How can I drown out my mother's constant advice giving banter? [more inside]
posted by InterestedInKnowing on Oct 16, 2009 - 23 answers

I have absolutely no comprehension whatsoever of how fiber optic cables can transmit information -- phone calls, emails, whatever -- by using light. Seriously, this makes no sense. Please explain it to me as if I'm a fifth-grader who makes decent grades in science class. [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie on Oct 6, 2009 - 39 answers

Fellow freelancers and/or marketing gurus: where is the fine line between staying on a potential employer’s radar and being a pest--and how do I get as close to it as possible? [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky on Sep 14, 2009 - 5 answers

Is there a way or tool to easily wed Twitter to Delicious, through sickness and in health? Preferably more health... [more inside]
posted by metalheart on Apr 4, 2009 - 3 answers

How To Write Technical Training Films? [more inside]
posted by turgid dahlia on Mar 9, 2009 - 0 answers

Due to a raft of factors beyond my control, I have to give up my awesome but poorly paid and very demanding job as a reporter and seek a more 9-5 employment, with better pay. AskMe, can you help me identify my selling points for PR and communications jobs? [more inside]
posted by t0astie on Mar 3, 2009 - 4 answers

Here's the deal, MeFi: I know absolutely nothing about computers, other than how to access the internet and use MS Word. However, I'm starting to think seriously about careers in media and communications, and I know being a decent writer isn't nearly good enough, especially in this economy. So, what programs should I start with? I'm thinking excel spreadsheets (sad I know), Outlook, Photoshop, maybe basic html coding? Bonus points if you can point me to any useful websites or books with introductory tutorials. Thanks!
posted by themaskedwonder on Jan 22, 2009 - 10 answers

Graphic Designers / Commercial Artists, Social Policy People, PR/Communications Professionals: where do your professions overlap? [more inside]
posted by Weng on Jan 18, 2009 - 4 answers

My PCI Simple Communications Controller has bitten the dust. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Oct 12, 2008 - 4 answers

So, awhile back I noticed a lot of people beginning a lot of their sentences with the word so. Suddenly, I was doing the same. Does anyone know if this has a specific origin in the culture? A character in a TV show, maybe?
posted by partner on Sep 17, 2008 - 54 answers

I'm looking for a good personal voicemail service that can replace a home phone number. [more inside]
posted by dammitjim on Sep 2, 2008 - 8 answers

I'm working for a newer growing, small business (4-5 employees or so). We have to send emails containing the same information to existing customers. For example, we have to notify customers about their accounts (for example, their CC/billing information becomes outdated) or customers send us a question. We're looking for an efficient way to do this. [more inside]
posted by fizzix on Aug 11, 2008 - 5 answers

Novel Research Filter: Help me describe phone culture/ etiquette in the 70's prior to the advent of answering machines. [more inside]
posted by Xurando on Jan 13, 2008 - 16 answers

How do two people who are both a) super-sensitive to criticism, real or imagined; b) prone to being critical toward others; and c) married manage to coexist peacefully? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 16, 2007 - 15 answers

9-11 Technology Filter: I have never been able to even get signal on my Blackberry 8200 (GSM) within 10 seconds of liftoff, so how were cell phone calls completed from hijacked planes on 9-11? Specifically, given the prevailing handset, carrier, and tower technologies present in the Boston, NY, and DC metro and intervening areas at the time, and given the flight paths and altitudes of the hijacked planes, how were passengers able to complete cellphone calls to loved ones? [more inside]
posted by Pastabagel on Nov 30, 2007 - 20 answers

I've been asked to do a short job interview with some candidates for an intranet content manager position. I've never been on that side of the interview table before and need some help coming up with good questions to ask. [more inside]
posted by hootch on Nov 7, 2007 - 7 answers

Help me find a well-designed financial services site that is not stuffy! [more inside]
posted by thinkpiece on Oct 11, 2007 - 3 answers

Sales Filter - What are some creative ways to communicate with and motivate an extremely mobile sales force? [more inside]
posted by LakesideOrion on Aug 2, 2007 - 10 answers

How does one make even make an attempt at getting an entry level job in the journalism or PR fields, when he or she has no real access to those fields (and no experience)? [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart on Jul 18, 2007 - 11 answers

Where do I find a ranking of graduate programs in communications arts and sciences in the United States? [more inside]
posted by parmanparman on Jun 6, 2007 - 5 answers

How can I help my fellow employees get the most out of their benefits program via efficient, lively, multi-platform communications? [more inside]
posted by thinkpiece on Jun 3, 2007 - 7 answers

Radio communications trivia: What is the meaning of the term "5 by 5"? [more inside]
posted by fox_terrier_guy on May 4, 2007 - 9 answers

One stop communications software? I use my laptop as a secondary moniter. I'd love one peice of software that could run full screen, and moniter or otherwise show the status of a few different services. 1-2 POP3 accounts, 1-2 RSS feeds, an MSN account, etc. [more inside]
posted by tiamat on Mar 17, 2007 - 8 answers

Calling all AskMefites who work for a strategic communications firm or in corporate communications: how did you get your gig? [more inside]
posted by hazelshade on Nov 28, 2006 - 8 answers

Where can public relations/communications job postings be found? [more inside]
posted by graytona on Oct 19, 2006 - 11 answers

I am looking for a unified messaging service that would ideally provide fax (receive/send), voicemail, file storage, maybe email, ssl would be a big bonus. I've looked at several fax services, but they don't provide voicemail. I know there are many of these services available, but positive experiences and recommendations from Mefites would be most appreciated! Thanks in advance. BTW, $20 or under would be perfect.
posted by Gerard Sorme on Sep 22, 2006 - 4 answers

PhD advice! I am starting a PhD program in Communications this fall. I'd like some general advice from those who have survived. I'm looking for ideas on wise steps to take as far as department politics, TAing, getting published, attending conferences, funding, trying to survive on no money, being in a relationship with a non-student, etc. [more inside]
posted by k8t on Jul 31, 2006 - 16 answers

What is this web revolution I see before me? [more inside]
posted by Smarson on Jun 29, 2006 - 29 answers

For our next staff meeting I have been asked to come up with a brief exercise that will help a group of fairly experienced business writers sharpen their research/writing/editing skills. Can anybody share an exercise that worked for them or point me to resources on the Internets?
posted by punkfloyd on Jan 24, 2006 - 7 answers

My company has an ISDN2 link with one of our suppliers to allow the transfer of large files. The link has been in place for about 5 years now. Lately the size of the files has been growing and subsequently the time taken to transfer the files has now increased to the point of it sometimes being quicker to actually bike a copy of the file round to them. What are the other options for us? In the UK if that has any bearing.
posted by lloyder on Nov 8, 2005 - 6 answers

Working on a project dealing with the drum (that is, skin stretched over a frame) as a technology. I need to name all the applications of a drum I can think of, and their humanistic implications. I've got Drum as Music and Drum as Communication. But I mentioned exploring the fact that you can *feel* drums before other instruments, that they have a very physical aspect, and the prof said there are tons of applications in this category alone. WTF? Something about separating wheat from chaff with drums? Anyway, I have to turn in a proposal by 1 pm tomorrow, and I would love your help. Ideas on other applications?
posted by ibeji on Oct 5, 2005 - 23 answers

I'm looking for a cheap, small, non-voice email only portable device with a long battery life that will work in NYC and has a good UI. [more inside]
posted by n9 on Jul 8, 2005 - 8 answers

I have to learn a new way to communicate in my workplace. That giant flushing sound you hear from the more inside is my career. [more inside]
posted by TomSophieIvy on Jan 23, 2005 - 34 answers

Military question -- On a website I was reading recently, I came across this tidbit: "The military continues to experiment with command and control structures designed to delegate and drive decision making to the front lines." Can anyone tell me more about this? I'm interested in how the U.S. military (or any other) has overcome the problem of decision-makers being too far from the action. [more inside]
posted by oissubke on Mar 24, 2004 - 7 answers

You are building a new home. What networking will you provide between your office/computer/router and a media closet in your living space? Between your office and a living room desk? Between that desk and the media closet? Details ? [more inside]
posted by Dick Paris on Feb 3, 2004 - 6 answers