Cover Letter

Dear Miss Reese:

Here are my recommendations and feedback on your problem-solving report.

Letter of Transmittal

Consider designing a letterhead for yourself, especially since you’re assuming that you are doing the report as a consultant.

Assumptions

Remember that assumptions cannot be proved. But if they are wrong, your report’s recommendation may no longer be valid. Limit claims that you cannot prove with certainty.

Writing Style in General

Try and begin most paragraphs with topic sentences. Always summarize the point of the quote before you give the quote. Remember that headings must cover everything under that heading until the next head or subhead.

Background or History

Formal reports usually have a section that gives the background of the situation or the history of the problem. Even though the current audience for the report probably knows the situation, reports are filed and consulted years later. These later audiences will probably not know the background, although it may be crucial for understanding the options that are possible.

Survey

Include a copy of your survey with the raw data. It’s OK to change the format a bit to make room for the data. Tell how you chose whom to study, what kind of a sample you used, and on what dates you collected the information.

Figure 2

Reorder bars in order of length—don’t simply repeat the order from the survey.

Thank you for the opportunity to review your document. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the basketball team, the workings of the Athletic Department, and sports marketing strategies. If you have any questions about my recommendations, please call me.

Sincerely,


Sharon Reese

Editing: A Lengthy Process

What are the different types of Editors and what are their responsibilities?

Editors, in general, check for the following:

-facts
-grammar
-suitable purpose
-visual considerations
-style
-critical look
-flow
-cohesion

Editor in Chief

-signs off on article

Desk Editor

-reads mainly for content
-goes to the copy editor
-returns to the desk editor
-goes to the Editor in Chief

Copy Editor

-focuses specifically on grammatical elements of paper

Expert Document Draft

Here is a link to the draft for my problem-solving recommendation report, called Tip-Off . Check it out and leave feedback!!!

Progress Report 11/8-11/15

Expert Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. For my expert document I will survey students, interview numerous members of the Athletic department, interview members of the basketball team, and reference both online and print sources to find solutions to the problem. I will, then, compile these solutions into a problem-solving report recommending (expert document) ways for the athletic department to reach its goals.

Work Completed

I’ve continued to amend the working draft for my expert document. I’ve also spent this week working on making my document more aesthetically pleasing. I’ve accomplished this task primarily through use of color and the overall layout.

Next Steps

Next on my to do list is to finalize what I want to do as far as visual aids for my presentation go. Second on my to do list is to continue revising my document draft and visuals for my project.

Brief Conclusion

I’m really excited to get feedback on my document draft and look forward to implementing whatever suggestions are made.

Lay Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. Employing information gathered from my expert document, I will create a lay document, a blog, for the men’s basketball team. This blog will foster an increased awareness of the players on campus, a relationship between the players and their fans and indubitably an increased sense of loyalty towards the team.

Work Completed

I haven’t spent much time on my lay document this week. I did, however, request that the players send me some fun candid shots but have yet to receive any. They’ve been really busy with their season opener and all.

Next Step

Next, I need to set up a time that I can meet with the players and have them approve the information that will be in their profiles. I want to make sure that I have a thumbs up from every player prior to posting the information on the web. Hopefully I can get those candid photos I mentioned at our meeting.

Brief Conclusion

Now that I’m pretty much finished with my expert document, I look forward to spending a lot more time on my lay document.

Calhoun Field Laboratory Assignment

Here's a link to my Calhoun Field Laboratory brochure design. Check it out!

Our Wikipedia Article

So this is what I have so far...

When asked to name the most important skill new employees should possess to ensure their success, business leaders invariably say "communication skills" (I'm still trying to find the source I read this in or a source for this). In fact, communication skills, by far, is the one skill mentioned most often by employers. So, why is professional communications the most important of the employability skills that employers look for in future job candidates? The answer is simple. Successful communication skills are critical to business because all businesses, though to varying degrees, involve the following: writing, reading, editing, speaking, listening, software applications, computer graphics, and internet research. Most important, job candidates with professional communication backgrounds are more likely to bring to the organization sophisticated perspectives on society, culture, science, and technology.

Wikipedia

The concept behind Wikipedia is that ANYONE can contribute to the content of the site.

What does the term open source means? What does it have to do with Wikipedia?

Relates to Wikipedia on two levels: 1.) the technical level and 2.) how it came about.

Open source is within the realm of computer science. It's a type of computer software. It can be modified to suit you own needs. Open source, then, is free but not always free as in beer. One of the main people behind the concept of open source doesn't like the name open source. He prefers the name free software over open source. He ran into trouble there because the term free use to mean nothing in our culture. For instance, Professor Holmevik said, if you go and look at an operating system like Linus you have to buy that or you can dl it for free but if you want the full software you have to pay to dl it. The concept of open source was introduced to get away from the concept of free meaning nothing. In this case, Wikipedia is free in both sense fo the word. You don't pay anything to use it and you also have the capability to dl the software, use it, and modify it.

Wiki technology came along as a host of open source technology. People were fed up with not being able to modify their software. They want to be able to make modifications to their software rather than waiting for people to make the modifications they want.

Look at Encyclopedias...

Encyclopedias contain our collective knowledge. It doesn't always go very deep but it does go very broad. Encyclopedias, however, are not very accessible. We tend to move around a lot and work in a lot of different spaces so these volumes don't really serve us well. Additionally, encyclopedias aren't cheap purchases. On britannica.com encyclopedias cost an average of 1400 dollars.

People from the open source movement said, "wouldn't it be nice if we could have this information online so that you can get ahold of the information regardless of where you are." The material is more readily available.

Encyclopedia Britannica is so successful because it has been around a while, they have fact checkers, and writers. They have put a lot of effort making sure whatever content is in the books is correct. There's a contract validating the credibility of the encyclopedia's content.

Benefits of open source

Have thousands of people from all over the world whom can work on the program with you. Take Linux for instace, you can create a team of volunteers who donate their time by writing a piece of the code here and there. Why not do the same with encyclopedia's online? Can become a resource where you can have an unlimited number of writers who will work for free. In short amount of time we can expand this to cover even more information than found in the encyclopedia Britannicas.

What's the main disadvantage of Wikipedia? We don't know who the writers are, they aren't accountable to anyone but themselves, and in theory they can get on there and write anything they want. That's why critical thinking is important. You should read with a critical eye. Don't take what you read as the absolute truth.

The model that has been in operation for centuries in the print media is below

Writer ---> Editor ---> Reader

When the world wide web came along this model changed. There is no longer an editor--you are the editor. So the model looks like this

Writer ---> Reader (Editor)

There is a circle in the above model, where you're both the writer and reader and this changes the whole time. This is a much more complex model than the print model utilized before.

11/1-11/8 Progress Report

Expert Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. For my expert document I will survey students, interview numerous members of the Athletic department, interview members of the basketball team, and reference both online and print sources to find solutions to the problem. I will, then, compile these solutions into a problem-solving report recommending (expert document) ways for the athletic department to reach its goals.

Work Completed

I’ve analyzed and interpreted the data from my survey, finalized my works cited bibliography, completed the drafts for all sections of my document, and commenced the brainstorming process for possible visual aids. More importantly, I’ve settled on both long-term and short-term recommendations for improving men’s basketball game attendance.

Next Steps

Next on my to do list is preparing drafts and visuals to bring to class on November 15 and to continue revising drafts and visuals for my project.

Brief Conclusion

Finished with all drafts for my project…WOOHOO!!! Now I get to start working on what I really love to do—the actual presentation!

Lay Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. Employing information gathered from my expert document, I will create a lay document, a blog, for the men’s basketball team. This blog will foster an increased awareness of the players on campus, a relationship between the players and their fans and indubitably an increased sense of loyalty towards the team.

Work Completed

I almost have completed “About Me Surveys” from all of the men’s basketball players. Additionally, I have pictures of every player!

Next Step

I’m thinking I may want the men’s basketball team to submit some fun candid shots (not in uniform). I didn’t get a chance to start putting this information into a blog. I want to collect all of the information that I was in the blog first, that way I can consider that when deciding on layout, etc. Starting the blog is again on my to do list since I didn’t have a chance to start working on it last week.

Brief Conclusion

Making progress! Slowly but surely!

10/25-11/1 Progress Report

Expert Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. For my expert document I will survey students, interview numerous members of the Athletic department, interview members of the basketball team, and reference both online and print sources to find solutions to the problem. I will, then, compile these solutions into a problem-solving report recommending (expert document) ways for the athletic department to reach its goals.

Work Completed

I reached my goal of collecting 50 surveys and I’ve begun analyzing the information I’ve gathered both from my survey and other sources. I’ve begun the process of deciding which means of displaying the information gathered is most commonly used and interpreted by my audience (i.e. bar graph vs. pie graphs). I’ve also completed drafts of my title page, transmittal letter, and executive summary. Additionally, I’ve added more resources to my working bibliography.

Next Steps

Next I plan to complete the other drafts for the other sections of my document. Additionally, I plan to begin brainstorming visuals that can be utilized for the presentation of my document.

Brief Conclusion

I’m making great progress and may actually finish my project ahead of time!!! Yay me!

Lay Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. Employing information gathered from my expert document, I will create a lay document, a blog, for the men’s basketball team. This blog will foster an increased awareness of the players on campus, a relationship between the players and their fans and indubitably an increased sense of loyalty towards the team.

Work Completed

I settled on the “About Me Survey” for the basketball player’s profiles on the blog. These questions were distributed on Monday and will be collected at the beginning of next week. I made a folder in word for each member of the men’s basketball team. I’ve collected general information about each team member that I will display in the blogs along with their pictures.

Next Step

Next I will being to put together the blog. I would like to have each player profile completed with pictures and their answers to the “About Me Survey” by the end of next week.

Brief Conclusion

Things are going well and next week I’ll have something tangible to show for it!!!

Rhetorical Unit Worksheet Assignment

Below is a link to my worksheet

http://people.clemson.edu/~sreese/Rhetorical%20Units.doc

Genre Worksheet: RA Introductions

Genre: Research Article Introductions

Rhetorical Units

• establish a territory
• establish a niche (gap)
• occupy niche (announce research)

Logical moves or content

Move 1

• claim centrality
• present background

Move 2

• counter claiming or indicating a gap
• question raising
• continuing tradition
• presenting positive justification

Move 3

• present goals of present research
• give background info
• announce findings
• predict results
• indicate RA structure

Structure wording

• past tense/passive voice for all 3 rhetorical units

10.25 Class Notes

Why is it important to know genre?

• allows you to better meet the expectations of your audience
• provides you with a prototype document (i.e. blueprint) that can be utilized as the framework for your respective document
• makes your communication more expedient

Examples of different MA genres

Thesis

• different sub genres--English, Philosophy, etc.--within the thesis genre
• includes introduction, method, result, and conclusion
• lengths vary depending on sub genre (i.e. 75-120 for English)
• language (writing style)
• design (i.e. experiment, analysis, emperical tradition)
• citations (MLA, APA, Chicago style)

Projects

• deliverables
• journals
• paper (method, results, and evaluation)

-=About Me Survey=-

-= Tell Us About Yourself =-
Name:
Birthday:
How old do you act:
Zodiac Sign:
Current location:
Eye Color:
Hair Color and Length:
Height:
Your Heritage:
What’s Your Middle Name:
Shoes You Wore Today:
Your Weakness:
Your Fear:
Have You Ever Ridden A Mechanical Bull:
Do You Want To:
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:
First Thought When You Wake Up:
Best Physical Feature:
Best Character Feature:
Who Is Your Bestest Friend:
When Is Your Bedtime:
Your Most Cherished Memory:
Pepsi or Coke:
McDonalds or Burger King:
Single or Group Dates:
What Is The Last Song You Sang:
Does Playing A Guitar Make A Girl/Guy More Attractive:
What Is Your Biggest Pet Peeves:
Do You Drink:
Ever Been Drunk:
Do You Smoke:
Do You “Smoke”:
Do You Sing:
What Color Underwear Do You Have On:
Do You Want To Go To College:
Have You Ever Been In Love:
Do You Want To Get Married:
Do You Believe In Yourself:
Do You Believe In Others:
Do You Like Thunderstorms:
Do You Play an Instrument:
What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up:
What Country Would You Like To Visit:
How Many CD’s Do you Own:
How Many DvD’s Do You Own:
How Many Tattoo’s Do You Have:
How Many Piercings Do You Have:
How Many Things In You Past Do You Regret:
-= Favorites =-
Favorite Shoes:
Favorite Radio Station:
Favorite Drink
Favorite Car:
Favorite Place:
Favorite Song:
Favorite Movie:
Favorite Moment:
Favorite Color:
Favorite Meal:

Progress Report 10/18-10/25

Expert Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. For my expert document I will survey students, interview numerous members of the Athletic department, interview members of the basketball team, and reference both online and print sources to find solutions to the problem. I will, then, compile these solutions into a problem-solving report recommending (expert document) ways for the athletic department to reach its goals.

Work Completed

I’ve distributed my survey on Facebook, in my classes, and in the library. Though I have not reached my goal of obtaining at least 50 surveys as of yet, I am well on my way having collected 44 completed surveys. In addition to distributing and collecting surveys I’ve begun the process of analyzing information/statistics I’ve gathered from other sources. I’ve also decided what exactly my expert document will consist of. After deciding on the sections of my report I started drafting my title page, transmittal letter, executive summary and abstract.

Next Steps

Next on my working plan is to reach my goal of collecting 50 surveys and then to begin analyzing the information I've gathered both from my survey and other sources. I will then take the statistics I've accumulated from online sources, print sources, etc. and my survey and depict these quantitative results in illustrations (i.e. graphs, pictures, etc.) that effectively and concisely present the information to my audience. In addition to the before mentioned, I'd like to have completed my drafts, revised, and finalize the following drafts by October 30:

~title page

~transmittal letter

~executive summary

~abstract

~working bibliography

Brief Conclusion

I’m still really excited about my project and I’m enjoying this whole process. This says a lot coming from me because I tend to get bored with things fairly easy. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to seeing how my expert document evolves.

Lay Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. Employing information gathered from my expert document, I will create a lay document, a blog, for the men’s basketball team. This blog will foster an increased awareness of the players on campus, a relationship between the players and their fans and indubitably an increased sense of loyalty towards the team.

Work Completed

I've established a working relationship with members of CU's mens baskteball team. I’ve discussed with the players my goals for the blog and I’ve collected input on their goals and expectations for the blog. Additionally, I've started the brainstorming process for questions that I want to have these team members answer on the blog. I’ve researched several icebreaker links because these questions tend to be light and fun. I want to humanize the athletes. I am hoping that the questions I come up with will help achieve that goal. Here’s my questions so far (remember these could and probably will change):

If you were to choose a new name for yourself, what would it be?

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your past relationships?

What’s one of your worst habits?

What was the best day of the past week for you-why?

What are you wearing today which is most reflective of who you are?

Choose a unique item from your wallet and explain why you carry it around.

Share one of your most embarrassing moments.

If you were given a million dollars and 24 hrs to spend it (no depositing it or investing it) what would you buy and why?

What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?

What is your most treasured possession?

What is your favorite color?

What is your favorite food?

What, if anything, do you like to read?

What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?

How do you spend a typical Saturday night? What makes you laugh?

What, if anything, shocks or offends you?

What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?

How do you deal with stress? Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?

What are your pet peeves?

Needless to say I have plenty of questions to choose from. I plan on narrowing these questions down to 10 though. I’ve also considered doing something similar to the “About Me” survey that you see on sites such as MySpace (see separate blog post for an example of this type of survey). These questions and their answers will serve as a profile, so to speak, to increase awareness of the team members amongst the general student population on CU's campus.

Next Step

Next on the agenda for my lay document is to select my top 10 questions from the icebreaker questions I’ve gathered. These questions will then be distributed to the men’s basketball team at the beginning of next week (29 October). I will be collecting these questions on Thursday (1 November). I will then make a folder in word for each member of the men’s basketball team. In the folder I will include general information such as what high school they went to, their major, their rank, their position, etc. In addition to this general info their folders will also include their answers to the 10 questions and a picture.

Brief Conclusion

After talking with several of the players I am even more excited to begin working on this blog. Right now I have to focus on gathering the information needed for the blog and then I get to focus on the fun part of the blog—the actual visual communication. I guess I’m excited too because I feel like what I’m doing is going to make a real difference. I feel that it will be beneficial to both students and players alike. Furthermore, I can't wait to get to know the members of our men's basketball team a lot better! Stay posted for blog updates and get excited these are OUR TIGERS!!! GO TEAM!

Notes on Samraj Article

Overview

Samraj’s article analyzes research paper introductions from two related fields Wildlife Behavior and Conservation Biology using Create-A-Research-Space (CARS) model. The result of Samraj’s analysis reveals “disciplinary variation in the structure of this genre, which has important pedagogical implications” (Samraj 1). By comparing the two texts that belong to the same genre but different disciplines, Samraj hopes to “better distinguish textual characteristics that are due to disciplinary norms from those that are features of the genre to which the text belongs” (3). The results of his analysis reveal differences in terms of “both the moves and the steps used to realize the moves in the two disciplines” (3).

CARS model may not adequately account for the structure of all RA introductions. Samraj’s results indicate the need for a model with a greater degree of flexibility in embedding. In particular, Samraj’s study shows that the step literature review need not just appear in the first move but can also be embedded within other steps, such as indicating a gap. As such, literature reviews perform functions other than that of merely reporting previous research (3).

• Original CARS Model
  
  Move 1: Establishing a territory
• Step 1 Claiming centrality and/or
  Step 2 Making topic generalization(s) and/or
  Step 3 Reviewing items of previous research
  
  Move 2: Establish a niche
• Step 1A Counter-claiming or
  Step 1B Indicating a gap or
  Step 1C Question-raising or
  Step 1D Continuing a tradition
  
  Move 3: Occupying the niche
• Step 1A Outlining purposes or
  Step 1B Announcing present research
  Step 2 Announcing principal findings
  Step 3 Indicating RA structure

Above. Swales’ Create-A-Research-Space (CARS) model. RA = research article.

Important Notes

• Centrality claims, according to Swales, are “appeals to the discourse community whereby members are asked to accept that the research about to be reported is part of a lively, significant or well-established research area” (4).
• Centrality claims are made in two ways: either by assertions about the importance of the topic being discussed or by assertions concerning active research activity in the area concerned.
• Wildlife Behavior introductions include centrality claims and half of these assert the centrality of the topic by maintaining the topics importance for animal behavior and the other half by referring to search activity in the area.
• Almost all Conservation Biology introductions include at least one instance of the step centrality claim.
• 10 out of 11 Conservation Biology introductions with centrality claims are attempts to validate the importance of the topic in relation to the real world.
• 6 Biology Conservation introductions establish the centrality of the research being reported by referring to current research in the area.
• Only 1 BC introduction establishes centrality of the topic solely in terms of research in the field.
• All five others that do refer to research activity also connect the study to be reported to important environmental concerns by the following: pointing to problematic aspects of the environment, current conservation practices, and models and methods being used in conservation management.

Wildlife Behavior

-Component of Environmental Science
-Longer history; part of Ecology
-Deals with life histories and behaviors of different species

Introduction

-Uses centrality claims at the beginning of the introductions
-Discuss previous literature to provide support for the topic generalization or centrality claim or to justify the gap created.
-Review of literature follows statement that establishes niche
-Literature reviews elaborate on gaps in research
-Move 2s are clearly present. Only 1 introduction lacks a clearly demarcated Move 2.
-Creates niche in terms of gap
-Move 3 has a general to specific development
-For most part contain moves given in CARS model
-Most notable difference is presence of background move that details the features of the species that is the object of observation of experimentation
-Centrality claims are not frequent
-Current research mainly justified in terms of gaps in previous research

Conservation Biology

-Component of Environmental Science
-Newly developed area
-Draws on various fields such as: resource economics and policy, ecology and environmental ethics

Introduction

-More explicit rhetorical work is performed in the beginning of the introductions
-Discuss previous literature to provide support for the topic generalization or centrality claim or to justify the gap created.
-Include at least one instance of step centrality
-Step claiming centrality is well-developed and occupies an important position
deals more in terms of the phenomenal world that the epistemic world
-Justify research by creating a gap in real world conservation practices
-Elements of persuasion and promotion are more strongly present
-Centrality claims are common and well-developed and often concern the real world
-Research to be presented is frequently promoted in negative terms (i.e. loss of biodiversity and species extirpation)

Proposal for New Project

Abstract

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. I will assume that this department has asked me to assess possible factors leading to low fan loyalty and suggest marketing plans to encourage student loyalty and increase student attendance at games.

Problem

According to Clemson University’s official athletic site the seating capacity at Littlejohn Coliseum is 10,980 seats for basketball games, but the average general attendance during the 2006-07 season was 7,356. During the 2005-06 season the average attendance was 7,087 and the season prior to that it was 6,960 (http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/archive/clem-m-baskbl-archive.html). While the average general attendance has increased over the past three seasons the men’s basketball team still suffers from a lack of consistent student attendance.

Death Valley, on the other hand, has the capacity to seat 80,301 screaming tiger fans. Just last season the average attendance for home games was a staggering 81,506 fans
(http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/archive/clem-m-baskbl-archive.html). In other words, Clemson’s football team averages a sellout crowd with student fans camping out for days for a chance to cheer the Tigers on from the hill.

The marketing behind Clemson University’s football program is an excellent example of effective sports marketing. The product of effective sports marking, geared towards students, on a university campus is a consistently high student attendance rate at games. The high student attendance rate at CU football games fosters school spirit, school unity and the morale of the student athletes. The core problem facing CU men’s basketball team, therefore, is its incapability to successfully mimic this model.

Solution

I will survey students, interview numerous members of the Athletic department, interview members of the basketball team, and reference both online and print sources to find solutions to the problem. I will, then, compile these solutions into a problem-solving report recommending (expert document) ways for the athletic department to reach its goals. Employing information gathered from the problem-solving report, I will create a blog (lay document) for the men’s basketball team. The purpose of this blog will be to facilitate a dialogue between the athletes and their current and prospective fans. This dialogue will foster an increased awareness of the players on campus, a relationship between the players and their fans and indubitably an increased sense of loyalty towards the team. This newfound student loyalty will result in student fans that habitually attend the men’s basketball games.

Feasibility

Since basketball is a well-liked sport, it seems feasible that student fan loyalty can be increased. Certainly CU students respond to marketing appeals for sports and other products (i.e. IPTAY and football). For this reason, if I am unable to demonstrate that possible strategies will increase fan loyalty and consequently increase attendance, I will show readers why the obvious solutions won’t work and recommend that the university hire a professional sports marketing consulting firm.

Audience

All of my audiences are at least somewhat interested in increasing attendance at CU men’s basketball games. None of them are in opposition, so I will be able to present information straightforwardly. The topic is not technical, so I don’t expect there to be a language barrier

My expert audience will be Terry Don Phillips, Director of the CU Athletic Department. He has the power to accept or reject my recommendations. I don’t know whether or not he is a basketball fan, but I assume he is at least somewhat knowledgeable about sports marketing. After all, he will look good if attendance increases.

Additional expert audiences to this report include staffers in the Athletic Department who will be asked to implement the recommendations. Assistant Director of Marketing and Promotions Mike Money and the coaching staff of the basketball team may be asked to evaluate the report.

Finally, my lay audience will include players and students. Players benefit from student support at games, and the students are the people being targeted for increased attendance.

You will be my initial audience.

Topics to Investigate

I plan to answer these questions in detail:

What factors affect student attendance?
Why do the students who attend men’s basketball games do so?
Why do the students who don’t attend stay away?
What promotions or publicity could make students more likely to attend?
How can student awareness of the team be increased?
What short-term strategies exist?
What long-term strategies exist?
Does it make sense to market the team to female audiences?
Would a loyalty program help?
What programs are available, and what is involved?
What are some examples of programs used at universities similar to CU?

Methods

I expect to get data from four sources: 1.) surveys of 50 to 100 students, 2.) interviews with members of the Athletic Department, 3.) interviews with members of the basketball team, 4.) my observations of marketing tactics on campus and in Clemson, and 5.) library and online sources about attendance at CU men’s basketball games.

A draft of my survey is attached. I will distribute the survey on Facebook, on my blog, in Cooper library, and my classes.

The following articles and Websites either were referenced or appear useful:

http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/archive/clem-m-baskbl-archive.html
http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/school-bio/facilities-football.html
http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/school-bio/facilities-hoops.html
http://thecourtmaster.blogspot.com/2003/11/toughest-places-to-play-in-acc.html

Qualifications

I am a student majoring in English at Clemson University and a sports fan. I would like to see the student community offer more support to the men’s basketball team. I use to be a Tiger Paw, a fundamental part of Clemson’s football marketing team. As a Tiger Paw my job was to sell Clemson’s football program to prospective athletes and ultimately to get them to sign with Clemson. The Tiger Paws’ purpose was an important one. In fact, the Tiger Paws represented a fundamental component in marketing Clemson football. During the time that I served as a Tiger Paw I gained valuable experience in sports marketing but more importantly I built a network of individuals who are knowledgeable to the ends and outs of all things sports related at Clemson.

Work Schedule

The following schedule will enable me to finish this report by the end of the fall term.

Activity/ Completion Date

Gather information~ October 18
Analyzing information~ October 26
Organizing information~ November 2
Writing the draft/creating visuals~ November 9
Bring to class draft/visuals~ November 15
Cont. revising the draft/visuals~ November 16
Editing the draft/proofreading~ November 23
Preparing presentation~ November 30
Present/turn-in final documents~ December 6

Call to Action

Could we schedule a meeting to discuss my proposal and survey? I would appreciate any suggestions you may have for strengthening my ideas and making the report better. Please approve my proposal so I may continue my research and being the report.

Progress Report 10/11-10/18

Expert Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. For my expert document I will survey students, interview numerous members of the Athletic department, interview members of the basketball team, and reference both online and print sources to find solutions to the problem. I will, then, compile these solutions into a problem-solving report recommending (expert document) ways for the athletic department to reach its goals.

Work Completed

I've written and submitted my project proposal to Professor Holmevik. Upon receiving approval to move ahead with my project I turned my focus to gathering information. I felt that the best foundation for my research would be establishing a working relationship with key members of CU's Athletic Department. Accordingly, I've contacted people within the athletic department with the hopes of increasing awareness of myself and my research project throughout the organization. Additionally, I've spent the last few days gathering statistics pertaining to attendance at CU men's basketball games and I even put together a survey of my own. This survey can be found on Facebook and on my blog. I keep hard copies on me as well.

Next Steps

Next on my working plan is to handout my survey in class. After obtaining at least 50 surveys I will begin analyzing the information I've gathered both from my survey and other sources. I will then take the statistics I've accumulated from online sources, print sources, etc. and my survey and depict these quantitative results in illustrations (i.e. graphs, pictures, etc.) that effectively and concisely present the information to my audience. In addition to the before mentioned, I'd like to have completed the following drafts by October 25:

~title page

~transmittal letter

~executive summary

~abstract

~working bibliography

Brief Conclusion

Surprisingly after changing my semester project focus, yet again, I've still managed to make significant progress on my project. In fact, right now I am on schedule to have my document completed in it's final form by November 23rd.

Lay Document

Overview

Clemson University’s (CU) football team is a crowd pleaser, selling out most if not all home games at Death Valley. The men’s basketball team suffers from less loyal student fans, having only sold out one game, in 1980, at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Clemson University Athletic Department would like to find ways to increase loyalty amongst the men’s basketball team’s student fans and consequently increase attendance at home games. Employing information gathered from my expert document, I will create a lay document, a blog, for the men’s basketball team. This blog will foster an increased awareness of the players on campus, a relationship between the players and their fans and indubitably an increased sense of loyalty towards the team.

Work Completed

I've begun to establish a working relationship with members of CU's mens baskteball team. I've started the brainstorming process for questions that I want to have these team members answer on the blog. These questions and their answers will serve as a profile, so to speak, to increase awareness of the team members amongst the general student population on CU's campus.

Next Step

Next on the agenda for my lay document is to discuss with the players my goals for the blog and inquire as to what their goals and expectations for the blog are. Additionally, I will distribute the final questions for the players profiles and collect their answers by the end of the week. I will also begin to consider the organization of the blog as well as aesthetic components.

Brief Conclusion

I am really excited to begin working on this blog. I feel that it will be beneficial to both students and players alike. Furthermore, I can't wait to get to know the members of our men's basketball team a lot better! Stay posted for blog updates!

Do you have a Facebook account? If so, please take my survey.

The purpose of this survey (see link below) is to determine why students attend sports events, and what might increase attendance. All information is to be used solely for my student research paper. Please submit completed surveys. Thank you for your assistance!

http://apps.facebook.com/questionnaires/answer.php?survey_id=117963943

Proposal Draft

Problem Statement

The situation CU's student body is facing can be described as being "taken for a ride." They are paying for a product (adequate parking on campus) that they are not receiving. Atleast not by any reasonable person's definition of adequate. Unfortunately, this situation has negative consequences for CU's goal of being a top 20 university. Students are coming into classes late because of the parking situation on campus and this is a distraction to those students who were able to find spaces. Some students aren't coming to class at all because of parking on campus. Then you have students who park in faculty parking to avoid missing class thus resulting in faculty members cancelling classes. How is it that we can become a top 20 school if both students and faculty alike are missing classes due to a lack of parking? The answer is simple--we can't! For this reason, I will attempt to improve the consequences by creating and implementing a cause group on Facebook that will voice the discontent of the student body involving parking, enlist others to voice their concerns as well, and finally to encourage a change or atleast dialogue among those who are in a position to implement the changes needed to give Clemson students what they have already paid for--adequate parking!!!

Problem Section

There have been numerous investigations and reports published examining the current parking situation on campus at Clemson University. These detailed investigations reveal the fact that the current parking situation on Clemson University’s campus is insufficient for the needs of both students and faculty alike. Accordingly, there is a great need to improve the current parking situation as there is undoubtedly a case of supply not meeting demand.

Issues precluding immediate action, according to Clemson University’s website, include zoning regulations and existing issues with Clemson’s Master Plan. Issues focused on included but were not limited to green space issues, the small town ambiance, and the requirement of Clemson to be a “walking campus.” All these ordinances serve one common purpose and that is to preserve the “green” aesthetic appeal of Clemson’s campus that has come to be just as representative of Clemson University as the orange tiger paws painted on the streets leading onto and off of campus. The consequence of preserving the aesthetic appeal of Clemson’s campus is parking on campus that has been forced to the perimeters and is insufficient in providing for the students' or employees’ needs--a consequence that is relevant and has implications for the entire Clemson community. After all, how can Clemson University reach its goal of being a top 20 university if the students and faculty aren't making it to the classroom. The answer is simple--they can't...we can't.

Solution Section

I will attempt to improve the consequences by creating and facilitating dialogue within a Facebook cause group that will voice the discontent of the student body involving parking, enlist others to voice their concerns as well, and finally to encourage a change or atleast dialogue between those affected by inadequate parking on campus and those who are in a position to implement the changes needed to give Clemson students and faculty what they have already paid for--adequate parking!!!

So, what exactly is a Facebook cause group?

One of the new mini-applications within Facebook is Causes, added by San Francisco's Blake Commagere's new group called Project Agape. The applet allows users to invite "friends" to join campaigns for nonprofits, issues, and political candidates. Dozens have already been added. It also allows for donations, and then ranks Facebook users by how many supporters they've recruited and how much money they've raised.

http://www.convio.com/site/News2?abbr=news_&page=NewsArticle&id=2604012&news_iv_ctrl=1201

Will it really make a difference?

(insert examples here)

Qualifications

According to Chad Marlow, CEO of The Public Advocacy Group, the three most vital skills and/or qualities for a lobbyist to posses are as follows: 1.) Political and public policy knowledge and/or experience, 2.) Intelligence (able to think outside of the box and come up with creative ideas and solutions to meet the needs of your clients) and 3.)Personality. The abovementioned skills and qualities are all attributes that I proudly possess. For instance, my participation in organizations such as Phi Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Clemson University's Minority Council, and Clemson University Student Government's President Cabinet have all provided me with both knowledge and experience in political and public policy specifically that which is implemented on Clemson's campus. Additionally, I've held numerous internships at legal offices throughout the upstate. In one office in particular, I actually was the primary legal assistant for a case against the school board. That experience provided me with valuable insight as to the importance and benefits of understanding and utilizing the chain of command within the academic setting to help you meet your goals. All of this knowledge and insight I will be bringing with me to this project along with an extensive network of advisors. This network includes but is not limited to the following:

~the CEO of The Public Advocacy Group, Chad Marlow
~Clemson Univeristy's Magistrate Judge
~CUSG's Student Body President, Josh Bell
~CAT bus driver, Nancy Hagood
~Clemson University Students, 490 class

Finally, what qualifies me most for this project is the fact that I am also a member of the Clemson community. I'm a student who paid for something that she did not receive. I'm a student who's tuition is going up inorder to meet the demands of a top 20 goal that our parking situation precludes us ever achieving. I understand the strife of both students and faculty alike. I'm willing to make a difference and I've started the process for change.

Work Plan and Project Schedule

October 22-26 Complete research for documents.
October 29-November 2 Decide on layout, oraganization, and other aesthetics.
November 5-9 Begin preparing a draft of documents.
November 12-16 Revise original drafts. Bring copies to class on Nov. 15.
November19-23 Continue to revise documents.
November 26-November 30 Make last minute revisions and prepare for class presentation.
December 3-6 Project presentations/turn-in final document on December 6.

Works Referenced
http://stuaff.clemson.edu/parking/content/faq.php
http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/2135/2187227/ModelsTemplates/ParkingGarageFeasibility.pdf

"Satisfaction with the convenience of parking on campus stems from expectations..."

There have been numerous investigations and reports published examining the current parking situation on campus at Clemson University. These detailed investigations reveal the fact that the current parking situation on Clemson University’s campus is insufficient for the needs of both students and faculty alike. Accordingly, there is a great need to improve the current parking situation as there is undoubtedly a case of supply not meeting demand. In short, there is indubitably a high demand for parking and low supply of spaces on campus.

Issues precluding immediate action, according to Clemson University’s website, include zoning regulations and existing issues with Clemson’s Master Plan. The central issues focused on were the green space issues, the small town atmosphere, and the requirement of Clemson to be a “walking campus.” All these ordinances were put into practice in order to preserve the “green” aesthetic appeal of Clemson’s campus that has come to be just as representative of Clemson University as the orange tiger paws painted on the streets leading onto and off of campus. The consequence of preserving the aesthetic appeal of Clemson’s campus is parking on campus that has been forced to the perimeter and is insufficient in providing for the students' or employees’ needs--a consequence that is relevant and has implications for the entire Clemson community. After all, how can Clemson University reach its goal of being a top 20 university if the students and faculty aren't making it to the classroom. The answer is simple--they can't...we can't.

http://stuaff.clemson.edu/parking/content/faq.php

Problem Statement Structures

Lay Document Problem Statement Structures

Clemson University’s student body understands the importance of lobbying.

BUT

CU’s Student Body doesn’t know how to lobby effectively. They need to know how to effectively lobby in order to promote change.

SO

I will inform them about effective lobbying by writing a how to lobby manual that can be utilized by CUSG (Clemson University’s Student Government) in pre-lobbying trip workshops.

***

CUSG would like to be in a situation where all participants on lobbying trips already know how to lobby effectively thus allowing them to promote change in policies pertaining to secondary public education.

BUT

Actually, the real situation CUSG is facing, having participants participating on lobbying trips that are knowledgeable as to how to lobby effectively, precludes promoting change in public education policies.

SO

I will make the real situation more like the ideal by writing a how to manual that educate both new and old lobbying trip participants as to the ends and outs of lobbying.

***

The situation CUSG is facing can be described as a catch 22. While they have a student body that is passionate about pursuing changes in policies pertaining to public education in colleges the lobbying participants (from the student body) aren’t always educated as to how to effectively pursue these changes.

The situation has negative consequences. For instance, in some cases these students whom have very noble intentions in signing up to participate on a lobbying trip end up causing more harm than good.

SO

I will alleviate the consequences by writing a how to manual document that will outline for participants how to utilize and build upon the lobbying they already use in their private “daily” lives when lobbying for causes (political and/or public policy) in their public lives.

Expert Document Problem Statement Structures

Clemson University's student body knows that there is a problem with a lack of sufficient student parking on campus

BUT

The student body does not, however, know how to or to whom to effectively communicate their discontent with the parking on campus.
They need to know how to effectively get their message out there and to whom in order to improve parking on campus.

SO

I will lobby on their behalf by creating and implementing a lobbying campaign geared towards improving student parking on Clemson University's campus.

***

Clemson University's student body would like to be able to drive into a student parking lot, find a space without circling around for 15 mins, and have the catbus run on schedule so as not to be late for class.

BUT

Actually, the real situation the students at CU are facing doesn't involve adequate (i.e. in reasonable proximity to lecture halls and available spaces) parking for all student's who purchased a parking permit on campus.

SO

I will make the real situation more like the ideal by lobbying for improving student parking on campus (this may or may not involve addressing the CAT bus, creating a parking garage, creating more student spaces, not allowing freshman to bring cars on campus).

***

The situation CU's student body is facing can be described as being "taken for a ride." They are paying for a product (adequate parking on campus) that they are not receiving. Atleast not by any reasonable person's definition of adequate.

BUT

This situation has negative consequences for CU's goal of being a top 20 university. Students are coming into classes late because of the parking situation on campus and this is a distraction to those students who were able to find spaces. Some students aren't coming to class at all because of parking on campus. Then you have students who park in faculty parking to avoid missing class thus resulting in faculty members cancelling classes. How is it that we can become a top 20 school if both students and faculty alike are missing classes due to a lack of parking?

SO

I will attempt to improve the consequences by creating and implementing a lobbying campaign that will voice the discontent of the student body involving parking, enlist others to voice their concerns as well, and finally to encourage a change or atleast dialogue among those who are in a position to implement the changes needed to give Clemson students what they have already paid for--adequate parking!!!

Comments :)

For all of you who commented on my planning worksheet, thank you! I've taken the time to try and clarify any misunderstandings and take into account all suggestions that were made. That being said, check out my responses to yoru comments by clicking on the comment link under my planning worksheet blog.

Sharon

Planning Worksheet

Who will be the audience of the document you want to write? Name a specific person or group.

• The audience for my lay document will be my peers (other students within CU's collegiate community). The audience for my expert document(s) will be my hypothetical boss and my client (my peers).

What specific problem, faced by the audience, do you hope to solve through your document?

• With my lay document I hope to solve the "so what's next" problem by providing my audience with a document that will demonstrate to them how to build upon the lobbying basics that they already use in their daily lives when lobbying for and/or against change in politics and public advocacy.
• With my expert document I hope to validate my lay document by employing both the theoretical and practical components of the document in a lobbying campaign of my peers choosing. In other words, I'm going to lobby for my peers to lobby all the while lobbying for their (our) cause. How am I going to accomplish this task? The answer is simple. I'm going to challenge the "I'm just one person" mentality that prevents so many of us from taking action and replace it with an empowering message--a message that you, that i, that we can make a difference.

How do you know the problem is a pressing problem for the audience? List particular difficulties the audience faces as a result of the problem.

• I know the "so what's next" problem is a pressing problem for my lay audience because I often find myself engaged in deep philosophical discourse with my peers following a speech, an article read in a newspaper, or something of the likes... We're enraged and we're complaining. We know exactly what needs to happen. To us it makes so much sense. How can the politicians, administration, whomever get it so wrong. We have strong opinions and great ideas and that's where it ends. We don't know what to do with those strong opinions and great ideas. We don't know what's next; because we don't know what's next we do nothing and nothing changes.
• I know the "I'm just one person" problem is a pressing problem for my expert audience because they need people who will not only receive their message but who will ultimately take action. They need people who not only know what to do next but who realize that they have something to contribute; that everyone has something to contribute. People who understand that the biggest part of lobbying is getting the message out there while enlisting others along the way and taking action. If the "I'm just one person" problem isn't addressed then my expert audience faces the problem of trying to envoke action in a society that is indifferent because they no longer believe in the political endeavors they studied in their history books. They "know" better now--no longer do they believe that every vote counts, every vote is equal. So...why bother voting, right?

What type (genre) of document do you want to write?

• Both my lay and expert document(s) will be informational documents. The lay document will be a "how to" document and the expert document will be a "how to" applied document.

How will the document reach the audience? If you hope the document will appear in a larger publication, name the publication and explain how you know the publication will reach your intended audience. If the document will stand alone, explain how you hope to get it into the hands of your audience.

• My lay document will stand alone. I will distribute copies of the document to CUSG. The reason I chose to distribute the documents to CUSG is because they lobby along side their fellow classmates in both Columbia and DC throughout the year.
• My expert document will stand alone as well. I will be "pitching" my expert document(s) to my client/boss. This can be done in a board meeting, at a business lunch, etc. I will also attempt to utilize some of my expert documents such as t-shirts, fliers, posters, and articles on campus. I will enlist my friends in my lobbying effort by having them help sell t-shirts, hang posters, distribute fliers, spread the word...

How exactly will the document alleviate the audience's problem? Describe specific outcomes that you expect.

• My lay document will be utilized in a workshop to teach the first time lobbyist what lobbying is and how to lobby effectively all the while reinforcing what the old timers already know. Hence, you'd know longer have students who although very passionate about a particular cause have no idea how to lobby it to Congress or the Senate. In short, my lay document will alleviate my audience's problem by teaching them how to "unite wisdom with eloquence." After all, it doesn't matter what you know if you can't communicate it effectively (effectively being in a way facilitative of understanding and then action).
• Anyone can complain... we complain about the increase in both instate and out of state tuition every year, we complain about the parking situation (or lack there of) on campus, we complain about the cost of textbooks, we all complain. How many of us seek action? You'd think since we all complain that we'd all take action. Unfortunately more often than not that's not the case. My expert document, therefore, will alleviate the audience's "I'm just one person" problem by showing them how I--just one person--made a difference by lobbying. Hopefully, my showing them this will not only empower them but will also drive them to act.

You the Lobbyist Notes

Why a Guide to Lobbying?

• We all lobby all the time:
  –We lobby to get things we want.
  –We make arguments in support of our position.
  –We point out the faults in the arguments against our position.
  –We enlist the help of others.

My Lay Document

• Theoretical Part:
  –What lobbying is
  –Why lobbying is important
• Practical Part:
  –How to build upon the lobbying basics of our private lives to lobbying in politics and
  public advocacy

My Expert Document

• An actual lobbying campaign (or pitch) using my lay document:
  –Get my story in the media (i.e. The Tiger)
  –Give a speech at an event to get my message out
  –Start a “cause” group on Facebook
  –Create buzz using visual communication (i.e. posters, t-shirts, etc.)
  –Meet with influential people in the Clemson community
  

My Interview Notes

About the field of Public Advocacy

What background is necessary or helpful for a career in public advocacy? For example, would you recommend or require that your current and prospective employees possess either a legal degree, a masters in public policy, or both?

• A bachelors degree that teaches you how to write critically and persuasively
• A masters degree in public policy could prove very beneficial if you are lacking in any other form of practical political experiences and/or internships
• A real understanding of politics, public policy, and of how the press works gained through internships and experiences

What are the best ways to enter this field?

• Not a lot of entry level positions
• Get a job working in a press source or government office.
• Work for the people that lobbying firms are trying to influence.

What are the three most vital skills or qualities for a person going into this profession to have?

• Political and public policy knowledge and/or experience
• Intelligence (able to think outside of the box and come up with creative ideas and solutions to meet the needs of your clients)
• Personality

What are some of the present trends or changes in this field? What about challenges and/or controversies?

• There tends to be a negative connotation with lobbying because for many when they think of lobbyist they think of movies such as "Thank You For Smoking."
• Lobbying is seen as a form of coercion and/or manipulation (like rhetoric).
• The field of lobbying and what it is that lobbyist actually do is more widely known today than say 10 years ago.
• Lobbyist are more influential than ever in the political arena.

What are your overall responsibilities as President? What do you do in a typical day at work?

• There is no such thing as a typical work day; a lobbyist will never experience the same day twice.
• Here's what Mr. Marlow's last 2 days consisted of: attended a meeting dealing with congestion pricing issues in Manhattan, phone conference with Drummajor Institute for Public Policy, meeting with possible 2009 mayor candidate, interviewed potential attorneys for a client, and was interviewed by me.

What is the employment outlook for public advocacy, nationally and locally? Is demand increasing or decreasing?

• The demand for employment in the field of public advocacy is definitely increasing. Entry level positions, however, are few and far between. In short, if you have experience in politics, public policy, or law even, your chances of beginning a career in this field are greatly increased. On the other hand, the likelihood of your beginning a career in public advocacy directly following your undergraduate graduation without any experience and/or internships in politics or public policy are slim to none.

What is a representative salary range for an entry position?

• Not a lot of entry level positions. Entry level salaries vary depending on firm's reputation, firm size, firm location (you'd make more in DC than in Columbia, SC for instance)education (such as a masters in public policy), experience in the field (such as internships), etc.

Does this type of career typically involve a lot of team effort, or do you primarily work independently?

• It definitely requires a lot of team effort. In fact, so much of your success in this field is dependent on your networking capabilities. You need to be able to make things happen and if you don't you should know a person who knows a person who can make things happen. It's definitely an "I'll scratch your back, if you scratch mine" type of career.

Personal Info

What are the most and least gratifying aspects of your work? What would you modify?

• The most gratifying aspect of Mr. Marlow's work is when he is able to provide for his clients tangible results. For instance, if what his client is seeking is exposure in the media then what would be gratifying to Mr. Marlow is being able to generate a buzz around his client and/or their company in the media and then being able to show his client very tangible results (i.e. articles published by major newspapers, on television broadcasts, in magazine editorials, etc.)
• The least gratifying aspect of Mr. Marlow's work is when he has to explain to a client that the theoretical democracy that he or she learned about in history courses is very different from the pratical democracy of our government. In otherwords, every vote does not count, all votes are not equal.

What experiences in your background have played a role in the success of your career?

• Law school, definitely! While Mr. Marlow doesn't feel as though a legal education or a masters even are absolute necessities for success in this field, he couldn't stress enough the importance of having a great understanding of politics and public policy from the beginning. Law school provided him with this understanding in both a theoretical and pratical sense. In law school he learned the ins and outs of the very laws that he now tries an influence on his clients behalf. Also, the networking opportunities at UVA were both endless and priceless.

Sample Lay/Expert Public Advocacy Documents

http://www.publicadvocacygroup.com/tpag_in_the_news.htm

Brainstorming for my Interview

For my informational interview, I will be interviewing Chad A. Marlow, President and Founder of The Public Advocacy Group, LLC in New York, New York. What I hope to gain from this interview is a better understanding of the public advocacy industry and the lobbying occupation within this field-- and to build a network of contacts in the field all the while building an impressive foundation for my semester project. I’m sure you’re all wondering by now, what exactly is my semester project. While I don’t have an answer to this question at the moment I will hopefully have one Monday (9.10.07) following my interview with Mr. Marlow. It is at this time that he and I will discuss a way to incorporate a possible project for this course with something that he can utilize within his organization. With any luck, we’ll come up with something advantageous to both him and me.

On a side note, I’ve provided my interview questions below. The questions are grouped according to the type of information each question is seeking. Any feedback and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Company Info

1. How would you summarize what your organization does? How does it differ from your competitors?
2. What does your company look for when recruiting people?
3. Does your company have an intern or co-op program? What kind?
4. Does your interns/co-ops have an opportunity for employment upon completion of the program?
5. What are the different positions available within your company?
6. How has the company evolved and what are its strategies for future growth?
7. How would you characterize the culture of this organization? For example, is this a high-pressure organization?
8. Is there a company dress code? If so, what does the dress code entail?

About the field of Public Advocacy

1. What background is necessary or helpful for a career in public advocacy? For example, would you recommend or require that your current and prospective employees possess either a legal degree, a masters in public policy, or both?
2. What are the best ways to enter this field?
3. What are the three most vital skills or qualities for a person going into this profession to have?
4. What are some of the present trends or changes in this field? What about challenges and/or controversies?
5. What are your overall responsibilities as President? What do you do in a typical day at work?
6. What is the employment outlook for public advocacy, nationally and locally? Is demand increasing or decreasing?
7. What is a representative salary range for an entry position?
8. Does this type of career typically involve a lot of team effort, or do you primarily work independently?

Personal Info

1. How did you become interested in public advocacy?
2. What are the most and least gratifying aspects of your work? What would you modify?
3. What experiences in your background have played a role in your success in your career?
4. What, if anything, would you have done differently?
5. When do I start working?

In the Beginning: Interviewing a Corporate Lobbyist

There is no single path that will prepare me for a legal education. Students who are successful in law school, and who become accomplished professionals, come from many walks of life and educational backgrounds. Some law students enter law school directly following their undergraduate graduation without having had any post-baccalaureate work experience. Others begin their legal education significantly later in life, and they bring to their law school education the insights and perspectives gained from those life experiences. Legal education welcomes and values diversity and praises the pursuit of knowledge. Accordingly, I will benefit from the exchange of ideas and different points of view acquired from my interview with a lobbyist just as I have benefited from both, the exchange of ideas and different view points of my peers at Clemson.

There are important skills and values, and significant bodies of knowledge that I want to acquire prior to law school that will provide me with a sound foundation for a legal education and later a career in corporate lobbying. These include analytical and problem-solving skills, critical reading abilities, writing skills, and oral communication and listening abilities. If I am to prepare adequately for a legal education, and for a career in lobbying I have to seek educational, extracurricular and life experiences that will assist me in developing the abovementioned attributes. These are all things that I hope to discuss and take away from my interview.

Needless to say, it’s not so easy finding a corporate lobbyist at a DC firm that, even if willing, has the time to sit down for an interview. However, I have e-mailed a former Clemson University pre-law studies professor that is now working as a lobbyist in the DC area and I am eagerly awaiting her response. As for how I will incorporate my interest in corporate lobbying into the documents required for this course, I am not positive. I do know, however, that I hope to create something worth more than just a grade in a course. I want a taste of corporate lobbying no matter how minuscule that taste may be.

Expectations for Advanced Technical and Business Writing

Being an English major I've taken an abundance of literary courses, all of which involved writing. The purpose and style of writing for each course, however, varied greatly. I've taken, for instance, a creative writing course where the professor encouraged me to write just for the pure enjoyment of seeing my thoughts on paper. On the other hand, I've taken a critical writing course where the sole purpose of the course, I was told, was to read critically and write critically. In other words, the main objective of my writings was to effectively communicate my critical evaluation of the written work being studied all the while offering evidence to support my arguments. And then there was an introduction to business writing course which was unlike any other writing course I've ever enrolled in.

In this course I was taught that writing for business should be concise and precise (i.e. it should be to the point, specific and accurate), characteristics that are sometimes frowned upon in other English courses such as creative writing. It is these characteristics, however, which defines effective business writing and it was these characteristics that were most challenging for me. Nevertheless, it is the bountiful benefits taken away from this challenging new (for me anyway) style of writing that facilitates my interest in further advancing my knowledge in this ever growing field of study. Through repetition I've managed to master the quintessential academic essay. Now I want to add another "weapon" to my arsenal. I want to master technical/business writing and it is the mastery of this style of writing that I expect to gain from this course.