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AYE Memphis

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The Wiki or Blog or whatever. Let's talk.

Remember anyone can add to this! Click Easy Edit.

January 2007

February 2007

LETS DEFINE PUBLIC RELATIONS NOW!

tjm1198 — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 23:57:30 CDT

The music is probably more up the alley of a college aged student but the efforts behind this story are still relevant to PR practitioners.

The story goes like this: Trent Reznor, the lead singer of the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, took part in a viral marketing campaign in which he left USB drives containing digital copies of songs from his unreleased album in the bathrooms at Nine Inch Nails concerts during the European tour. Lucky fans who happened upon them distributed the songs on personal blogs and websites. The campaign also included fans deciphering messages on t-shirts and websites. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is now suing Reznor for leaking the music.

I personally find the campaign to be brilliant. It's cost effective and relies on a cheap medium to deliver the news and promote the upcoming album. The fans are the best way to get other fans excited and build momentum. Selectively releasing tracks gives listeners a preview into the overall sound of the album. It's mysterious and keeps fans talking about the album, the band, the campaign, Reznor himself and so on. The RIAA is making a stretch in its efforts to reign in Reznor in my opinion. The stories report that Reznor personally authorized the release of the tracks. The fact that the RIAA sent e-mails to bloggers insisting that they remove the songs from their sites has only worked to create more hype and more buzz about the album. Despite this marketing campaign and the intentional release of three tracks the rest of the album has not been leaked on the internet. The album is set to be released April 17.

I'm a fan of viral marketing. I like the concept of using inexpensive media techniques as a PR vehicle. After reading this story on several different news sites I'm confused about what the base of the RIAA's case is. Reznor has the right to release the music he holds the intellectual property rights to doesn't he? Are there ethical considerations to take into account? All my reading tells me that Reznor is behind the release so it doesn't infringe on any issues of right or wrong. Finally, even though Reznor (most likely) recorded the music in the United States the USB drives with the music were discovered in Europe. What, if any, are the legal issues surrounding the campaign?

What are people's thoughts on this campaign? Is it effective? Do the professionals think it would work? What is everyone's overall opinion?

Links:

--http://news.google.com/nwshp?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wn&ncl=1115017373

--http://www.imediaconnection.com/news/14310.asp

--http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/02/nineinchnails.reut/

--http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2007/04/02/nineinchnails-reznor-album.html

--http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003565585

Respectfully submitted:

TJ McMahon

tjm1198 — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:28:36 CDT

In the most recent edition of PRSA Tactics an article caught my eye. It was entitled "Skip the brownnosing: How new pros can advance by thinking like leaders." The article outlined several tips that new professionals entering the field can do to put themselves on the fast track to advancement while maintaining credibility and professionalism. They are:

1. Be seen: If you wait around for someone in upper management to notice you, you will be left behind.

2. Do more than you need to do: ...You need to carry yourself as a higher-level professional than you are to help those above you to envision you in that role.

3. Think smarter: No one wants to replace one person who does the work for three by having to hire and pay three people when they can keep you. Avoid that trap by thinking smarter, not just working hard.

4. Demonstrate leadership: Be the person on your team who always has a vision or solution.

5. Pay attention to the bottom line: If you want to get ahead, you have to be willing to deal with the bottom line, because face it-- those that make the gold, make the rules.
------------------
All excellent tips. Are there any others that people can think of? Any contradictions or arguments about those above? How do students go about getting and demonstrating these skills to potential employers or internship possibilities? As a student I think we rely heavily on our teachers personal experience and the "non-class" related material they tell us to understand these principles including stories and personal philosophies. Students also have to rely heavily on their own moral and ethical compass to work towards advancement.

I look forward to reading responses from everyone!

Respectfully submitted:

--TJ McMahon

MossyRoc — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:17:48 CST

You have reached the premier site for open discussion about communication, PR, integrated marketing comummunication and emerging Web based tools, like this one, for connecting with people. The lines are blurring between PR, Marketing and Advertising - smart communicators know when and how to use all the tools in their kit - even better, reallly smart ones know when not to use them.

Join the discussion. Actively participate in your education if you are in studies. Share your knowledge with students if you are a professional.

Click the Wiki button in the left hand navigation and suggest a topic or comment on one already started.

I am the PRSA professional mentor of the Central Washington PRSSA chapter and this Wiki is our attempt to start a national dialogue. We invite all our communication students and professional friends to participate. As with most things, it only works if we all take part.

In our first segment that we like to call Feet on the Street, students from the CWU chapter will be updating this site live from the PRSSA/PRSA National Conference for all of those, like me, that can't make it in person but want to keep tabs on what is going on. Everyone going should visit to provide their updates. Everyone not going should pose questions, or challenges for the folks on the ground. I want to see notes from every session posted here people and CWU can't do it alone!

Check out the Feet on the Street page for information on the PRSA Mixer at the EMP. A great networking opportunity for students!

Click here to visit the Puget Sound PRSA blog.

>>>>Great conversation going on inside about blogging and PR - click in to particpate

tjm1198 — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 05:41:22 CST

As anyone who knows me well can tell you I am a die hard car fan. One of my most frequently (and by frequently I mean daily) visited sites is AutoBlog.com This comprehensive site has all sorts of news on everything related to the auto world. Back during Christmas break this one story in particular caught my attention.

Synopsis: A cargo ship containing several thousand Mazda vehicles capsized and sat listing at an extreme angle off of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska for nearly a month before it was repaired and towed to Oregon. The vehicles contained in the ship were tied down at extreme angles. Mazda initially planned on a full disclosure to the purchaser before selling the vehicles. However the president & CEO of Mazda announced that the cars would instead be scrapped instead of sold to the public.

Discussion Points:

1.) What is your opinion of Mazda's decision to scrap the vehicles? Was this a correct move considering the amount of inventory lost to Mazda was in the millions not to mention the production and destruction costs.

2.) Why couldn't Mazda (which had determined that the vehicles had suffered no significant damage) release the vehicles to the general public or charities at a reduced or tax-deductible price with a full disclosure statement about the history of the vehicle? How does this relate to the company image?

3.) What is the company's social responsibility?

4.) Is Mazda, as a publicly held company, responsible only for their return on investment and share value? Or do they have a larger, bigger picture responsibility to address?

5.) What ethical issues does releasing the vehicles for sale or charitable donations present in your mind?
-------------------------------------------------------

These are all questions that I considered when I read the article (available here with historical articles as well) So let's discuss it! Think about these questions, answer them, raise new and perhaps overlooked ones.

tjm1198 — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 05:18:10 CST

What is Feet on the Street? I am glad you asked! It is the place for us to report to the group live from events, networking events and so on. By live I am not saying you have to rig a special harness around your next so you can strap on the laptop while mixing it up with students or professionals. You are allowed to report after the fact.

First up [as of now]? Students and professionals report from the PRSSA/PRSA National Conference in Salt Lake City. Stay tuned!

Here is something cool.
Wednesday, November 8 - Cocktails at EMP (Social)
Join colleagues for a fall social event at Experience Music Project and a sneak peak at EMP's newest exhibit, Disney: The Music behind the Magic. No-host bar and complimentary tickets to the exhibit. Members and non-members are invited.
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Experience Music Project
Price: No Charge
RSVP: David Blandford, APR at (206) 461-5806 or dblandford@seeseattle.org

I hope to see some folks at the event let us know if you are going so we can meet up and do some networking and that means talking to people you don't know yet. :o) If lodging for folks from over the Mtns is an issue air it out here and we can brainstorm some ideas for you.

If something cool comes up before then we will be sure to include it here :O)

WackyJackie — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 21:01:16 CST

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19 President's Day	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28

taffygurl4 — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:51:38 CST

Here are some articles that we can use for discussion

Wikipedia and paying for posts
White House abuse of Wikipedia

Politics and the Web
Clinton
Obama
Gore
Sites I own strategy for:
Overall Security
Consumer
IT Pro
Windows Vista Compete
PressPass

PRSA Blog
Puget Sound PRSA

Thoughts and notes from the group - Real Time

robbiend — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:50:38 CST

UPDATE: Salt Lake City was, of course, a huge success. I want to say thanks once again to everyone involved for giving it the effort that you did. We came through as excellent ambassadors representing CWU and our Chapter. I am really looking forward to making the trip to Philadelphia next year, and very excited to take a shot at some awards while we're at it.

At long last, after months of preparation, planning, and unabated excitement, the CWU Chapter of the PRSSA is officially representing it at National Conference 2006 in "the SLC." I have to say I am very proud to be here with such a large and dynamic group. I think we can confidently say that we have risen to the challenge and are bringing a very strong representation to the conference.

Until then,
Robbie

youngn — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 15:35:19 CST

I would like us all to talk about PR and ethics. Recently while attending the PRSSA National Conference in Salt Lake City, I attended a presentation that was given by a group of students on research that they conducted with another group.

During their presentation they illustrated that less than one percent of PR students saw ethics as a key element in our industry. To me this is appalling as it should be to everyone. As an industry we struggle to maintain a positive image, oddly enough we can do image control for our clients but not our profession. PR is seen as spin, and movies like “Thank You for Smoking” though a great movie do not go to support our cause.

Obviously as a profession we need to maintain an ethical value, but how can we go about developing a better perception of ourselves. How can we compete with movies and the common belief that PR professionals are all corrupt spinners who will do anything to make their clients look better?

It has been said that in your career you will be asked to lie, to cover something up, or to be unethical. Whether this pressure comes from your CEO, your boss, or your client what will you do? How will you maintain your ethical values?

youngn — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 13:39:14 CST

Being back in the 'Burg is great but the SLC was an awesome. For those of you who were unable to attend. I highly recommend making it next year in Philly, you will make countless contacts and learn about industry knowledge that you can't get in the classroom.

While there I went to sessions ranging from non-profit organizations to career advancement & starting your own agency to diversity and advocacy. It was a great time. You are able to get information that many of your professors can't teach you because let's face it they are not in industry anymore. The industry is constantly changing, if you want the most recent trends and developments where better to get it than from industry leaders.

Not only do you get to listen to industry leaders but you also make contacts with the future leaders. There were over 800 students there from the some of the best PR programs in the country. I know that I made contacts that hopefully will turn into career-long friendships.

jamaalrbell — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 13:34:27 CST

I had to drink my espresso first before I talk about this. This is huge issue to me and I am passionate about the discussion and the role of Advocacy in PRSA.

At the PRSSA National Conference in Salt Lake City this week PRSA Vice-president of Advocacy, Mike Cherenson; PRSA Advocacy board member Kelly Groehler; and PRSSA Vice-president of Advocacy Lisa Travnik conducted a discussion with PRSSA students about the important issues that are facing public relations practitioners now and in the future. Moreover, wanted to see what issues the students believe is priority.

The discussion was productive; discussing issues such as transparency, ethics, corporate bullying of agencies and that 10 percent of public relations practitioners are affiliated with PRSA and less than that are APR certified.

The discussion that was discussed that I believe is the most important is defining the “science” of public relations and adopting that as our definition.

Why should this be a priority? If we conducted a communications audit with PR professionals, pre-professionals and educators we will have so many mixed messages of what PR is.

Furthermore, if you were to go to Google and input “define: public relations” you would see many different definitions of PR.

There should be one definition of public relations that is no more that three sentences!

After we develop a unified definition then we can truly attack other issues facing public relations. Without tackling that first we will continue to have mixed messages about the purpose of public relations and will lack a unified front. As PRSA members we must agree on the same values, beliefs and goals that affect public relations, period. Not doing so we will continue to fight ourselves.

For my preferred definition of the “science” of PR refer to my “Lets Define Public Relations Now” blog.

I have been convinced that the PRSA/PRSSA Advocacy board is passionate about improving the profession. However, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t challenge the advocacy board.

I challenge the advocacy board to discuss issues of ethics to the public when one of our colleagues doesn’t follow the PRSA Code of Ethics regardless of who they are in public. If Edelman or Hill & Knowlton practiced an unethical procedure and it becomes publicized; PRSA must be the voice that discusses the situation and offer solutions so that the public understands that we have an ethical code and that we encourage all of our practitioners to abide by it.

I challenge the advocacy board to call out those who are not affiliated with PRSA who practice PR unethically regardless of who they are. I would want the advocacy board to defend our profession and encourage those who do not practice PR ethically or do not know PRSA ethical procedures to join and get educated in the proper practice of PR.

I challenge the advocacy board lead the charge in defining the “science” of public relations for the final time and destroy this stalemate. The science of PR should be easy we can always debate about the functions. Example: Psychology has a universal definition, however, there are many theories inside the umbrella of Psychology like psychoanalytic, cognitive or humanistic. It is ok to have diversions of the “practice” PR but the umbrella must be the “science.”

I challenge the advocacy board to recognize practitioners who strictly follow ethical procedures and to use them as models for other agencies.

I challenge the advocacy board to have constant communication with chapters to ensure all are on the same page and practice advocacy in their area.

I commend the advocacy board on their efforts. I believe this will be the board that will spark that change that needs to take place in PRSA. I believe this board will take our dialog in to action and encourage the young practitioner to take responsibility with moving the profession forward.

They have my support. I would gladly, in fact, I hope they would ask me to be apart of this revolution to ensure that we are here to guide in the free flow of information among the public; not to spin information only for our benefit.

jamaalrbell — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:20:54 CST

Good Day Friends,

I just tool a sip of my capo and it's too hot to drink, however, it's the greatest capo I have made yet.

First, I want to discuss the concept of including game theory in our study of public relations.
In the study of public relations, most of the theory we study is polarizing.Our method of communicating messages is either asymmetrical (feedback and negotiation not allowed) or two-way symmetrical (feedback and negotiation allowed) (Grunig).We do not extensively study the gray area between the two.However, game theory extensively studies that gray area and how we solve conflicts.

According to University of Pittsburgh professor Dr. John Duffy “games” has 2 or more players, contain some choice of action where strategy matters, has one or more outcomes, and outcomes depends on the strategies chosen by all players; there is strategic interaction.

Duffy does not include games of pure chance, e.g. lotteries, slot machines where strategies don’t matter.

I feel game theory is relevant to public relations because it is a convenient way in analyze strategic interactions between our client and their publics.

Duffy outlines the five elements of a “game:”

1.How many players
2. The set of all possible actions for players
3.Information that players have available when choosing their actions
4.A description of the “payoff consequences” for each player for every possible combination of actions chosen by all players playing the game. 5.A description of all players’ preferences over payoffs.

This elementary explanation of game theory can greatly improve our crisis planning.Let’s quickly break it down using Duffy’s five elements.

1. “How may players” – Deciding who all of your client’s publics are and where
Example: media, stakeholders, the public

2.“The set of all possible actions for players” -after deciding your high-problem/low-constraint target (most active target); decide all the possible actions that your target can perform and their agendas

3.“Information that players have available when choosing their actions” –how much access to information (e.g. experts, library, newspaper & internet) does your target public have.This can be used in deciding the effective mediums for sending and receiving information.

4.“A description of the ‘payoff consequences (desirable outcomes)’ for each player for every possible combination of actions chosen by all players playing the game.” – examining potential desirable outcome reactions to messages the public may have in interpreting your messages.

5.“A description of all players’ preferences over payoffs.” – Discovering which desirable outcome your publics prefer.

Game theory offers us a less polarizing area of study.Moreover, allows us to further analyze our publics and all of their possible actions.However, I feel this is difficult to perform in a contingency plan, but in a strategic crisis communication plan it can be beneficial; especially during the research and objectives process.

Do you think game theory should be in the public relations curriculum, or do you see any flaws in the study?Or do you prefer another theory?
My capo is at its perfect temperature so tell what you think

jamaalrbell — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:19:41 CST

Good Day Friends,

I hope your espresso, latte or capo has its flavors and sugars, because while mine is still scorching hot I want to discuss the article "Using RSS for coroprate communications" by Elizabeth Albrycht, APR on PR Tactics and the The Strategist Online.

Albrycht is a 16-year veteran of high-tech PR practice and co-founder of the New Communications Forum, a conference series designed to bring journalists, marketing and PR professionals together to learn how to use participatory communications tools.

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE

According to Albrycht, 2007 is the predicted year for the widespread takeoff of RSS adoption.WebReference.com defines RSS (Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary) as a lightweight XML format designed for sharing headlines and other Web content.Many media companies such as New York Times, CNN, PRWeek and Fox News use this technology drive more traffic into their site by sending you news headlines and other messages.

Albrycht advocates that this could be a great technology to use for corporate communications because of its speed and its ability to bypass spam filters.She suggested that this technology can be used to deliver releases to the media or any other of your companies or clients stakeholders, furthermore, could be an efficient way to communicate to your publics.

COMMENTARY

This technology could be a great repetition tool, however, it should supplement your PR communications efforts.The president of Terrie Williams Agency Terrie M. Williams at the 1996 Vernon C. Schranz Distinguished Lecturer at Ball State University said with the advancement in cellular and computer technology public relations is quickly drifting away from being a relationship-based business to becoming a technologically-based business.

I feel that our ability to manage communication and relationships for our clients is what makes our profession useful.Building positive, beneficial and long lasting relationships is core to our practice, and I feel that RSS will further push us away from that core.

E-mail has benefited and damaged us.Using impersonal communication tools as your primary method in building relationships will not deliver the best results.

For example, your client has information they want a specific magazine to know about.You have not established a relationship with an editor at the magazine, so you do your research and found the person whom you should contact.The editor’s preference is they want releases sent through email.

You personalize the e-mail and send the release.The editor’s response is they do not have the time or the space to publish the release.

You could end this relationship here; or you could better the relationship by sending a personal handwritten thank you card for their consideration and give them your contact info if they need story ideas.You may have not gotten the story, however, you gave that editor something personal for them to remember you by.Therefore, when your client wants to send them another release your chances are better.
RSS is one-way communication; there is no option for feedback.Sending releases this way is like sending junk mail or spam.Moreover, if used for your intern communication can easily be looked over and RSS could give the employees and impression that management is impersonal and doesn’t care to communication with them personally.
RSS is a fantastic and powerful technology, but I think it should only be used as a repetition tool not a primary communication tool.RSS should not be used to change the game of Public Relations it should just give us another avenue to communicate our messages.

While I’m taking a sip of my espresso I would love to read your thoughts.

jamaalrbell — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:11:11 CST

Over our time away I have been researching tools we use to segment our publics and the VALS2 survey was an interesting tool. The original VALS survey was built by consumer futurist Arnold Mitchell. Mitchell created VALS to explain changing U.S. values and lifestyles in the 1970s.

Using further study the VALS survey is now polished to identify in depth audience segments, which are categorized by innovators, thinkers, achievers, strivers, experiencers, believers, makers and survivors. However, this psychographic scale (formerly a values/lifestyle scale) is United States-centric and respondents may have the tendency to enter their aspirations instead of actual values/lifestyles.

I do believe this is a great tool to research the market for a new or failing product.This tool can be used to segment your consumers to find who may be your active consumer for your product and how to reach them in terms of the values and lifestyle.This tool should not be used as an end-all because it does not consider environmental and societal factors enough.

My profiles were striver and experiencer.

The striver profile did not match me particularly well.I am not trendy, but I am motivated by achievement.I do seek about the opinions and approval of others. Money doesn’t defines success for me, prestige does. I do not favor stylish products that emulate the purchases of people with greater material wealth, I favor efficient and durable products. Because of my Naval experience I want a career, and my college education and involvement with may different student organizations I have a diverse array of skills and I am focused.

The experiencer profile was quite accurate.I am sometimes motivated by self-expression.I can be an impulsive consumer seeking excitement and entertainment. I often do spend money on exciting new technologies that promises enjoyment and new experiences.Furthermore, I spend money on items related to exercise, sports and automobiles.

The profile results proved to me that the validity of the VALS2 survey may be more of an educated guess rather than hard accurate results.I feel this allows room for skepticism. For anyone who maybe a skeptic of the VALS2 survey I would advise them to use it as a research model to investigate potential target markets or to locate your active consumers.This is a great tool to see who buys your products, however, one must prepare and accept the disadvantages of surveys:

They depend on subjects’ motivation, honesty, memory, and ability to respond. Subjects may not be aware of their reasons for any given action. They may have forgotten their reasons. They may not be motivated to give accurate answers, in fact, they may be motivated to give answers that present themselves in a favorable light.

Surveys are not appropriate for studying complex social phenomena. The individual is not the best unit of analysis in these cases. Surveys do not give a full sense of social processes and the analysis seems superficial.

Structured surveys, particularly those with closed ended questions, may have low validity when researching affective variables.

Although the chosen survey individuals are often a random sample, the respondents are usually self-selected, and therefore a non-probability samples from which the characteristics of the population sampled cannot be inferred.

Participants may not answer honestly.

Survey question answer-choices could lead to vague data sets because at times they are relative only to a personal abstract notion concerning "strength of choice". For instance the choice "moderately agree" may mean different things to different subjects, and to anyone interpreting the data for correlation. Even yes or no answers are problematic because subjects may for instance put "no" if the choice "only once" is not available.

The communications representative project example on SRIC-bi website was about the U.S. long-distance carrier using the VALS2 to select its spokesperson for a major television campaign is a good example of how it works because the VALS2 wasn’t the end-all.They surveyed an already established target (heavy long-distance customers) what type of a spokesperson would they relate to.

I would assume that the phone company may have more information about their customers that could test their results, in addition, to interviewing and choosing the spokesperson that would fit the image of their company. Therefore, their secondary information along with the VALS2 results helped them choose multiple potential spokespersons for interview.

I learned that there may never be a survey or a psychographical tool that is an end-all in locating and understanding your target market.However, the VALS2 is a great tool to research results and to learn more about your audience, their tendencies and even the perception of your product and company. Do you think VALS2 is a great tool?Do you think the VALS2’s flaws out weigh their benefits?I am interest in reading your viewpoint.

Learn more about VALS2

Take a VALS2 Survey

jamaalrbell — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 09:04:17 CST

Great times! Last week our Business Fellows group visited Memphis, Tennessee to see why the Memphis Jubilee Catholic schools were so good. Hopefully, learning from their success and bringing some their tools to our client St. Lawrence Catholic School.

Fun day
First, I am going to talk about the fun part. The first night, was like we were celebrating just making it there. 8 hour drive hommies! 8 HOURS!

First we had a cocktail at The Peabody’s Lobby Bar, kicked it, cracked jokes and took pictures. We even spotted some “big timers” with “escorts” we got a kick out of that.

Then we went over to The Pig On Beale and had a smoked pork sandwich! Oh, so good. Of course I acted a fool make in jokes, even busted a freestyle rap while we were waiting on our food. Yeah, and Carrie jumped in the cipher, she got mad skills. Then the team just chilled out on the strip listening to blues music by some street performers. They rocked it. Good music, good food, good people… all good. Other fun things went down but what we do in Memphis stays in Memphis.

Work day
The next was all work. We had an appointment with Dr. Mary McDonald, superintendent of Jubilee Catholic Elementary Schools , to discuss why their school program is so successful. How they took several closed urban schools and reopened them.

When we visited the schools the students were so impressive. They loved school and they loved learning. Majority of the students were Latino or African-American. It was a goal of the Memphis Catholic Diocese to have catholic schools in communities that needed them. Every student was so respectful to us. Every room we visited they stood and welcomed us in unison. Can’t find that in a public school!

Dr. McDonald was great her hospitality was second to none. She took so much time out of her day to tell us about why and how the Jubilee Schools project was successful and how community business leaders are supporting them.

After the day was over she invited us to the Comedy Tennessee comedy club and saw Tim Walkoe who was ridiculously hilarious! If I repeat the jokes I’ll just mess it up, but he was funny as hell. Before that we had delicious char-broiled dry rub BBQ ribs from Charles Vergo’s Rendezous Ribs. Holla at cha boy! My clothes still smell like BBQ I love it! There BBQ sauce was a little salty but still outstanding.

Cultural day
Are last day there we visited The Civil Rights Museum which is located at the same place where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. It was an eerie place to be at first. Inside the museum is based on a timeline starting from slavery. And you move through the museum like traveling through time. There are many interactive pieces. For example, one was a bus from the 1960s and when you set down a voice in the bus says, “Get to the back of the bus.” The longer you sit the more agitated to voice becomes. The preserved some riot scenes as exhibits and even interactive phone conversations that President Kennedy had with various governors.

Strangest moment was being on the balcony where King was shot and when you look to the left or right they preserved the room exactly how it was left when he was murdered. The bed was messed up, the breakfast he didn’t finish was moldy and the coffee was old. It was definitely to close for comfort. In addition, to the slow gospel hymns in the background. And directly across the street was where the supposed killer shot King from.

In that building they displayed the investigation, evidence and the various conspiracy theories surrounding King’s death.

What was humorous is that the museum has plans on expanding and some citizens are boycotting the CRM claiming that it fosters hate. However, the CRM is a testament how hate was overcame and how our civil rights movement sparked others across the world; Germany, Beijing and South Africa.

Then, we had lunch at the world famous Arcade Restaruant even though I thought food as alright not fantastic, not like Rendezvous Ribs. I had a taco salad.

Finally, 8 hours back. 8 HOURS SON!

jamaalrbell — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 08:43:14 CST

Good afternoon friends,
Yes, I know it’s late for an espresso, but have one with me real quick.I’m buying!

PR is a term used loosely, moreover, it has a negative connotation. Some people call it “spinning,” publicity, promotion, or down right B.S. I disagree. The problem is the profession doesn’t have an official standard definition of PR.

Yes, we’ve established definitions of the functions and tools we use to perform PR, but we don’t have an agreed upon definition of the “science” of PR or what PR “is.”
I read the July 25, 2006 article called, “PR Searches For A Definition” on www.odwyerpr.com. O’Dwyer claimed that PR does not have a solid definition of what public relations is, and he is right.

Public Relations Society of America’s definition illustrates what PR “does” and the different functions and procedures our education allows us to perform (i.e. advertising, marketing, promotion, reputation management, identity building, etc.). These are only functions and tools of PR; again not what PR is.

How can we define PR? First, we must identify and admit the profession’s major constraints. Then, define what PR isn’t. Next, define what PR is. Finally, develop the definition.

Admit PR Constraints:
Corporate constraints- In most corporate businesses the PR is not the CEO, and one of our constraints is that the CEO will tell us what they want their perception to be; even thought their publics own their perception and reputation. It is a tendency in some corporations that every person in management thinks they know how to do PR, therefore telling the PR manager what messages to deliver to the public.

In corporations, our initial “best practice” advice isn’t always accepted and used. You have many businesses who hire professionals to be their PR who isn’t educated in the science of PR. Most professionals can think of more constraints that restrict them from doing successful PR in the corporate sector, but let’s move on the agency constraints.

Agency constraints – Some agencies will work with client that has sensitive or confidential information and will not release that information to the agency. Some organizations who hire agencies for PR services want to be directly involved in the strategic planning process and will not allow proper time for secondary and primary research.

Most agencies around the world today are full-service agencies that perform marketing, advertising, publicity, and media relations. Furthermore, would combine the advertising, marketing and public relations efforts into one plan when it should be separate plans because they have different goals. Some clients see PR as a last resort and only come to agencies when they have an immediate crisis problem. Moreover, diversity on PR account teams lack in some agencies.

Practitioner constraints – Professionals are willing to bypass ethical considerations for the big paycheck. Some professionals who are not PR educated confuse advertising, publicity and marketing with PR.

There are organizations who do not have or cannot afford an educated PR professional and they do their own PR. Thus, not being aware of the proper way to conduct business and not knowing the PRSA Code of Ethics.

Nobody is perfect we all make mistakes in planning and implementation. Being human is also a constraint.

Constraints of current public perceptions of PR – The public’s Expectations of PR is to be honest and ethical professionals. They depend on us to have accurate information they can understand available.

The public cannot accurately define PR. The lack of definition leaves the public to define it for themselves. When we deliver information asymmetrically (i.e. like government information) the public feels they cannot respond to information or contribute ideas. Remember we are suppose to enhance the free flow of information, fair competition, foster open communication, avoiding conflicts of interest, responsibly safeguard confidences and enhancing the profession.

To do that we need a definition of the science of PR, but now we must define what PR isn’t.

Public Relations isn’t: advertising, publicity, spinning, promotion, marketing, propaganda, sloganeering or speculation. Some professionals and non-professionals use these as tools. Some ignore or are ignorant to the PRSA Code of Ethics and use these tools for evil.

Public Relations is: the delivery of new factual information that is proven. Designing tools to accept and respond to comments from publics. Public Relations is strategic communications planning to ensure publics are accurately informed, and evaluate and improve communication efforts.

Ensure that one maintains the PRSA Code of Ethics in every strategic or contingency communications plan. One must build positive, beneficial and transparent relationships with publics and distributors of information. Finally, PR is acting as a communications mediator.
After years of studying, inquiring and performing public relations, and being influenced by my mentors Dr. Melvin L. Sharp, Dr. Becky McDonald, Asst. Professor Bob Pritchard of Ball State University and David Shank of Shank Public Relations Counselors my definition of public relations is:

“Public relations is the act of creating, mediating, managing and evaluating ethical strategic communication efforts while building positive, beneficial and transparent relationships with publics and distributors of information.”

This definition that explains what PR is. It defines PR as a science. The many versions of definitions we have now, define us like a trade profession. This definition doesn’t compare with advertising, marketing or any other professions, because our profession is different. Moreover, this definition doesn’t constrain us to being tools.

MossyRoc — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:03:45 CST

I found this article Micro Persuasion: PR Industry Still Slow to adapt to the blog world online when I was doing research for another class but found it interesting nonetheless. I think it's relevant to our profession and the future of PR. In our technologically advanced world PR professionals and just about everybody else needs to stay abreast of technological advances and changes that can positively or negatively affect the way we deliver a message and the way we live in the larger picture.

With that in mind do you agree with this article? Find it relevant?
Let's start this WIKI off right and get a discussion going.

TJm

>>>MossyRoc here:
Great article TJ. Mr Rubel made a name for himself by starting a PR blog several years ago. More recently his employer made a name for themselves in this space - and it is directly related to this topic. Edelman was recently outed for created enthusiast blogs about....WalMart?! Yes, employees of Edelman posed as WalMart lovers to help spread the gospel and I guess improve perceptions of WalMart around the world around treatment of employees, impacts on local communities and businesses and such.

From Rubel
canukflaks take
Marketing Gurus

Is this cool? Is this the way PR people should use this tool?

In my opinion, no. Blogs were born of enthusiasts with the goal of ultimate transparency. Since the start there have been good and bad examples of this. It has always been my view that blogs are a tool, not a solution. I think many professionals overlook this critical point.

How did I start using my first blog?

I used it as a tool to help keep the Arizona contingent of my family in the loop of what was happening in our lives up north. The benefits? Free. Easy and efficient ways to update and publish information to the Web. No need for a computer science degree. No need to pay for server space.

How does this translate for PR professionals?

With the creation of Web tools like blogs, podcasting and such, intelligent personalities with good ideas and a high potential for influence gained a voice. Again, the ability to publish ideas, information and data, instantly - for anyone to consume! Listservs and online forums were doing this way before blogs but the interface was still a little too cludegy for many computer users. Blogs are easy! Bookmark the URL, or better yet subscribe to the RSS feed - instant information, and this is important, that you want. If folks are like me, please don't give me information I don't want.

So how can PR people use blogs?

First and formost use them to listen to your customers. Now that your customers have the ability to make their voice heard, listen to what they have to say and tailor your communication strategy to how they want information presented to them.
Use blogs to respond quickly to issues. This could be a executive blog. Employee blogs. Recruiting blogs. Take advantage of this medium to share information instantly. Most often this would not be the only way you would communicate with customers but rather just another medium with a unique voice.
Use blogs to create personality and emotional connections. If you have really smart people in your company - share them! If you have people in your organization that are really active in the community - let people know that. Give your company a face and a heart.

There are many more reasons to use blogging and sometimes just as many reasons not to! But that is a conversation for another time. What ever your communication vehicle, make the force behind it genuine. If you can't find real people that blog on the benefits of your company so you have to manufacture it - that speaks loudly for change - so listen! Who's next? What other ways do PR and blogging intersect? Will it continue? Do you think people talked like this with the invention of the radio? TV? Telephone? -MossyRoc

MossyRoc — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:31:36 CST

Google Buys JotSpot

What isn't Google buying these days. Since our WetPaint site is a Wiki I figured i would post this as an indication these tools will only continue to grow in popularity. Of all the Web based communication tools i think the Wiki is the one that makes most people scratch their head. How do you particiapte? Why would you want to?

Granted it is a tool for the power internet users as if nobody particiaptes it gets pretty old [are you all out there catching the hint? :)]

Wikis more than any other are about collaboroation as anyone can add and delete information from the page. that is cool idea but also gets into some scary areas for PR people. What happens if people with bad intentions are editing your wiki? That is where the community comes in. The community must police itself! I am sure many folks are familiar with WikiPedia; the internet encyclopedia in which the community drafts entries for the collective good of the group. Are you also familiar with some it's troubles? Turns out some folks made up some history to either damage enemies or freshen up their own personality. As with much you see on TV, read, hear, find on the internet - take it with some skepticism and try your best to qualify sources and validate facts! Another example this time involving the White House.

What do you all think? Will I ever convince you to participate in this Wiki? On this site anyone with a WetPaint ID can edit the Wiki. That way folks will have to ID themselves when they post and I can take action if they get squirrley :)

MossyRoc — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 14:08:41 CDT

Take a quick moment to post a blurb about yourself. Watch our community grow!

15
Martin Luther King Day

MossyRoc — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:13:52 CDT

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