paul.nowak wrote: Matt, thanks for the comments. I made an error on the version of Plone. It's 2.5 Plone running on Zope 2.9x.
In regards to the additional products, we have a skin installed and we have a product that we had custom developed for us that connects to a PostgreSQL database. We've looked at slow PostgreSQL queries causing problems and have not been able to find an issue. We've also tested for the case where the PostgreSQL server is down and have not been able to create an issue. We therefor...
CHICAGO, IL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/07/06 -- Arc Worldwide is announcing a series of tips
and strategic advice for marketers interested in engaging consumers through
video podcasts, basing its counsel on research conducted by Arc's
consumer-experience planning team.
"Our on-demand culture, spawned by new ways to easily syndicate content, is
changing how and where marketers reach their valuable customers," said Matt
MacQueen, experience planning director at Arc. "While mass advertising
won't go away, marketers can't just push it anymore with the same success.
Consumers are in control -- now it's about finding smarter ways to engage
them with branded, relevant content. Progressive marketers need to work in
emerging channels where the people are. Today, one of those dynamic new
channels is the video podcast."
A study by Pew Internet & American Life Project complements Arc's
qualitative research. According to the report, more than 6 million of the
22 million American adults who own iPods or MP3 players have downloaded
podcasts. Bridge Ratings, which measures radio audiences, has said podcast
audience growth is expected to reach a conservative 45 million users by
2010, while aggressive estimates place this number closer to 75 million. As
a marketing innovator, Arc has taken an active role in counseling clients
on the correct strategies for using this new communications medium.
Arc's unique point of view on the subject derives from its practice of
integrated, consumer-centric marketing. "An effective video podcast has to
come from the essence of the brand and be relevant to consumers' lives. It
can't be arbitrary, licensed content or just recycled ads," MacQueen said.
"At Arc, we innovate based on consumer insights to find the right
connection between the marketer and the customer. We identify what the
right content is, the best channel to express it, and keep a legitimate
value exchange."
Michael Moore, director of interactive marketing at Nestlé Purina PetCare,
said: "We believe that audio and video podcasts -- which we produce with
our interactive agency, Arc Worldwide -- provide a meaningful way to
connect with our customers and foster dialog. That's because our podcasts
reflect our mission and passion -- the improvement of owner-pet
relationships, and a passion for fun and entertainment. And that's what
our customers care about, too."
Arc's advice for marketers pursuing this new channel includes:
1. Products or services that are high involvement, require a high
consideration prior to purchase, or reflect a high level of
emotional attachment -- such as pet-care, cars or financial
information -- are a more natural fit for video podcasts than
other categories.
2. Consumers may take pet-care advice from Purina or investing advice
from a reputable financial-services firm, but they are less willing
to accept content that is not a true reflection of your brand.
Create or commission fresh, energetic content that reflects your
brand's essence and what your customers' crave. Exclusive,
behind-the-scenes content tied to a popular sponsored event -- such as
Purina's tie-in with the televised Incredible Dog Challenge -- is also
a good place for podcasters to start.
3. While placing your existing TV ads into other people's podcasts may
be another way to send your message, it's really not the best way to
take advantage of podcasting's potential. for Indeed, this is not the
medium being sales-y. Make sure you're giving consumers something in
return for their attention to your brand. Make it a value exchange.
People download podcasts for engaging, meaningful content that
complements their lifestyle and interests. Give it to them.
4. Whether they're on the bus with an iPod or at home in front of a
desktop PC, consumers want to view quality, unique content. If you
want to connect with consumers in a mobile environment, make sure to
design the content for a small iPod screen. Likewise, don't skimp on
the production value just because it's relatively easy to produce a
video podcast. Hire professionals to produce the podcast, and when
necessary, hire voice talent or actors. Always remember that the end
product is a reflection of your brand.
5. Consumers want to be heard, and now have the media at their fingertips
to make that happen. Consider how a companion website or blog can
complement your podcast, and build in feedback mechanisms to create an
earnest relationship with your audience through the podcast. Listen to
and respond to criticism openly.
6. Lastly, don't be tactic-centric. Just because video podcasts are the
newest marketing medium doesn't mean every marketer should add them
into the marketing mix. Make sure podcasting supports your business
objectives, strategy and message, and that it builds your consumer
relationships.
About Arc Worldwide
Arc Worldwide, a global marketing-services company, is part of the
Paris-based Publicis Groupe network. Headquartered in Chicago, Arc
Worldwide is comprised of 1,300 employees in 37 offices and 31 countries.
The company offers expertise at the intersections of four disciplines:
direct/database, interactive, promotional, and shopper marketing. Clients
include The Coca-Cola Company, General Motors, McDonald's, Procter &
Gamble, Sprint-Nextel, Visa and Whirlpool. Since Arc Worldwide was formed
in 2004, the company has been recognized more than 160 times through
creative awards and significant rankings around the world. For more
information, please go to http://www.arcww.com.