A new PAO press release Web site (fed by a corresponding data base) is presently being implemented. This e-mail will give you instructions in the use of the Web site, and will assist you in setting up your personal e-mail distribution lists.

First of all, please note that this e-mail was sent via the new system. Your press releases will arrive at their destination in this format. By eliminating HTML language in this version, it guarantees that every computer can receive at least this most basic e-mail message. By using the link attached to the message, a more "glamorous" version of the press release (complete with individual heading/banners) is available for printing.

The ability to attach pictures and/or art to a press release is not available at this time, but will be within the few working days. To have a banner created for your customer/command (i.e. V-22, F/A-18, PEO(W)), please forward a logo to me.

To access the Web site, please go to http://pao.navair.navy.mil/admin/index.cfm. Your first task is to click on "e-mail addresses" on the left column and enter the addresses of all of your media contacts. Only one person needs to generate a complete list, because each PAO can then go in and edit the list in "distribution lists" to create their own unique group or groups of lists.

Once your e-mail distribution lists are established, you are ready to enter a press release by clicking on "add new press release." The copy for your press release should be generated in Microsoft Word and then copied and pasted into the database. NOTE: There is no spell check available in the database, so do your editing in Word first.

Once you have your press release entered, click "save" at the bottom of the screen. This will automatically generate an archiving number and store the press release in the database. This action does NOT distribute the press release. That is the last step.

Under "list press releases" you will find a comprehensive list of all press releases in the database. Find your press release and then click on the notepad icon under "actions."

On your screen you will see the press release you wish to send, the archiving number, the date of the press release, and then a pull-down list next to "distribution list." Choose the distribution list (from those previously established) to which you wish to send your press release. When you are ready to send, press the gray bar labeled "Press here to e-mail this press release to your distribution list."

This database is in the testing phases within NAVAIR headquarters and based on your feedback, it will be eventually implemented at all PAOs team wide. If you have problems or questions, I will be happy to help address them in staff meetings. I can also be reached by e-mail or phone.

Thanks for your time,

Vicky Falcón

TIP - According to the developer of this database, it works best in Microsoft Explorer. It works in Netscape, as well, but you will notice occasional "page has been moved" messages.