Comments on PR Squared: Social Media Press Releases: Digging Deeper

Hi John -First off, to start things off, I am zeal...

2006-06-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

Hi John -
First off, to start things off, I am zealous but not a zealot: I readily acknowledge the wisdom of your thoughts.

I do agree, as well, that sometimes reporters will take a release and paste whole sections of it into an article. But, in my experience this is the exception rather than the rule (as is proper). Also, there are entire sections of the Social Media press release (SMPR) that can be "lifted" in that manner, i.e., executive quotes. Even the bullet points found in the "Core News" section can be pretty readily woven together...

So, no, I wouldn't want to see the SMPR become an adjunct to a traditional release. I do think the SMPR can stand on its own, and, to meet Susan's point, I do think that the onus is on the marketer to ensure that the content is high-quality and relevant.

Todd ... one thing you've never addressed is the f...

2006-06-15T10:43:00.000-04:00

Todd ... one thing you've never addressed is the fact that many publications (and websites) will run relevant news releases verbatim.

In those instances, it's obviously better to provide them with full text that you've crafted, right?

I believe the Social Media template would work great for reporters such as Foremski who don't want full text, but what about the editors who do?

I see the template as being more like a "fact sheet" that can either accompany a full-text release or be used stand-alone for reporters who are doing their own story.

Thoughts???

I'm game, Susan.

2006-06-15T00:29:00.000-04:00

I'm game, Susan.

My main concerns about the social media press rele...

2006-06-14T21:05:00.000-04:00

My main concerns about the social media press release are concerns, not really objections. Todd mentions one above, which is that I believe content is the issue, not form. I fear that overemphasis on form may create even worse press releases than we already see.

My other concern has to do with focusing on tools, like whether it a press release or a del.icio.us page, versus the real work in communications, which is actually relating to people one on one. Real conversation, real relationships.

I think all these tools are useful, and can be a big help in the practice of public relations. But we need to get the fundamentals right first.

Here's an idea Todd. Instead of a working group to develop a social media press release, why don't we have a workshop or panel or something like that to bring together the proponents and the "concerned" to work through these issues. We're both in the Boston area, we could make something like this happen.

Hi Todd. Thanks for the update post on this. Jus...

2006-06-14T18:56:00.000-04:00

Hi Todd. Thanks for the update post on this. Just wanted to note that I run Weblogs Work. I just did a speaking gig @ Ketchum a few weeks ago.