If you use a type of list management software that resides on your computer or your own Web server, such as Broadc@st or MailLoop, it can probably schedule automatic backups for you. See program's help files or contact their support center for assistance.

<< If You Use an Online List Service... >>

Even if you host your list online with a listserve (such as Topica) or an autoresponder service (such as GetResponse) that should make their own secure backups, you should still make your own backup copy on a regular basis! Just download or "export" a copy of your list each week for safekeeping. It should be pretty easy to do. This procedure varies depending on what program you use, so see its help files or contact their support center for assistance.

<< Consider Purchasing a Battery Backup System >>

Southern California is known for its frequent power outages, and they were wreaking havoc on my computer. So I purchased a battery backup unit. (I chose APC's 650 model.) It's about size of a breadbox and keeps my computer going for another hour or so in event of a power outage. This gives me ample time to back up any files I'm working on and shut down my computer properly. It also functions as a surge-protector to keep my computer safe from electric surges. You can buy units like these at any large office supply store, and they range in price from $100 to $500.

<< Don't Put It Off Any Longer! >>

I know that backing-up your files seems like another irritating addition to your busy schedule. But remember that you've worked hard to build your list ... and your business. So take just a few minutes each week to protect that investment. TIP: Pick a certain day each week to back up your list. For example, my electronic calendar automatically reminds me to do this every Friday.

(c) 2003 Alexandria K. Brown

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Of particular interest is Chapter 3, “Proposals,” in which Stewart reviews case histories of how he developed and sold his stories to his editors.

Among his major points:

Timeliness: “Good stories can encompass a much broader time horizon than most writers recognize. But readers and editors still want to know why they should want to read something now.”

Exclusivity: “If you can deliver something of interest that no one else can, editors, and ultimately readers, will salivate in anticipation.”

Universality: “Good stories touch on themes of human nature that may be far from their immediate subject matter. The likelihood that a story will have that kind of appeal should be made explicit.”

Flacks rarely want to take time and put forth effort to understand craft of news reporter. But PR Rainmakers know that key to media access is to learn how to think like reporter.

“Follow Story” will help you reach that level of understanding.

To learn more about this book, and for other opinions, visit: http://www.prrainmaker.com/follow.html.

Copyright 2003 by W.O. Cawley Jr.