



                        Ŀ
                         The Computer Bulletin Board 
                                                     
                          Guide to Public Relations  
                        

                                    Ver 1.8


                                  Samples of

                                 News Releases
                         Public Service Announcements
                            Market Research Survey

              For the record, the BBS, all events and persons are 
         fictitious.  However, the address and phone number is mine.  
         If you feel any of these samples would be useful, feel free 
         to adapt them for your needs.















































         APHELION BBS
         2501 Phoenix
         Fort Smith, AR 72901
         501 XXX XXXX (data)
         501 646 9332 (voice)


                                           For Immediate Release


                         INTERNET COMES TO FORT SMITH

              Aphelion Computer Bulletin Board System has now 
         connected with the Internet.  The Internet is a worldwide 
         network connecting Universities, Research Centers, Government 
         and Business with electronic mail, news, public message 
         bases, and computer programs.

              This is the first time the Internet has been publicly 
         available in the Fort Smith area.  System Operator of 
         Aphelion BBS, Robert Parson, says "The heart of computing is 
         being able to share information.  Now users in Fort Smith can 
         easily share information with the world and gather 
         information from sources they couldn't reach before."

              Aphelion BBS will provide a free Electronic Mailbox to 
         anyone wishing to receive private messages.  A rate of $6.00 
         an hour will be charged for all other Internet resources.

              Computer users can dial Aphelion BBS at 501 XXX XXXX 
         with their modem at speeds up to 14,400.

         For more information call Robert Parson at 501 646 9332 
         (voice)

                                     -30-

                                      ***

              The Internet news release is a simple product 
         announcement.  It says the Internet is available, explains 
         why this is news (first time publicly available) and also 
         explains how to access the BBS.  It also provides a "warm 
         body" with a quote, and how to contact the "warm body."

              This is also an example of a "hard news" type of news 
         release.  It states the facts with few embellishments.  The 
         next news release is a bit more complicated since it starts 
         with a softer lead, or beginning.  It has a "feature" feel to 
         it.
                                      ***




                                                         BBS-SAMP pg 1










         APHELION BBS
         2501 Phoenix
         Fort Smith, AR 72901
         501 XXX XXXX (data)
         501 646 9332 (voice)


                                              For Immediate Release
     

                  INTERNET SEMINAR SPONSORED BY APHELION BBS

              Navigation of large computer networks is much like 
         navigating the ocean.  It takes time, practice and 
         instruction.  The Internet is, if not the largest, one the 
         largest computer oceans.

              Aphelion Computer Bulletin Board System is sponsoring a 
         seminar designed to help computer users learn to navigate 
         through the Internet.  "This seminar will focus on Electronic 
         mail addressing and file transfers," according to System 
         Operator Robert Parson.  More seminars dealing with other 
         aspects of the Internet are planned.

              The Seminar will be held Saturday, October 9 at 1:00p.m. 
         at the Fort Smith Public Library.  The cost of the seminar is 
         $5.00, which will pay for materials used by participants.

              Aphelion BBS recently made the Internet available to 
         computer users with modems.  E-Mail boxes are provided at no 
         cost.  Other Internet services are available for a $6.00 an 
         hour charge.  Modems can connect to Aphelion BBS at speeds up 
         to 14,400.

              For more information about the Seminar or Aphelion BBS, 
         call Robert Parson at 501 646 9332 (voice).

                                     -30-

                                      ***

              The seminar news release is quite similar to the new 
         product announcement in that it says what the seminar is 
         about, where it will be held and why it is being held.  The 
         charge for the seminar was included since it was necessary, 
         but it was buried deep in the news release.

              If you'll notice, both of these news releases have a 
         contact name and number.  This is critically important on any 
         news release.  If a media outlet can't find someone to talk 





                                                         BBS-SAMP pg 2










         to about a story, it will usually end up in the trash.

         The following news release is a local angle to a national 
         story.

                                      ***

         APHELION BBS
         2501 Phoenix
         Fort Smith, AR 72901
         501 XXX XXXX (data)
         501 646 9332 (voice)


                                                For Immediate Release

                         "Kiddie Porn" warning blasted

              The Justice Department recently warned parents to 
         examine their children's electronic mail for possible signs 
         of contact by child molesters.

              The System Operator of a Fort Smith Computer Bulletin 
         Board says BBSs are being unfairly singled out as a source of 
         this illegal activity.  Robert Parson of Aphelion BBS says 
         "The Justice Department has bruised the entire BBS community 
         because of a few cases."

              Parson adds that as far as he knows, there has been no 
         activity involving child pornography or other illegal 
         activities in the Fort Smith area.  "All the Bulletin Boards 
         that are in operation in Fort Smith are on the up and up.  I 
         invite anyone to call any of them and look for themselves."

              Aphelion BBS can be reached at 501 XXX XXXX by any 
         computer user with a modem at speeds up to 14,400.

              For more information Robert Parson can be reached voice 
         at 501 646 9332.

                                     -30-
                                      ***

              This is based on an actual news story from September 
         1993.  The Justice Department did issue a warning to parents 
         advising them to check their children's electronic mail.  

              This news release accomplishes several things.  It 
         blunts the impact of the Justice Department warning, Robert 
         Parson is seen as an expert in the field, and the invitation 





                                                         BBS-SAMP pg 3










         to call ANY BBS could expand the user base of the BBS 
         community (although Aphelion BBS will likely be the first one 
         called).  You could also include a list of BBS names and 
         numbers with this News Release.

              The "-30-" at the end of each of these stories indicates 
         that, yes, the story has come to an end.  If there were two 
         pages, the first page would have a notation at the bottom of 
         "-more-"

         Let's try something fairly simple: a Public Service 
         Announcement.
                                      ***

         Who:  Greater Fort Smith System Operators' Association
         What: Seminar
         When: Saturday, October 9, 1:00pm
         Where: Fort Smith Public Library
         Topic: How to use a Computer Bulletin Board System
              There is no cost for this seminar.  For more information 
         contact Myron Aberchrombie at XXX XXX XXXX.

                                      ***

              First of all, I want to know just who these guys think 
         they are having a FREE seminar when I'm having my FEE-BASED 
         seminar!  At the same place even!  What gall.

              Anyway, that's just one form a PSA can take.  One of the 
         nice things about that format is it can fit on a postcard, 
         which has a lower postage rate.  But some people prefer to 
         write them similar to a news story.

              Now for something quite a bit more complicated.  The 
         following is a statement for a News Conference.

                                      ***

         APHELION BBS
         2501 Phoenix
         Fort Smith, AR 72901
         501 XXX XXXX (data)
         501 646 9332 (voice)

                                                  For Release 10-9-93
                                                                1:00p


           Statement by Aphelion BBS System Operator, Robert Parson






                                                         BBS-SAMP pg 4










              I am very distressed that the Justice Department raided 
         and shut down Aphelion BBS yesterday as a threat to National 
         Security.

              I have allowed the People's Front for the Liberation of 
         Refrigerator Magnets to have a forum without fear of 
         recrimination.  But as the raid proved, I was apparently 
         wrong.

              Yes, the PFLRM is working toward separation from the 
         Nation of Cellophane Tape.  The People's Front, though, 
         should have the opportunity to have its opinions and views 
         out in the open as any political party does.  

              As the System Operator, I have always encouraged freedom 
         of speech, no matter what form that speech takes.  There have 
         been times in which some users have left messages I felt were 
         not just politically incorrect but downright vile.  However, 
         that is what the First Amendment protects.

              I am looking forward to the coming days in court and 
         firmly believe that we will find that the Constitution and 
         the Bill of Rights do have a place in modern society.

         I will answer any questions you might have.

                                     -30-

                                      ***

              Obviously, the Justice Department wouldn't raid a BBS 
         over something like this.  But just the same, this is an 
         example of Crisis Management.  It is a firm statement made at 
         a News Conference, and an invitation that representatives of 
         the BBS are open to meet with members of the media.

              Should you be raided, you normally won't have a News 
         Conference.  The judge would probably place you under a "gag" 
         order, which prohibits you from talking publicly about the 
         case, or you would be advised by your attorney not to say 
         anything.

              Let's just hope you never get raided.

              Here is a News Release designed primarily to keep your 
         BBS and your name in front of an editor.

                                      ***







                                                         BBS-SAMP pg 5










         APHELION BBS
         2501 Phoenix
         Fort Smith, AR 72901
         501 XXX XXXX (data)
         501 646 9332 (voice)


                                           For Immediate Release

              The Information Highway that has captured the 
         imagination of Government and Communications Firm Officials 
         is still several years in the future.  Right now, though, 
         Fort Smith residents with a computer and a modem can call 
         over a dozen Computer Bulletin Boards and exchange messages, 
         download files and even play games.  Several are connected to 
         national message networks.  Here is a list of BBS numbers in 
         the Fort Smith area:

         (a list of several numbers.  If you live in a large city, you 
         may not want to list all of them)

              Although the exact number cannot be determined, there 
         are an estimated 57,000 Computer Bulletin Board Systems in 
         the United States.  For more information, call Robert Parson, 
         the System Operator of Aphelion BBS at 646 9332 (voice).
                                      ***





























                                                         BBS-SAMP pg 6










                           Ŀ
                           Market Research Survey
                           

         Hello!  I'm ____________ From Paradigm Research.  We would 
         like to ask you a few questions here on the phone if you have 
         a few minutes.  We are not trying to sell you anything.

         1.  Are you  12-18  19-24  25-42  43-55  55 or over

         2.  Do you own a computer?   Y  N  (if N, terminate)

         3.  Does your computer have a modem?  Y  N  (if N, terminate)

         4.  Do you use your modem (prompt)
         often (see 4B)  occasionally (see 4B)  seldom
         (if SELDOM, terminate)


         4B.  How often would you say you use your modem? (prompt)
         less than once a week    once a week    twice a week
         more than twice a week

         5.  Do you have accounts on any national online services?
         (if Y then prompt) (if N, go to 6)
         America Online   Compuserve   GEnie   Delphi   Prodigy
         Other ________________________________________________

         5B  What is your average monthly bill? _______________

         6.  Do you call any local Computer Bulletin Boards?  Y  N

         6B.  (if Y, then query)  Which ones? _______________________
         ____________________________________________________________

         6B1.  Have you subscribed to or donated to any local Computer 
         Bulletin Boards?  Y   N

         6C.  (if N, then query)  Any reasons why you don't?  
         ____________________________________________________________
         ____________________________________________________________

         7.  What would you say you do most often?  (no prompting)
         play games   download files   read/write messages
         other (specify)  __________________________________________

         8.  What type of computer do you use?  (no prompting)
         IBM or compatible  Apple (any)  Commodore/Amiga
         Other _________________________

         9.  How fast is your modem?  _______________________________

         10.  What modem software do you use? _______________________

         Thank you for your time.
                                                         BBS-SAMP pg 7










              I would like to know what Public Relations efforts you 
         are conducting.  Send copies of your News Releases, brochures 
         and fliers, newspaper clippings, even audio cassettes of radio 
         newscasts and VHS copies of tv news stories to:

         Robert Parson
         2501 Phoenix
         Fort Smith, AR 72901

              Survey results can be sent to that address, or to my E- 
         mail addresses:

         R.PARSON on GEnie
         r.parson@genie.geis.com on the Internet
         ROBERT PARSON on Jackalope Junction BBS (Steve Prado Sysop)
         1:3822/1 or 1:3822/8 Fidonet

              These will be part of a continuing research project I am 
         conducting.  If you would also like personalized analysis of 
         materials you have sent, please see the file PR-RATES.TXT.



































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