Dan Blank: Publishing, Innovation & the Web

Why Digital is Better Than Print

Increasingly, I am finding myself choosing screens over paper. I still love magazines, I still love books, I still love sticky notes, but today, I thought I would analyze why my life is being filled with more bits, and fewer pages. Digital Ages Better Image by maureen_sill Have you ever saved a magazine because it… Continue reading Why Digital is Better Than Print

Best Friends Forever: Why B2B Media is Perfect for the Web

I love magazines. There is something about reading Runners World, The New Yorker and Toyfare that completely engrosses me. Of course, the magazines I spend the most time considering are business-to-business trade publications – especially my beloved Reed Business Information titles. It is endlessly fascinating to think about the differences between librarians who read Library… Continue reading Best Friends Forever: Why B2B Media is Perfect for the Web

Looking to the Past, Building the Future

I was on vacation last week – days spent with friends and family, and a trip up to Vermont with my wife Sarah. Whenever I take time off, I consider the concept of "going back to the well," reassessing what I am doing in life, the value it brings, and summoning up the inspiration and… Continue reading Looking to the Past, Building the Future

The Effect of Mobile Communication on our Culture

We are a culture distracted. I want to share a few examples of how communication technology is reshaping our culture, reshaping media, and reshaping productivity and identity. I observe these changes every day, and am beginning to see connections. Here are just a few examples of mobile phone use in everyday situations: Employees texting or… Continue reading The Effect of Mobile Communication on our Culture

Oh My! Why Innovation Fails

Publishing is changing. Audience & customer behavior is changing. The options available to potential advertisers and business partners is changing. Information creation and consumption is changing. Because of this, publishers and media companies are looking for innovative ideas to reignite their businesses. And yet, those efforts often fail. Today, I want to take a look… Continue reading Oh My! Why Innovation Fails

The Power Struggle for the Future of Media

I can’t help but feel that the current state of media & publishing can be compared to a 1970’s science fiction movie plot – films that pit the individual vs "the system," such as: Logan’s Run THX 1138 Star Wars Silent Running Soylent Green Perhaps my favorite of these offers an interesting look into the… Continue reading The Power Struggle for the Future of Media

How to Use Web Metrics to Increase Online Editorial Performance

Today, I want to dig deeper into how editors, journalists, bloggers and other content creators can leverage web analytics to boost online performance. Measure Often Checking metrics once a month isn’t enough. Depending on your role and your industry, ideal time frames will vary, but consider at least creating weekly editorial reports. It can be… Continue reading How to Use Web Metrics to Increase Online Editorial Performance

10 Tips for Improving Your Blog

Twice this year, I have shared tips to becoming a better blogger: How to Create a High Quality Blog How to Become a Superstar Blogger Today, I want to profile a thriving B2B blog and share some lessons from it. The blog we are looking at is ShelfTalker, a blog on PublishersWeekly.com that is authored… Continue reading 10 Tips for Improving Your Blog

Today is the Day

Will you wake up on Monday, and think to yourself: Today is the day that I will do the same thing, in the same way, for the same amount of time. Today is the day I will fight the tide of change by focusing on my goals, not those of my customers. Today is the… Continue reading Today is the Day