Remember that time-lapse film in biology class in which a seed sprouts, grows into a full-size plant, withers and dies all in about 30 seconds?

Something close to that has occurred in the case of the $700 billion measure that Congress just passed.

When the first edition of Strategic Communications for Nonprofits appeared in 1999, researching news coverage of an issue was time-consuming, expensive or both. To keep up, I would spend an hour or two each week perusing the newspapers and magazines in the library at the National Press Club to see if there were important articles on energy efficiency or any of my other interests. Every month, an extensive index to articles in major US publications would appear to help me fill in what I might have missed.

Reporters have always been busy people, and they are getting even more so as news staffs are cut and individual reporters are asked to contribute to to print, Web and multi-media platforms for the same organization.  

In no special order, here are some of the THINGS REPORTERS HATE when dealing with a nonprofit source, and how to WIN THEIR LOVE with a little planning and organization.  

Or at least get a little respect.

REPORTERS HATE…being bounced around from one staff member to the next when they call with a question.

There’s excitement brewing at CCMC as the second edition of Strategic Communications for Nonprofits becomes available in early October 2008.  

Four of CCMC’s co-founders wrote the book. Our experience goes back to the days when you had to be sure to set out plenty of ashtrays at a news conference! Hack!