writing

Pawstruck

Posted on

Pawstruck

Pawstruck (paw-struck) adjective: an immediate intense affection for a cat or dog.
noun: 1. a pet publication; 2. an animal welfare fundraising event; 3. an animal-related advertising campaign.

Jen and I found this affectionate cat climbing around our house. We were immediately pawstruck. We fed her for a few nights, considering pet adoption.

Our neighbor Kirsten suggested posting a Found Pet notice on the West Seattle Blog. Within a day, the cat and her owner were joyfully reunited.

So, I purchased the domain, www.PawStruck.com in memory of our favorite temporary guest. I’m not certain where I’ll find a home for this one yet, but I’m sure it’ll be love at first bite.

It All Happens Here

Posted on

screenshot Federal Way Community Center

CSS/XHTML Web Development: Scott Marlow
Copywriting: Rita Cipalla, Scott Marlow
Graphic Design: Joan Van den Berg

My latest project for the City of Federal Way: a new site for its premier recreation facility, hosted at a new URL: ItAllHappensHere.org, the Community Center’s tagline.

The Rent section features a virtual-360 degree slideshow of the banquet facilities. Since the site launch, Susan Leddon, rental coordinator, reported that rental inquiries from the website increased from zero to 4-5 per week. Staff can update the site through an open source Content Management System.

The new site complements all new marketing collateral – including coupons, direct mail postcards, rack cards, and facility schedules – created by our team since March.

“You have consistently gone above and beyond on every aspect of this project. I know I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate you more than we can express. The website is fantastic/wonderful/cool/gorgeous/eye-popping/practical/logical, and, did I mention fantastic? I’m excited for the launch.“
Linda Elliott Farmer, Communications & Government Affairs Manager
City of Federal Way

“It’s been a fantastic experience working with such a great team. Personally, I enjoyed our “team” meetings the most. I think it’s important for you to know how easy it is to work with you on this project. I always felt like we could share our true feelings about every element along the way. Thank you all for your patience, persistence, and professionalism.”
Doug Nelson, Supervisor
Federal Way Community Center

Bye Bye Blogger

Posted on

screenshot Marketing By Marlow blog

Dear Blogger,

You’ve been a reliable companion the past four-plus years. We’ve shared lots of stories — some good, some bad. 2008 was our most active year together.

But I’ve found someone new. Someone fresh and open to new possibilities.

It’s not you. It’s just time I moved on. My new partner offers more of what I’m looking for.

Try not to be jealous, but it will be hard…for you, I know. I’m sure you’ve heard of the multi-talented WordPress. She is only four years younger than you, but that’s generations in technology years. And WordPress dresses so much better — she has style, in reserves. Plus, she’s so dynamic. How can I ever get bored?

Freelance Slackers?

Posted on

Has the term “freelancer” developed a negative connotation?

Tuesday, a group of fellow West Seattle soloists met at Elliott Bay Brewery on California Ave SW. Kim Francisco of The Phoenix Studio and I discussed positioning for small businesses, and the perceptions of freelance workers.

The Bureau of Labor Statics reports ~10.3 million workers, 7.4% of the workforce, are employed as independent contractors. Despite the double-digit growth of outsourcing, it seems some folks affiliate freelancing with purposeless unattachment–the 1099 drifter. That’s when I read David Scharfenberg’s Gen-X op-ed in the Boston Globe.

During this economic downtown, if you only read or listen to Big Media news, then you may forget that the U.S. Small Business Administration reports that small businesses (under 500 employees):

  • pay 45% of U.S. private payroll,
  • generate 80 percent of new jobs,
  • make up 29% of U.S. exports, and
  • produce 13 times more patents per employee than large firms.

According to the last census, small businesses also

  • constituted 99.7% of all employers
  • employed 52 percent of private workforce
  • accounted for 51 percent of the nation’s sales
  • are most likely to generate jobs for young workers, older workers and women,
  • provided 67 percent of first jobs
  • produced 55 percent of innovations

To learn more about the rise of small business and the soloist economy, check out former Clinton speechwriter Daniel Pink’s book: Free Agent Nation.

You can call me a freelancer or a free agent–just call me free.