on 10/6/00 4:44 PM, Kristine Wong at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Has anyone out there used ebase to house their media databases? I am not a
> user, and am currently researching the pros and cons of different database
> programs (currently we have FileMaker Pro with a plug-in, but ebase is
> attractive as it consolidates databases).
>
> Ebase does not have a specific media database function, but I was curious
> to see if anyone has adapted this program to do so (or if it is possible at
> all).
Kristine,
I hope you get some ideas from current ebase users about how they are doing
a media database using ebase.
To answer your query, "if it is possible at all," of course it it, and
depending on the depth of your needs it may not be too hard to do.
Not being a media expert, I can imagine using the Affiliation, Issues, and
Contact By fields to record the communications preferences of reporters,
editors, etc. there are certain stories they like top cover (their "beat"),
there are certain ways they like to receive information (some by email, some
by fax), and of course they can be categorized by position within the media
market (stringer, editor, etc.). Each of these fields has value lists that
you can customize to build your own categories. If you keep your data fresh,
then you can select only the outlets that you think will be receptive to
your appeal, including by geography.
If you are interested in pursuing this further, let's talk after the 30th
(I'm on the road or on vacation until then). We are in the process of doing
version 2, and we have had requests for this type of functionality. In the
meantime, I hope others have had real life experience adapting ebase to
media uses.
Marshall
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ebase - Relationship Management for Nonprofits, http://www.ebase.org
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Marshall Mayer mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Principal, TechRocks http://www.techrocks.org
38 South Last Chance Gulch - Suite 2A
Helena, MT 59601 eFax: 208.361.0149
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Please note my new email ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) and street address.
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