Saturday, October 26, 2013

3 Public Relations Trends of 2013

The digital revolution of the past decade has changed the mediums with which public relations practitioners are required to use.

Three PR trends


1. Collecting Data

Everyday there are new apps that allow companies to find out when to post and what types of posts their consumers like. Apps like Social Bro and Buffer assist companies in ensuring that when social media is utilized, it is effective in reaching as many people with a message that resonates with them as possible. Many social media sites, like Twitter or Facebook, are often used on a cell phone rather than on the computer. This puts even more pressure on companies to make sure they are putting only what their viewers want to see and also the times users are typically on their phones checking their accounts. Also, cookies track what websites they like to visit so that companies can target specific interests.

2. Companies utilizing multiple Platforms to further their message

Companies like Nike pretty much use every avenue available to publicize their products. I got a email from a website I follow called Fashiolista, which is an online website for fashion lovers, about subscribers who personalized their shoes with Nike id. I got on YouTube and saw that some gurus were now talking about how they love their personalized Nike shoes. Nike also has 2 Pinterest accounts. Basically, companies are trying to further their reach and connect on any platform their is a possibility their buying segment visits.

3. More emphasis on giving back

Of course people always liked to support companies that give back to the community. But consumers have become wise about whether or not the charity is truly benefitting from donations and charity work. Many were outraged when they found that only eight percent of the benefits from the NFL's work with Susan G. Komen went to charity. People want to see CEO's volunteering, scholarships, and diversity in companies they support. Consumers look for authenticity and require social and community involvement.

For more information:
http://themccarthygroup.com/1237-2/?gclid=CND5s6WKtroCFc6j4AodpS4AWw
http://www.holmesreport.com/featurestories-info/12892/2013-PR-Trend-Forecast-Consumer-Marketing.aspx
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/future-of-mobile.html
http://www.drpr.com.au/public-relations/current-trends.html

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Controversy of Video News Releases

Will Honesty with Video News Releases Protect Consumers?

I'll get straight to the point. When it comes to VNRs, a quote from the "CyberGuy" said it best; "use common sense". Adults should be able to research on their own, although I do believe there are certain areas where honesty is required.
In the CyberGuy video, I do not believe anything was done wrong. The reporter edited it himself, and may have felt that the story would be interesting and news worthy to the viewers. When a newspaper prints a news release, it is used by the reporter as if the reporter completely wrote it. Similar to newspapers, broadcasters may have not have a story at the last minute or need another segment to complete the show. Also, I personally have gotten fraudulent emails. However, attribution would simply be a quick acknowledgement, and I do think it should be added.
"The Accidental Housewife" definitely needed to disclose to viewers that she was paid by sponsors. It does not make her tips less helpful, but it helps the viewer to know they should take what she says with a grain of salt. Her opinion could have been swayed by the paycheck, and the companies are given a boost of credibility due to deception of omission. By her not being open and honest, she discredits her opinion.
The Victoria's Secret Lip Candy segment though I feel was inappropriate for television, was clearly an advertisement. It was clearly being used to sell the product. Though of course it broke ethical guidelines and should not have, I do not feel that viewers could have been fooled into thinking that was a news segment. Gisele's script was also very corny.
It is not that hard to attribute sources! I wish news companies would do that in order to ensure that their viewers are being respected, rather than sell their viewers out for money.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Lessons on Humanity

Why Strong Feet Hopefully Wont Matter to Generation Y


Many people complain about the my generation. The complaints about Generation Y'ers are numerous and redundant. We are are ignorant about politics, stay on Facebook too long, want to wear flip flops to work, and self-entitled. One thing that is common to the human experience, and that someone from any generation can agree with someone on, is the fact that our justice system in many ways sucks.

Today in Virginia Beach my boyfriend's friend had to go to court (typical Gen Y'er). My boyfriend and his roommate, along with two friends, sat in a courtroom and were forced to watch cases from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Observation 1: The main prosecutor, one woman, went through the huge pile of court case files she had and decided which ones would go to the judge, and which she would take care of personally. She was dressed so nice compared to the people around her, she was described as "a fat cat among pack rats". "The defending lawyers look poor, while she looked like she could have been wearing Gucci" he told me.

Observation 2: Judges and police officers are weird and rude. A woman was given a speeding ticket when she arrived at a hospital. She had rushed there to see her sister, who a nurse had called and let her know was in a coma. She tried to have the cop talk to the nurse on the phone, and the cop refused. While in this discourse with the cop, the woman's sister died. She did not get to see her sister's last breath on this earth. Yet, the only memorable thing the judge had to say (which he said twice) were that the woman had "strong feet". She was ordered to pay the ticket and court fees.

When talking about the prosecutors, he said "this is too much power for one person. Those people have too much power. They are like the hand of God". Hopefully in this generation, though we may get many things wrong, we get the justice system fixed.