Q: Who should use this site?
A: This site is for:
- PR people who want to increase the probabilty that their email pitches will be opened and read by the media.
- journalists and bloggers who want to set a quality standard for all incoming PR pitches and reduce off-target and irrelevant pitches.
Q: How does it work?
A: Newsvetter has:
- set up a DIY vetting process that tests the quality of PR pitches BEFORE they are sent to the media for review.
- created an online profile badge system that helps the media more broadly telegraph their news interests and pitch requirements.
- set up a rating and comment system that allows media to provide public feedback on pitches.
Q: How do I access the vetting process?
A: Once you register and create a profile the "Vet story idea" link will appear in the left navigation menu. Click the link and it will open the vetting questions.
Q: Why would I use the vetting process?
A: Let's say you need to put together a pitch or press release and you want to make sure that the content is newsworthy. Our vetting process will help you identify the most salient and relevant information.
Q: I've vetted a story idea what do I do now?
A: You can share that content directly with the media through Newsvetter's vetted email system. To do this, click the "send to media" tab at the top or your completed vetted story idea. This will open up an email template. Add an email address, answer the questions and click send.
Q: I'm a journalist or blogger, how do I get started?
A: Register and create a "news media" profile. Once you are finished, click the "contact badge" tab and copy and paste the javascript text and add it to your website or blog. This badge links to your Newsvetter profile information including your specific interests and pitching requirements (see example). You can also shorten your Newsvetter profile URL and place it in your Twitter bio or anywhere else you might get pitched by PR people.
Q: What does a pitch sent through Newsvetter look like?
A: If you receive a pitch via Newsvetter it looks like a regular email with a few exceptions:
- it contains a link to where you can view the sender's vetted content or vetted story idea.
- it contains an explanation of why the pitch is being sent to you (relevance) and why you should care (signficance).
Q: How do you maintain a standard of quality?
A: Registered PR users are encouraged to run their pitches by us or others before sending. We have also set up a rating and comment system on the site for bloggers and journalists. All rating and comments become part of a pitch's permanent record.
Q: Why does this site look different than your blog site?
A: This vetting system was created on a different content management system in Nov. 2007. The site was taken offline early in 2009 but we've decided to make certain functionality available again for public testing. We intend to make UI and design changes based on user feedback in 2010.
Q: How do I access my old Newsvetter account?
A: If you've registered previously, your username and password should still work. If you don't remember it use the "request new password" tab on the homepage.
Q: Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
A: Contact Andrew Fowler: andrew [at] newsvetter [dot] com.