**(there is new information below for those already using the database/Web site)**

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 bottom of this message, a more "glamorous" version of the press release (complete with individual heading/banners) is available for printing.

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. After logging in 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. As a courtesy to others, please do not edit someone else's distribution list.

Once your e-mail distribution lists are established, you are ready to enter a press release by clicking on "add new press release." In this area you will see a box titled "Include this press release on Wingspan." If you check this box you must fill out the next two sections pertaining to Wingspan. The Wingspan title can only be 30 characters long. Make sure you include a short sentence (you can use your lead) as the Wingspan topic. These two areas are only used for Wingspan, and will not show up on the database or within the body of your final press release.

The copy for your press release should be generated in Microsoft Word and then copied and pasted into the database. I suggest using hard returns between paragraphs for spacing. 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. If you have a photo (or two) to distribute with your press release, you can add that now. Make sure captions are included at the bottom of the body of your press release.

Go to "list press releases" where you will find a comprehensive list of all press releases in the database. Find your press release and then click on the camera icon under "actions." Before you add the photo to your press release, make sure it is no more than 600 pixels wide. All color photos must by RGB (no CMYK allowed). There can be no spaces in the name of the photo file uploaded (use a _ instead of a space).

After adding your photo, find your press release again under "list press releases" 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 "Send e-mail." Your press release will be immediately dispatched to your distribution list.

Each site will be able to edit only press releases from their own site.

This database is in the final testing phases and, based on your feedback, will be eventually implemented at all PAOs team-wide. If you have problems or questions, I will be happy to help address them.

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.