Following is a Q&A with Brad Grimes, editor of Hanley Wood’s Digital Home:
By Greg Shemitz
Q: What’s your background as a journalist? What are your responsibilities at Digital Home?
A: I’ve been writing and editing technology stories since 1991 when I started my career at Ziff Davis’ PC Magazine. After getting my master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School, I joined IDG’s PC World, where I became executive editor of features. Recently I was chief technology editor for PostNewsweek Tech Media, which publishes Government Computer News and Washington Technology.
I’m now editor of a new publication at Hanley Wood, which serves the residential housing industry. Digital Home is written for the builders, architects and integrators of high-tech homes. I oversee the entire publication, as well as related conferences.
Q: What types of stories are most likely to pique your interest? What kind of material should public relations people be on the lookout for?
A: I’m looking for stories about home technology successfully implemented or marketed by homebuilders and their installers. So-called smart homes are relatively new, so we try and produce stories that help all parties involved give homeowners what they want and be more successful doing it.
Q: What recent projects have given you the most satisfaction or are most reflective of your work?
A: I’ve only been here a short time, but the projects that give me the most satisfaction are service journalism pieces. Being a technology editor, I work on my share of product stories, but it’s the how-to and tips articles that I like the most — and the ones readers get the most out of. A story about the latest widget is nice, but the story on how to use the widget to make your life better/do your job better is nicer.
Q: What industry publications, Web sites and services do you refer to?
A: I read my competitors’ and association publications in the builder, professional A/V and custom electronics market. I visit Web sites that serve my builder readers, including www.nahb.org, www.cedia.net, www.caba.org. I also regularly visit the Web sites of the product manufacturers I cover, as well as technology news sites like CNET.com. Finally, I visit business news sites to understand the market my readers live in.
Q: What do you like/dislike about dealing with PR people? Any tips you’d like to give them?
A: I count on PR people to do my job well and like to develop strong relationships with “go-to” reps I can count on for good stories and resources. But you’d be surprised at how many PR professionals, despite ongoing and obvious advice, still pitch ideas without researching my publications and whom they serve. If I can tell from the pitch that someone has taken the time to understand my readership. Even if the pitch may ultimately not work out, I’m likely to listen and politely decline or look for another way we can work together. If not, I hit “delete.”
Q: How and when do you prefer to be contacted?
A: Phone or e-mail works fine any time. I prefer not to get a phone call immediately after receiving an e-mail ‘to check and see if I got it.” Assume my e-mail works.
Q: What’s the best way to send news releases to you? Mail, e-mail or fax?
A: E-mail. But again, I respond best if the e-mail shows the sender has taken the time to understand how the pitch might fit my audience. I can smell a mass e-mailing a mile away. When I smell it, I hit “delete.”
Q: Do you accept photos/graphics/artwork? If so, how do you want to receive them? Any specific formatting requirements?
A: Sure. We need high-resolution images, 300 dpi or better, in JPG or TIFF format. Preferably without any gratuitous logos, etc.
Brad Grimes
Editor, Hanley Wood’s Digital Home
One Thomas Circle, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
E-mail: bgrimes@hanleywood.com
Fax: (202) 785-1974
Web site: www.hanleywood.com