EntertainmentManagementOnline.com: Integrating an Online Publication into the Entertainment Management Curriculum

Abstract

IntroductionIt is commonly regarded that good are critical for maximized productivity and success within the workplace, regardless of industry. Appleman (2009) suggests that studies have shown poor in the workplace leads hours of wasted time and money. It can also lead negative impressions from co-workers (Beason 2001). Beason found that grammar errors in workplace writings, regardless of severity, provoke negative responses from co-workers. Although to err is human, and, therefore, a stray error should not provoke judgment of a professional's competence, the negative reaction still remains. This is not surprising, considering over ninety-six percent of those polled believe are still important in the corporate world ( Wall Street Journal 2011).The importance of good is equally paramount for professionals within the entertainment industry. Individuals who work within entertainment management must write effectively over a variety of mediums for a variety of audiences. These pieces may include press releases, press kits, contracts, show announcements, blogs, websites, general email correspondence, sponsorship proposals, show reviews, etc. The ability clearly communicate key points about an artist, a tour, or a show is important in creating the intended appeal media, fans, and sponsors. Smith (2011, 46) claims effective are critical for successful progression from student professional, manager, or executive within any career path. Students in academic entertainment programs may avoid negative generalizations from future coworkers (Beason 2001), and move further along their career paths if they can write more effectively.Academic programs in music and entertainment have taken notice, and have responded with innovative approaches improve the of their students. The University of the Pacific uses seminars place emphasis on effective by having students conduct research and information synthesis (Chase and Hatschek 2010, 134). Emphasis on teaching was implemented into Pacific's seminars after a 2001 survey of alumni from the university's Music Management Program identified written communication skills as a key attribute attaining success in the music industry (Chase and Hatschek 2010, 141). Full Sail University highlights the emergence of a variety of information delivery channels within the entertainment industry and teaches students a transmedia approach writing {Creative Writing for Entertainment 2012). This approach recognizes the role of effective across multiple platforms, including social networking, mobile devices, and emerging platforms. Students at the Berklee College of Music write for an online publication, the Music Business Journal. The Music Business Journal publishes seven issues per year-three in the fall, three in the spring, and one in the summer {Music Business Journal 2011). The Music Business Journal is similar in content the publication that will be outlined in this article, EntertainmentManagementOnline.com. These integrated programs are examples of how educators are recognizing the importance of strong across a variety of platforms for a successful career in the entertainment industry.A Student-Generated Publication: A Means and an EndWhile it is accurate say that publishing an online magazine can be the end-goal of an integrated project within the entertainment business curriculum, it is also accurate say publishing an online magazine can be the means creating better writers who are also more knowledgeable about the entertainment industry. And, just as there are benefits and challenges associated with incorporating a student-run music label (Butler 2007), launching a student-generated online publication has its own set of hurdles and rewards.The initial idea for creating a student-generated online publication came as a result of a micro-grant program that Missouri State University offered professors who wanted implement innovative teaching methods in the classroom. …