top of page
This site was designed with the
.com
website builder. Create your website today.Start Now

Spreading the word

What to write about

The words are easy if you think like a reader and write what you would like to read

Pictures are key

A good picture is key to getting good publicity (even ahead of the text) - take a great picture and media will make the article work.

When taking the photo:

 

  • Take pic at highest camera setting (even if 5MB!) as this allows  cropping later

  • Take close up

  • Take action

  • Make sure full faces are showing

  • Presentations are not interesting - instead of a cheque for sports gear, get photo of kids using it

  • Note down names of people in photo (or main people)

  • If possible get a Rotary wheel in picture (but only if relevant - do not compromise picture quality to do this).

 

When sending the photo:

 

  • Send as full size as taken on the camera even if large (eg: 5MB+)

  • Send as an attachement to the email - NEVER embed in a document or email

  • Include photo label with captions in email or article document

 

Some examples of good pictures are on the various covers of RDU magazine

Getting the facts about the project/event:

 

  • At the project collect some quotes (with name)

  • What are the details, the outcomes?  It is better to have too many facts and only use some than not have enough.

  • Note any quirky happenings, unusual or unique aspects that might interest readers

  • Try and find words to express the feeling of the event

 

Writing the article:

 

  • What would be a eye-catching title

  • Don't try and write about everything

  • What from the event would gain reader interest?

  • Tell the human aspect

  • Write no more than 350 words

  • Check and recheck the article for accuracy, spelling and grammer.

 

Some essentials

These pointers are needed by all media including your local newspaper and RDU.

One article and photo can be used many times - no media expects to have your article exclusively.

It is not about us

What is the purpose of the article and who is it to be read by?.  Usually for a community project it is about the good being done and the beneficaries, not what Rotary did to get there.

Sending the article

Email should have photos as attached files and article attached or included as appropriate.  Include a contact for any queries.

 

Send to primary media AND to:

 

  • Community / local newspaper

  • RDU magazine and social media = berylrobinson@rotarydownunder.co.nz

  • Club bulletin and social media

  • District Newsletter Editor and district social media

  • Sponsor and Beneficiary newsletters

bottom of page