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You are here: FAQ - DMW
Does a press release sent by e-mail have the same impact as one sent by fax or snail mail?
Much more so!
On the contrary, it has been proved that journalists prefer by far receiving their releases by Internet.
While on this subject, see the study included in "Drafting Advice".
Do journalists receive the press releases forwarded by DMW?
The journalists (and similar) receive a 'Flash Alert' on their computers, informing them that a press release concerning them has just arrived on the DMW site.
This Flash Alert indicated the first line of the press release (title and/or heading).
When clicked on, the journalist has immediate access to the entire message as well as his personal DMW space in which he can file the press release according to certain criteria (date, source, keyword, etc.)
Which journalists receive the press releases?
All net users can freely access DMW and can therefore read the press releases.
Moreover, the release is partially sent by 'Flash Alert' to journalists' computers according to the defined selection criteria:
- by the writer of the release according to his needs;
- by the journalist according to his demands;
- ...and to all net users registered with DMW.
Why isn't a press release automatically sent to all journalists the world over?
Indeed, a certain kind of information corresponds to a certain kind of public.
It would be useless, if not prejudicial, to send information to a journalist who is not interested in the subject in question.
For this reason, both senders and receivers individually define their criteria enabling a pertinent circulation of each press release.
Is there a way of knowing how many journalists received a press release?
Yes, and more than that!
Through its monitoring system, DMW can inform its clients of the number of journalists who consulted and / or downloaded their press release, divided by media, country, economic sector, etc.
If a journalist requires additional information, how should he proceed?
He has several ways of finding out more about the event or the structure behind the release:
- he can contact the person as indicated on the release;
- or the person listed in the DMW Pro-Files;
- or he can consult the supplementary or institutional information available in the DMW Media Box column.
Can a press release be understood by journalists throughout the world?
Yes, if they speak German, English, French, Spanish or Dutch, which is usually the case. Each release is (for the moment) automatically translated in several of these languages as per the countries targeted.
If another language is used, DMW can assure its translation if so demanded.
Should the same press release be forwarded to all journalists?
This depends if the event is suitable given to the journalists' requirements.
Thankfully, DMW bears the pertinence in mind, according to the centres of interest of each and every one.
The contents can also be adapted accordingly, but for this the sender is responsible.
While on this subject, we counsel you to read "Drafting Advice".
Can an outdated press release be consulted?
Yes, in the twenty-four months following its release. All releases are stored for two years and during this period can by consulted by all.
Can documents other than texts be circulated by DMW?
Yes, of course.
The Visual-News are press releases enhanced by image files (photos, drawings), videos or sound. This increases their cordiality and impact.
The Media Box also contained various forms of multimedia information from DMW clients, either companies or organisations: files and press reviews, photo or video coverage, brochures in PDF, links to other active sites, etc.
And how much does it cost?
The circulation rates are not related to the amount of documents DMW presents on-line, and neither to the number of times they are downloaded.
The only limitation to be taken into account is the time involved for the journalist to access the release.
It is therefore advisable to compact or modulate your files according to the use and possibilities in force on the Web.
How often is the journalists and media's database updated?
The update is automatic and constant as the journalists themselves register and modify as required their profile and centre of interest.
Moreover, the DMW archivists upgrade and update our database on a daily basis.
This 'active' file which is permanently developed and updated thus guarantees an advantageous relationship between senders and receivers.
Who can access the personal details given in the DMW registration forms?
Rest assured, a priori nobody excepting DMW or an authorized person.
While on this subject, we advise you to read our "Confidentiality Clause" and our "Conditions of Use".
