Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Why Watch E! When You Can Read A Blog?



Imagine you are a movie star, living in a large mansion in the Hollywood Hills. It’s lunchtime and you make plans to meet your producer/friend at The Ivy. What should you wear? What should you order? These thoughts will no doubt run through your mind; you will inevitably be photographed by at least a dozen paparazzi, and within three hours, your distant cousin who lives in Oklahoma will know that you had a bad hair day when you went on your lunch date.

Welcome to the world of celebrity blogging. Media blogs have taken Hollywood by storm. There has clearly been a shift in the way entertainment news is distributed: we no longer must tune into Access Hollywood at 7:00; we can receive instant celebrity gossip via blogs. Does this mean that there is a shift from traditional news forms to more technological ones? I think yes.

According to Melissa Gerry, author of Celebrity Blogs: the Impact of New Media(http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/26280/celebrity_blogs_the_impact_of_new_media.html?page=2), the marketplace has changed: older media outlets are seeing the change that blogs have created. Blogs have the ability to deliver information and generate buzz 24/7. In essence, traditional entertainment programs are actually looking to blogs for the latest stories to report on. Some of these well known blogs include JustJared (www.JustJared.com/), TMZ (www.tmz.com/), and Perez Hilton (www.perezhilton.com/).

While these celebrity blogs pose as entertainment for the general public and aid television and magazines in finding stories, I cannot help but think of what it does to those working in the industry. Can these individuals really keep up with the relentless attention that these blogs are creating? For instance, pull up any one of these entertainment sites and you will most defiantly see a recent post about Britney Spears: What did she wear to court? How many hours has it been since she has seen her children? Did she wear shoes when she went into the gas station? While Spears may be one example, there are plenty more. Have you ever stopped to think of how you would react if someone snapped photos of you while you left the gym or video taped you driving to work? Perhaps these blogs have crossed a personal boundary. While these sites are entertaining and informative, they also are invasive. I mean, should we really care that Angelina took Maddox to see a movie Tuesday night?

10 years ago, this was not an issue. Today, it is more like a daily routine. Celebrities know to expect it, and us…well…we have these blog sites on our list of favorites. Do you think this is simply becoming an accepted downside to the business, or has this type of blogging gone too far?

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Technology: Are You Hot or Not?




How many times have you checked your email today? What about your Facebook account? I’ll take a guess and say that you’ve definitely checked each at least once. Or perhaps you have one of the hip, new cell phones that will automatically notify with any updates, saving you both the time and effort all together.

Technology is taking over our communications world. Stop and take a look around, because what is in today will be out tomorrow. There are bigger, better, and dare I say faster means of communicating with one another emerging as you are reading this blog entry. Can you keep up with the pace? Hold on, because the ride is fast and, trust me, you do not want to get left behind!

In the past, it was inconceivable to image where the Internet would lead us to today; the world is a click away. Hopefully you are embracing these technological advances, as such emerging tools has proven that we cannot foresee where future communication technology will lead us in the future.

Since you are reading this blog, you are probably pretty Internet savvy, and already recognize the importance of various media outlets that can be found online; through interactive Web sites, you can easily find tips, viewpoints, thoughts, and perspectives on any number of relevant issues. For example, http://www.shoutwire.com/ is an interactive Web site that allows viewers to “shout out” or “bash” stories or articles that have been posted on the site. Sites like this are informative in collecting the viewpoint of your target audience. For instance, say you were the President of a new up and coming company that was about to launch its first product: by posting an article on a site like ShoutWire, you could easily gather information on how your audience will gravitate towards your product. Likewise, imagine you were the head of your company’s crisis management team, and you just found out that the media got hold of a company problem that must be addressed; a site like ShoutWire can help you organize your thoughts and “must air” topics that your stakeholders are interesting in hearing.

Another innovative site that we checked out in class was www.current.com...check it out, I think it has a lot to offer to those interested in social media technology. And keep looking for more sites like this, because there are plenty out there-- you just have to find them!

In essence, emerging technology and interactive media is a way of connecting with millions of people that are no longer worlds apart. Are you using these interactive sites, or are you waiting for the next technological advancement to come along before you jump on board? Remember, don't wait too long.....you might not be able to catch up!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Campaigning For Our Generation



It has become increasingly evident to me that this coming election is importnat to not only the world, but more specifically, to my generation. Candidates are aiming their messages at the younger voters for obvious reasons; we hold the key to their success. It is the young voters that now get to take a stance and decide which policies are closest to their hearts.

I used to believe that politics were of no importance to me...honestly, I used to find watching debates or interviews boring. However, after taking classes like Media and Politics, my views have changed. I have actually grown to love the political world. Today, I feel as though I can carry on an intelligent conversation about this years election. But thinking about this has made me realize how many people my age are out there that can not even name which candidates are running. If this election is aimed at our generation, how can we be expected to vote when most young voters are so out of tune with what is even going on? I hope that more people become aware of this situation and urge others to be proactive in this upcoming election.

I hope we can step up to the challenge of what is being thrown at us! There is quite a bit of responsability resting on our shoulders....the world is counting on us!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

"Without publicity a terrible thing happens...nothing."- P.T. Barnum




After taking many classes centered on public relations, I have come to appreciate its contribution to the workplace. First of all, I think that many people have the wrong idea about how exactly to define public relations. A definition that I have come to love is that public relations is doing good and telling others about it. PR is not and should not be about negative press, defaming competitors, or destroying reputations. If you are looking for a job that allows you to do this, then search elsewhere; because, unfortunately for you, you may not get too far in the field PR.

To maintain success in the PR field, one must uphold to a certain level of professionalism. Those entering the PR world will quickly learn that relationship building is key; as Michael Morton, author of Marketing Monster advises, it is a good idea to do simple things like, treat your colleagues to a lunch, or take extra time to write hand written thank you notes. Little things like this help others gain your attention, and ultimately your friendship and trust (http://marketingmonster.wordpress.com/category/marketing-strategies/.

In order to promote your client in a positive light, you must build and maintain respect from the media, with which your ultimate success or failure depends, not to mention the success or failure of your client. As far as print media goes, it is essential to realize that reporters do not have all day to edit your mistakes. You must be polished, precise, and to the point. After all, journalists have plenty of other sources, allowing them to seek information elsewhere if necessary; if you want your information to be heard, get it to the right person, at the right time, in final form.

If you work in public relations, remember that your client depends on you: as the professional, your job is ultimately to aid your client in the development of their career. Finally, remember that the working world is built upon skills, relationships, and reputations. So play by the rules, and you just may surprise yourself at how quickly both you and your client will see results. More information on the expected code of ethics from public relations professionals may be found on the PRSA Web site: http://www.prsa.org/aboutUs/ethics/preamble_en.html

Here are a few more sites to check out:

http://www.prblognews.com/

http://www.prnewsonline.com/prnewsblog/

Check back soon...

Monday, February 4, 2008

Fashion Week in NYC!



Fashion Week is here, and I don't know about you, but I love to look at the new fashion lines and clothing pieces that make their debut on the runways. Fashion is like art, expressive and intriguing. Putting on a new outfit is like playing dress-up or make believe, allowing yourself into enter into a new world. However, remember that clothes don't make a person who they are. So wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but don't be afraid to step out of the box. Fashion is what makes each individual unique.

Here are a few fashion blogs that I happened to come across while following Fashion Week:

http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/

http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/?s=new+york+fashion+week+&x=0&y=0

Enjoy!