Case Study Proposal

Tentative Title
A Booming Internet Community: An Examination of the Leadership Characteristics and Traits Used By Alan Meckler to Eventually Create a Network of Multiple Web-Based Businesses

Description of Case Study Subject
Alan Meckler, Chairman and CEO of Jupitermedia, landed the top twelfth spot on Fortunes 100 Fastest Growing Companies of 2006.

Value of this Study
Although Meckler was involved in publishing other types of media since the 1970’s, he knew there was potential when he heard about the Internet in the early 1990’s. He took this opportunity, even though it seemed a risky one at the time, and has been managing and merging Internet businesses ever since. Comparing his earlier publishing leadership skills to his current Internet leadership will be an intriguing aspect of this paper. Also, Meckler makes his own blog available to the public where he shares his thoughts, accomplishments, and defeats. This will be a valuable tool in seeing the company through the leader’s own eyes. This paper will examine his blog and the effects this could have on his leadership throughout his corporation.

Resources
Egolf, Karen. "Alan Meckler's Grand Strategy for Net Business." Business Marketing 81.8 (1996): 4+. BusManagement. FirstSearch. Abilene Christian University Brown Library, Abilene. 20 Sept. 2006. Keyword: Alan Meckler.

Krantz, Marshall. "With Heat on, Comdex Finds Firmer Footing." Meeting News 28 (2004): 1. BusManagement. FirstSearch. Abilene Christian University Brown Library, Abilene. 24 Sept. 2006. Keyword: Alan Meckler.

Meckler, Alan. "Alan Meckler." http://weblogs.jupitermedia.com/meckler/. 20 Sept. 2006. Jupitermedia. 20 Sept. 2006 .

Meckler, Alan. Interview with Jeremy Geelan. "Hard Work Pays Off" - Exclusive Q&A with Alan Meckler, Chairman and CEO, Jupitermedia Corporation. 23 Mar. 2006. 20 Sept. 2006 .

Roland, Jr., Willard D. Leadership in Times of Change: a Handbook for Communication and Media Administrators. Ed. William G. Christ. Annandale: National Communication Association, 1999. 41-57.

Hill Resources, Inc. - A "Life-Change"

I was honestly very excited that we picked this group to be our client and that they are eager to work with us. As we arrived at Hill Resources, I was surprised at the small yet professional building we were led into.

Larry Hill began to tell us of his dream to create a place like this and I was amazed at the faith he had that the Lord would provide, which of course He did. After getting to know more about their organization, we got to do my favorite part - explore the place and meet some residents.

Most of the people seemed excited to see visitors although you could tell that some had phobias of social situations. The ones that I did get to interact with though, even for the short time we were there, I really felt like I got a feel of what this place is about. It is a "life change" for them, as Larry described. Their smiles are huge. They feel important, and they are important. They have specific jobs, and they get to see the fruits of their labor. They make friends, but more than that, they are a family. One that loves and supports each other in their own special ways.

This organization I feel definitely could benefit from a site. I'm nervous with coming up with content for the site, but hopefully it will develop as things move on, and I want to have faith that the Lord will provide, just as Larry has. If I could have a choice, I'd just sit and talk with them and take pictures of them all day. I loved their joy. I hope joy is portrayed in the site we build.

The end of the 2nd week...

Already?!? Well I guess most people have school on Friday but I don't. Maybe I should unpack tomorrow...and read, read, read from that Information architecture book. Glad I didn't do marching band this semester. Julia is out in her wool uniform sitting at Shotwell probably dying in the heat (sorry Jules). I usually do like band but I hurt too much this semester to do it. I can tell my narcotics kicked in...I'm getting a little loopy...