White Papers: The Brouhaha & Banter

I declared April 2009 as National Write A White Paper Month.

My goal? To test my theory that white papers are so-often written as self-pontificating pieces that rarely add value to the marketplace--and don't fit the structure and purpose of valid, well-researched, well-written white papers.

It worked.

My stats show 54 individuals downloads for the special report, with four people who actually downloaded and followed up with positive feedback. Each and every request for the report received a personal reply from me, with the white paper attached. I had one snafu where a guy who requested the report expected to download it immediately (a technology thing vs. a personal response thing). Lesson learned on that one.

Interesting enough, there is a white paper writing guru, a guy named Michael Stelzner. I've never met him but he was the fifth person to download the special report. I recently found a blog post from Michael, plus added reader comments that perpetuate the white paper discussion. In his blog, he calls me a sly fellow. Not sure what that means but I'm glad he mentioned the special report, and received added perspective from readers.

That's what I love about social media and the Internet Age. As marketers and communicators, we can share our stories, thoughts and experiences, and then quickly gain feedback from colleagues we don't even know. It's community-building that really works.

Read what Michael and his readers say about white papers.

Now, what do you think about white papers? Share your comments. You can also get the special report. It's still available and you DON'T HAVE TO REGISTER. :)

Other White Paper Resources? Nice, informative sites:

• White Paper News
• Stelzner's Web site