Sending a Hometowner

How does readMedia decide what sample data to show me?

As you are assigning your placeholders, readMedia will insert sample data so you can get an idea of how your story will read. The example that is shown will usually be the first row in your spreadsheet that uses all available placeholders in the template.  

You can preview the actual stories at any time by clicking on the newspapers link in the Preview bar.

Can I attach a photograph or file to my hometowner?

Yes, you can attach up to 3 files to your hometowners. However, the files that you attach will accompany the story for each student in your spreadsheet. It's a great way to include a photo about a sports team or school production. It is not a way to include a headshots of students.

Can I see my hometowners before sending them?

Absolutely. In the preview bar above your text box you'll see an option to preview both the stories you're getting ready to send to newspapers and the emails you'll send your students. 

Clicking on the newspaper link will open a new window that list all of the newspapers that you'll be reaching. You can click on any of the links to view the actual news release that that paper will receive.

I’m getting an error saying that there are missing values in my release, what does this mean?

This means that you've accidentally forgotten to assign values to some of the pending boxes in your hometowner. In order to send the stories out to the media all of these boxes need to be given values.

Usually, when you see this message, it means you simply forgotten to click over to the multiple format version of your story and assign the placeholder there.

Can I send a web-only achievement?

Yes, while sending a hometowner you'll see a box at the bottom that will allow you to reach hometown newspapers. This box will be selected by default, but you can deselect it to publish your achievements ONLY on readabout.me.

Where does my logo appear?

Your school's logo will appear alongside the student's achievement when it is posted on www.readabout.me

Can I save my hometowner and send it at a later time?

Certainly. Simply click on the Save as Draft button at the bottom. This will move your hometowner to the Draft Hometowners section of your account. From there you can click Send to start distributing your hometowners. 

How long does it take for my hometowners to go out to the media?

Hometowners will start going out to the media after they have been approved by a readMedia editor who will review the story first to make sure there aren't any noticeable errors. 

I see a red Urgent section on my Hometown News tab. Why?

This means that a readMedia editor spotted an error in one of your hometowners. You should have also received a phone call or email describing the problem.

This urgent message will go away when you resend your story (unless you needed to upload a new spreadsheet). You can delete this message at any time if needed.

Afterward

Yes, you can view a summary of all of your transmissions at any time. On your Hometown News tab you'll see a section for Recently Sent Hometowners. There you'll see a list of your most recent activity. Click on a View Delivery Report link to open up a summary of that release.

Here you can look up stories either according to the student who the news was about or the paper that got the story. Use the search box to find the people you're looking for.