm watching it right now and the opening states pretty much what @Cynique mentioned in her comment above.  

On 2/13/2016 at 10:25 PM, CDBurns said:

I know you are attempting to separate the two projects, your blogging (not safe for kids) and your book, but in my mind that creates a fractured search

It may create a fractured search but since @Chasitie has written a children's book - the author will now have to create blog post related to the publication.  In fact, all the posts will have to be child-centric, with a spotlight on parenting/teacher type topics; how parents and teachers can work together to bring about the best in their student ; DIY articles that allow parents to help children with homework - blah blah... Chasitie's focus is to sell her book and in doing so it there has to be an effort to bring the market (parents, child caregivers et al) to the author.  We do that by creating content that serves the market.  

Meanwhile, over at American Broadcasting Company - Black women "stay winning" ( welll maybe not on Once Upon A Time.. )  But.... https://www.yahoo.com/tv/channing-dungey-named-abc-entertainment-president-replacing-paul-192035548.html

Ms Channing Dungey is reported to have made so many right moves - She's now in a top position at the network.   

32 minutes ago, Troy said:

It make me wonder how in the world we made it without Facebook? 

Me too... but we made it by using our personal networks.  When I wanted to meet someone, or speak with someone I counted on someone in my network to make the connection.  Today, I think we're too impatient to bother.
 

On 2/15/2016 at 10:50 PM, Troy said:

 Have you ever been to an Essence Festival? LOL!

I haven't... ever.   The last  time I attended a "black fest"  I was college-aged...and it was the Greek picnic at Fairmount park in Philly.    Since then. I'm more likely to gravitate to "cerebral" conferences w/swag such as the NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists)

Aside: Nielsen should definitely do research there.  

As I mentioned if  you find me in a crowd - we are there to expand our minds.   As for concerts I like small intimate venues such as the Mayne stage in Chicago,  or Chicago Theatre, or here in the ATL at the Atlanta Symphony hall; any type of theatre  set up for acoustic music.

22 hours ago, Cynique said:

And neither did black billionaire, Robert Johnson who sold BET.

Speaking of BET's Bob Johnson, looks as if he's trying to disrupt the cable industry with his pitch for  Universal Set-Top Box .  

From a 02/16/2016 Press Release:

Statement By Robert L. Johnson In Response To Comments Made By Alfred Liggins And Michael Powell On The Universal Set-Top Box

SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "As the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), I know how difficult it was to get distribution over cable. But with the support of the cable industry and the African American community, I and others, turned BET into the success it is today.  The universal set-top box, unlike the leased cable box, opens up the unfettered opportunity for hundreds of minority programming aspirants who would like to create content success of their own, similar to what I enjoyed with BET.  With all due respect to my good friends Alfred Liggins, Founder and CEO of TV One, and Michael Powell,  CEO of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA), it is not the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) role or obligation to force Black Americans who have a median net worth of $13,000 to spend an average of $231 a year to lease a cable box so TV One and the cable industry can make billions of dollars off of working class Black Americans, to only have access to four Black-oriented channels out of over 500 choices that principally show network reruns.  Furthermore, there is nothing in the FCC's proposed rulemaking that would allow technology companies to infringe on TV One's advertising revenue and relationships.  On the other hand, my company, RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE), is well on the way to proving that programmers do not have to be totally dependent on advertising models.  RLJE operates two over-the-top (OTT) subscription streaming channels, both of which depend on direct subscriber revenue.  Acorn TV, which produces countless hours of original British mysteries and dramas, and UMC - Urban Movie Channel, through its parent company RLJ Entertainment, acquires more minority and independent films than any minority programmer on cable. And by the way, we have licensed content to both TV One and BET.  UMC, as a minority targeted program channel, is a perfect example of the opportunity that hundreds of other minority programmers will have when the universal set-top box is implemented and their content is given equal access to the subscriber on any viewing device, particularly the television set.  Finally, the FCC should not protect minority incumbents, but should encourage new minority entrants, and that is what the universal set-top box does. Most minority programmers I know, unlike TV One, are not asking the FCC to protect them from competition but are simply seeking an opportunity for a fair chance and a fair shot to have their content seen and their voices heard!"

wow "merciful slave master"...and then he returns to the "cyber plantation" known as facebook.  I couldn't in good conscious provide content to facebook for free.  I wouldn't continue to provide "eyes" for ads that I wasn't benefiting.  Mr. Reed doesn't need the facebook platform - facebook platform needs the likes of Reed. 

12 hours ago, Troy said:

There is an event in Charlotte I've been meaning to attend (I helped in the initial organization but never actually attended the fair.  Maybe I can set something up then.

That's a 4 to 5 hour drive for me or 1 hour flt time and Charlotte is lovely!  It seems as though we may be looking at 7 months from now if the organizers remain consistent in scheduling.  This would give us ample time to create a format and an agenda.  We would also have time to invite participation.  More participation means we can sell our books! woo-hoo! 

I guess white people death is a hot topic...  Someone shared this on article on twitter -- and although it is my conclusion - it seems as though hate and separation kills 

https://medium.com/@CommonwealthFund/the-untold-story-why-middle-aged-white-people-are-dying-at-higher-rates-fa5b9f76f2f#.xk4n8cyh9  

Did someone say "Conference"?  Did you know my perfect idea of vacation is at a conference, convention and/or seminar!  One of my most "funnest" job was exhibit coordinator for Penguin USA... So here's an idea - how about first checking your events list to see if it triggers one those annual association meetings that we can piggyback. For example, @Troy have you thought about pitching a breakout session for one those established meetings or events...You can negotiate for meeting space and honorarium.

Or it doesn't have to be a one-time event either but where ever we hold it, adding a hangout or youtube live will allow others to attend who couldn't make the trip.   

We could start out small with gotomeeting (they have a free 30-day trial) to format an agenda and then begin promotion to gauge interest.  Whatever way I can assist, I will!

1 hour ago, Sara said:

The next level: To move from being a race of consumers to one that produces.

Sara, my pleasure! I'm with you on the production thing! I'm using all that I'm learning on here in our community and putting it into action! 

Here it is: 

"METHODOLOGY

The insights in this article were derived from three sources.

Nielsen+ESSENCE Custom Survey 2014: The custom data used in this report is composed of a collection of surveys. 1.) Survey of Adults 18+ that was collected from a nationally representative online panel, plus an additional oversample of African-Americans. 2.) Survey collected in person at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans. 3.) Interviews conducted in person at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.

Television Methodology: “On Traditional TV” includes live usage plus any playback viewing within the measurement period. Third-quarter 2014 television data is based on the following measurement interval: 06/30/14-09/28/14. As of February 2011, “DVR Playback” has been incorporated into the Persons Using Television (PUT) statistic.

Mobile Methodology: Nielsen’s Electronic Mobile Measurement (EMM) is an observational, user-centric approach that uses passive metering technology on smartphones to track device and application usage on an opt-in convenience panel. Results are then reported out through Nielsen Mobile NetView 3.0. There are approximately 5,000 panelists in the U.S. across both iOS and Android smartphone devices."

5 hours ago, CDBurns said:

 I've even shared with people how easy it is to add content to their sites using a great Wordpress feature named Press This. One of the guys that writes on CBP I taught how to use it and we can easily update the site everyday if desired. I think I will do a video on that for people because it's so basic.  

Big news for both of you, because you know that's how the board rolls, Disqus has now monetized their feedback system. You both need to take the time to go to the new section and submit your sites that use Disqus. It's called Discus Reveal. I submitted my sites yesterday and I'm waiting on the response, but this is good.

If everyone forced the dialogue back to their monetized platforms then change begins to happen and people become a bit more empowered.

Thank you! I'm looking forward to the video. I'm consolidating my blogs into 2 .  I just set up a wordpress blog through godaddy dot com hosting. This info will come in handy. I have a disqus account too  so I'm looking forward to your report on that one as well.

Nielsen reports that African-Americans outpace all groups when consuming media through multi-platforms.  According to the audience measurement company, African-Americans watch more television, access their favorite websites, many of which feature financial or career content, through apps and/or mobile browsers.   

"On a monthly basis, blacks spend close to 56 hours using apps or mobile Internet browsers on their smartphones and about two and a half hours watching videos on their smartphones. Additionally, 81% of African-Americans are more likely to show support for a favorite company or brand using social media, and 76% are more likely to share opinions by posting reviews and ratings online." ~nielsen I MULTIFACETED CONNECTIONS: AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEDIA USAGE OUTPACES ACROSS PLATFORMS

Other Nielsen findings conclude  African-Americans :

• "flock to best-fit media outlets for news-gathering and entertainment"
• Watch 200 hours of television per month - choosing live programming and video-on-demand 
• prefer print and still choose a variety of newspapers and magazines featuring heritage and cultural content 
• continue to connect through radio with more than 70 % listening to Urban Contemporary, Adult Urban Contemporary, RnB contemporary, and 90 % tuning in for the Gospel and Urban Oldies format
• are likely share opinions for their favorite brand (81%) through social media and 76% likely to leave an online review/ratings. 
• are avid users of popular social media and blogging channels
• smart phone penetration is at 81%  - 7% higher than the rest of the groups. 

One more thing of note; Nielsen reports that mainstream media outlets establish niche websites that have culturally rich content.  Translation:  PWM (Predominately White Media) create websites that cater to African-Americans in an effort to advertise to the purse holders of that est. 1.7 trillion dollar purchasing power.  

13 hours ago, Troy said:

If all content providers did this social media would not be able to exert so much control over the net

Astute observation! I think the hardest thing is not getting swept up in the "conversation" for example; I got caught up in the political implications of Justice Scalia's death allow for President Obama to make a move before he leaves office ... If I would have taken the opportunity to first blog about it then tweet from my blog...I could have capture some passers-by in my excitement.   It isn't a habit I've cultivated it - but thinking about my online property as a platform first then sharing my ideas - is what I need to work on.  

Off-topic but not really...

The same day I tweeted the best black blog list... my own blog - www.dailymindf-ck.com got 786 page views within a few hours... I NEVER get that many page views in one day, ever and that's my most popular blog on blogger ...(I have about 4 on blogger and 1 on wordpress.  All of  which I'm in the process of consolidating).   When I looked at my traffic sources it linked back to aalbc.com with my blog name.   The dailymind is the one blog I uploaded to the huria blog list. I think I added blog.theleadstory.net too 

Even if I faked it, I still couldn't make sense of how I got all those pageviews.  The tweet only had 85 impressions and 0 clicks on the link

I'm going to wait a couple of days and again tweet the list again to see if happens again. 

OR even better, if that is that how we can use this page?   http://aalbc.com/tc/blogs/ 

I agree... maybe start a topic... "Did you update your blog today?" and whenever a blogger post something new they can link it there - and even give a quick synopsis.  

For example If I updated my blog with this recent post, "Amazon Associates continues to troll me"  < My 50-11th time Amazon Associates denied my application and closed my account > Read more 

Then it would be a reminder of who is actively blogging and we community members and lurkers could check us out. 

Powerful reporting! 

I got  a bit verklempt reading this piece of "HerStory". Thank you for sharing you with us!  It is amazingly beautiful how being present and deliberate in your steps clears the path for so many to come.

Thank you.  

22 minutes ago, CDBurns said:

This is a great exchange. Mel, everything you've written I've done. The difference between what you've written is that my pitch included this information:

Chris, I get your frustration -but it's the nature of media. Your story hasn't placed because you've put too much information in it.  A pitch is really a headline such as the one I wrote for you.     Once the editor hears it - s/he usually says tell me more.  and that's how you know you're going to get placement.  Then make sure you have an ear.  A lot of folks think "Spray it and pray" but to get coverage it is an intimate conversation with...one news editor/director at a time.  Wait?  You did a website for a local Oprah ? Please tell me she put you on!  

Do me a favor, just one favor use the pitch I wrote for you (of course fill in the blanks but don't make it any longer.)  Call your favorite local news editor/producer act as your own publicist (meaning you don't have to say you are you unless they ask) and pitch them the story idea.   Now one or two things might happen - you'll get the story - but you'll also be ripe for radio/tv/print salesperson to come after you next. Still editorial and sales are supposed to be separate so you'll be able to keep them at bay. 

5 hours ago, Troy said:

Brilliant exchange Mel and Chris.  My struggle to keep this forum alive so that dialogue like this can emerge is well worth the effort.  

I also know that much of what we do see in the media did not get there organically, but is part of an orchestrated effort by media professionals, PR experts, advertising executives, etc.  

I think part of the frustration Chris feels is that his being "...the only Black owned shoe company in the US actually selling shoes..." should be newsworthy in and of itself.  I think 10 years ago a Black Enterprise would have been more likely to pick up his story with a PR professional, than they would be today.

Of course there were always PR firms, but it seems today the content they promulgate crowds out everything else that does not have a PR machine behind it.  If you look at what proliferates on the top Black websites, much of the content is the same.

Since this is an open-forum and I'm a stickler for usage I need to recap.  

Also since we have so many PR peeps such as the PR person who approached you with a lot of misinformation I feel a need for clarity. What's worse she didn't even bother to learn your business before she made a pitch. (Yes, I'm still smarting over that) 

I want to make sure authors who read this page are equipped with the proper information so they can weed out the competent from the incompetent PR practitioners.  

Public Relations maintains the public image of the company and is responsible for communicating with the public which includes the stakeholders, customers, clients,  etc .   Public Relations usually exist under the umbrella of Corporate Communication. You @Troy as the founder seem to be holding down the Corporate Communication department in its entirety.  There's Media Relations.  Media Relations is a component of Public Relations and the Media Relations specialist maintains a relationship with the Press.

Public Relations= Company <-->Publics    
Media Relations = Company <-->Press 

Next there's Marketing, Social Media, Advertising & Sales. 

Social Media is about relationships, warming the market and attracting traffic to your product. At one point, Social Media was relegated to customer service. (I still believe that's the best place but i don't get a vote)  Social Media is usually under the Marketing Department but it also has a communication component so often times you'll find Social Media Managers in Corporate Communication.

Company=Advertiser <--> Paid spots/space in Editorial Content.  

The Advertiser is the company and they pay the editorial content owner for spots/or space and s/he earns the ad revenue.  

For example, those 100 top black websites  provide the content and google's AdSense program (contextual advertisements)  and amazon associates program (Link Advertisements) provide some of the advertisements.  When I was in news, local companies sponsored some of my special projects - that's another form of advertising.  

Here's where I say remember your goal when using either social media and advertising.  

Social media :  The Content is "what can I do for you..."
Advertising: The Content is  "here's what you can do for me."

Today companies such as Delta Airlines, Marriott, and other large companies also have an internal News department which are headed by a Editorial Director, Senior Manager, News. Again, this all comes under the heading of Corporate Communication.  (communication not communications because communications refers to electronic transmissions)

In Corporate Communication, the News Department is now packaging their own news content to compete with websites such as the 100 black websites you've mentioned.    Check out the Marriott Traveler . Instead of waiting for Conde Nast  Traveler to pick up a story on the Marriott; the Marriott said bump this we have our own publication!  

 Packaging and specialization is a surefire way to get traffic both online and off .  This is why I packaged Chris in that pitch. No matter how far we get from our origins we still communicate through symbols.  Symbols send messages to our subconscious and allow us retain and act on it.   Troy, there are so many ways I can package you.  For example  The Griot, comes to mind When I think of you. I think Troy's  the holder of the stories.  He's the Digital Librarian, who is  bringing writers, readers together and helping us use  technology to get the word out about the stories we love - even the stories we write.

 I suspect folks will never tire of gossip.  So yes those 100 top black website may never go out of style. But who cares?  We have something else to offer the world so I'll use #KeepPounding and #KeepPushing to remind us to do our thing. 

But back to Social Media.  What's the most effective use of social media? 

Again, as you noticed Troy - your tweet went viral because it offered a solution to today's burning and trending topic :"Diversity in Media" .  Also I have to quote @CDBurns  "the Power of a Tweet only works when you’ve truly invested yourself into a community.~


Currently, this is the only community I'm investing in... Why?

1- It is a community.  
2- I'm re-learning a lot of what I already know but forgot.

3 -And the information you all are sharing is allowing me to learn a lot more.