Social Networks and PR

This video clearly explains the process of using social networks in the PR world. It also goes on to clearly define what social networks are. It discusses how managers are very curious how this all works. It goes on to expalin just that. It gives examples of these social networks: Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, and Linked In. It also goes on to talk about how popular these social network sites have become as well as how successful using social networks to promote your organization is. I do agree with the tips the video provides to help brand your organization in a positive manner while social networking online. However, I do think some additional advice is needed on how exactly a social network profile is created. As well as, explaining some of the history of how and why social networks were started. Thus, helping better understand why this is such a great opportunity for an organization to get their name out there. Also, it should also be discussed how an organization can use social networking while still maintaining their credibility.

RSS feeds in PR

RSS~Really Simple Syndication. The key word here is simple. In today's world everyone is looking for an easier or simpler way of doing things. That has been the beauty of technology; It tends to make make things easier. But simpler? Perhaps not. Before RSS, one had to either wait for an email/newsletter or go to the website/blog for new information about an organization.

Now, PR professionals can provide journalists with new information continuously with their RSS feeds that the journalist may sign up for. It basically can bring the website to the RSS subscriber. Simple. Not only that, but it is confidential, has been said to be preferred by many journalists, complimentary, and up to the minute information, no old news. Also, this is still a relatively new technology and has so much room for growth and improvement. The possibilities are great and very exciting for those in the PR world.

Blogging in PR

At first, I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant about blogging in general. It seems like just a good excuse to just sit there and talk about yourself. Which, as much as everyone usually enjoys this, I was always raised that just talking about yourself is vain and self-centered. However, this obviously was not the case for everyone and blog popularity has spread like wildfire.

This has lead for those with a PR driven mindset to use blogging to their advantage. I believe it truly is the perfect arena for public relation professionals. What better way to talk about "yourself" (aka your product/organization/event, etc.)? Blogs seem to almost have been made for this. One can use words, pictures, videos, direct feedback from customers, etc. for direct promotion. It's the idyllic of the commercial world.

Even after reading the material provided in class about the cons of companies blogging, I still think blogs are ideal in the PR world because of its very makeup. The whole purpose of public relations is to promote the relationship of who or what they are representing and its customers/participants. What better way than talk about "yourself" and its accepted even celebrated? Who could think of a better way? I can't.