Media & Publishing

How Friendly Peer Competition Motivates Writing Career - Mark Graham

In Chapter 13 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, editor and writer Mark Graham how his Internet writing peers provide friendly competition and motivate him to improve. Graham enjoys reading friends' articles critically to not only provide feedback but also to inform his own development and ideas. He also how peers motivate and inspire him on story turnaround time. In his new editor role, Graham looks beyond individual writing pieces to more a body of work, how and when it was laid out, and how it resonated with viewers and fans. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Peer Support Makes Internet Writing Career More Fulfilling - Mark Graham

In Chapter 12 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, editor and writer Mark Graham details how peer Internet writer support has helped him develop professionally. Peer support provides Graham initial confidence to leave a marketing job at General Motors for a blogging role at VH1. Over time, the online writing and blogging community provides the encouragement, counsel, and feedback to help Graham improve and develop as a writer and, now, an editor. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How to Mentor Young Internet Writers - Mark Graham

In Chapter 11 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, editor and writer Mark Graham shares what he has learned about mentoring young Internet writers in his own senior editor role. First, he sits down with writers and reviews past work, given a draft review philosophy is often difficult in the deadline driven environment. Open and honest communication is critical and grounded by building trust. That time invested helps Graham differentiate where a young writer may need counseling and where they need encouragement. He finds some writers are better developing ideas and stories, whereas others need support finishing ideas. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Mentoring Little Brother Builds Coaching Skills - Mark Graham

In Chapter 10 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how mentoring his little brother's development as a writer has provided him meaningful, transferable feedback and insight he uses to coach and mentor writers at work. Graham provides encouragement to identify ways his younger brother - a pop culture writer at the Detroit News - can find new ways to leverage his voice, build a following, and develop professionally. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Little Brother Helps Big Brother Develop Writing Career - Mark Graham

In Chapter 9 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how his little brother's support and encouragement has made him a better writer. Graham's younger brother, a freelance music writer and Detroit News pop culture writer, actively seeks ways to support his big brother. Trust begets mutual admiration and respect and provides a safe place where the pair can openly share criticism and feedback. This continuous sharing leads to idea exploration and potential collaboration. Mark Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Pop Culture Writer Grows into Senior Editor Job - Mark Graham

In Chapter 8 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how his new VH1 senior editor role compares with his previous pop culture news writing positions. Graham enjoys the challenge managing multiple interest areas and setting writing team direction to develop narrative stories across topics including network television content as well as online specific programming and content. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Outreach and Reciprocity Play into TV Show Social Media Strategy - Mark Graham

In Chapter 7 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how the blogging commenter culture he discussed in his first Capture Your Flag interview is evolving across online social media. Now working at Viacom's VH1, Graham finds onsite commenter culture insufficient to build fan and viewer relationships. Social media effectiveness also rests on individual outreach - going to fans and viewers where they tweet, update, and blog - as well as engaging in a quid pro quo game of reciprocity. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Social Media Transparency Increases Fan and Follower Loyalty - Mark Graham

In Chapter 6 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how transparent writing and blogging styles are becoming more prevalent in big media, including at Viacom where he works. Corporate media and publishing companies are realizing the value of engaging audiences as individuals. Readers and fans are progressively demanding personalized interaction on Twitter exchanges, Facebook posts, and blog comments. By showcasing the people behind the corporate responses, Graham finds companies develop closer bonds with audiences and build more loyal customer bases. He provides examples from his experiences connecting to the Twilight fan community via the VH1 show "The Fab Life." Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Transparency Improves Writing and Blogging - Mark Graham

In Chapter 5 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how his blogging and writing experience has taught him to be more transparent. Graham's online and offline personas are the same. Over time, his online personal has become the same voice as his everyday one, instead of a fictional character or persona. This allows him to better interact with his audience via exchanging feedback and comments. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How to Be Resourceful Using a Can-Do Attitude at Work - Mark Graham

In Chapter 4 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, Michigan-born pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how he developed a "can-do" attitude growing up in Detroit. Graham embraces this open-minded and positive approach to volunteer time and opportunity when he sees a way he can help. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Volunteering for Projects Helps Entertainment Career Develop - Mark Graham

In Chapter 3 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how volunteering for work projects throughout his career has broadened his skills and created opportunities for advancement. Graham leaves a publishing job at New York Magazine for a job at Viacom and MTV Networks working at VH1. By volunteering on new projects he takes initiative to learn and also expose his talents to others in the company. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How VH1 Pop Culture Editor Gets Start in Web TV - Mark Graham

In Chapter 2 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how his online writing and editorial roles are now overlapping with web series development at VH1. Graham previously worked at VH1 on digital initiatives that did not include television. After returning to VH1 after time at New York Magazine, Graham focuses on Internet and television blended content, including network show extras as well as original online programming. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Job Change to VH1 Helps Editor Align Ambition With Opportunity - Mark Graham

In Chapter 1 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, pop culture writer and editor Mark Graham shares how he decided to leave an online editorial and writing position at New York Magazine for a senior editor role at VH1. Graham identifies opportunities to work with and support a broader writing team. Moreover, as a pop culture and media lover, Graham joins VH1 to be part of an integrated media experience that more fully embraces the intersection of web and TV. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

How Senior Leader Builds Consensus Between Board Members and Staff - Doug Jaeger

In Chapter 12 of 12 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, designer Doug Jaeger shares what he is learning about building multi-party consensus in his Art Director's Club president role. Jaeger learns to understand individual needs within both the board membership as well as with the staff. Offering social media adoption as an example, Jaeger starts with sharing an idea, then positions the idea at the board level to receive support, and finally disseminates the idea across the organization via program planning and rollout. Jaeger is a partner at design firm JaegerSloan - http://jaegersloan.com/ - and is also president of the Art Director's Club - http://www.adcglobal.org/ . Previously he founded thehappycorp and has served in creative director leadership roles at TBWA/Chiat/Day and JWT. Jaeger holds a BFA in Computer Graphics and Art Media Studies from Syracuse University.

How to Define and Measure Success When Creating Art and Media - Doug Jaeger

In Chapter 10 of 12 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, designer Doug Jaeger shares ways he defines success in what he does as a creative professional and designer. First, Jaeger looks at something tangible, specifically project completion. Second, he looks for a positive reaction, preferably from a non-biased source, i.e. not a friend or colleague. He finds friends' critical feedback a complementary motivational tool that pushes him to work harder. Jaeger is a partner at design firm JaegerSloan - http://jaegersloan.com/ - and is also president of the Art Director's Club - http://www.adcglobal.org/ . Previously he founded thehappycorp and has served in creative director leadership roles at TBWA/Chiat/Day and JWT. Jaeger holds a BFA in Computer Graphics and Art Media Studies from Syracuse University.

How to Turn Mistakes Into Motivational Learning Experiences - Doug Jaeger

In Chapter 9 of 12 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, designer Doug Jaeger shares how exploring his failures and mistakes, especially those not so obvious at the time, has helped him change his behavior and live better. Identifying less obvious failures - what Jaeger terms undercurrents in behavior - often translates into quick and lasting positive changes that increase wellbeing. Jaeger is a partner at design firm JaegerSloan - http://jaegersloan.com/ - and is also president of the Art Director's Club - http://www.adcglobal.org/ . Previously he founded thehappycorp and has served in creative director leadership roles at TBWA/Chiat/Day and JWT. Jaeger holds a BFA in Computer Graphics and Art Media Studies from Syracuse University.

How to Align Career Purpose With Childhood Ambition - Doug Jaeger

In Chapter 8 of 12 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, designer Doug Jaeger shares how his aspirations and goals have changed from his childhood, through his 20s, and into his 30s. After finding early success and the associated financial rewards, Jaeger begins aligning his creative career aspirations with early childhood aims to contribute by creating lasting media. Jaeger is a partner at design firm JaegerSloan - http://jaegersloan.com/ - and is also president of the Art Director's Club - http://www.adcglobal.org/ . Previously he founded thehappycorp and has served in creative director leadership roles at TBWA/Chiat/Day and JWT. Jaeger holds a BFA in Computer Graphics and Art Media Studies from Syracuse University.

How Small Business Counseling Helps CEO Manage Stress - Doug Jaeger

In Chapter 7 of 12 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, designer Doug Jaeger shares how he learned to manage stress dealing with the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur. Jaeger encounters compounding challenges - accounts receivable, office lease payments, canceled clients, and partner tension - and turns to SCORE (http://www.score.org), a government-backed small business resource, to navigate through the them. The group, comprised of retired CEOs, helps Jaeger organize and prioritize the steps he then takes to resolve the stress-inducing issues. Jaeger is a partner at design firm JaegerSloan - http://jaegersloan.com/ - and is also president of the Art Director's Club - http://www.adcglobal.org/ . Previously he founded thehappycorp and has served in creative director leadership roles at TBWA/Chiat/Day and JWT. Jaeger holds a BFA in Computer Graphics and Art Media Studies from Syracuse University.