The most helpful productivity tools are the tools that have tools. This has become a lot more visible lately with "App Stores" popping up everywhere; however, the concept of extending an initial framework has been around for a while, often through third-party use of APIs.

My top two production tools are of this variety: frameworks that are impressive as standalone products and extremely helpful when augmented. (Disclosure: much of my equipment is Mac-based though many of the programs I work with are universally accessible).

Years ago, when magazine publishers needed to add to their database of potential subscription candidates, they often would have to rent from other magazines. The process, while effective, could be tedious as each individual list rental had to be worked out on a case-by-case basis.

Now, of course, the print subscription climate is much different. Publishers must still find ways to acquire new print subscribers when resources are stretched across multiple mediums.

If there was a reoccurring conversation topic at CUNY’s New Business Models for Local News event it was: we are not alone.

A panel at ad:tech in New York offered their advice and experiences with driving audiences to their web properties.  The panel included Rebecca Watson, director of business development, Real Girls Media Network; Adam Hirsch, COO, Mashable; Jack Rotherham, senior VP, strategic development and partnerships, Metacafe; and Mike Keriakos, co-founder and president, Waterfront Media.

The media game is changing faster than publishing can get its feet under itself. No one is certain of what will be hot six months from now, so media budgeting decisions remain tense and uncertain. The good news is that during these shadowy periods, new seeds of opportunity sprout and the air crackles with ideas.

During last month's Advertising Week events, agency thought leaders gathered and buzzed about social media and applications for various mobile devices, indicating that these are the areas of focus in terms of media budgeting for 2010.

Online revenues for magazines and newspapers range from less than 10 percent of total revenues for newspapers to 20 percent for B2B magazines, and most executives are looking for digital revenues to grow to 40-50 percent of total revenues over the next three years.  Traditional media companies small and large are facing increasing difficulties