Struggling with Technology?
We’ve been delivering technology as a service for over 25 years. We offer personalized service to small business, non-profits and public institutions.
What We Do
Initial consultations are always free.
We specialize in technology architecture, project development and training. Don’t sweat the tech.
~ Reach out today.
Solve. Secure. Evolve.
Scott Rakestraw has been delivering technology as a service for nearly 4 decades. After earning a Bachelor Degree in Communication, specializing in mass media, Scott’s early career was a mix of radio, publishing and television supporting technology for font-line team members and senior corporate executives
Scott has worked for major media outlets including, Mediabase Research, Cox Broadcasting, Paramount Television Stations and CBS Television. He has also been a team leader in publishing, serving as the Research Director at Monday Morning Replay and the Senior Technical Support Analyst for Gale Research (now Cengage).
“Working in the media was a great place to learn how the world and the world of business operates- how to work with a team to accomplish a mission.” says Rakestraw. “I learned many things living in the corporate world but I was always searching for some meaning to the work.”
The search lead Scott directly into to public service roles. He has served as Telecommunications Manager for The Library Network and as a Senior Technology Project Manager for public libraries. He founded “Save Your Breath.org” in 1998 and to help fine organizations, specifically non-profits implement and deliver technology solutions.
“People get overwhelmed by technology. When you have the right partner, you’ll never have to ‘Sweat the Tech’.”
“SaveYourBreath.org” is a Michigan based consulting firm specializing in Technology Project Management, Solution Design, System Architecture and Staff Development.
Blog
The AI Trust Crisis
A Strategic Opportunity for Libraries Society is at a crossroads. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping (or going to reshape) virtually every industry. Yet, in the latest poll by You.gov, the public trust in AI is Plummeting like circulation stats during the pandemic closures. This isn’t just another tech wave— it’s a defining moment for libraries …
The ‘Subversives’
They speak of radical ideas like privacy, literacy and inclusiveness. They live and work in our community and very often, they are activists and advocates. Today’s librarians teach seniors to navigate tablets, guide job seekers through career transitions, and nurture creative expression through community arts and STEM programs. In a world drowning …
Disrupting the Disruptors
There’s a little company out there with incredible influence on popular music and you might never have heard about them. A dedicated team of researchers is spying on radio stations, listening and recording every title played. When I worked there many years ago, we didn’t really realize it was a technology company. We just loved …
News
River of News*
* This “River of News” is syndicated from 3rd party sites. We are not responsible for this content. “River” content is presented for your convenience and entertainment and may not be suitable for all purposes.
Digital Content Next Official Website
- DCN’s media industry must reads: week of April 30, 2026by Michelle Manafy, Editorial Director – DCN on April 30, 2026 at 11:28 am
Here are some of the best media stories our team has read so far this week: The post DCN’s media industry must reads: week of April 30, 2026 appeared first on Digital Content Next.
- How publishers rebuild audience ties as search fallsby Bob Ralian, Head of Analytics – Automattic on April 29, 2026 at 11:34 am
Data shows that publishers are already experiencing steep traffic losses: Business Insider is down 55% in organic search traffic since 2022, with Forbes and HuffPost close behind at roughly 50%.... The post How publishers rebuild audience ties as search falls appeared first on Digital Content Next.
- Media audiences are engaged, but selective and skeptical by Rande Price, Research VP – DCN on April 28, 2026 at 11:24 am
The relationship between audiences and media is shifting. New technologies—particularly agentic and search-based AI—are reshaping how people discover and consume information, while trust and behavior evolve alongside them. Recent data... The post Media audiences are engaged, but selective and skeptical appeared first on Digital Content Next.
- Four forces shaping digital media and the leadership this moment demandsby Michelle Manafy, Editorial Director – DCN on April 27, 2026 at 11:31 am
Across sessions and conversations, the members-only 2026 DCN Summit revealed a clearer picture of an industry being reshaped by AI. That includes the erosion of traditional discovery pathways, changing consumer... The post Four forces shaping digital media and the leadership this moment demands appeared first on Digital Content Next.
- Inside TIME’s rollout of its TIMEAI interactive agentby Esther Kezia Thorpe – Media Reporter on April 16, 2026 at 11:34 am
TIME has been an industry leader in pursuing content licensing deals with companies like OpenAI and Perplexity. These ensure that the publisher’s content is cited and attributed, as well as... The post Inside TIME’s rollout of its TIMEAI interactive agent appeared first on Digital Content Next.
Adweek Feed Breaking News in Advertising, Media and Technology
- Ads of the Week: 8 Campaigns That Caught Our Eye, From Claire’s to Skittlesby Brittaney Kiefer on May 1, 2026 at 6:00 am
Brands including Skittles, Claire's, Chivas Regal, and Budweiser are behind the week's most notable ads.
- 5 Themes That Defined Possible 2026by Kendra Barnett on April 30, 2026 at 4:21 pm
From outcomes-based pricing to agent-led orchestration and the future of discoverability, these are the conversations that dominated Possible.
- Chess.com Surpassed 250 Million Users And Is Launching a New Advertising Gambitby Mark Stenberg on April 30, 2026 at 4:04 pm
Ads make up just 10% of its revenue. The platform hopes to grow that number without alienating its paying subscribers.
- Week of April 20 Cable News Ratings: Viewership After WHCD Incidentby mmwachiro on April 30, 2026 at 3:46 pm
Fox News was the only network with across-the-board week-to-week gains.
- 3 Takeaways From Meta’s and Google’s Earnings Callsby Tekendra Parmar on April 30, 2026 at 3:44 pm
Both companies are spending massively on AI infrastructure: It’s a gambit that could pay off as signals point to AI improving advertising performance.
- Personified Surfaces Brag About The Cleaning They Get From Weimanon April 30, 2026 at 7:53 pm
Weiman, maker of specialty surface cleaning products, is out with a new campaign featuring first work from recently appointed AOR Hanson Dodge. In a category dominated by functional messaging, Weiman’s campaign instead focuses on a key consumer insight – how clean surfaces are a reflection on the user. The tag line is “Your Kitchen Says A Lot About You” and it is the surfaces and appliances that do the “talking” in the new ads. The main idea: Weiman leaves surfaces so clean, shiny and protected, they can’t help but brag. Three television spots anchor the campaign, which will also include digital display and paid social. In “Stainless Steel,” a newly polished refrigerator praises her owner for its superior shine. “Granite” features an Italian granite counter enjoying the feel as it is cleaned. And an electric “Cooktop” is tickled with glee as it receives a superior shine. According to Weiman CMO Jon Bellante, the campaign’s approach with its memorable talking surfaces and appliances will “set us apart” and drive awareness for the brand. Advertising will appear across national, local and streaming media.
- NBA Playoffs Soar, Incremental NBC Broadcast Coverage Citedon April 30, 2026 at 3:41 pm
NBA playoff viewership is up 20% through the first week-and-a-half, while NHL playoffs viewing has leaped by 82% through the first nine days, with 1.1 million on ESPN and TNT Sports.
- Valvoline Drives Fans To World Cupon April 30, 2026 at 3:00 pm
We Are Laugh's campaign heightens global engagement.
- Roku's Low-Priced 'Howdy' Platform Wants To Make Friendson April 30, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Roku's Howdy platform costs $2.99 a month for ad-free movies and TV shows. Antenna says Howdy has steadily grown to reach one million subscribers.
- Netflix 'Man On Fire' Thriller Packs A Punchon April 30, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Netflix's new limited-series thriller "Man on Fire" burns like a furnace in the third act of the first episode, and from there, it is off and running.
The Honest Broker A trustworthy guide to music, books, arts, media & culture by Ted Gioia
- Socrates vs. the Venture Capitalistby Ted Gioia on April 30, 2026 at 5:51 pm
Which side do you pick?
- The NY Times Asked Me to Pick the Greatest Living American Songwritersby Ted Gioia on April 28, 2026 at 6:34 pm
Here's my ballot for the Times survey
- Movie Theaters Are Coming Back (for the Saddest Reason)by Ted Gioia on April 25, 2026 at 11:09 pm
It's a five-letter word that starts with G.
- Why I Believe in Karmaby Ted Gioia on April 23, 2026 at 6:32 pm
Let me share the evidence
- The 10 Most Popular Articles from The Honest Broker (2021-2026)by Ted Gioia on April 21, 2026 at 6:38 pm
In celebration of my fifth anniversary on Substack
