April 2008 Vol. 22, No.4 Community papers shine at awards

By Daniel Stan the towns they serve and care Sheridan College Journalism about. This award is well S t u d e n t deserved." Community and The award is in memory of the quality publications they the late Mary Knowles, who produce were in the spotlight worked in the weekly newspa- recently at the OCNA Spring per industry, and was known as Convention. The highlight of a community advocate as well the event, hosted at the Delta as a volunteer in the New Chelsea Hotel in To r o n t o , H a m b u rg area. She passed on April 5, was the away from breast cancer in O C N A Better 1996. Community newspaper professionals from across Awards gala. There, hospitality converged in for the awards gala. Shown here, left to right, The Collingwood was provided for some 300 are Anita McDonald, Exeter Times Advocate; Laura Payton, St. Enterprise-Bulletin received a community newspaper repre- Marys Journal Argus; Wendy Bird, Northern Life (Sudbury); Sandy total of three awards at the sentatives. The annual Better Woodcock, Wingham Advance-Times and Kathy Steele, Wingham OCNA Convention, with two Advance-Times. Newspaper Awards recognize first-place finishes and one sec- achievements in quality of so on. In addition to Premier Molson Community Award in ond-prize. Of them, Production work by member newspapers, and General Excellence Memory of Mary Knowles. Manager Carol Griffen won the and showcases the outstanding Categories, more The award Best Creative Advertising. work to readers and advertisers. than 12 College r e c o g n i z e s "I'm so proud to report that This year, the Premier and and University “a shining example of e x c e p t i o n a l Collingwood received three General Excellence categories newspapers have the leadership role that c o m m i t m e n t awards on Saturday at the have many nominated newspa- been nominated in community newspapers to one’s O C N A Better Newspaper's pers. General Excellence the College and play in the towns they c o m m u n i t y, D i n n e r," publisher Doreen Award recognizes overall U n i v e r s i t y serve and care about.” h o n o u r i n g Sykes said in the Enterprise achievement in the editorial, Awards cate- i n d i v i d u a l s Bulletin. "We are so fortunate advertising, and layout circula- gories. Further subdivision into in the community newspaper to have such talent at our news- tion classes. Twenty-one news- three separate Premier and industry. paper." papers have been nominated General Excellence Award cat- Dave Sykes, group publish- For a full list of winners for these categories. egories are designed specifical- er for Bowes Publishers Ltd. from the 2007 OCNA Better The Premier Awards recog- ly for member college and uni- which owns the Lakeshore Newspaper Awards Gala go to nize individual works in editor- versity newspapers. Advance, had the following to www.OCNA.org ial and advertising categories Also recognized that say to with Best Editorial, Best evening was Grand Bend about Hillman-Rapley's win: Daniel Stan is a Sheridan College Feature Photo, Best Front Page, Lakeshore A d v a n c e ’s veteran "Lynda is just a shining exam- journalism student on an internship Best Local Retail Layout, Best editor Lynda Hillman-Rapley. ple of the leadership role that with the Ontario Community Original Advertising Idea, and She was presented with the community newspapers play in Newspapers A s s o c i a t i o n .

WHAT’S A word from OCNA  Page 2 Webinar Series - 2008  Page 11 Media Idol  Page 3 Technology troubleshooting  Page 10 INSIDE Algonquin College news  Page 4 Convention round-up  Page 5 Page 2 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS •April 2008 Ontario Press Council encourages membership identification

The Ontario Press Council is not interested in simply encourag- ing newspaper readers to complain, but it does believe they should know how to reach the Council when they feel they have a com- plaint or a question. If you are a member of the OPC, please note the Council's con- stitution includes among member responsibilities the following: (1) to publish at least once a week in dailies, weeklies, twice-week- lies and thrice-weeklies, and once a month in twice-monthly or monthly newspapers, the fact they are members of the Ontario Press Council and, (2) from time to time, to publish the mailing and email address of the Council with a brief outline of its function.

A sample: The (name of newspaper) is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which was created by Ontario newspapers to defend freedom of the press on behalf of the public and press alike, and to consider spe- cific, unsatisfied complaints from readers about the conduct of the press in gathering and publishing, news opinion and advertising. Readers may refer to the How to Complain section of the Council's Khan & Khan website www.ontpress.com or communicate with the Council by email at [email protected] or regular mail at 2 Carlton St., Suite On March 7, Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the 1706, Toronto, ON M5B 1J3 Korean-Canadian Cultural Association in Toronto. On that day, Harper got together with Young-Sik Lee, the publisher of KyungHyang News, an OCNA m e m b e r Going forward with our paper that serves the Korean community. The Prime Minister had sent the publisher a letter of congratula- tions to celebrate the paper’s first edition back on Feb. new Board of Directors 7, 2007. In the letter, Harper said he hopes the paper will By Robyn Matravers he 2008 OCNA convention was a be a leader in the Korean community. They have just O C N A Exec. Director great success! I was very pleased to celebrated their first anniversary. Thave had the opportunity to meet with many of you for the first time face- to- face and hope to have many more opportunities to meet personally through road trip visits throughout the year. I am looking forward to the year ahead at OCNA with a super Board of Directors and new president, Abbas Homayed from Sudbury Northern Life. Together we plan to continue the process of revitalizing the asso- ciation to greater reflect the changing land- scape of the newspaper industry and target more intensely the varied needs of our members. Moving forward in 2008, we hope to bring new training programs and services to our members. I hope you have all investigated the new Online Training Centre that provides excellent virtual training programs for staff and management. Network Classified sales continue to grow and we are starting to sell the new 2X2 Network Display Advertising program. Ad*Reach OCNA’s Board of Directors elected sales continue to remain steady overall, showing growth in provin- cial advertising, auto sales and with some decline in national and The newly appointed Board of Directors for 2008/2009 was intro- federal government sales. However, second quarter is looking robust duced to members at the Spring Convention earlier this month. with two dedicated sales people at Ad*Reach focusing on new cate- They are, shown here left to right, front row, Keith Roulston, Blyth gories and new business potential, we are expecting increasing sales Brussels Citizen, Second Vice-President; Rick Shaver, Cornwall throughout the year. Seaway News, Past President; Abbas Homayed, Sudbury We are also very excited about our new online sales opportunity Northern Life, President; Don MacLeod, Cobourg Star, First Vice- though Ad*Reach where Ad*Reach will sell national advertising President; Robyn Matravers, OCNA Executive Director; back row, into your online properties. It has not been an easy process estab- Mike Mount, EMC Newspaper Group; Pat Logan, Ingersoll Times; Mike Williscraft, Niagara This Week; Peter Winkler, Fairway Group; lishing a one system to allow all our members with established Web Mohsen Ta g h a v i , Salam Toronto; Kelly Baker, Metroland sites to participate but we have found one! We look forward to Interactive Initiatives; Tim Dundas, Niagara Community unveiling this program to you shortly and have it all ready to go in Newspapers. Not shown is Linda Plumridge, Fort Frances Times, late Spring! Teasurer. OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS •April 2008 Page 3 industry news

Water Cooler

 Cobden Sun editor Connie White is marrying her f a r m e r, Tim Tabbert, on August 16 in Foresters F a l l s .

 The Kincardine Independent published a local -- Local Journalist history book just in time for Christmas. Marching Wins $1,000 for a Very into History - 100 years of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band now sells for $20 and is available at the Special Cause -- newspaper office and local book stores.

 The Winchester Press' editor, Bonnie James, is C a n a d a ’s Capital votes and elects now on maternity leave and former reporter-photog- Jeffrey Morris as Ottawa Media Idol rapher Meghan Duncan will be filling her shoes for the next 12 months. We've hired Algonquin College CTV has announced that Prescott and federal governments to step in print journalism student Sarah Kelford as a reporter. Journal columnist Jeffrey Morris is and help but have been unsuccessful She is completing her work placement here and the Canadian Media Idol regional so far. Thanks to CTV, Media Idol then will work full-time. champion for Ottawa. and everyone who voted, perhaps As the Canadian Idol audition tour this can help raise awareness of the  The Ontario Press Council deals mainly with con- prepared to stop in Ottawa for what severity of the situation facing the cerns from readers about the press. But, did you would be a snow filled weekend, Stocks family.” know that it also has a mandate to deal with com- Morris performed an original song Morris wrote the song while in plaints from newspapers against individuals and ‘Zamboni Man’, an ode to Canada's high school for a talent show skit at organizations? In fact it upheld a complaint by the cherished ice cleaners. According to South Grenville. The song was a trib- Hamilton Spectator against the mayor a few years CTV representatives, it was his “spir- ute to former zamboni driver and ago involving improperly closing a meeting of coun- ited a capella delivery” that took Prescott legend Jack Dillabough. c i l . home the most votes this week earn- Morris said that he had sung his song The How to Complain section of the annual report ing him $1,000 for a cause close to at karaoke clubs “two or three times says:"How does a member of the press complain his heart. with friends at functions when I about the conduct of individuals and organizations Morris, who is a native of Prescott worked in the sports licensed mer- toward the press? and is also the publisher and editor of chandise industry,” but said that the ". . . write a letter, stating the specifics. The indi- the Manotick Messenger and experience of singing in front of a vidual organization involved will be given a chance Barrhaven Independent, will be giv- camera, a photographer, CTV staff to provide satisfactory redress. If that isn't done, the ing the $1,000 donation to fundrais- and rock legend and Canadian Idol Council will arrange a hearing, open to the press ing efforts for a young girl named judge Sass Jordan was terrifying. and public, before the full Council, which will reach Renee Stocks who suffers from a rare “I thought it would be a piece of its adjudication as promptly as possible." condition called Glutaric Acidemia cake because making an idiot of Type II and as result her family is myself in public has become some- faced with tremendous medical what routine,” said Morris. “But as expenses. soon as the camera went on, it felt OCNA Better Newspaper Awards A thrilled Morris said after learn- like my spleen was stuck in my Congratulations to all our winners ing of his win that he had not been throat and that I had no control over that excited since the Ottawa my voice. I was more nervous than a of the 2007 program. Senators unloaded Alexei Yashin for long-tailed cat in a room full of rock- If you would like to order duplicate Jason Spezza, Zdeno Chara and Billy ing chairs. But I got through it and by plaques, please contact Lynn Fenton Muckalt at the 2001 NHL Draft. the end of the song had a lot of fun. with the Award name, newspaper “I was singing for Renee Stocks Morris will now represent the from the Ottawa suburb of nation's capital when all 10 Media name, placement, and if you would like Barrhaven, and through our commu- Idol regional finalists descend upon the individual’s name included on it. nity newspaper there we have taken Toronto in July. The finalists take Cost for the standard plaques an active role in helping her family in their best shots at a national title and are $30 plus shipping. a time of need. Renee has Glutaric get the chance to experience Acidemia Type II, which is a rare Canadian Idol live and in-person. Up Lynn Fenton, OCNA Member Services disorder that prevents her from for grabs for charity will be $10,000. Co-ordinator, 905- digesting protein or fat. The medica- The winning performance was tion to keep her alive costs $200 per watched online from coast to coast at 639-8720 ext 232 day, and the family has been rejected www.idol.ctv.ca and featured perfor- [email protected] by insurance companies. We have mances by other Ottawa hopefuls. been lobbying both the provincial Page 4 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS April 2008 Algonquin College students prepared for jobs Since its earliest beginnings 40 years ago, Further evidence of the demand for their Ottawa was signed which allows students to the Journalism-Print program at Algonquin skills comes from the newly-launched work towards both a journalism diploma College in Ottawa has geared itself toward News Service, which accepted and degree at the same time. serving the needs of the community news- five of the program's students for a six week Students from both institutions now have paper industry in Eastern Ontario. internship. It's the first time so many the option of attending them for up to five It's a tradition that continues in the digi- Algonquin journalism students have been years to obtain the Algonquin diploma and tal age. As community newspapers continue tapped for a news service of this type. a U of O Honours Bachelor degree in to look to the Web and other platforms to “Once our students exit our program they Journalism. This provides students with an o ffer readers alternative delivery, the will be prepared to enter a platform-agnos- academically-rooted and a hands-on based Algonquin program has been striving to tic world of reporting, writing, digital pho- education. stay abreast of the latest changes in news tography and videography,” said Joe Banks, It has proven to be a great success, with and information delivery at the local level. program coordinator. half of its total first-year intake in Fall 2007 In addition to teaching reporting, writing, But the program will continue to look out consisting of U of O transferees. This has photojournalism, computer-assisted report- for the needs of its traditional employment led to the highest retention of returning stu- ing, pagination and multimedia, the pro- base. dents in its semester 2 class in the program's gram has most recently introduced basic “The community newspaper industry and history. and advanced video journalism courses. Its small dailies are still our number one Both university-related components have introduction was in response to suggestions employer and along with our advisory com- blended to result in a more mature and com- by OCNA publishers and editors at last mittees, have helped guide and evolve our mitted journalism student with a mixture of year's OCNA and CCNA/CNA conferences curriculum,” said Banks, a former OCNA backgrounds, something editors have told to train students in Web video techniques. board member and community newspaper the program they appreciate. Daily publishers have also shown a willing- publisher and editor. “That won't change.” In fact, the placement period for the win- ness to employ video journalists. In fact the The program has responded to demand ter/spring of 2008 has resulted in five sec- 's videographer and video edi- for blended educational experiences. Three ond-year students landing full-time salaried tor, Tiana Macleod, has joined the pro- years ago, an articulation agreement positions even before they have graduated gram's part-time faculty. between the college and the University of or completed their internships.

The Ontario Community Newspaper Foundation is pleased to announce the Online Training Centre Community Newspaper professionals are now able to get affordable and convenient training on their computers 24/7. Learn when you want - where you want. Featuring Sales 101: An Introduction to Community Newspaper Advertising Sales. This 11 Chapter program has been written specifically for new sales reps to our industry. It’s a comprehen- sive crash course that is sure to advance the career of any new hire in approximately 8 hours! Registration is only $100. Other online offerings - with more to come - include: Business Skills Videos * Paint Shop Pro 5 Certification 2005 * Career Development (Videos) * PowerPoint 2003 * Sarbanes-Oxley Act * Coaching (Videos) * Project 2003 * Sexual Harassment in the Workplace * Communication (Videos) * Word 2003 * Stress Management * Customer Service (Videos) * Word 2007 * Teams That Work * Finance (Videos) * Leadership (Videos) Personal Skills Development Technical Software * Leading Teams (Videos) * Basics of Business Math and Web Design * Management (Videos) * Building Relationships * Dreamweaver MX * Managing Within The Law (Videos) * Business Ethics * Dreamweaver MX 2004 * Sales and Marketing (Videos) * Customer Service * Dynamic HTML * Self-Management (Videos) * Dealing with Difficult People * Flash MX * Six Sigma (Videos) * Effective Business Communication * Flash MX 2004 * Work and Life Balance (Videos) * Effective Presentations * FrontPage 2000 * Workplace Environment (Videos) * Fundamentals of Business Management * GUI Design * Grammar * Internet Marketing Desktop Computing * Instructional Design * JavaScript * Access 2003 * Management Skills Introduction * Photoshop * Excel 2003 * Managing Change * Photoshop 7 * Excel 2007 * Motivation * Photoshop CS * Office 2003 - What's New * Motivation Methods and Strategies * Web Design & Graphics * Office 2007 * Negotiating * Web Publishing and Design with HTML 4.01 * Office XP Upgrade * Project Management and XHTML * Project Management Professional http://ocna.protraining.com OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS •April 2008 Page 5 OCNA Spring Convention - a time for celebration, education and a good time

Lynda Hillman-Rapley, editor of the Grand Bend Lakeshore Advance, (shown centre at top) is this year’s recipient of the Molson Community Award. Presenting the award and a spe- cial donation to Lynda’s charity of choice is Molson’s Carole Berry. On hand are Mary Knowles’ children Emily and Ben Riche.

The OCNA Spring Convention is a great opportunity see network with friends. Hamming it up for the cameras are Candide Gregoire of Weeklies Toolbox, Rick Shaver of the Cornwall Seaway News, and Khymn Glover of News-Net.

It wouldn’t be an OCNA convention with- out educational sessions. Delegates learned and were entertained by news- paper technology guru Kevin Slimp, of the Institute of Newspaper Technology, who ran sessions on Colour Correction Tips in Photoshop as well as Converging Media. OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS •April 2008 Page 6

Above, OCNA’s new President Abbas Homayed of Sudbury Northern Life greeted members during the Saturday lunch.

OCNA staff members enjoy the convention because they get to talk face to face with the members they serve throughout the year. Shown on left at the registration desk is Susana Czyrnek, accounting.

Minden Times editor Martha Perkins, (left) receives the first place award for General Excellence Class 2 from OCNA Executive Director Robyn Matravers.

Awards sponsor Shauna Gutoskie, sales manager with CARD Online, presents the first place award for General Excellence Class 5 to Ian McMillan, news editor of Clarington This Week. OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS •April 2008 Page 7 You are invited to Halifax newspaper conference with David Foot and Mike Blinder

ncompassing an industry experts, share best practices and convention and awards preview the latest supplier tech- Egala, the A t l a n t i c nology and tools to enhance Community Newspapers business operations and client Association conference, service delivery. Change, Challenges ~ “We have an exceptional pro- Opportunities is taking place in gram planned for this year’s Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 30 - conference,” remarked Shawn 31, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Wells, Executive Director of Select. This annual conference ACNA. “We are excited to have of the Association affords a representatives from the tremendous opportunity to nur- region’s Daily newspapers join ture important relationships us.” among members, suppliers and Keynote speakers David Foot other stakeholders. and Mike Blinder are highlights Attended by publishers, sales of the conference. David Foot is executives, editorial staff , a Professor of Economics at the administrators, service University of Toronto and co- providers and other weekly authored the landmark book newspaper industry stakehold- Boom Bust & Echo. Mike ers from across Atlantic Canada, Blinder of the Blinder Group is Food for the cause the 2008 event will see the audi- known internationally for his Napanee Guide’s Sales Manager Cari Mountney is shown here surrounded by the contributions for the local Salvation Army Food ence grow to include representa- expertise in media, sales and Bank. The newspaper contacted the Salvation Army to promote a tives of the region!s Daily marketing. Winter Food Drive with a goal of collecting a hamper of food for newspapers! The ACNA con- For complete conference every family on their list. By the end of the month, the paper had ference offers exceptional details visit: 17 hampers filled with the help of donations by their caring readers opportunities to learn from http://conference.acna.com and staff. Ask questions like a curious child By John Foust It's no secret that answers, while open-ended questions may encourage your client to provide more Advertising Tr a i n e r children are curi- require longer answers. For example, detail, without being asked. ous. They are like “When did you start your business?” is a ● Ask for help. As a conversation progress- sponges, constantly closed question. “What is your marketing es, it is inevitable that there will be certain asking questions, soaking up all the infor- approach?” is open, and invites a more mation they can. I recently heard that the detailed answer. points you would like clarified. To add a lit- tle variety to the interview, you may want to typical child asks half a million questions The most common closed questions are say, “That sounds interesting. by the age of six. (No doubt, there are many those which can be answered with a simple parents who feel their sons or daughters ask “yes” or “no.” Help me understand what that means in terms of your marketing strategy.” When that many on a single Saturday.) It is easy to see that short answers don't they explain it to your satisfaction, smile Good sales people have an almost-child- provide much information. As a result, you like sense of curiosity. This serves them may want to use a closed question to intro- and say, “That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for taking a couple of extra minutes to well, because the first step in helping clients duce a topic (“Is your business open on help me get in step.” make buying decisions is to learn as much weekends?”), then follow it with an open as possible about their businesses, their question which asks for elaboration (“How ● Show sincere interest. Don't be a fake. goals, and their products and services. has that affected your traffic?”) Your questions should spring from a gen- There's a lot of truth in the old saying, uine interest in your clients. Listen careful- ● Rephrase the other person's statement as a Knowledge is power. ly as they express their ideas, opinions and question. Let's say your client declares, The word ‘question’ begins with ‘quest,’ “My last ad didn't work.” Instead of arguing marketing goals. Show them that the more which can be defined as ‘search.’ That's not you know about their businesses, the better (which is always a bad tactic), simply probe a bad description of the questioning you will be able to serve them. for more information by rephrasing his or process. her statement as a question. Ask, It's a search for information. To find the After all, service is what it's all about. “It didn't work?” and wait for a response. right information, we have to search in the (c) Copyright 2008 by John Foust. All rights right places - with the right kinds of ques- ● Use non-verbal questions. By raising your re s e rv e d . tions. Here are a few points to keep in mind: eyebrows and tilting your head, you can E-mail John Foust for information about his train - show that you are particularly interested in ing videos for ad departments: jfoust@mind - ● Mix closed and open-ended questions. s p r i n g . c o m Closed-ended questions call for short something the other person is saying. This Page 8 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS April 2008 industry news Try to write the story from your reader’s perspective Ed Henniger Henniger Consulting What's on the menu? (How about There's a new restaurant in your town- running a scan of part Trajan Italian Bistro. Interesting name. of the menu with your Nice owners. package?) A new restaurant has just opened in your town. Previous restaurant had been closed for What do you think your readers will want to know? about two years or so-but now there's life ● WHAT ARE THE there again. PRICES LIKE? How long before the typical take-out Worth a story and a photo. Is it reasonable? Pricey? Expensive? If I order is ready for pickup? Well…maybe worth more. took my family of four, what's it going to Yes, it's always a good idea to do a cost me? ● ARE PARTY ROOMS AVAILABLE? story on a business comeback in your What if I want to get together with my town. And perhaps you can wrap a profile ● DO THEY FEATURE ANY SPE- family and friends for an anniversary cele- of the owners into the story while you're at CIALS? bration? How may people can it hold? it. If I go on a Monday evening, are the These are questions your readers are But that's thinking like a newspaper prices discounted a bit? How about a two- likely to ask. You can answer many of person. for-one? Coupons? these in an extended infobox-and still do Instead, let's think like readers and pre- your business/profile story as the lead.

pare another package that would be more ● DO THEY SERVE ALCOHOL? .Oh, yeah…don't forget the map and the compelling. What if I want a glass of Chianti with photo! What do you think your readers would my veal scallopini? Or a beer with my like to know? Here are some questions you clam linguini? IF THIS COLUMN has been helpful, you'll can bet readers will want answered: find more help in Ed's new book, Henninger on ● WHERE IS IT? ● WHAT'S THE ATMOSPHERE? Design. Can I get there quickly? Is it on the Is it retro? Minimalist? Homey? Do With the help of Henninger on Design, you'll other side of town-or just up the street? they want kids-or is it more for the become a better designer because you'll (How about running a locator map?) younger, trendy set? (Consider running a become a thinking designer. Find out more shot of the interior.) about Henninger on Design by visiting Ed's ● WHEN IS IT OPEN? Lunch as well as web site: www.henningerconsulting.com dinner? Sunday brunch? How early can I ● WHAT DO I WEAR? ED HENNINGER is an independent news - get there for dinner? How about a late- Is it “business casual?” Sport coat and paper consultant and the Director of Henninger night meal? tie? Jeans? Sweatshirt and shorts? Consulting. Offering comprehensive newspaper design services including redesigns, workshops, ● WHAT KIND OF FOOD? ● DO THEY OFFER TAKE-OUT? training and evaluations. E-mail: edh@hen - Italian, yes-but is it northern Italian? If so, what's on the menu? Is there a ningerconsulting.com. On the web: www.hen - Sicilian? Tuscan? “American Italian?” parking spot for take-out customers? ningerconsulting.com. Phone: 803-327-3322.

What a crash!

Thankfully everyone was safe after two cars went crashing into the Cayuga Haldimand Press newspaper office last month. The incident hap- pened when an OPP cruiser, with its sirens blowing, collided with another vehicle at the corner where the news- paper office is located. Most of the building damage was to Publisher Bob Hall’s office, who credits his Guardian Angel for having him working in another area that afternoon. OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS •April 2008 Page 9 The burning question in advertising sales By Bob Berting people who are very comfortable in their S t reet Smart s Berting Communications selling activity, many have the following The ability to read people and being Over the years there has been a problem p r o b l e m s : able to translate those perceptions into in the community newspaper industry. T h e 1.They have low self esteem which business achievement is a valuable asset. problem is how salespeople are perceived a ffects their performance because there is Many times, selling is done so much from by their customers……p ro f e s s i o n a l no challenge other than being an order a textbook approach that we lose our sense a d v e rtising counselor o r o r d e r t a k e r? It taker or selling ad space only. of humour, empathy and understanding for is interesting to hear the comments made 2. They eventually get out of the busi- people…and when to back off in certain by customers at seminars I conduct for ness because they burn out as an order emotional circumstances. sponsoring publications. t a k e r, get into a comfortable rut, and can So it's important to know moods and not never be motivated. to lose sight of common sense methods. What customers say 3. Many have a big weekly sales volume It is also important to find ways to tap about newspaper s a l e s p e o p l e which contributes greatly to the overall c u s t o m e r ’s egos and incorporate them into (actual quotes from my merchant seminars) paper volume, but under proper coaching, personalized advertising campaigns. could be selling much more in the same Sometimes the best product and the best “ They don't take a real interest in my amount of time. price is not good enough. You must be a business. They get their ad and get out.” good business friend. In most cases, if a “ They don't call ahead…just walk in Routine sales calls by the customer likes you, they'll continue to do when I'm not prepared for them...or I'm o r d e r t a k e r can be boring business with you. Be sensitive to their with someone who did have an appoint- When the customer's eyes glaze over, feelings…build good relationships. m e n t . ” the salesperson's image drops and respect “ Too pushy-I'll prove to you or I'll goes out the window. The way to profes- The professional advertising sales show you.” sional growth is a constant reminder to be counselor has to have the right relationship “ Pressure to run larger ads without rea- fresh... to re-invent yourself on every sales to openly talk with the customer about the son or logic to do it.” call. Think of a new proposal to help their customer's image. In short, the customer “ Belittles my advertising. If you want advertising program…a new point-of-sale has to perceive the salesperson as a profes- my business, don't insult me.” idea…a new creative use of colour, targ e t - sional… as someone who knows the cus- “ Don't go talking about my business to ing specific markets with pre-print inserts, tomer's business…who has demonstrated my competition.” etc. Think of a new place to go for a lunch time and time again that the salesperson “ Not enough follow through. I might meeting, a new way to project their image has the customer's best interest…as some- give them a rough time..but I might buy if to the community. one who the customer likes and respects. they kept their name in front of us and The deadliest trap of all is predictabili- called on me regularly. ” t y, the usual mark of the order taker. T h e Bob Berting: A Renaissance man, motiva - end result of predictability is usually lost tional speaker, sales trainer, marketing consul - Salespeople who make big business for the publication, because soon- tant, author, and newspaper columnist. Learn b u c k s er or later, order takers lose to other com- m o re at www. b o b b e r t i n g . c o m Although there are highly-paid sales- petitive professional salespeople. Looking for Press Identification Cards? OCNA can help with laminated, business card sized Press Cards. Cost is $10 each for the first three, and $5 for each thereafter. E-mail Lynn Fenton at [email protected] for a Publisher’s Authorization Form with instructions about how to send photos. PRESS CARD This certifies the individual identified has been awarded Press Credentials by the Publisher of this newspaper, and is to be used for identification purposes.

This newspaper on the reverse side is, as RICK SHAVER of date of issue, a member in good standing Editor of the Ontario Community Newspapers Cornwall Seaway News Association (OCNA) www.ocna.org. 613-933-0014 29 Second St. East Cornwall ON K6H 1Y2 Jan. 2, 2008 Robyn Matravers, Exec. Director Date Page 10 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS April 2008 technology K e v i n ’s solutions to common software problems By Kevin oug has run into a problem Slimp Dt h a t ’s becoming more Institute of prevalent. Older applications such as QuarkXPress 4.1, just Newspaper can’t handle some of the new Technology technology being used today. PDFs now contain features, such as transparencies, that weren’t available back in the here seems to be a recur- ‘90s, when QuarkXPress 4 was ring theme in my e-mail released. It’s time to admit that Tlately. Problems related newspapers can’t continue to to outdated and just released use old software without pay- applications seem to abound. ing a price. I’ve received fran- F o r t u n a t e l y, my e-mail tic calls from newspapers who includes enough variety to keep couldn’t get their pages to print things interesting. Below are a or faced other deadline emer- few of the calls for help I’ve gencies due to old software. received over the past few Several newspaper groups weeks: pay a hefty fee for my advice. Let me give you some free From Tami, in North Dakota advice. Update your technolo- In InDesign, I’ve designed a gy before it’s too late. two colour envelope with a It's time to get rid of that old software. Quark 4 & 5, as well as graduated screen in the back- PageMaker, just can't handle the type of files newspapers cre- From Nancy ground with small type over it. ate in newer versions of InDesign, QuarkXPress, Acrobat and in Saskatchewan When I print it, there is a other applications. PageMaker is driving me knockout behind all the text crazy. Whenever I create PDFs (causing registration prob- QuarkXPress PDF import filter From Shirley in Minnesota (I use InDesign & A c r o b a t lems). I can find is version 1.6. What Is there a difference if you Distiller) and send them to Mac I would like to set it so it setting within InDesign CS3 print to PostScRIPt, then distill, PageMaker users, especially if wouldn’t knock out the screen can our ad builders use to cre- versus exporting to EPS and they contain spot colours, they behind the 10-point type. ate spot colour ads exported as distilling? can’t seem to print them cor- Where do I find that setting? PDFs that will separate correct- rectly. Tell me there’s a secret ly for our pagination staff using es, Shirley, there’s a big you can share to correct the hat’s an easy one, Tami. Go InDesign CS2 as well as our Ydifference. Although sav- PageMaker problem. Tto your InDesign sister paper, using ing a file as EPS, then distill- Preferences and look for QuarkXPress 4.1? Any help ing, works fine in most cases, his isn’t a problem you cre- Appearance of Black in the you can provide regarding saving a document as a Tated, Nancy. It’s hard to sidebar. There is an option to these settings would be greatly PostScRIPt file first is more believe PageMaker is as old as Always Overprint Black. appreciated. dependable. Fortunately, the it is. I started using the applica- Select that option and all recent versions of InDesign and tion in the mid ‘80s, when it should be well. (Note: Tami ell, Scott, the problem QuarkXPress make writing a was first released. It won’t even wrote back to report this fixed Wi s n ’t in InDesign or PostScRIPt file as easy as run on newer Macs. I find it her overprinting problem.) QuarkXPress. It’s in the way clicking a couple of buttons. hard to believe newspapers can you’re creating the PDF files. stay in business but can’t afford From Scott in Tennessee Files exported from InDesign, From Doug in Rhode Island to upgrade from PageMaker to Our staff has finally migrat- as well as other applications, I received a PDF, used Pitstop InDesign. If that’s the case, I ed completely to OS X Macs simply cause lots of problems 4.6 to preflight it and the report suspect they won’t be in busi- and applications. Our ad when printed. Your staff should did not indicate any errors. ness much longer. I tried to put builders are creating ads in be creating PostScRIPt files of When I converted the PDF to that as gently as I could, Nancy. InDesign and exporting them the ads, then converting them an EPS, imported it into a as PDFs. The pagination to PDF using Acrobat Distiller. Quark document (version 4.1) From Jamie in Minnesota department has no trouble That should take care of the and sent it to our Harlequin I saw you at the Minnesota importing these ads, using problems you’ve been having. RIP, the photos dropped out. Newspaper A s s o c i a t i o n InDesign CS2 and CS3. (Scott sent a note a few days According to the report the Convention and, as usual, However, our sister paper is later to let me know this fixed PDF was created in Illustrator. enjoyed it immensely. We are still using QuarkXPress 4.11 in the problem. Both Quark- Did the photos drop out in the process of trying to a classic Mac environment. The XPress and InDesign are happy because they weren’t attached upgrade to either Quark or spot colour ads, once placed on with the PDF files these days.) correctly to begin with? InDesign. the Quark pages, are separating Because we were already on all four plates. The latest continued on next page... OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS •April 2008 Page 11 More solutions to technical problems OCNA Conference ...continued from previous page new computer running 10.5 solved most or all of their print- Leopard and Quark 7.0 and it ing problems. However, I sus- Call Program using Quark, we bought copies just won’t work! pect your problems might be of QuarkXPress 6.5 and a 7.0 to related more to Leopard than to Your association co-ordinate try out - and are having plenty ice touch with the opening QuarkXPress. Users have been Editorial Board Conference of trouble with them! Ncompliment, Jamie. Here’s bombarding blogs, forums and Calls to help our member jour- Can you tell me that this tran- the answer: Maybe. Maybe not. my e-mail with tales of printing nalists connect with newsmak- sition would be easier with I have been to newspapers - and other - problems after ers across the province. T h e y InDesign? I have one brand where moving to InDesign upgrading to Leopard (OS are able to speak directly with 10.5). Some folks don’t have these people via a telephone any problems after upgrading. conference call and ask ques- Others have tremendous diffi- tions specific to their communi- culties. Let me suggest two pos- ties. We just hosted a sibilities. The least expensive Conference Call this week with option might be to do a clean the Minister of Education install of OS 10.4 on your Kathleen Wynne during machine, then install Education Week. Journalists QuarkXPress. asked questions about local If the problems go away, then issues such as portables, you know where they were school closures, aboriginal coming from. Another option educations, standardized test- would be to install InDesign on ing, etc. your machine (keeping OS Please let your association 10.5) and see if it has similar know what newsmakers you problems. If not, you may have would be interested in connect- answered your own question. InDesign users should check this box in the Appearance of ing to and we will attempt to set Black preference if they want to make sure black always over- Either way, I’d be interested in up Conference Calls with them prints on shaded backgrounds. hearing how this turns out. E-mail anne.lann a n @ o c n a . o r g CNA/OCNA 2008 Webinar Series

Next up:

May 15, 2008 Sales Ads on steroids, with John Young June 5, 2008 Sales Developing niche markets, with Don MacLeod June 19, 2008 Editorial Newsroom Legal Issues, with Media Lawyer Stuart Robertson

 Contact Lynn Fenton to register at 905-639-8720 ext. 232, or e-mail [email protected] What is a Webinar? A Webinar is a combination of a conference call and a computer (Power Point) presentation. It's a low-cost way to offer valuable sessions: use a speaker phone and computer projector and the session can be shared with as many people as can fit in your board room. Register online, and we will send you the details and technical specs on how to join the meeting. Page 12 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • April 2008 Hints to create an effective and unique layout By Tim Matharu Sheridan College Journalism Student An appealing layout can mean the dif- ference between garnering one reader or a hundred new ones. Not only will an appealing layout catch the attention of the reader, but it will also display information in a professional yet aesthetically appealing way. Now in order to do this, you must fol- low the cardinal rule. The main story/pic- ture should lead, while the smaller stories follow like a troop of soldiers. Now after reading this one rule, you must have a simple explanation. “He must be crazy” The answer to that is yes and no. However, when it comes to the layout, you can flex your creative muscles enough to be able to vary the style on the page. Readers do not pick up a newspaper to gawk at the detail you poured into laying out the articles. Instead they pick up the paper to read about a subject that may interest them, or a story that catches their eye. However, this does not mean you should forsake the layout entirely. In fact, the lay- out is the factor that will captivate the read- A sample situation. On the left is a layout that puts emphasis on a story er first. about chocolate being healthy. Clearly the more newsworthy story here is the Yes it's all nice and pretty to have a story downtown fire that claimed 9000. about dogs winning a talent show, but does this really compare to a story such as a fire that engulfed most of your downtown, and is by having the dog picture, as a large 6X8 This includes having the main story took lives in the process? while the fire picture would be a tiny 2X2. headline larger than the smaller ones, and No, of course it does not. Now having the Fire headline smaller the majority of the page, taken up by pic- Now putting the dog than the Dog tures and the article itself. story first would not only headline, is yet Following this simple tip, a newspaper be a bad idea, but would Readers do not pick up a newspaper another sin that can bring in more readers and cover impor- be a cardinal sin in the to gawk at the detail you poured into the newspaper tant information at the same time. journalistic business. laying out the articles. Instead they gods will not let No matter how cute the go unpunished. Tim Matharu is a Sheridan College Print picture of little Fido pick up the paper to read about a sub - In short, the Journalism graduate, who is curre n t l y jumping is, it can't com- ject that may interest them, or a story cardinal rule of interning at OCNA, and tends to dabble in pare to the powerful pic- that catches their eye. a good layout is technological and entertainment based ture of firefighters gath- to have the articles. ered around a burning main story and building, dousing it with water. picture lead, while the less important sto- The only way to make the layout worse ries follow.

OCNA TEAM OCNA OFFICERS Robyn Matravers, Executive Director, Abbas Homayed, President, Sudbury Northern Life; Don Anne Lannan, Member Services Manager; MacLeod, First Vice-President, ; Keith Todd Frees, Controller; Roulston; Second Vice-President, Blyth/Brussels Citizen; Published monthly by the Wendy Picken, Accountant/Newsprint Coordinator Linda Plumridge, Secretary/Treasurer, Fort Frances Ontario Community Times; Rick Shaver, Past President, Cornwall Seaway Newspapers Association Carol Lebert, Network Sales Coordinator; Susana 3050 Harvester Rd. Ste 103 Czyrnek, Network Classifieds/Accounting Coordinator; News Burlington, Ontario, Lynn Fenton, Member Services Coordinator; OCNA DIRECTORS L7N 3J1 Carolyn Press, Erica Leyzac, Alexis Komon, Ted Kelly Baker, Metroland Interactive Initiatives; Peter Tel: (905) 639-8720 Brewer, Tom Walsh, Carla Alexander, Ad*Reach. Winkler, Metroland Fairway Group; Mike Mount, EMC Fax: (905) 639-6962 Newspaper Group; Tim Dundas, Sun Media, Niagara; Pat http://www.ocna.org Logan, Sun Media, Ingersoll; Mohsen Taghavi, Salam [email protected] Toronto; Mike Williscraft, Metroland,Niagara This Week.