Blog Posting # 671 @ 31 December 2021: EducateMHC
Perspective. ‘Land lease communities, previously manufactured home communities, and earlier, ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing!’
EducateMHC is the online national advocate, asset class historian, data researcher, education resource & communication media for all land lease communities throughout North America!’
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Motto: ‘U Support US & WE Serve U!’ Goal: to promote HUD-Code manufactured housing and land lease communities as U.S. # 1 source of affordable attainable housing! Attend MHM class!
INTRODUCTION: This week’s blog materialized as I replied to the usual daily collection of email messages from friends and business associates throughout the manufactured housing industry and among land lease communities. Decided it might be interesting to you to read about what’s been going on around here for the past week or so. So….
I.
NEW YEARS EVE MUSINGS
First off, a sincere Thank You to many ‘friends in the MHBusiness’ who sent Carolyn and me holiday gift packages of fresh Florida citrus fruit, genuine Lebanese ‘extra virgin’ olive oil – and other Mediterranean treats, an equally genuine YETI – insulated travel flask, and such a variety of fudge, sausage, cheese, and other goodies!
Especially appreciated the manufactured housing-themed greeting cards from MHI and Monroe & Giordano. And the family photographs of the DeMarco families at Security Mortgage in NY.
I exhibited symptoms of Covid-19 on Saturday, 18 December, so checked-in to a local hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed. Kept me there most of the day, until they infused me with the same pharmaceutical administered to President Trump awhile back. Told me I’d feel like new in 12 hours – and I did. But have been quarantined at home with Carolyn until 28 December, when I tested ‘negative’ for the virus. This meant we canceled a large family dinner Christmas Eve, and spent the holiday alone at home – our 58th Christmas together, except for my year in Vietnam.
Sad news. Learned from Rick Robinson of Bill Matchneer’s untimely death on Christmas day. Many of you will remember him from his days as head of HUD’s manufactured housing division. Sorry, but have no further details.
Have you seen the list of manufactured housing industry notables who comprise the Class of 2022 Inductees into the prestigious RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, IN.? They are Eugene Landy of real estate investment trust UMH Properties in NJ; Tim Williams of 21st Mortgage in TN; Harry Karsten of Karsten Homes in CA; Raylen Gritton a MHRetailer in CA; and David Carter from FL. The Class of 2022 will be officially inducted at the annual Hall of Fame banquet on Monday, 15 August 2022. For more information, phone (574) 293-2344. Plan now to attend; anyone who’s anyone in MH will be present for the festivities!
II.
THE B-ATTITUDES OF JOURNALISM
John W. Fountain is an award-winning columnist, journalist, and author, working out of Chicago, IL. In 2006 he delivered the Samuel E. Cornish memorial Lecture at the World Journalism Institute in Atlanta, GA. The lecture was titled ‘Mightier Than the Sword’
Within the presentation Fountain introduces his B-Attitudes of Journalism. While somewhat reminiscent of my personal ‘writing bromide’, the ABC3 Rule of Good Communication, Fountain digs much deeper.
First, the ABC3 Rule of Good Communication. Be Accurate, Be Brief, Be Clear, Concise & Complete! – when communicating in person and in print!
Now onto Fountain’s B-Attitudes of Journalism.
Be accurate. A journalist never sacrifices fact for details.
Be honest.. To the craft, to the reader, to your editors.
Be professional. Be on time; do quality work.
Build on good mechanics. Master the fundamentals of journalism.
Be consistent and diligent with writing and reporting. Regularly practice the craft. Diligently work in school to learn how to do good journalism.
Be a reader. Good writers are Good readers.
Be thick-skinned. Learn to take criticism and grow.
Be confident. As a journalist, there are hills and valleys. Don’t judge your worth by a difficult valley experience.
Build a network of support. Editors, colleagues, non-journalist friends and family can lend perspective and balance.
Be patient. Write and rewrite, understanding that good writing is a process.
Bring your perspective. Your uniqueness will generate unique stories and enable you to tell a story as only you can.
Be excellent. One can’t argue with excellence!
Believe. In the story, in the power of journalism, in your ability to make a difference.
BE. Rather than talking who you are, just BE who you are.
I can think of many a journalist who should be reading and practicing those Be Attitudes!
George Allen, CPM, MHM