Dec 29, 2009 by alpharess
New methods for a simple, most basic mental need.

FEATURE> Next-Gen Motivational Publications

By Michael Lum

If a picture speaks a thousand words, imagine how many million words’ worth of messages can be delivered in a short span of time today, thanks to the power of technology. Of course, they’re not going to replace books anytime soon, especially when we’re talking about motivational publications which are distributed almost exclusively in print. But then again, isn’t technology all about complimenting the media?

Video CDs/DVDs

Because videos are usually a mix of various visual elements to maximize their impact, they’re definitely just the right thing for the text-hating person who craves motivation or inspiration but just loathes having to wade through walls of uninspiring and intimidating text. Being both portable and physical, DVDs and CDs are usually the media of choice for consumers who want to “own something concrete that they may treasure and keep in a safe place”. As he puts it, “It’s their ‘therapist in a closet’ who is always there to instruct, to heal and to inspire”.

Online motivation

The internet is often dubbed as the medium that will displace traditional methods of information dissemination, since there’s nothing that cannot be Googled/Yahoo-ed/Bing-ed today. Not that it’s a very encouraging prophecy though: it makes us print journalists worry whether we still have a job tomorrow.

But for Amy Newmark, publisher of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series, the rate at which internet access is expanding is no career threat, but an alternative and practical method of reaching out to the audience who need that little pick-me-up, as evidenced by their online club, Facebook page and Twitter following.

Motivational applications

Do you own an iPhone? Or maybe an iPod Touch? Because if you do, they’re going to be your new best friend for that little pick-me-up when you’re down in the dumps provided by Apple called the App Store; especially when you just don’t feel like turning on that DVD player or booting up your PC. Ok, so maybe you have not been visiting the App Store very often, but if you did, you’ll know of the countless applications that download and display motivational quotes daily or on demand. And the best thing about such apps is that they are always active so you don’t even have to do anything to get that dose of inspiration. Just buy (or download the free ones), install them into your device, and you’re all set for an instant perk anytime, anywhere.