Never Underestimate The Power Of Reddit

On February 13th, 2013, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library quickly became familiar with a social media website called Reddit.

Early Wednesday morning, we noticed that registrations and program replication requests from our website, were on the rise. Shortly thereafter we noticed our real-time traffic was out of control (in a good way).
Using Google Analytics, we logged in and began to monitor our website using their new Real-Time analytics which can show you the traffic within your website, as it is happening. This is extremely helpful to combat any malicious attempts to gain access to our system and to help gauge the overall health of our system.

While looking at our real-time data in Google Analytics, we saw that Reddit as sending viewers to our homepage, sometimes at a rate of several thousand new viewers per minute. Throughout the day yesterday, at any given second, imaginationlibrary.com was host to thousands of viewers from all around the world.

This traffic surge was taxing on our servers and in the very beginning, our tech team wasn't sure how to react. After all, our main concern is always the security of our users. Without knowing the source of the traffic, of course our security settings initially blocked the surge in fear it was an attempted attack. Once we pinpointed the source of the traffic, the tech team jumped in and made adjustments to allow the traffic. It was all-hands-on-deck for the rest of the day and well into the late evening hours.

In addition to the traffic surge coming from Reddit  viewers and bloggers that were unable to access the site, called it the "Reddit Effect" which is when a website goes down due to the high traffic volume. All in all though, everyone remained in good spirits, the tech team came through, Facebook, Google + and Twitter buzz was off the charts and we ended up having the best day in the history of our program!

To show just how significant this phenomenon was for our program, we thought we would compare yesterday's data with the same time last year. It is stunning to say the least.

The RAW Data

• Total Viewers - Up 1,163%
• Online Registrations - Up 1,000%+ (Most online registrations in program history) 
• Program Replication Requests - Up 290%
• Donations - Up 450%

Top 5 Countries (In order of total traffic volume per country)

1. USA (Up 1,091%)
2. Canada (Up 4,544%)
3. United Kingdom (Up 1,317%)
4. Australia (Up 7,000+%)
5. Germany (Up 4,746%)

As the international exposure on Reddit yesterday shows us, anything is possible. Just imagine the success that could be achieved if this was an everyday occurrence or even just a monthly occurrence.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Reveals New Website

New Online Features Promise Better Service For All

PIGEON FORGE, TN – We here at Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is excited to announce the launch of our brand new website. Recent additions have improved our registration process, spotlight affiliate successes, and enabled sharing of Imagination Library news across social networks with just one click.

Due to a growing number of requests to replicate Dolly Parton's the Imagination Library program in new communities, the “Start A Program” form was introduced to help get the process rolling. From there, view informational videos, download helpful documents and presentations built to help with each step of the replication process. For example, potential new champions are automatically assigned a Regional Director to help them each step of the way. 

In addition, the state of the art “Cost Estimator Tool” combines census data, custom Google Maps, and an algorithm that instantly calculates the estimated cost of program launch with a 5-year projected cost based on program growth. Starting a program has never been this easy!

The online registration rates for the Imagination Library doubled in 2011 alone! 

With such a large number, a new and improved online registration system has been designed to increase that amount once again for 2012. To do that, we have cut registration time in half and implemented more user friendly means of producing more accurate data. Now, before parents submit their child’s information, the system checks for: duplicate information, eligibility, and a verified address to ensure book delivery. To make it even better, we will be rolling this feature out for Canada and the United Kingdom very soon!

A brand new Champion Spotlight was created to bring attention to those working hard for their community. In this section, visitors can read of successes, find contact information, use an interactive map, and meet the Regional Director for their area.

A “Chalkboard Ticker” has been installed on the site’s homepage so that viewers can be updated in real-time to know how many children are registered in each country. Users can also get rid of any language barrier with a Google Translate feature that translates nearly any language to another. Finally, a Tool Bar has been added to the bottom of the page that makes following the Imagination Library’s social networks easy (the Tool Bar is still in BETA testing and currently available in the U.S. only).

S.D. Professionals, the website designers and developers, have been Imagination Library partners for more than ten years. They began transforming the program in 2005 with the introduction of an online book ordering system. The new system allowed for the Imagination Library’s international expansion into Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as accommodating more than 700,000 book orders each month.

To see the new site and browse around, visit imaginationlibrary.com.

For more technical information regarding our new features, checkout SD Professionals blog. 

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The Star - Helping spread the word

FAMILIES in key Rotherham suburbs are failing to take advantage of a free book scheme for under fives - and work has begun to make sure that no youngster misses out.

The Imagination Library scheme was launched by country singing legend Dolly Parton nearly three years ago and since then more than 100,000 books have been given to children in the town.
But research by the council has shown that fewer youngsters i

ADVERTISEMENTn suburbs such as Eastwood, Dinnington and Swinton are receiving books - with only 70 per cent signed up in Eastwood.

Jammil Shah and his mother Margul from Eastwood were invited to their local library to join the service, which will see the two-year-old receive a free book every month until he is five.
The scheme is designed to give children a love of books and reading before they go to school.

Mrs Shah heard about the Imagination Library from staff at the Coleridge Children's Centre, where she works as a volunteer.
Alison Lilburn, project manager for the library, said: "It is really important for us to get the message out to parents across Rotherham and particularly in areas such as Eastwood, that their children are entitled to receive these free books.

"The scheme was launched two years ago by Rotherham Council and is designed to give young children access to books from an early age, as part of a range of provision to help develop their communication, language and literacy skills and improve their life chances."

All books are supplied in English, but Alison said: "Even if the parent's first language is not English, the books are very pictorial and provide a great opportunity for interaction between child and adult."
 
Full story here >>>

Dolly's fans help Nashville!

In only 7 days, with the power of people helping people: http://www.dollyparton.com/ received tens of thousands of visitors from across the world to find out about the weekend flood relief effort taking place at Dollywood and Dolly's Dixie Stampede.

The 'Dolly Helps Nashville' Facebook page received thousands of visits and nearly 900 friends and fans.

The 'Dolly Helps Nashville' Twitter page, gained nearly 40 followers totaling +/- 25,000 collectively. And what did that get the people of Nashville, TN? Because of the awareness that YOU helped bring to Dolly's flood relief effort, this weekend thousands flocked to Pigeon Forge to visit Dollywood, Splash Country and Dolly's Dixie Stampede to show their support!

So as the final numbers are being tallied, please find comfort in knowing that because of each you we have raised $41,191.00!

If you have not yet had the chance to donate, we will leave the donations page available on http://www.dollyparton.com/ for the next few days while the final numbers are being totaled.

Come to Dollywood, Splash Country or Dixie Stampede!

Area businesses continue putting their money and their manpower into flood recovery efforts in Tennessee. In addition to the Red Cross, several area organizations and companies have organized volunteer efforts and accepted donations. Earlier this week, Dolly Parton placed an announcement on her website to rally fans, family and friends to raise funds through http://www.dollyparton.com/ and to contribute to her cause during an exciting two-day event this weekend.

“Dolly Helps Nashville” May 22nd & 23rd as the Dollywood, Splash Country and Dixie Stampede companies donate all admission proceeds towards a special fund to benefit Music City flood victims. Sevier County officials, members of the local press and celebrities have joined forces in this donation effort through social networking. NBC – WBIR Channel 10 Knoxville reporters were live on the scene yesterday as this charitable movement continues to make headlines.

"I want to thank Dolly Parton for her efforts on behalf of the flood victims in Nashville and Middle Tennessee," Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said as Jacob Timmons and Adam Chapman recorded his statement.

The team from S.D. Professionals, LLC have captured heartfelt statements about this fundraiser in order to post each one immediately onto the internet. Interviews included David Dotson with the Dollywood Foundation, Leon Downey with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, Jim Hedrick of Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group, and Mayor Waters. The WBIR news story can be found here: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=122125&catid=2&GID=taLaTroUAdskFJmCMA1ET61URIFGKCmDwHQlX4m3vvQ%3D

"We're posting it to social media networks like Facebook and we're tweeting about it and putting it on reddit," Jacob Timmons said. "In two or three days we're getting 4,000 to 5,000 hits on the videos. And the moment we upload a video, the donation counter starts turning."

It's all an effort to create buzz for this weekend's fundraiser "Dolly Helps Nashville." Other statements have been collected from Lt. Governor of Tennessee Ron Ramsey, Jeannie Seely of the Grand Ole Opry, Mountain Press Publisher Jana Thomasson, Sevierville City Mayor Bryan Atchley, LeConte Medical Center, Restaurant Owner Geoffrey Wolpert and Amanda Marr of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.

For more information or to place a donation online, please visit http://www.dollyparton.com/

Dolly Reaches out to Sevier County and the World!

Sevier County super star Dolly Parton is reaching out to the world on behalf of Nashville flood victims. Gathering all her considerable resources in the effort, Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, and local media company S.D. Professionals, LLC have joined together to assist in raising the funds needed.

May 22 and 23 have been designated as 'Dolly Helps Nashville' at her area attractions. Admission proceeds from Dollywood and Dixie Stampede will benefit Music City flood victims. Dolly herself will be appearing to promote the event and encourage generous donations. Those unable to attend this weekend are asked to watch a special video of Dolly and contribute to the cause at www.DollyParton.com, a website donated by S.D. Professionals, LLC to allow donations from all over the world.

“We're honored to be a part of 'Dolly Helps Nashville' states Jacob Timmons, S.D. Professionals owner. “We challenge Sevier County to give back to our friends and family who have suffered such a devastating loss.”

Please visit www.DollyParton.com for complete details and to make your donation today.

Dolly Helps Nashville!

Dolly Parton announces 'Dolly Helps Nashville', an effort to focus on raising money to have families devastated by May 1-3, 2010 flood waters in Nashville, TN and 52 surrounding counties.

"I grew up in the Smokies in East Tennessee, which was my first home. I moved to Nashville 46 years ago and that is my home now. I have family and friends in both places, and when one place hurts, I think it is just right for the other to help.

On May 22 and 23, I'm having my Dollywood and Dixie Stampede companies help me host my Dolly Helps Nashville weekend. The proceeds from every guest to both of my parks and my Dixie Stampede will go to a special fund to assist Nashville flood victims. We're especially going to concentrate on those folks who lost their homes and personal possessions in this terrible flood.

So many of the folks from Nashville have been coming to the Smokies. Over the last 25 years, they have helped Dollywood, Dixie Stampede and Dollywood’s Splash Country and this entire vacation area grow and that's why it's our turn to help!

I am challenging other businesses in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg to make this a destination-wide effort.

I want all of my fans worldwide to come to Dollywood the weekend of May 22 and 23. If you can't be there in person, then I hope you'll donate to flood victims on my secured website or mail donations by check to..."

The Dollywood Foundation

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

For more information: visit https://dollyparton.com/

Come on AMERICA we need your vote for People's Choice!

S.D. Professionals, LLC produced "Kingdom Heirs LIVE at Dollywood" and now we are up for a PEOPLE's CHOICE AWARD!

Please click the following link to watch one song from LIVE @ Dollywood and to VOTE for SD Professionals, LLC!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW

Absolutley NO personal info is needed.....all you need to do is CLICK THUMBS UP! 

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE & HELP US WIN the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD ;D this year at the Telly's!

Dolly's Imagination Library nominates SD Professionals

S.D. Professionals, a graphics and multi-media company, was nominated for consideration by long-time client, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“Being a good community partner is imperative to S.D. Professionals,” states Doreen McCammon, director of operations for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. “Volunteering time for charitable events and donating thousands of dollars annually in services as in-kind donations. They are more than a necessary services provider, they are a partner in the spirit of how they operate and surround themselves with clients who share their values.”Companies making it into the top 150 in the nation will be reviewed by a panel of judges including comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres. Three finalists will be chosen, and then voted on, by America. Winner receives national exposure on the NBC Today Show and $100,000 in grants and marketing by American Express.

With only a few hours of voting left SD Professionals is currently voted 1st in the nation and they need your help to hold onto the #1 position in NBC’s “Shine A Light Award”.

Please if you have not yet voted, we really need your help to win!

Go to: http://www.sdwebpros.com/vote for complete details and to cast your vote.Remember, a vote for SD Professionals is a vote for early childhood literacy…help us tell the world about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

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Vote for SD Professionals - NBC Shine A Light

Please vote for S.D. Professionals, LLC for NBC's Shine A Light. You MUST REGISTER & LOGIN...we really need your vote!

CNN requests exclusive Dolly Parton interview from S.D. Professionals, LLC!

While launching its newest endeavor, TheSmokies.TV LIVE BROADCAST, S.D. Professionals, LLC, captured the entire 24th Annual Dolly Parton Parade in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on their newest equipment addition, the RED ONE 4K camera. This special event began with the grand entrance of The Ambassador to The Smokies, Dolly Parton herself, and an exclusive interview, conducted by local radio personality, Tammy Kelly. Cheering fans of all ages, proud residents in Dolly's hometown of Sevier County, as well as members of her security staff and management team are all captured in this interview that was streamed live to the world simultaneously on private laptops, personal home computers and other mobile devices. TheSmokies.TV is a new media web broadcasting channel created by S.D. Professionals, LLC that features exciting entertainment and other newsworthy moments within the Great Smoky Mountain area, such as Celebrity Appearances, Craft Fairs, Rod Runs, Holiday Celebrations, Community Functions, Sports Events, Traditional Festivals and much more.

This new media created major interest with global fans of the music legend, who "clicked" to watch the parade and other entertainers who were also featured throughout the broadcast. As Dolly Parton continues to make headlines S.D. Professionals, LLC is there to capture each local story as it unfolds.

CNN International approached S.D. Professionals, LLC and asked if they would share this exciting footage of Dolly Parton as a contribution for the "REVEALED" video on CNN International. The singer-songwriter tells CNN about her dedication to her image and how she worked her way from a small country town to the world stage. "I always thought when I was young, if I ever made it -- and I hoped I would, and dreamed that I would -- I thought I would love to be able to come home and do something special to honor my family," she said. "You always want your people to be proud of what you have accomplished." Parton told CNN she's accomplished everything that she set out to do and she has no plans to ever step out of the spotlight.

Click below to watch Dolly Parton and all of CNN's coverage:

Dolly Parton: Revealed http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/18/dolly.parton.country.music/index.html

Dolly Parton’s Homecomin’ 2009 train rolls in!

Dolly Parton’s Homecomin’ 2009 event, which is linked with the hugely successful Imagination Library kicked off on July 8th when filming took place at the Music Road Convention Center and the Dollywood Adventure Park both located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Dolly's Imagination Library donates over half a million books monthly to children from birth to age five across three countries each and every month!
The film, produced by S.D. Professionals, LLC in association with TheSmokies.TV, will be made available online to the public for one week only - August 2nd - August 8 exclusively at http://www.thesmokies.tv/ with Silver, Gold and Platinum contribution packages available.
This exclusive "closed-door" event features Llama Llama Red Pajama, a 20 minute children's musical adapted from the wildly popular children’s book and hosts LIVE performances by Baby Llama, Mama Llama, the Penguin Players and an exclusive guest performance by the legendary Dolly Parton.
Also in both the Gold and the Platinum packages Dolly is featured reading her new children's book "I Am a Rainbow" to a special group of VIP children or as Dolly called them VIK (Very Important Kids) and singing the song she wrote of the same name along with the children and the Penguin Players.
All contribution proceeds from the online broadcast benefit Dolly's Imagination Library national program as well as individual affiliates where contributions are made. Three great packages are available from just $5 and such a small contribution goes a long way to help our children! PLUS it is tax deductible.
"We are extremely excited to bring this broadcast event to Dolly's Imagination Library family and we are sure that parents and children alike will enjoy these performances and at the same time, this will be a direct benefit to this wonderful program and all local affiliates that make this possible!"...Jacob Timmons, President, S.D. Professionals, LLC.
The Smokies.tv makes entertainment available via the internet with easy, on-demand viewing.
The event is only available on http://thesmokies.tv/ and is one not to miss!
Log on today to http://thesmokies.tv and read all about the three fantastic packages offered. Children and adults alike will marvel at this special event aimed at family values that Dolly has brought to the world via The Imagination Library.

TheSmokies.TV proves big hit for S.D. Professionals, LLC

Weeks of preparation paid off as S.D. Professionals, LLC and their new media “TheSmokies.TV” revealed their worldwide broadcast of Dolly Parton’s 24th Annual Parade in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Stats reveal tens of thousands of viewers logging on from 60+ countries around the globe, all of which are potential new visitors to this area which is dependent upon tourism. “We truly strive to always think outside of the box. Not only did we bring the Smokies to the world during Dolly’s Parade but we actually streamed and recording for the first time ever with a RED ONE 4K Camera” said Jacob Timmons of S.D. Professionals, LLC For those who may have experience issues logging on during the heavy traffic period, TheSmokies.TV is now broadcasting an encore performance on TheSmokies.TV. TheSmokies.TV is an online broadcasting division of S.D. Professionals, LLC which covers live events and entertainment within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains and immediate surrounding areas. For more information, contact Jacob Timmons at 865-774-9023.

Dolly Parton Parade Video

more to come.....

24th Annual Dolly Parton Parade goes worldwide!

The Dolly Parton Parade this Friday will be broadcast live via TheSmokies.TV, the new web media from S. D. Professionals. The live show hosted by radio personality, Tammy Kelly and Kate Phillips starts at 6pm eastern and can be viewed for free on http://www.thesmokies.tv/.

The new media is sure to create major interest with visitors “clicking on” to the net to watch the parade along with a live interview with The Smokies Ambassador, Dolly Parton. Some high profile entertainers will also be featured throughout the broadcast.

“The live broadcast opens up an entirely new audience with millions of potential viewers and is breaking new ground in reaching the ever increasing internet savvy public, not only locally but worldwide” said Jacob Timmons of S. D. Professionals. “We feel it is the perfect opportunity to do our part to stimulate tourism in the Great Smoky Mountains because millions of potential viewers will convert into millions of potential new visitors to the area. “

TheSmokes.TV is a new media web broadcasting channel within S.D. Professionals, LLC that features events and entertainment exclusively within the Great Smoky Mountain area, covering Concerts, Craft Fairs, Rod Runs, Parades, Special Functions & Events, Sports, Festivals and more. Interested parties for either an event promotion or becoming a sponsor can contact Jacob Timmons on 865-774-9023.

TheSmokies.TV set to broadcast 24th Annual Dolly Parade LIVE to the world!

TheSmokies.TV will be broadcasting the 24th Annual Dolly Parton Parade live on http://www.thesmokies.tv/ on Friday, May 8th, 2009 at 6pm Eastern. Tune in early for pre-show fun and live interview with Dolly Parton.

DOLLY PARTON PAYS TRIBUTE TO PORTER WAGONER AND DON WARDEN

Sevier County superstar Dolly Parton took some personal time off from her busy press schedule Saturday to celebrate the life and music of former television partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner. In her own Celebrity Theater, the singer spent an emotional and poignant afternoon singing the songs and sharing the stories of the time she and Porter spent together and the impact the legend had on all who surrounded him. Parton also took the opportunity to surprise manager, and original Wagon Master, Don Warden with an induction into the Missouri based Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. The Dollywood Theater was transformed with familiar sets from the long-running country music show and Dolly’s band, The Backwoods Boys, dressed in the signature costumes from the era. Dolly, herself, wore a Porter-inspired outfit to set the mood for the afternoon.

“This won’t be a sad time,” she assured the crowd. “This will be a happy time!” The private event was attended by Wagoner’s children and grand children and many of the Grand Ole Opry stars who had performed with him during his long and successful career. “The Porter Wagoner Show” debuted on syndicated television in 1960 and the flashy country star brought new talent Dolly Parton aboard in 1967. Parton credits his support and the popularity of their duets together, as the foundation of her own success.
During the emotional memorial, Wagon Master steel guitar player Don Warden was surprised by Parton with a tribute of his own. Dressed in the original costume he wore on the famed show, Warden was gifted with a sculpture from Parton who described him as her “Angel on Earth” and told of his induction into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. When Dolly left the Porter Wagoner Show, Warden went with her as manager and has remained with her as an adviser through the years. This very special tribute marked the first time the two had performed together in 34 years.

Eyes glistening with tears, Parton closed the memorial with the original version of her 1974 musical farewell to their partnership, “I Will Always Love You”. “Not a dry eye in the house,” says Sevierville media artist Jacob Timmons, who designed and manages Parton’s web empire. “The whole first row of the theater was Porter’s family, the second row was legends from the Grand Ole Opry. It was a powerful and moving expression of love”. Porter Wagoner died on October 28, 2007, in Nashville Tennessee. His career spanned seven decades.
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Dolly Parton delights fansaround the world in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Parade

As thunder storms and funnel clouds ripped through East Tennessee yesterday, Pigeon Forge had their own special angel keeping skies sunny and dry! This area's favorite daughter, Dolly Parton, welcomed Spring with her annual parade down the city's main street, and even the weather seemed to be under her spell.From the Dollywood Foundation offices to Wears Valley Road, eager fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Backwoods Barbie and, as usual, she didn't disappoint! Signature smile (and wig!) glowing, looking full of life and bursting with happiness, Dolly waved and chatted with the crowd from atop her new custom built float.Sharing time with her home town fans before jetting off to a year-long World Tour, Dolly has had a busy Spring already; appearing as a mentor on Fox Television's popular hit, American Idol and promoting her latest album. Not likely a few rain drops would dampen her enthusiasm or that of the crowds cheering her on.The yearly tradition celebrates the official Grand Opening weekend of the star's Dollywood Theme Park and has become an eagerly awaited kick-off for summer in the Smokey Mountains.

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S.D. Professionals, LLC Makes TV Debut On American Idol

S. D. Professionals, LLC owner Jacob Timmons isn’t appearing as a contestant on American Idol this week but, with the help of super star Dolly Parton, his work will be seen on the popular talent showcase just the same. Timmons, owner of the Sevierville based media design company, was contacted by representatives from American Idol to create the visual animation for Parton’s appearance on episodes airing this week. “It isn’t every day you see American Idol on caller ID!” Timmons laughed.On Tuesday night, Sevier county’s hometown celebrity is sharing her wisdom and years of performance experience with the Idol finalists celebrating her music. Parton will be performing her new hit “Jesus and Gravity” live during the elimination phase of the show Wednesday evening. No coincidence that the Fox network staff looked to Timmons for artistic visual interpretation when planning Dolly’s Idol debut. S. D. Professionals, LLC designed and maintains Parton’s new web site, http://www.dollyparton.com/ as well as her Imagination Library web site and book order system, DollysImaginationLibrary.com. The artist also recently produced the video content for Parton’s new 2008 Backwoods Barbie World Tour which kicks off this month. Timmons’ work opens the famous show tonight and he looks forward to seeing “S. D. Professionals, LLC” roll by on the credits.“We are thrilled to be part of the evening”, says Timmons, “and feel Dolly will have a little bit of Sevierville there with her”! Local residents can enjoy the same affordable services as the successful Fox network by contacting S. D. Professionals, LLC at http://www.sdwebpros.com/ or by calling 865-774-9023.

Dolly Parton will mentor American Idol Contestants Season 7

Dolly Parton announces this week that she will in fact be a star mentor for this year's Season 7 contestants.
Check out American Idol for more information and keep checking out Dolly Parton's website for new stuff!
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