There’s loads of excellent content and opinions across all the PR blogs. Here’s a selection of the current PR memes in blogland…
Paul Griffo gives his pitch on why PR people should embrace the term “flack”:
“PR people, note how computer geniuses have adopted the term geek. That’s refreshingly honest. Or how about the indispensable policy wonks? When I hear either of these terms, I think, “Now there’s a group of people who are brilliant, but yet don’t take themselves too seriously.” The world needs more people like that.”
Profnet’s MediaInsider offers some tips on writing financial press release from Ann Sommerlath, assistant business editor at the Associated Press.
“The biggest mistake in an earnings release is when a company doesn’t itemize gains or charges that affect the current period, or provide “real” non-GAAP and GAAP figures with a detailed explanation of how they differ and why. We’re looking for the figures that compare with what analysts expect. Another problem is when a company presents tables that are reversed. Normally, the columns are labeled with the most recent period on the left. As we’re focused on speed, switching the traditional format can really slow us down.”
ZDNET journalist David Berlind is very impressed with Scalix CEO Julie Farris following her wilingness to engage in a public conversation via the comments section on Berlind’s blog regarding her company’s products. It’s a good example of good first person communications. Thanks to Steve Rubel for the link.
“Public relations personnel cringe at the idea of executives diving into the blogosphere and mixing it up with the press and end users. Maybe that’s because of how the blogosphere prevents them from interceding when an executive is about to say something that shouldn’t be said. Personally, I think it makes both the executives and the company seem more open and approachable.”
Trevor Cook has a guest editorial from Talespin author Gerry McCusker on why he believes that press release-based media stories should be clearly labelled as such.
“Don�t get me wrong; I�m all for transparency and playing fair, but a lot of PR�s still get paid for �under the radar� message communication. And a lot of newsrooms rely on PR briefings and backgrounders to help them shape the stories they put out. But if VNR�s merit such clear labelling, why not press releases?”
The New Communications Forum blogzine is out covering ethical blogging, the risk of blog-related libel, increasing visibility online and offline and many more articles including Elizabeth Albrycht‘s thoughts on the emergence of a new communication model.
Neville Hobson reviews a Wall Street Journal article on how blogs can not only attract potential customers, but keep them coming back.
Jeremy Pepper argues that blogs are a complimentary addition to a company’s communications programs, but it’s not for everyone.
“And, yes, I am recommending to a few clients that they do adopt a blogging strategy. But, only as it fits into their overall marketing mix. Not every business needs a blog, because not every business has the time for a blog.”
Dan Gillmor points to the Citizen Journalist Starter Pack sounds like it might be useful for a number of crisis management teams…
Hans Kullin has documented over 200 Nordic media RSS feeds.
Steven Phenix offers the ten most important elements of a corporate press room.
Murphy's Law 