Hammock Inc.

A few of the gazillion
Twitter apps and clients

If you've ever wondered why Twitter is so gigantic, it may be because you've only looked at Twitter one way: on the website Twitter.com (where, by the way, you can find Hammock Inc here: @hammockinc). But to better understand Twitter, and why it is so important, you must think of it as more than a website. Indeed, there are millions of Twitter users who rarely, if ever, visit the Twitter website. ]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/08/understanding_twitter_depends.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/08/understanding_twitter_depends.php A few of the gazillionTwitter apps and clients If you've ever wondered why Twitter is so gigantic, it may be because you've only looked at Twitter one way: on the website Twitter.com (where, by the way, you can find... Social Media Technology Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:13:28 -0600 ABM's new president and thoughts on the future of business media ABM - Clark Pettit

New ABM CEO Clark Pettit

[Cross-posted on RexBlog.com] For the past several months, I've served on the search committee to find a new president and CEO of the business-to-business media association, American Business Media. Today that committee disbanded as the Board of Directors of ABM made official the hiring of Clark Pettit as President and CEO, succeeding Gordon T. Hughes II. (I've included the press release at the bottom of this post.)]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/07/abms_new_president_and_thought.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/07/abms_new_president_and_thought.php New ABM CEO Clark Pettit [Cross-posted on RexBlog.com] For the past several months, I've served on the search committee to find a new president and CEO of the business-to-business media association, American Business Media. Today that committee disbanded as... News Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:33:31 -0600 Marines Go 'Green'

Traditionally known for their ability to do much with little and to improvise, the United States Marine Corps is nevertheless going on a diet. During it time as a "second land army" In Iraq, the Corps "got heavy" as its leaders express it, relying on massively mine-resistant vehicles to protect its warriors, who also strapped on personal armor and other gear often weighing 90 pounds or more. All this extra mass required correspondingly greater amounts of fuel and electricity to run. Now, eying a return to its seafaring roots, the Corps is slimming down. From battlefield to base barracks, the Corps is particularly interested in curbing its appetite for fuel and power. The July-August issue of Semper Fi, the magazine of the Marine Corps League, examines how the Marines plan to get back into fighting trim. Some of that new equipment was on display at the recent Marine South Military Expo aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. Sponsored by the Marine Corps League the Expos showcase the finest gear available to the military in the world. Elsewhere in this issue, we meet a Marine veteran who did a tour in Korea during that "Forgotten War," leading a squad of airplane mechanics who kept Marine aviators in the air around the clock. Flight mechanics had to go up with pilots to check out repairs, leading to some hair-raising moments - and a very personal commitment to do it right - first time, every time. Semper Fi also remembers the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, who used their native language to transmit unbreakable messages during the bloody battles with the Japanese on remote Pacific Islands. With only a few left, they are pursuing a new goal: To build a museum and veterans center honoring their legacy. The new issue also coincides with the League's 87th National Convention in August in Greensboro, NC, and the magazines salutes retiring National Commandant Jim Laskey. The issue also reports on progress toward a cherished League objective — redesignating the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. Though approved by the House and with most of the Senate signed on as cosponsors, the effort still faces potentially stiff opposition when debate starts sometime this summer. ]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/06/leaner_meaner_greener_marines.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/06/leaner_meaner_greener_marines.php Traditionally known for their ability to do much with little and to improvise, the United States Marine Corps is nevertheless going on a diet. During it time as a "second land army" In Iraq, the Corps "got heavy" as... Magazines Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:10:24 -0600 Memorial Day 2010 "A veteran - whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve - is someone who, at one point in his (or her) life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of 'up to and including my life'." Memorial Day has been set aside as a time to remember those who have paid that ultimate price, and also to honor and thank those who returned from their time of service. We think often of our military serving overseas, but time and again, they have come to aid citizens here when floods, blizzards, hurricanes and other disasters strike. It matters not whether they faced combat or served in a time of – always relative – peace. What matters is that they were willing to put their lives between us and our enemies in serving America. Hammock Inc. has the privilege of publishing the member magazine for the Marine Corps League. None of us is a veteran, but as we tell members who ask, we try to be a friend. And though most of the rest of the year we'd argue that the Marines are America's best, on Memorial Day, and Veterans' Day, we lay that aside to honor all equally. In the 4 years that we have worked with the League and heard amazing stories of heroism and hardship, I've often thought back to the immortal speech William Shakespeare gave Henry V before that battle on St. Crispian's Day. It's worth repeating part of it here, as a reminder of why veterans deserve honor not due to us civilians: " We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day." (Photo At Top: Airman Jacob Proffer, a member of the Air Force Honor Guard, pauses to salute a grave after placing a miniature flag at its base during the “Flags In” tribute at Arlington National Cemetery, May 21, 2009. “When I do this, it makes me take a lot more pride every time I put on my uniform, seeing the measure of sacrifice so many have made,” he said. DoD photo by Donna Miles") ]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/memorial_day_2010_1.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/memorial_day_2010_1.php "A veteran - whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve - is someone who, at one point in his (or her) life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of... Tue, 25 May 2010 10:25:25 -0600 How to Find an Expert Suite 101 also recommends consulting universities, whose faculty may be knowledgeable or can direct you to colleagues who can help. • Websites such as Help A Reporter Out and Media Bistro serve as a crossroads for writers seeking information and public relations professionals and businesses eager to supply it. The Adventurous Writer recommends Prof.net as a source of professional experts. • JournalismNet describes itself as "a free web site with over 600 pages … designed to bring you an investigative guide to the Internet - the best tools, tricks and websites from around the world." • Friends and colleagues may be able to help—writers and editors minds are attics where all sorts of odd facts lie waiting to be discovered. Once you have a list of experts, take time to check them out online to see what others have said about them, such as possible biases. You may still use an expert with a known slant, but you will be able to include that as a caveat to your readers.]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/how_to_find_an_expert.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/how_to_find_an_expert.php Writers and editors frequently need to find experts who can speak authoritatively on the subject of an article. Journalists who specialize in a given field soon accumulate a list of go-to gurus, but generalists don't have that advantage. Probably the... Content Marketing Fri, 14 May 2010 08:13:48 -0600 Post-Launch: The iPad and Content Marketing

It's been a little over a month since Apple's iPad was released, and while the full effect of the device will not emerge for quite some time, a few content marketers have shared their first impressions of the device. Rex recently outlined his thoughts about the iPad, touching on the debate among early adopters regarding whether or not the iPad is "good for creating content." Google Docs are read-only on the device, but the Keynote app allows you to create an entire presentation. And while he doesn't view magazines as a medium that needs saving, he does believe that the iPad "provides lots of opportunities for magazine companies who do something other than replicate magazines on an app." Over at PM Digital, they asked their digital bloggers for first impressions of the iPad:

Tim Kilroy: "It means your presentation layer just got cooler, and more transparent. The opportunity to create impact and engagement just increased."
Anthony Avolio: "Marketers must actively consider touch interfaces when planning their designs... While the iPad is just one device, it's likely the start of a new mainstream push for touch interfaces."
Glenn Lalich: "The iPad just gave email creative a dazzling shot in the arm... And it didn't cost marketers a cent."

]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/the_ipad_and_content_marketing.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/the_ipad_and_content_marketing.php It's been a little over a month since Apple's iPad was released, and while the full effect of the device will not emerge for quite some time, a few content marketers have shared their first impressions of the device. Rex... Content Marketing Technology Wed, 12 May 2010 16:18:54 -0600 We Are Nashville: Content Collaboration for a City's Recovery

The Nashville community has come together in remarkable ways after the devastating Nashville Flood. The tech community, in particular, worked cooperatively over the course of one week to build and add content to an online tool called Donate Nashville. Launched on Saturday, May 8, the Craigslist-like tool helps fill in the gaps as Nashville starts to recover and rebuild from the flood. ]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/we_are_nashville_content_colla.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/we_are_nashville_content_colla.php The Nashville community has come together in remarkable ways after the devastating Nashville Flood. The tech community, in particular, worked cooperatively over the course of one week to build and add content to an online tool called Donate Nashville. Launched... Causes Tue, 11 May 2010 12:08:04 -0600 How to Assist the Nashville Flood Recovery Efforts

Click to view a larger version of this panoramic photo by Kelsey Wynns for a sense of what Nashville's Riverfront looked like on Monday, May 3, 2010.

Thanks to those from around the country who have reached out with concern about how we may have been affected by what will forevermore be known in Nashville as the Flood of 2010. While some infrastructure challenges in our building caused many of us to work virtually on Monday, we are fortunate that no one who works at Hammock-Nashville has been forced out of their homes like so many of our neighbors in the area. As I wrote today on my blog, Nashvillians will pull together to journey through the devastation and loss we're currently experiencing. For those who have asked how you can contribute to the flood recovery efforts, let me make two suggestions. While there are many groups that are worthy of your support (a great list of them can be found on this post at Nashvillest.com), there are two groups that many of us at Hammock have worked with personally in the past -- and even during the past 24 hours. Either group will put your contribution to work immediately: The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee : In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, the Community Foundation is coordinating contributions to the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund and Tennessee Emergency Relief Fund. This just in: All proceeds from the sale of this T-shirt go to the Community Foundation. Hands on Nashville: On behalf of the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management, Hands on Nashville is coordinating the volunteer efforts.]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/how_to_assist_the_nashville_fl_1.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/how_to_assist_the_nashville_fl_1.php Click to view a larger version of this panoramic photo by Kelsey Wynns for a sense of what Nashville's Riverfront looked like on Monday, May 3, 2010. Thanks to those from around the country who have reached out with... News Tue, 04 May 2010 10:32:06 -0600 Hammock office closed Monday, May 3, but we're working please contribute to this fund set up by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/hammock_office_closed_monday_m.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/05/hammock_office_closed_monday_m.php Over the weekend, Nashville experienced massive flooding due to unprecedented torrential rain. Our office building's management is working to address issues related to some flooding in the elevator shafts, so the building is closed for the day. All Hammock employees... News Mon, 03 May 2010 08:19:19 -0600 Special Issue of American Spirit Mails to All DAR Members

Next week the May/June 2010 issue of American Spirit, and its member companion, Daughters newsletter, will begin arriving in mailboxes of all 165,000 members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The increased circulation of the magazine and newsletter for this special issue enable NSDAR to promote subscriptions, encourage membership development and recount the achievements of the past three years of President General Linda Gist Calvin's administration.]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/special_issue_of_american_spir.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/special_issue_of_american_spir.php American Spirit's special May/June issue will be sent to all 165,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Magazines Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:00:00 -0600 Marine Corps Aviation Takes Off in New Semper Fi Magazine

As America's rapid response armed service, the US Marine Corps early saw the advantages of adding air power to its traditional amphibious capabilities. Marine Corps aircraft, flown by legendary figures such as Medal of Honor recipient "Pappy" Boyington and his Black Sheep Squadron, helped win pivotal victories in World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The May-June issue of Semper Fi, the magazine of the Marine Corps League, which we publish for the League, looks at what's ahead for Marine aviation. With its long-awaited new bird, the tilt-rotor Osprey, racking up impressive service in Iraq and now Afghanistan, the Corps must aggressively update its other rotary wing aircraft, as well as acquire a new generation of fighters. The article explains the urgency behind these replacement programs and what the Corps expects from birds that Pappy and his boys would've given their eyeteeth to command. ]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/marine_corps_aviation_takes_of_1.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/marine_corps_aviation_takes_of_1.php As America's rapid response armed service, the US Marine Corps early saw the advantages of adding air power to its traditional amphibious capabilities. Marine Corps aircraft, flown by legendary figures such as Medal of Honor recipient "Pappy" Boyington and... Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:26:48 -0600 Marine South 2010

Our client the Marine Corps League held its annual Marine South Military Expo aboard Camp Lejeune, NC, on 21-22 April. The event afforded more than 200 military vendors and hundreds of Marines a chance to hold frank, face-to-face discussions about equipment. The opening ceremonies included a brief address from Major General Carl B. Jensen, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations East. He drew an appreciative chuckle from the assembled vendors, Marines and Marine Corps League members when he bluntly described the equipment on display as "slicker than deer guts on a door knob."]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/marine_south_2010.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/marine_south_2010.php Our client the Marine Corps League held its annual Marine South Military Expo aboard Camp Lejeune, NC, on 21-22 April. The event afforded more than 200 military vendors and hundreds of Marines a chance to hold frank, face-to-face discussions... How We Work Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:22:21 -0600 Demand for Content

I think we are all tired of talking about the economy, on some level, but one thing I attribute to our downturn has been the subsequent rise in the value placed on content. A friend of mine called me this week to talk about some clients of theirs that have vast amounts of content they are seeking to package and monetize. Another group we are talking to has a need to create vast amounts of content to springboard a community and generate highly positive organic search results. Every day, I am having conversations with organizations about their marketing needs. Whether the organization has content and needs to be more effective in deploying the content, or whether the organization has a deficit of content or a deficit of resources, and needs help, the priority of content has increased dramatically. I think it’s because content is like access to credit or capital, it’s fueling growth. Particularly in an internet marketing environment. How did we get to this place where content became so important to so many companies?]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/demand_for_content.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/demand_for_content.php I think we are all tired of talking about the economy, on some level, but one thing I attribute to our downturn has been the subsequent rise in the value placed on content. A friend of mine called me this... Content Marketing Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:24:32 -0600 Twitter Math: The Value of Your Followers' Followers Twitter is a great tool to expand the reach of your message beyond your website, enewsletter or blog. But you can't measure your reach solely by the number of followers you have—you have to look beyond and consider the user who follows your followers. http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/twitter_math_the_value_of_your.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/twitter_math_the_value_of_your.php Twitter is a great tool to expand the reach of your message beyond your website, enewsletter or blog. But you can't measure your reach solely by the number of followers you have—you have to look beyond and consider the user... Content Marketing Social Media Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:26:55 -0600 Power of Print? Black Knight in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," print has suffered considerably more than a flesh wound. But the recently launched "Magazines, The Power of Print" campaign underwritten by leaders of five major magazine companies—Charles H. Townsend, Condé Nast; Cathie Black, Hearst Magazines; Jack Griffin, Meredith Corporation; Ann Moore, Time Inc.; and Jann Wenner, Wenner Media—is betting $90 million worth of ad space on assuring advertisers (and readers) that magazines remain a vital — a necessary — medium. To those who scoff, we can point to Dr. Samir Husni, aka "Mr. Magazine," who recently reported there were 170 magazine launches in 1Q 2010 — the same number as 1Q 2009 and more than in either 2007 or 2008. "Call it what you want," writes Dr. Husni, "but yet again the innovative media companies and entrepreneurs have shown a resiliency against all odds, and for that matter against the prophets of doom and gloom.]]> http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/power_of_print.php http://www.hammock.com/2010/04/power_of_print.php Like Mark Twain, reports of the death of print continue to be exaggerated, though, like the Black Knight in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," print has suffered considerably more than a flesh wound. But the recently launched "Magazines, The... News Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:00:00 -0600