| I wanted to share another affordable (free) tool that I | | | | media credential application, then save it under a file |
| use that rivals the services used by major networks | | | | name. |
| and corporations. Google Documents has a | | | | 3) Once you have completed all of the questions and |
| Spreadsheet feature that also allows you to create a | | | | saved the name, you'll have the option to either embed |
| form which can be hosted online. Prior to this | | | | the html code somewhere for online hosting or you |
| discovery, I had to use paid services to create online | | | | can use the link to email to those that should be |
| forms for a variety of purposes, including online media | | | | completing the application. |
| credential processing. | | | | 4) Then as press complete the online form, the |
| Google's Spreadsheet function can provide almost all | | | | information will be exported in to an online spreadsheet |
| of the items needed to create and manage an online | | | | hosted under your Google Documents account. And if |
| media credential system. Having worked with major | | | | you set up the spreadsheet to send you (and people |
| networks during awards season, I've had the | | | | that you've selected) a notification, each time a new |
| opportunity to see how seamless this process can be | | | | form is completed, an email notification will be sent to |
| if you cut down on the paper trail by managing as | | | | the proper recipients with a link to view the |
| much as possible online. Seriously, who wants to be | | | | spreadsheet online. Also notifications will be sent via |
| bothered with retrieval credential applications over | | | | email anytime you make changes directly to the |
| faxes when you can receive email notifications and | | | | spreadsheet. |
| have an online management system in place. Another | | | | The only thing that this feature doesn't provide (yet) |
| pro for this type of system is that a publicist doesn't | | | | that most of the expensive online form processing |
| have to decipher the chicken scratch of the media on | | | | (credential processing) services provide is the ability to |
| an application if they are required to complete a media | | | | upload files. For example, if you have an event that |
| application by hand writing their request. An online | | | | you require the credentials request to submit photos or |
| process eliminates spelling errors in email addresses | | | | files like stories or media kits, they would have to email |
| and properly identifies the media outlets. | | | | those items to you separately. However, considering |
| How it works... | | | | how the form feature (offered by Google) is free, I'm |
| 1) When you open the Google Documents | | | | not too terribly sad about not having the file uploading |
| Spreadsheet function, select Create a form. | | | | feature. |
| 2) When the new window opens, begin entering all of | | | | Try it out yourself, and leave a comment letting us |
| the questions that you would have on your traditional | | | | know what you think. |