More and more people turn to e-books

By: Scott Stein, VP of Client Services, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

A new report from the Pew Research Center says the percentage of adults reading e-books is on the rise.

The survey found that 28 percent of American adults had read an e-book in 2013, compared to 23 percent the year before. Nearly 70 percent reported reading a book in print, an increase of about four percentage points from 2012. In addition, the survey found that most people who read e-books also read print books. Count me in that category.

Please understand that it’s tough for me to start my day without the printed newspaper in my hands. So it was a big step for me to dive into reading books on my iPad last year – something my son still has a tough time believing. What I found is that I like it. As a result, I’m quite certain that I read more books last year than in any other year in recent memory.    

I suppose if you consider the time that I spend on my iPad at home, reading a book on the device was probably not a surprise. I have to say that it’s great to be able to look for books, check one out and start reading without ever leaving the house. Of course, there are times that the book or books I’m interested in are already checked out, but that’s no different than a typical visit to the library.  

The Pew Research report also found that the average American adult read or listened to 12 books in the past year. That number may be skewed a bit by those voracious readers that many of us know, so it’s also important to note that the typical or “median” adult read five books in 2013 (meaning that half of the adults read more than five books and half read fewer).   

After finding that I really do enjoy reading e-books, my goal for 2014 is to be above average in the number of books I read. Whether you like to read on an electronic device or find you must have the pages between your fingers, I hope 2014 is an above average reading year for you, too.

Have you tried e-books? What’s your preference when it comes to reading books?  

STILL Be Careful What You Say…

By: Kristen Paquet, Sr. Account Executive, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

Back in November, I posted how people really need to be careful about what they say in public. Nowadays, you just never know when it will come back to haunt you, most likely on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or…

It’s about using common sense both in what you say out loud and online. Recent news stories have shown us that one, simple 140 word comment can get you fired (PR exec Justine Sacco), cause a huge backlash (The Alabama quarterback mom who made inappropriate statements about the Florida State QB) or become a story in and of itself.

What I mean by that last comment is that I have recently started to notice how some news stories have been based on information found only on social media accounts (and are considered to be in the public domain). In a majority of these cases, not one interview took place. Most of these come in the form of what celebrity did what, when and to whom, but what’s to say that can’t happen to anyone? We all post, don’t we?

One of the first rules we teach young people new to social media is to be aware that anyone can read what they post online. It can be shared, retweeted and reposted, no matter how secure or protected an account might be. Seems to me that this is a life-long rule for kids and adults to remember.

So the moral of the story… again… think before you post. Although the urge to post something in the moment seems like a harmless idea, consider who will be able to see it. Is it good for your reputation, your job, your future? Don’t let the good things - the fun, connections and conversations - social media provides be over shadowed by a regrettable comment or photo.

What are your thoughts on this? How careful do you think you should be on social media? 

Set Yourself Free in 2014! Banish the New Year’s Resolution List.

By: Susan Finco, President, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

OK, it’s that time of year. You know, the NEW YEAR. Some are saying, “Thank God, I want 2013 to be over.”  Others are saying, “Where did the past year go?” And then there’s the dreaded New Year’s resolution list. We read about it. We talk about it. Always sounds so good. Rarely does it turn out that way. Let’s face it, we’re all too busy to really tackle a long list of anything, much less a list of twenty things we want to personally improve upon in 2014. It’s kind of like the lottery; nice to dream about winning but it never actually happens.

Now, that doesn’t mean I’m anti-lists or anti-resolutions. Actually, I’m a list maker from way back. I always have a list or two going; usually one for work and one for more immediate things I need to do in my personal life. But, when it comes to tackling those BIG things meant for the New Year’s resolutions list, I’m more of a pick one thing and see how it goes kind of person. And I don’t like to share my goal either. Who needs one more thing to feel bad about if you don’t actually do it!?  So, my approach to the New Year’s resolution list is this:  pick a goal, take concrete steps on a regular basis to make it happen and, hopefully, it will stick. If not, there’s always next year!

So what’s your approach to New Year’s resolution lists? Yay or nay? No matter what your answer, here’s to a happy, healthy and successful 2014!