“ALL YA GOTTA DO IS ASK!” It’s a mantra I repeat whenever I do workshops—especially when mentioning photos, charts and other visual elements. If you need a road map to show your readers a detour due to a bridge repair…all ya gotta do is ask the county highway superintendent. If you need a graphic to show your readers what that new high school gym is gonna look like…all ya gotta do is ask the architect. Or the contractor. If you need a pie chart to show the county’s budget projections for the coming year…all ya gotta do is ask.
All. Ya. Gotta. Do. Is. Ask. And in most cases, you’ll get a timely and positive response. That architect, for example, will be happy to supply you with his schematics and drawings, provided you just carry a small credit line. For him, it’s just good business—and great advertising!
All. Ya. Gotta. Do. Is. Ask.
Here’s proof that it works, from designer Marcus Fitzsimmons at The Daily Times in Maryville, TN.
FROM MARCUS:
Ed,
Just wanted to say thanks for that “ask for it” nugget you shared.
Came in today to find that our Racing centerpiece (from AP) for Friday had been accidentally run after I left last night as a cut-down 10 inch story to fill today’s sports section.
So I decided why not try, looked up the PR contact at Bristol Motor Speedway and left a message requesting logos, graphics and a great photo they had in an online gallery of last year’s race.
I honestly thought it was too late and they’d be too busy to even get the message before I needed it, but 15 minutes later I had it all in email plus a story and enough breakout material to choke a horse.
You’re right again :)
Marcus
PS: Since this was a once-a-week section page we didn’t really get to in prototype, I’m attaching it for your perusal. Ideally I think it will be a two story page with the info rail on side, but will take any suggestions you have for me.
FROM ED:
I like the page…a lot. Only one change I’d have considered: placing the logos at the top of the second leg in the “Song” story down in the story, in a vertical setup between the two columns of type. That would have broken up the gray in that package.
Otherwise, I think it’s fine.
Marcus submitted another page for review, but due to press of business I’m holding onto that one until next week.
What do you think of this page? Works for you? Doesn’t work? Why? Why not? Jump in with your comments!
