MDDC is Taking its Newspaper Contests Online

It's that time of year. MDDC is finalizing the details for the 2010 contest year. Contest packets with contest rules, category descriptions and all the necessary forms will be compiled and mailed to members in the fall. And this year, one big change will simplify the contest entry process for members and for the association.

Preparations are underway to take the management of MDDC's 2010 newspaper contests online. A web-based platform called Better Newspaper Contest will allow contest entrants to electronically submit contest entry forms and contest entries, will link to an online payment option, and will also serve as an interface for judging the contests and for simplifying the majority of the administrative tasks related to the contests, such as producing contest materials, awards and certificates, etc.

Thorough details on the new web-based platform will be forthcoming with the contest materials, but for a preview of what you can expect, click here.

Train to Sell Long-Term Ad Campaigns that Stick!

Renowned sales and marketing consultant James Lorenzen is providing MDDC members with a phenomenal opportunity to partake in his high-energy, high-content, six-week training program called In-Synch Selling, where Lorenzen brings the secrets to his many highly successful and profitable years of publishing and sales experience right to your desktop. In six, weekly one-hour online sessions, Lorenzen will show participants his system for selling campaign advertising using techniques proven successful by thousands of advertising sales professionals. Plus, MDDC members can receive an exclusive $500 discount! Read more here.

Looking for Someone? Try the 2010-2011 Membership Directory

The 2010-2011 Virtual Membership Directory is available as a downloadable PDF. If you're looking for a publisher's email, a newspaper's address, or if you want to know who went into the MDDC Hall of Fame in 2010, or want to know who heads the editorial committee, the Virtual Directory can help. Download it to your desktop for quick and easy access to a wealth of information.

The downloadable PDF will allow MDDC to offer periodic updates when necessary, to better help keep our members connected. If you have any questions about the Directory or would like to place an ad, please call Communications Manager Stephanie Wilder at (410) 721-4000 x11. Download the Virtual Directory here (August update).

Online Learning for Newspapers

Inland Press Association is offering a slate of affordable Webinars on subjects such as finding new revenue for classifieds, launching niches and more. Read More

Borrell Associates Forecasts Ad Growth in '11

Advertising research firm Borrell Associates is forecasting a moderate increase in overall ad spending for 2011, including strong growth in online and mobile advertising.  Read More

Invasion of the Content, Privacy Snatchers

Marc Wilson of TownNews.com says that more than half the traffic on newspapers sites like his comes from non-human "bots" and "spiders," and newspapers and consumers should be concerned. Read More