AppVenturesAppVentureshttp://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012-05-28T07:24:21ZSquarespaceFrance in the News: Festival de Cannes / Cannes Film Festivalhttp://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/5/28/france-in-the-news-festival-de-cannes-cannes-film-festival.htmlSarah Towle2012-05-28T06:34:13Z2012-05-28T06:34:13ZAnd the 2012 Palm d'Or goes to...

Austrian director, Michael Haneke, for Amour.

I will always remember the 2012 Cannes Film Festival for the freak storm ripped through the swanky Riviera beach town on Sunday, 20 May, nearly tearing the roof off a screening room and soaking several of the world’s most glamorous as they walked the red carpet. Fireworks and outdoor screenings were also cancelled.

But the 65th show went on!

Originally conceived in the 1930s as an international cinematographic festival to rival that of Venice, the 1st Cannes Film Festival was set to launch in 1939 under the presidency of the esteemed Louis Lumière, one of history’s earliest filmmakers. But hostilities on the European continent intervened. The Festival kick off was delayed until World War II. It officially began 20 September 1946 and was held each September after that until 1952 (except in 1948 and 1950 due to flagging finances) when the Festival was moved to the typically sunny month of May.

Today, the Festival de Cannes is the world's most prestigious and most highly publicized film festival.

The goal of the Cannes Film Festival is to highlight new films of all genres from all over the globe. To ensure equitability, the Festival jury may comprise only one representative from any one country. Jurors are presided over by the Jury President who changes annually.

Until 1972, it was up to participating countries to choose which films would represent them in the Festival. Since then, Festival committees made up of industry professional collaborate to select films for this invitation-only Festival. 

Cannes Festival Fun Facts:

1950s – The popularity of the Festival increases thanks to the attendance of celebrities such as Kirk Douglas, Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot, Cary Grant, Romy Schneider, Alain Delon, Simone Signoret and Gina Lollobrigida.

1955 – The Palm d’Or is introduced (Golden Palm), replacing the Grand Prix. It is the most honored Festival prize, presented to the director of the best feature film, among 20, of the official competition.

1966 – Olivia de Havilland, British-American film and stage actress, becomes the first female President of the Festival jury.

1978 – Gilles Jacob, then Director-General of the Festival, created the Un Certain Regard selection, 20 original films selected from cultures near and far, and the Caméra d'Or award, which goes to the best first film presented at the Festival.

1991 - The Leçon de Cinéma (Cinema Masterclass) is delivered for the first time in by Italian director, Francesco Rosi. Since then, this public event facilitated by world renowned filmmakers has been an annual event.

2003 – Italian composer, Nicola Piovani, winner of the 1998 Oscar for Best Original Dramatic Score for the score of Roberto Benigni’s La Vita è bella, delivers the first Leçon de Musique (Music Masterclass).

2004 – Internationally acclaimed Swedish-French actor, Max Von Sydow, follows suit with the first Leçon d’Acteur (Acting Masterclass).

2010 – The Festival introduces the Cannes Short Film selection to offer a bird’s eyeview on the worldwide production of short form films.

2012 - Nanni Moretti, Italian actor and director, takes the reigns as President of the Jury for the 65th Festival.

2012, May 27 - Today's Palm d'Or win is the second for Michael Haneke, following his triumph in 2009 with The White Ribbon.

 

Trivia Question: How many other directors have taken the Palm d'Or more than once in Cannes Film Festival history? Please answer in the comments below.

 

Images:

Palm d'Or by Karel Leermans, expo Servais Ostende, December 2008, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Photo montage of Festival attendees by Georges Biard, 2007, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

]]>New York in Three Days: Pt. 3 - Allez Go!http://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/5/10/new-york-in-three-days-pt-3-allez-go.htmlSarah Towle2012-05-10T19:36:33Z2012-05-10T19:36:33ZDay Three: Downtown & Brooklyn

We started our last morning together in the Big Apple all the way downtown in Battery Park, waiting for the ferry to Ellis Island. Our first stop was Liberty Island, home to the grand statue of the same name. But we didn’t stay. We didn’t stand in line to go up inside. We didn’t get stuck behind a bunch of other tourists for the long climb to the top only to be scooted back down by those coming up right behind.

Instead, we decide to give more time to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and to enjoy the view of the Statue of Liberty from a number of awe-inspiring distances and angles

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is extraordinary – a personal favorite. It’s very interactive and really succeeds in bringing history to life. Wonderful for kids of all ages. Its focus on the history of immigration tells the story of the USA, of where many of the nation’s citizens came from, and when, and what, their immigrant ancestors had to go through to make it in. There are movies and exhibits and best of all, as hinted at above, the view of Lady Liberty from Ellis Island is bar none!

We even found the name of Loo’s father's ancestors engraved on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. Way cool!

After Ellis Island, we returned to Battery Park and from there wandered up Trinity Place and Church Street to the 9/11 Memorial. I hadn’t been back to this area since I helped feed the relief workers from a boat in the Hudson River in the wake of the tragedy. So I was especially keen to visit. However, we were not able to get in to view the Memorial on this particular day. Until its completion in 2014, only a limited number of visitors’ passes are available and they must be acquired in advance. So plan ahead. You can book your Memorial passes here: http://www.911memorial.org/.

No matter, it was nice to witness life, and great architecture, returning to Ground Zero once again.

Another hop, skip and jump and we were at the Park Place subway station where we grabbed the 2/3 line toward Brooklyn, exiting at Clark Street, the first stop on the other side of the East River. Now in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, we meandered through the best of Brownstone Brooklyn to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Here some of us took to the benches to soak up the breath-taking sight of lower Manhattan while also resting their feet. Others of us enjoyed the view while strolling the Promenade. And when we were all ready for a fill up, we made our way toward the Brooklyn Bridge and down the hill to Front Street and Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.

Grimaldi’s quite simply serves the best darn pizza in the world! I kid you not. You can’t really know New York unless you’ve bitten into a Grimaldi’s brick oven pizza with fresh mozzarella. My personal favorite is their margarita pizza. No frills pizza - just plain, simple goodness!

Then you must be sure to do exactly what we did – indeed, what we always do after pizza at Grimaldi’s: You must follow up the best darn pizza in the world with the best darn ice cream.

Just down the hill from Grimaldi’s, right on the river, you’ll find the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. And if you’re lucky, they will have just mixed up a fresh batch of peach ice cream. Yum Yum!

As you can imagine, we then needed to walk off our meal. And so will you. So do what we did: Walk back up Front Street and wend your way to the feet of the Brooklyn Bridge. Tucked in amongst the 169+-year-old pillars you will find a staircase.

Take it up as far as it goes, all the way to the pedestrian walkway far above the traffic. From this perch above the city, revel in extraordinary views as you walk back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Now, turn in early. You deserve it!

Bon Voyage!

 

Images:

Statue of Liberty on  Liberty Island, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum by Simeon87, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

View of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade by Cnb, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Brooklyn Bridge cables by Ad Meskens, found on Wikimedia Commons.

 

 

]]>New York in Three Days, Pt. 2: Allez Go!http://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/5/7/new-york-in-three-days-pt-2-allez-go.htmlSarah Towle2012-05-07T21:04:40Z2012-05-07T21:04:40ZDay Two: Central Park & Museum Day

Start your day by offering your gang a choice: The Metro-politan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue at E. 82nd St) or The Museum of Natural History (Central Park West at W. 79th). Either way you can’t go wrong: visual art and cultural history or physical history and natural science. Both are great for teens and tweens.

Whichever museum you choose, plan to spend a few hours there. There’s so much to discover and time will fly. Plan to start on the early side to beat the inevitable crowds.

Our group chose the latter and we were off and running. 

When you're done at your museum of choice, exit into Central Park and wander in a southerly direction and toward the middle of this veritable 8th wonder of the world. Look for the Sheep Meadow. There, at the top of the hill nestled under the trees, you will find a restaurant called Le Pain Quotidien.  Pick up lunch to go and take it onto the grassy lawn just in front and to the south of the resto. Enjoy one of the most spectacular views of NYC while you eat: the majesty of the New York skyscraper really can't be beat, especially when seen from within nature. Just wonderful!

Now rested and fortified, head south again and toward the east in the direction of the Central Park Zoo. This is not to be missed -- penguins and polar bears in New York? Oh My! Though called a Zoo, it’s fun for kids of all ages.

After the Zoo, you’ll be getting hungry again. You’ve already had your French-ish repast. So now I recommend dinner at a real New York Deli: Carnegie’s (7th Ave at W. 55th Street). Have a pastrami sandwich on rye with spicy mustard for me. And don’t forget to wash it down with an egg cream!

PS There is no egg in a New York egg cream.

Stay tuned for day three…

 

Images:

Central Park images by Ed Yourdon courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Central Park Zoo polar bear by Stavenn courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

 

]]>New York in Three Days, Pt. 1: Allez Go!http://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/5/2/new-york-in-three-days-pt-1-allez-go.htmlSarah Towle2012-05-02T20:59:24Z2012-05-02T20:59:24ZPlanning a trip to New York City with your tweens and/or teens?

Have only three days and want to see it all?

Well, that’s what happened to the Lucky-one-and-only (Loo) just last week.

We were in New York for spring break where we had the great pleasure to rendezvous with our Seattle-based cousins. They were on a whirlwind tour of the east coast and had never been to the Big Apple before. So they asked us – self-styled “New Yorkers” when we’re not in Paris – to plan an itinerary with the following requirements:

A Broadway show, preferably the Lion King;

A tour of NBC Studios;

At least one museum; and

A wander around Central Park.

So Loo and I threw their desires into a pot, added a few of our own, mixed them together and came up with a 3-day plan to enjoy...

  • a Midtown day,
  • a Central Park / museum day, and
  • a Downtown day. 

Starting today, I will post the details of each day of our magical (though exhausting) New York minute.

Ready? Steady… Allez, Go!

Day One: Midtown (note: supportive shoes required!)

First Stop: NBC Studios. Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, NBC offers tours seven days a week, departing every 15 minutes all day long. So you can't miss the fun, even on Sunday. And being the hardcore fans of Liz Lemon and the cast and crew of 30 Rock that we are, we could not leave the area without meandering through Rockefeller Center itself.

The sun was shining and scene was teeming and a treasure hunt in search of Atlas holding the world on his shoulders kept everyone happy and pleasantly occupied.

Then, an easy hop across Fifth Avenue, and we were passing through the ornate portals of St Patrick's Cathedral. There the world quieted and we had a few minutes to rest under the cool, spiritual arches before striking out once again, this time southward and to the east.

Next stop: Grand Central Station. We entered from the northwest corner, traveling into the terminal to the central information kiosk. There, we encouraged our west coast companions, their eyes already big as saucers, to look toward the ceiling.

What fun to watch their awestruck faces as they soaked in the extraordinary sight there, each one making a slow, 360 deg turn, before coming back to earth again. Then, we were off, exiting the building to the southwest and following 42nd street to the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.

After a quick journey through the library stacks, we ducked into the park for lunch amid the city sirens and spring flowering trees. Some among us ate Sabrett’s all-beef frankfurters and hot pretzels with spicy mustard bought from the sidewalk vendors.

What better way to experience New York?

Then, turning south again to 34th street and directly upward into the sky, our journey continued to the top of New York City at the Empire State Building. The view was so beautiful that our now beleaguered guests forgot all about their thirst and tired, aching feet.

Hungry and needing to rest and re-fortify for the big Broadway show, we headed back to 42nd Street and Times Square for family-style Italian dinner at Carmine's. 

Tip: The portions at Carmine’s are so huge there's no need to order a dish each. Better to start with some antipasti to quell your immediate hunger. Then order a few mains that everyone will like. The food gets plunked down right in the middle of the table and you all get your own plate to load up - family style.

Carmine's is a favorite with theatergoers, so get there by 6:00pm to get a table. Enjoy a leisurely dinner before the show. You may even have enough time to wander Times Square at night before curtain.

Now, get to the show. And don't be late. The opening act of the Lion King is the best part! Absolutely magic.

Stayed tuned for Day Two: Central Park / NY Museum.

 

Images:

New York Skyline, by DShwen, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Statue of Atlas, Rockefeller Center found at ISO 101 photoblog.

Bryant Park with New York Public Library, by Jean-Christophe BENOIST, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Empire State Building, by Jiuguang Wang, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

 

]]>Mucha in Paris: Art Nouveau finds a Muse in Bernhardthttp://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/4/11/mucha-in-paris-art-nouveau-finds-a-muse-in-bernhardt.htmlSarah Towle2012-04-11T20:35:35Z2012-04-11T20:35:35ZIt sometimes seems that no matter how far I travel from Paris, I’m never really away. I certainly felt that way on a recent Sunday morning in Prague. The Uber-Mensch and I had awoken early and climbed the ancient cobble-stoned streets to visit Prague Castle before the arrival of the tour buses. And in the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, I came face to face with this uncharacteristic - for a Gothic cathedral - and extraordinary stained-glass window.

“Where do I know that artist from,” I asked myself out loud. But it wasn’t until I was back in a favorite Paris café and spied an old theatre poster of Sarah Berhardt in the 1890s that I made the connection...

The poster and cathedral glass were created by the same guy: Alphonse Mucha, as the French know him, the Czech father of French Art Nouveau.

It seems that Mucha and Bernhardt were fated to meet. It was Christmas Eve, 1894. The struggling artist had made his way to Paris some years before and managed to patch together a living producing illustrations for advertisements and magazines. On this particular day he was at the famous press of Lemercier, filling in for a friend who was away for the holiday. As the artist sat correcting proofs, an urgent order came in for a new poster, to be created immediately, for the production of Gismonda, starring Sarah Bernhardt at the Theatre de la Renaissance. No one quite remembers what was wrong with the first poster, but as Lemercier’s usual artists where all away he turned to Mucha in desperation.

The poster that resulted from this chance event would make Mucha famous. It would revolutionize poster design. The novel long, narrow shape allowed Mucha to depict Berhardt as the larger-than-life figure that she then was. A neo-classical stillness rendered in subtle pastels - in contrast to the bold colors typical of the day - evoked the dignity and sobriety of Gismonda, the Greek heroine of the play of the same name by Bernhardt's contemporary, Victorien Sardou. Decorative elements and geometrical lines juxtaposed with images from nature and the flowing skirts of a woman’s robe brought together various artistic styles in one unified space.

The poster was so popular that a black market for them emerged. Collectors bribed billstickers to hand them over rather than post them around Paris. Some just removed them from their hangings with razor blades.

Sarah Bernhardt was so delighted with the poster that she offered Mucha a five-year contract to produce not only her theatre posters, but her stage and costume designs as well, thus launching a long and productive artistic career.

Unfortunately, the story that started like a fairy tale did not end happily ever after. With the rise of fascism in the 1930’s, Mucha’s works were denounced as “reactionary”. In the spring of 1939, when Hitler’s troops rolled into the former Czechoslovakia, Mucha was among the first to be arrested. He was eventually released, but his health suffered greatly during his internment and interrogation. He became ill with pneumonia and died in Prague on 14 July 1939.

Today, you can view Mucha’s legacy at the Mucha Museum, located in Kaunický Palace in the heart of Prague.

Image of Mucha stained glass window in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague, by Sarah Towle, 2012.

Poster images courtesy of the Mucha Foundation gallery.

]]>Bonne Paques ! Happy Easter! from Time Traveler Tourshttp://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/4/8/bonne-paques-happy-easter-from-time-traveler-tours.htmlSarah Towle2012-04-08T12:23:05Z2012-04-08T12:23:05Z

]]>Travel Tip Tuesday: Prague Weekendhttp://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/4/3/travel-tip-tuesday-prague-weekend.htmlSarah Towle2012-04-03T09:35:29Z2012-04-03T09:35:29ZThe Uber-mensch and I just had a long weekend in Prague. And oh what a weekend it was! Not simply because we lucked out with spectacular weather -- clear blue skies and crisp spring temperatures --, but also because Prague is a gem. It dazzles and shines, and draws you in with warm, welcoming arms.

Visually eclectic and eccentric, Prague is eye candy at every turn. It’s historic yet hip, full of stories whispering from the ages as well as those shouting to be told today.

Affordable and easy to get to from anywhere in Europe – less than 2 hours from Paris –, Prague is totally doable in a long weekend. As a downside, this means it can get quite crowded with tourists, and the door-to-door souvenir shops catering to the crowds abound along the old town’s main drag.

But we managed to work around this impediment and “do” Prague while skirting the tour groups. Here’s how:



Prague Trip Tips & Highlights:

Arrive Friday for hotel check in, depart Sunday at check out.
Traveling mid-day, both Friday and Sunday, gave us the equivalent of two full days and nights in Prague while also giving us the cheapest airfare options. It meant we could work a half day on Friday and be home in time for a family dinner on Sun. Win-win-win!

Hotel Recommendation: Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa.

Don’t check bags.
It’s only a weekend, so travel light. Minimize toothpaste, shampoo and other liquids to regulation quantities, or just use what your hotel offers. Check in online before your flight and print your boarding pass or send your boarding code to your smartphone. This way you can arrive at the airport just in time for boarding, and be the first in the taxi line on the other end.

Jewish quarter before sundown Friday.
Prague’s Jewish cemetery is not-to-be missed, with its eerie hodgepodge of jumbled tombstones echoing the tumble of souls put to rest underneath. You will miss it though if you try to visit it on the Sabbath (sundown Fri - sundown Sat). So, this should be the first stop in your weekend itinerary.

Charles Bridge at night.
Charles Bridge is spectacular and full of local color during the day with musicians, buskers and artisans plying their talents, sounds, and good vibes. But it’s also clogged with onlookers from end to end. At night it offers the visitor a more peaceful, sleepier side of Prague. We recommend it as a must-see your first evening in town, after the Jewish Quarter and dinner.

Meander through Old Prague in a serpentine rather than direct route.
Prague’s old town is spectacular and deserves the entire day on Saturday. But here’s the thing: most tourists traverse the old town in a fairly straight line from the Charles Bridge to the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn along a route littered with the worst of ticky-tacky trinket shops. It’s a pity, really, as there’s so much to see just off this overly-beaten track. So, to avoid the worst of the crowds, follow a more serpentine path, crossing the main drag only when you have to, like to visit the central square and view the antics of the Astrological Clock at high noon. Don’t miss that!

Sample the amber on the main drag, not the tourist drag.
Amber and crystal are the things to buy in Prague, and shops abound along the old town thoroughfare referenced above. But the best choice and service is to be found on the other side of the Charles.

And did you know that Amber could be green? I didn’t. But that’s what I bought. Green amber. Sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn’t it?

Music with the locals.
Whether it’s classical, orchestral, opera, or Jazz, the Czech people love their music. So get tickets to the genre and venue of your choice and go rub elbows with your Prague hosts. We got front-row balcony seats to La Boheme for about 40€ each, a bargain unheard of in Paris. Get to the theatre early enough to enjoy the pre-show chatter of the Czech language while sipping a glass of Czech sparkling wine.

Sunday mass at the Cathedral Castle.
Now get ready for the biggest tip of all… The guidebooks claim that the St. Vitus Cathedral in the Prague Castle complex is closed on Sunday until noon. Well, that may be so for visitors. But it is open to worshipers for 9:30 mass. Plan to get up early on Sunday and climb straight up to the castle grounds. You'll have a peaceful hour or so before the tour buses start to arrive. At 9:00, head over to the Cathedral. Tell the guard you are there for mass, he’ll let you right in. Use the time before mass to wander the cathedral and take in its finely-crafted 20th century stained glass. Then settle into a pew and soak in the history, music, liturgy and light. Leave whenever you’ve had enough and skitter through the now assembled masses back down into the city in search of a hearty Sunday breakfast before collecting your bags and heading back to the airport.

Bon voyage!

Check back in upon your return to tell us about your trip!

All Images by Sarah Towle, 2012.

]]>Cynsations Interview with Author/App Creator Sarah Towle, by Whitney Stewart for SCBWI Bolognahttp://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/3/27/cynsations-interview-with-authorapp-creator-sarah-towle-by-w.htmlSarah Towle2012-03-27T07:45:17Z2012-03-27T07:45:17ZI am honored and privileged to have been interviewed by award-winning children's book writer, Whitney Stewart, for SCBWI Bologna and Cynthia Leitich Smith's sensational and inspirational blog for writers, Cynsations.

Grab a cup of joe and head on over to Cyn's blog for a look-see. Click Here:

]]>Notes from a Blue Chair - Marketing: A Necessary Evil?http://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/3/12/notes-from-a-blue-chair-marketing-a-necessary-evil.htmlSarah Towle2012-03-12T14:22:44Z2012-03-12T14:22:44Z

My friend and colleague, Whitney Stewart, celebrated writer of non-fiction books for children and fellow member of the Hen&ink Literary coop, recently asked me the following question:

Writers often say that marketing is the toughest part of the business because it takes time away from writing. How do you manage this on a daily basis? What are your techniques?

The truthful answer is, I can't really claim to manage marketing well. It’s a constant struggle for me. In fact, I’m sure I could pick up some choice tips from Whitney, rather than the other way 'round.

But I keep chipping away at it. We both do. Mostly through social media networking. Because finding the right balance between making and marketing has become an essential task for all creative people trying to make a living from their craft in the 21st century.

And though I am not able to offer any magical solutions, I can share four Don'ts and Do’s which I learned, unfortunately, the hard way.

 

DON’T... Try to do it all. At least not at first.

It’s overwhelming how many social media options there are to choose from. It’s enough to stop you in your tracks before you’ve even started.

DO… Set up a social media platform based on your needs and interests.

Start with one option and build from there. If you prefer to communicate in words, try a blog and check out Twitter. If you are a visual person, you might prefer Facebook, Pinterest, Flicker, and/or Instagram. If you’re hoping to communicate with a young audience, Facebook is a must; if it’s an older, professional crowd you’re after, go for LinkedIn.

After balking for far too long, I finally got my feet wet with a free BlogSpot blog, called FrancoFiles Fun Facts. It had nothing to do with my app project. So I eventually had to create this blog-embedded website on Squarespace, and then I waded in a little more deeply with Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook presences.

I still struggle with how best to use Facebook. Send your suggestions please!

 

DON’T… Start your day with social media.

In fact, schedule your online time and try to stick to it. ‘Cause just when you think you’re finally out, it’ll pull you back in.

[Free download of Beware Mme La Guillotine to the person that can identify the film reference here.]

DO… Start each workday with your craft.

Once your right brain is both exercised and relaxed, you can dive into your social media network with a completely clear conscious and do it 'til you drop!

 

DON’T… Hold back.

Social networking is like karma – what goes around, comes around. So spread the love. And lots of it. And watch it come back to you.

DO… Always be linking, liking, commenting, and thanking.

According to Guy Kawasaki in his book, Enchantment, marketing today is about relationships first, sales second. First you reveal yourself to your future audience as a trustworthy authority and a likable expert. Then, once they have need for your product, they will do business with you. And be happy they did!

So when you come across an article you feel contributes to your professional discussion,

  • share the link (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+);
  • tell others if you like it (Facebook);
  • post a comment saying why you do, or don’t (blogoshpere); and
  • announce your news (everywhere) so that folks can share it and link back to you. 

The things you like and information you share “tell” us your story and allow you to attract like-minded friends and followers. When they, in turn, link to, like, or comment on your platform, be sure to thank them.

Then, when you have news—an impending gallery exhibit or the coming release of your new book or a new app in the App Store—they are ready to receive and, hopefully, act upon it: i.e., share it, shout out about it, buy it!

 

DON’T… Pay for reviews.

I tried it. I even researched the matter carefully and chose a reviewer I thought would further my cause because 1) they don’t critique, so you’re guaranteed the review won’t be negative, and 2) they do produce a video demo which you can then recycle on your own platform.

Awesome. I needed a video demo. Badly. Because, after all, video is another essential component of everyone’s social media marketing platform.

So I ponied up my $100 – which they made it very easy for me to do – to get my 10 days in the proverbial sun as a "featured app". But while the video wasn't bad, exactly, it's of no use to me either. The "reviewer" clearly didn’t take any time to get know the app. He didn’t even understand that it’s one continuous story. And of the app’s ten cool features, he focused on exactly two. Check it out here to see for yourself.

I received no bump in sales. I got no useful video demo. Waste of hope. Waste of money.

DO… Keep putting your product into the hands of people you think will like it and who are in a position to review it.

Send it to bloggers, reviewers, local press personalities, friends. Just keep putting it out there, give it away if you have to, because eventually it will get reviewed. And you want it reviewed by people who truly have something wonderful to say.

Then, when it does get reviewed, use your social media platform to shout it from the rooftops!!!

Rule of thumb: limit self-promoting to no more than about 20% of your tweets, shares, likes, etc., less is even better. The rest of the time, promote the contributions and news of others.

 

Happy Marketing!

Sarah

 

Special thanks to Paola peralta for the image at the top of this post.

]]>Just in Time for Spring Break: Teachers With Apps Gives Beware Mme la Guillotine a Rave Review!http://timetravelertours.com/appventurers/2012/2/15/just-in-time-for-spring-break-teachers-with-apps-gives-bewar.htmlSarah Towle2012-02-15T20:36:58Z2012-02-15T20:36:58ZClick Here

to read the review

Thank You,

]]>