It also means, of course, that lignin free paper is going to be more expensive, but that is nevertheless what archivist must look for in his supplies. There is no point whatsoever in carefully placing our valuable artifacts in paper or card that is going to hasten their demise. Acid is particularly harmful to photographic materials, causing them to fade and is some cases simply vanish!

So, how do we tell a piece of suitable paper or card from one that is unsuitable? You cannot do it by simply looking, and rather disappointingly, you cannot always rely on label. ‘Acid free’ might be true inasmuch as a test on paper may indicate that it is a neutral material at this time. But lignin can take years before it starts inevitable process of breaking down, and in right conditions it will speed up enormously.

Added to this, as I have indicated earlier, paper may also contain other materials added during manufacture such as bleach, china clay, chemical whiteners and size. This looks like a bleak picture, and it would be but for fact that there are suppliers who will guarantee material that they sell. If you want to be absolutely sure that you are storing in, or printing on, correct material then this is probably only way.

Incidentally, acids can migrate from material to material. Lining old shoe boxes with good quality acid free paper will do little to guard contents. The acid will get there in end.

Paper from Rag. Paper is also commonly made from cotton and rag waste. This has advantage of being lignin free, but because there is much less cotton and rag than trees, it also tends to be much more expensive than wood pulp paper. You will still need to purchase from a reliable source though, since even rag paper and card can contain undesirable additives.

A reliable source for quality rag papers is a recognised art stockist. Many water colour artists insist on using only fine quality rag paper and board.

The main lesson to learn from this information is that you cannot rely on purchasing archival materials from high street. The only safe solution is to purchase from specialist suppliers. It may cost rather more, but in end you will know that your important and valuable data and images have best home possible.

Write or type your answer:

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2. What do you do?

Example answer: I provide techniques to help business people write a successful 3 minute business profile.

Write or type your answer:

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3. Who do you do it for? (... why do you do it, who are your customers?)

Example answer : I work with everyone who wants to be confident when providing their first contact pitch regarding their business and/or service.

Write or type your answer:

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4. What are benefits of someone using your product/service?

Example answer: My customers have increased confidence when using their pitch or profile whether one-on-one or in large groups, speaking with great ease. It eliminates hesitation when asked, "What do you do?", and gets to point immediately, leaving other person in no doubt whatsoever about your business.

Write or type your answer:

................................................ Words and phrases to *avoid*. Don't limit yourself! ................................................. I only ... I could possibly ... Maybe ... If only I could ... Soon I will ... Possibly It should be ok I'll do my best ... No problem ... (avoid this negative one!)

Q : Can you come up with a strong, positive alternative to any of these?

Q : Have you caught yourself saying any of these words or phrases above? Time for change!

............... TIPS ...............

* Sound confident - your new pitch will impress everyone.

* Your words are important - use right ones to always sound positive and excited about your business.

* Try not to sound too giggly or immature - you can easily make yourself sound professional and friendly by carefully choosing your words.

* Using weak words (as shown above) makes you come across as being indecisive, not quite in control, unable to be positive about what you're doing and when you plan to do it.

* Pay more attention to way you answer phone, talk with a prospective client, follow up a lead ... and be brave enough to change your words if you need to!

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Think you can now write about YOUR business, product or service? Take a deep breath, and start getting your thoughts on paper or computer.

It may take a few goes to get it just right, but keep at it - a fabulous 30 second pitch is worth its weight in gold!

© Teena Hughes is the Director of BuildAWebsiteTonight.com, a website where you can build your own site online - with no skill - no fear - with no additional costs to update your site. Teena has been involved in the I.T. industry for over twenty years and has written many articles and ebooks, and loves to help people get their business started.