Posts Categorized: Pio Product Reviews
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Social media is changing the skill sets needed to succeed. That said I think writing is more important than ever. From long form to short form, from using text speak to fitting something into 140 characters -- the better you can communicate and write for a specific style, the more successful you will be.
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Smartphone’s will become our Virtual PIO Command Posts
Smartphone technology has always interested me in relation to our duties as PIO’s. Since we operate in the field and on the fireground a good amount of the time, these technological wonders will become our virtual field command centers.
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PIO Product Review – MediaSync
When I need to scour lists for media contacts I use Cision. At a cost of $3,000 per year it creates a perennial sweat for me worrying whether the funds will be in the budget to cover this relatively large expenditure the next fiscal year.
I’m always on the lookout for new ways to reach out to the media. A new FREE way to gather information comes from MBlast who this month introduced MediaSync. The website helps users find relevant journalists and outlets, keep current on editorial calendars, and organize media campaigns. Although geared for marketers I have been playing with the service and find it relevant for PR use.
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PIO Fire Ground Review – Getac Ready to Unveil the New V200 Rugged Notebook
It’s kind of strange. For all the technology I employ on the fire ground – digital SLR camera, Flip HD video recorder, Blackberry for contacting the media, Tweeting and having the media contact me, the one area I lack in is logging the written word with ease.
Currently I still rely on my old reporter’s notebook (often soggy) a pen (often lost or soggy) or notes scrawled on anything I can find that resembles paper to record what I will need to later address the press or write a release.
I noted a few posts back that I am leery of using advanced technology that can break unexpectedly on the fire ground from heat, water, debris and shock.
One area I have been researching is the possibility of purchasing a rugged convertible notebook to use on the fire ground to both record and send information about the incident I am working.
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A Little Kodak Workhorse
I do a lot of photography work for my Department and wish I had the budget to purchase a really good SLR digital like the Canon EOS 50D. Unfortunately two things are in my way. First is the price. At over $1,000 I would have to baby the camera at a scene which would not allow me to get the aggressive pictures I want. Secondly, with the dynamics of the fireground an “injury” to the camera must always be considered.
Last month we had a barn fire. It was muddy and smoky on the fireground. My poor Canon Powershot S90 got hammered with smoke and a shower of debris and water from a deuce and a half. I mourned this LODD because this camera had done me great service for more than a year.
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A Volunteer Fire PIO must have a redundant “tool box”
As a volunteer fire department PIO, and not in house based, I have to be prepared to respond from wherever I am in the community when an alarm is toned out. Since my main PIO “toolbox” is located at the main house, I need a fully redundant system that can duplicate some of the items I keep in the firehouse.
At the firehouse I have a large camera bag that holds the following items –
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Speed up your time on Google
Awhile back I came across a dozen tips for Google searches. The information has made my life easier as a PIO. Features I never knew existed such as Exclude Words, Specific Document Types and This OR That has helped me save valuable time when I need to refer to Google for a search.
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LiveU gives the electronic media quicker access to going live on the fire ground
The critical eye of the electronic media will view us in greater real time as more and more outlets start using the LiveU system. The system bridges the bandwidth gap needed for live video transmission by "bonding" together multiple cell phone circuits, and according to many news outlets, could substantially reduce the cost of newsgathering and increase their amount of live coverage at breaking scenes.
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Great free Webinars for PIO’s from Cision
Two free tools I use from Cision on a frequent basis are their blog, which does an excellent job covering a full spectrum of public relations topics, and their webinars. They held a webinar on social media last month that offered world class advice with no registration fee. The time they discuss Cision is limited and pretty much a soft sell. No obligation to buy products or hear a pitch about their value.
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LA PIO Wagon Envy
I have posted about the logistical problems of occasionally getting transportation to a scene forthwith. How can I not envy the deluxe digs the PIO staff travels in when heading to a scene in Los Angeles.
FDNNTV did a video piece on this superb piece of equipment. Here is the skinny on the rig and a video tour of the layout.
Oh, by the way, if you have PIO wheels send me a picture we can post - jeff@thefirepio.org.
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Gimp isn’t Gimpy
If you have not obtained Photoshop or Photoshop Elements for your Department due to cost, a free download is available that is equally as efficient. Gimp is a software photo editing tool that allows you to accomplish essential image workflow steps …
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