Mel Hopkins

1 hour ago, Troy said:

the products I sell are intangible (advertising and services) and not available for purchase via Amazon,

Have you checked out Amazon Professional Services?  Heh heh heh...;)  Actually if you chose for your services to be available Amazon has a deal for you right here...

Social media doesn't build brands and  never has! An effective communication program builds a brand. 

A good communication plan includes using many channels to send a message  not just one to achieve the goal.   

Further, social media websites are part of what communication practitioners, such as me, call New Media.

New Media is one channel you use to communicate to and with your audience.  There are as many websites in this media channel as there are people. Therefore, to use one website in the channel to reach your market gives you the same odds as playing and winning the powerball jackpot.  Dude on the panel that shut you down @Troy was either on payroll or he's incompetent. 

Even if a billion people visit one website, such as Facebook; the first rule of Marketing 101 indicates everyone in that billion is NOT in your market.  Save for impulse buying of teeshirts on facebook through page set up like storefronts (See: Threadless Tees) most people come to facebook to be seen. [Update: I just went to Threadless Tees facebook page and the store is gone!] 

McDonald serves a billion customers - and they use every channel available to reach them including premium promotional  imprint channel. 
HEADS UP for our resident children book authors/illustrators

Sellers are always looking for short cuts and there's always a shill willing to sell it to them. 

While It is true people buy from people they know; producers have to remember SOCIAL media is for developing and maintaining relationships. In fact, @CDBurns said as much in another thread. He offered access to him here on AALBC.

Social = relationships! bots not included.

As for marketing and sales, a competent marketing strategist knows it's better to first determine who is in the market for her product. She then determines how best to reach them (communication) and then she employs her media strategy (communication plan) to take her sales message to them.  

Note: While a producer may have a brand in mind for his/her product, it is the CONSUMERS , in the market, who define the brand for that product.

For example, United executives want to brand themselves "flyer friendly" but until recently the market said the airline was anything but friendly. 

~ Signed a longtime Marketing/Communication strategist who began her career marketing books for BIg 8 publishing houses (now Big 5)who was fortunate enough to work in Broadcast news both in front of the television camera and behind the mic in Radio. 

8 hours ago, Cynique said:

OK.  

BTW, what is UIUC?  University of Illinois at Chicago?(UIC)   If so, this is the Chicago extension of the state university and many of its students are commuters. The "flagship" university of Illinois is a Big10 school known as the U.  of I,  and this is where I attended.  it is located in the semi-rural area of central Illinois in  Champaign-Urbana which is about a 3-hour drive from Chicago. In the tradition of all big 10 schools, it has been around since the 1860s. (Its sport teams are nicknamed The Fighting Illini.)   There's a world of difference between the 2 campuses. 

UiUC=University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign .  

We lived in Naperville while my daughter was in attendance.  I'm all too familiar with that 3 -hour drive -(one way).

Btw,  I'm familiar with UIC too! My oldest daughter worked in the engineering school there while she was in undergrad.  

U of I degree  is definitely a great value. My daughter was awarded her degree (psychology/statistics) and found enployment at the salary she wanted within 1-month of beginning her job search. 

43 minutes ago, Troy said:

And yes there are more ways to commit suicide that putting the business end of a shotgun in your mouth ala your typical white boy.  

I agree. I remember when I was a cigarette smoker, I thought, this is "suicide by cigarettes"... Then when I don't eat properly I think "suicide by sweets".  Yet, slow-suicide isn't quantifiable.  African-American Suicide by (fill in the blank)  is prevalent in our community.   If we add  "suicide-by- (blank) atop the current suicide-rates for all groups ... white males still come out on top.  I know it is a reach but I find Dr. Bynum's theory intriguing.  Now I  just have figure out how, what he calls, the "threatened "return of the repressed" affects African-Americans.  Surely, we don't fear our own origin.  

1 hour ago, Cynique said:

May the ol girl rest in peace. Me, I’ll opt to snooze in contentment.

This line... it really tickled me!  

This is a great story - one that you'd see play out in an irreverent type tv comedy.  Grace & Frankie (Netflix) comes to mind with Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin...

Btw, My middle daughter graduated from UIUC in 2015 ... She says she loved every moment! 

... OMG!!!  that last line! Oh No you didn't!!!   

Life's absurd twist and turns...

Here's something you don't hear a lot of about.  While I was working on a piece about the absurdity of life, I found out middle aged white males have the highest suicide rate of all groups here in the U.S.

 In fact out of the more than 42,000 suicides in 2013, 7 out of 10 were committed by white males. Next highest were American Indians/Alaska Natives who ranked up there at 11.7% out of every 100,000.   

Guess who is near last on this list with the fewest suicides per 100,000?  You guessed it, at 5.4% per 100,000 suicides for African-Americans.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage is less for African-American women. The report indicates women overall make more suicide attempts but rarely succeed.   Sadly, however suicides are increasing among African-American children according to SAMHSA 's statistics from JAMA Pediatrics.  

I have no clue, and none was offered as to why so many white men here in the U.S. end their own life. I don't take the findings lightly either.  I was curious.  Initially, when I went looking for the statistics I thought African-Americans would have the highest suicide rate since many of us report experiencing high rates of stress.  The CDC statistics, however, doesn't support my theory.  

If I had to guess why the rate was so high for white males here in America; My guess  would be influenced by Edward Bruce Bynum, Ph.D. (Dark Light Consciousness: Melanin, Serpent Power, and the Luminous Matrix of Reality).  He says the deepest level of the mind in modern humans is an African structure or an African Template.  Dr. Bynum suggest  in his lecture "African Genesis" "Most nations, most cultures fear the darkness and part of that fear is of one's own origin - 'The Threatened return of the repressed'."  

African-Americans already know where they come from. Maybe they don't  have the location of the village but they have a clue they come from the African continent.  Maybe it's hard for other cultures to reconcile they also originate from the Motherland. And that could be their undoing.   

I don't know of course but I'm fascinated by the theory. Self-Destruction comes in many forms. 

5 minutes ago, Troy said:

One thing I did find funny was that was that Chris and the author have been mistaken for Ta-Nehisi Coates.  I'm 5'7'' and have been mistaken for Ta-Nehisi (who has to be 6'5'').  

Yes I'm getting the sense that flowery is the new print journalism.  Old school broadcast journalist here - and  even with 15, 30 sec or 1.15 sec video at the most, it meant I had to get to the point with FACTS!  

And you nailed it - his description of Clarence Reynolds made me throw up in my mouth a little.

 
@Troy  ...I thought I deleted that part of my comment! I was going to write  about the mistaken identity (but didn't, right?) because it was turning into long rant and reflection of my good ole days at Penguin USA..  

I was actually offended that the author included how Chris Jackson is often mistaken for one of his writers.  It  made me really want to punch the author in the face for that one... It was offhanded "Stacey-who";  "all-you-black-people-look-a-like" remark.  In fact, most of those New York Times reporters find a way to marginalize black people. They too are on my boycott list (as far as "paying") I will occasionally read an article - if it looks like the reporter has some sense.  

I read that article too, shared it on my google page then quickly deleted it... I wondered too if it can be movement when Chris Jackson is  a party of one pushing one "voice" from a group of male authors.  It was Chimamanda Adichie who warned of us of The Danger of a Single Story in her Ted Talk.  I get the sense with the authors mentioned this movement might be one of the monoliths she warns of.  I could be wrong but I read as much of the article as I could to find his platform.  I got tired of the purple prose describing black people much like one would if they were just visiting "darkest africa" for the first time.  

2 hours ago, Troy said:

Too often was are willing to gloss over violence perpetrated celebrities because it does not touch us personally. If Miles Davis, Bill Withers, O.J. Simpson, Chris Brown or anyone of these celebrity thugs beat up my daughter, society would not have to worry about them very long.

"Good point",  said the woman with 3 daughters. 

For now, however, I draw the line where "art", "religion", "politics",  or any of our socio-cultural activity that draws its popularity and energy from harming women.

Example nwa.  Anyone who sings about offin' hoes and bitches - is obviously doing it in real time.   so I won't support them.  I don't believe  Dre an'em have made one dime off of me. I probably watched "Friday"  one too many times because I got tired of being left out of the jokes - but I will not support a group that is too stupid to realize without women their future is nonexistent.  Still it is surprising to me how many people cosigned that brand of 'entertainment.'  Then again, the labeling mentality is prevalent among those guilty of sloth.

11 hours ago, Sara said:

The #blacklivesmatter movement is an example of black unity today.

Exactly!  I read a washington post article this morning re: Deray McKesson filing for his Mayoral Candidacy in Baltimore. The founding members of #blacklivesmatter serve on his advisory committee.  I'm so proud of the young women who started the movement; they are showing how politics is really a grassroots project. They even have a call to action - "Campaign Zero" with solutions. This call can and may end up on a ballot in our precincts. If anyone is familiar with - Florida's Stand your ground law, they know it was started by a group just like BlackLivesMatter - except their group ALEC ( American Legislative Exchange Council) , is against the people, not for.  Unfortunately, ALEC has a farther reach and bigger influence than BLM.   Still these young folks are doing something with their voices and they are UNIFIED!  I think that is what really scares the mainstream. 

Followed you on Amazon @CDBurns I think it might please you to know, Amazon sends me updates on the latest book you published. I have them all in my wish list now.

Oh Snap!  Forget facebook and google (alphabet) amazon is living up to its name...this is crazy! 

28 minutes ago, Troy said:

Well maybe I'm not that obscure.  

Seriously, Troy Johnson is a very common name and there are a several people in the public eye with the name, so ranking high on a search for my name is not easy--especially if you do not want social media to win.  I put effort into making this happen.  Ranking high in search does not happen automatically.

 

You really aren't obscure at all...lol  And See what I mean - it doesn't happen automatically - I even have a browser that identifies that I'm in GA even when I go incognito.   Dr . Troy Johnson came up because he's in Covington, GA.  So unless you know something more about why my search would include you - I'm thinking you may hit first page results for others too... and how you did it is extremely valuable! So maybe you're "broke" but you are definitely a wealth of knowledge

2 hours ago, Troy said:

How does AALBC.com rank when you run a search on Troy Johnson AALBC?  Let me know, I'm curious.

I reached my quota for upload or I would show you the page but when I use the Google search engine- "Biography, Troy Johnson, Founder of AALBC.Com is the top result! 

Re: Zane screenshot in your quote... This is pretty much what I get when I google my name... with AALBC.com coming in right after Amazon... Now what I did find, is when I type in "The LeadStory" my media communication business web site - it is #1 ... which is really confusing - after what @CDBurns mentioned about google webmaster tools ... because I didn't do it with that site... but I will keep pushing! 

"@Mel Hopkins, Google's search results OFTEN push "official sites lower in search results."

Google is also a book seller, so people can learn more about books and buy them from Google without even leaving the search results page!"

I'm giggling because a lot of what you respond to here, I mentioned in my last correspondence to you. I'm glad because it really allows me to know I'm on the right track.    Google allows you to search inside the book which I believe is why it often comes up when I search for typical academic references.  Also if you search for African Antiquity which I do quite often - those eBooks are free and Google allows you to save them to your digital library.  Of course you have to sign into google to read your "free" book...so maybe some of us authors might be willing to do the same here on AALBC.com. Of course you can only read the book when you sign in but at least you can read for free...even if it's for a limited time.  The method to my madness is I'm always looking for the pitch and placement angle - "AALBC... offering a digital library to readers/book club members " is pitch-worthy... 

 But Zane is famous and has earned millions.  I'm obscure and broke, so what do I know? 

I didn't know you wrote erotica too!    But seriously, with the wealth of information you have here on the site - I already branded you, wrote  and published several books for you  (even if only in my head).   

I'll do you one better, when I do an incognito search for Troy Johnson ; your photo is included in the image - and aalbc is on the first page

On 12/30/2014 at 4:28 PM, Delano said:

. Also this entire site is a community. 

I agree.  AALBC.com is a community -  websites such as these even have community managers... I'm recently active here otherwise I would know who - but from what I've seen Troy, its founder, also serves as its manager.  So by its very definition, AALBC is an institution.  We, by participating, give it is power.  

8 hours ago, CDBurns said:

Most important, make sure you add the script from Google Webmaster Tools. It helps with indexing the entire site. 

Will do! I started to make some changes last night and my website locked up in google chrome.  I had to restore it - and start again.  It's not going to beat me!  Thank you so much! 

"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake." - HDT

@Cynique I've only been active here long enough to experience you during your hibernation and I've felt a singe. (If I feel it, it's real) 

I could only imagine how "hot in "herre" it's going to be when you arise in the spring.   

I'm glad SOC cast didn't win anything - they may be fine actors but  they portrayed terrorists - (of black women) .

2 hours ago, CDBurns said:

 

Now on to your name and your site... Here is an article that explains why your site isn't showing up as high as it should. Pay close attention to the info on Google Webmaster Tools. http://www.cbpublish.com/arch-marketing-sales-discussion-may-2014/

Thank you for this nudge! As soon as I read your article ... it clicked immediately what was missing!  I didn't put my own name in the description - google SEO PDF reminds us to include key words that would pop up during a search.. I wrote about my novel!  The only place my name appears on the site is the domain name, Title and description on home page. duh! I will fix my copy straight  away! Thank You! great article! 

On 2/4/2015 at 9:22 AM, CDBurns said:

 

How did you create college students, a Black owned business if the system is so dastardly? How many problems are created by bad decisions vs the system?

Yes, How did we have all those firsts among black people soon after and towards the abolishing of African slavery... how about the turn of the century 1900 I once did a black/women history tribute (february -march) and I was blown away be the large number of women who were:

Union spies,

awarded professional degrees,

entrepreneurs,

big band music managers,

film producers, Writers, Journalists, Publishers et al..

I was astounded and kind of ashamed I wasn't doing more with the "freedom" I have today... So yes, I agree with Troy don't blame the victim not everyone is a leader, but I agree with you too! Those who are leaders need to do a lot more to make up the difference...

13 hours ago, CDBurns said:

I love how optimistic Mel is!!!! It takes a person of considerable character to interact and do as you have Mel. - You have taken the time to join a community and the interesting thing is everything here is indexed and searchable through Google which means you are creating a bigger digital footprint than just using social media which tends to disappear within 24 hours unless it goes viral which is very rare. Keep attempting to link the sites though because it is definitely an admirable cause and it's needed.

Thank you! As I mentioned to Troy, if you use the Google search engine to find me on the net - aalbc.com/melhopkins comes up as number 9 on the first page - my amazon page come up at 8. Guess where my own website comes in? It comes up on the 9th page!  - in Google terms my own website bearing my name doesn't even rank! Lol!  

However, I'm not just linking here for a high rank - I believe in the goal of AALBC.com - it was mentioned in the forum, we don't control any institutions - so if that's the case, only we can change that "truism"..

Do you agree putting an effort into our own product and into a product that serves as a commnunity to be step in the direction to change that reality held by some?  

3 hours ago, Troy said:

Getting folks to sacrifice a bit of their time to work with others is a very hard thing to convince people to do--even if they will benefit in the long term.

I continue to try...  Once this website's upgrade is complete (still several months away), I will redirect energies to more collective efforts.

If I remember correctly, there is a post on aalbc, telling bloggers how we can help each other... I think the post is in a conspicous place - but if WE (because this idea benefits the whole and the individual) do at least one thing on that list we post our own blog post - we become a symbiotic unit without much effort...

Edit: to add the two posts I am referring to

http://aalbc.com/blog/index.php/2015/08/18/bloggers/ 

I added one of my blogs.  I remember seeing many of those blogs displayed on the black weblog awards. Maybe a partnership or combined promotional efforts with the organization may be a win.

16 minutes ago, CDBurns said:

It is now.

Thank You! I removed the image link and added the image directly.