For the past three blog posts, I have written about how blogging is becoming the newest form of PR for companies and celebrities to use. This week, I am going to take a look at two other blogs written by classmates in PRR332 who have completely different blog topics. This will give me a chance to explore other types of PR that I am interested in but do not know much about.
The first blog I looked at was Sammi Roman's blog on fashion PR. Maybe it's a stereotype, but as a female, I don't find it hard to believe that I love fashion. Going shopping is, admittedly, one of my favorite hobbies. As a young girl I loved playing dress up and picking out outfits for my barbies. So, reading about fashion was very exciting for me. I was especially interested when she blogged about ethics and mentioned how poorly workers were treated, but at the same time these designers are donating so much money to charities to help raise awareness in areas such as abuse. These designers are talented yes, but are they smart enough to realize what is going on behind closed doors? As the saying goes "practice what you preach." If these designers are going to spread the word on how abuse is unexceptable, then maybe they should be hiring new people to run their factories that don't abuse their workers.
The second blog I read and found interesting was written by Lisa Perez. I am a sucker for reality TV, especially the show "Jersey Shore" on MTV. In her blog about ethics she mentioned the Jersey Shore and how viewers would not be witnesses to such ridiculous drama if it wasn't for MTV placing hidden cameras everywhere around the house. However, the topic of hidden cameras brings up the issue of ethics and whether or not it is okay to film certain things and then have them be viewed by millions each week. Luckily for MTV, there are certain rules, and paperwork must be signed before housemates themselves and housemates "guests for the night" are able to show their faces on the small screen. Not all stations or people are as ethical as MTV. Some people don't have standards and will do anything for a buck, or a laugh at someone else's expense. Remember to always keep an eye out for those hidden cameras, in this day and age, they could be anywhere!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Research Results in Blogging
Research has a reason - for results. In the public relations world, research is conducted in order for companies, firms and other PR users to benefit the outcome of whatever goal they are trying to reach. If someone wants to sell something the company is going to research everything it takes for that product to be a success. If a show wants to do well in the designated time slot, the channel is going to publicize the show so it gets the highest ratings. And for all the results to turn out the way these people are hoping, research has to be done and it has to be done right.
As blogging has become more and more popular, companies are starting to use blogs as a way of research. For example, the Bravo TV channel uses blogs as a way to draw in more viewers. Bravo TV is generally a station focused on reality shows. Shows such as 'The Real Housewives' series and 'Top Chef' have blogs that are written not only by viewers but also by the cast members. They write afterthoughts on the latest episodes and give their sides of what really went down. As more and more people become enthralled in the shows, they want more - the blogs give them more. And not only do the blogs give the viewers more but it gives the channel more.
Through the blogs the channel can see what aspects of the shows viewers like most and how many people are following so they can get a feel of how many people watch the show(s). This is a great use of research to find results to better enhance the ratings and gain more viewers for the channel.
As blogging has become more and more popular, companies are starting to use blogs as a way of research. For example, the Bravo TV channel uses blogs as a way to draw in more viewers. Bravo TV is generally a station focused on reality shows. Shows such as 'The Real Housewives' series and 'Top Chef' have blogs that are written not only by viewers but also by the cast members. They write afterthoughts on the latest episodes and give their sides of what really went down. As more and more people become enthralled in the shows, they want more - the blogs give them more. And not only do the blogs give the viewers more but it gives the channel more.
Through the blogs the channel can see what aspects of the shows viewers like most and how many people are following so they can get a feel of how many people watch the show(s). This is a great use of research to find results to better enhance the ratings and gain more viewers for the channel.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ethics in Blogging
Is it mandatory for all bloggers to follow the same code of ethics? This is a question many wonder because while some bloggers have professional backgrounds, others do not. Many bloggers are just out there to comment on what happened on the latest episode of Real Housewives or share their thoughts on the best and worst dressed from the lastest red carpet. However, other bloggers who take it more seriously are concerned that without ethics the values of their blogs will diminish.
In my opinion, I don't think blogging should be held to a superior standard that needs to follow the same code of ethics as the professional journalists and members of PRSA do. But yes, some ethics should be had. Which is why I enjoyed reading this blog http://www.cyberjournalist.net/news/000215.php on how bloggers now have their own modified version of the code of ethics. If public relations practices are going to continue to use blogging to spread news, then yes ethics should come into play. If it is just an everyday person who is voicing their opinion on the hottest new trend, then no ethics should not be a worry.
The Washington Post also had an interesting blog on the ethical debate in blogging: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63407-2003Apr9_2.html
In each blog that I read, the common denominator was bloggers will in the end choose whether or not they want to incorporate ethics into their work. Even when guidelines are placed, it is their choice if they want to follow them. After all, it is our first amendment right to freedom of speech... isn't it?
In my opinion, I don't think blogging should be held to a superior standard that needs to follow the same code of ethics as the professional journalists and members of PRSA do. But yes, some ethics should be had. Which is why I enjoyed reading this blog http://www.cyberjournalist.net/news/000215.php on how bloggers now have their own modified version of the code of ethics. If public relations practices are going to continue to use blogging to spread news, then yes ethics should come into play. If it is just an everyday person who is voicing their opinion on the hottest new trend, then no ethics should not be a worry.
The Washington Post also had an interesting blog on the ethical debate in blogging: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63407-2003Apr9_2.html
In each blog that I read, the common denominator was bloggers will in the end choose whether or not they want to incorporate ethics into their work. Even when guidelines are placed, it is their choice if they want to follow them. After all, it is our first amendment right to freedom of speech... isn't it?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Blog Focus: Blogging as a form of PR
The Public Relations industry is full of options and opportunities. There are numerous types of PR, and when you figure out what area you're interested in, chances are you'll find it. As technology begins to play a more and more important role in the industry as a whole, a common use of PR for any area of PR is through blogging. Whether it be a written blog or video blog, there is no hiding the impact they make for companies, celebrities, or even the everyday individual.
Take Perez Hilton for example. He has his celebrity blog that is updated constantly about anything and everything that is going on in the entertainment world. He calls himself the "Queen of all Media" and his blog is dedicated to notifying the public about celebrity gossip - a form a PR we hate to love and love to hate. Perez is indirectly giving the celebrities publicity. He makes fun of them and yet the blog is still generating buzz and popularity for that celebrity. The public feeds into this, and as much as one can say they don't care what outfit Lindsay Lohan wore to court, they... we... still care. The public see's it, has to have it and goes out to buy it all because of a picture and article posted on a blog. This is not only producing a heightened interest for said celebrity, but also for the brand of clothing he/she is wearing. Interest increases and so do sales and profit.
Another form of blogging to consider is video blogging. Just look at Youtube. Anyone can post on the website giving thousands of people the opportunity to laugh, cry or just be completely dumbfounded. Some videos become more popular that others, and some people even become famous because of their posts. These people are all promoting themselves through use of technology and media - a genious form of PR if you ask me.
Overall, I feel as though the PR field has really found a niche in its use of blogging. Blogging is a form and tactic of publicity the PR world will be using for a while.
Take Perez Hilton for example. He has his celebrity blog that is updated constantly about anything and everything that is going on in the entertainment world. He calls himself the "Queen of all Media" and his blog is dedicated to notifying the public about celebrity gossip - a form a PR we hate to love and love to hate. Perez is indirectly giving the celebrities publicity. He makes fun of them and yet the blog is still generating buzz and popularity for that celebrity. The public feeds into this, and as much as one can say they don't care what outfit Lindsay Lohan wore to court, they... we... still care. The public see's it, has to have it and goes out to buy it all because of a picture and article posted on a blog. This is not only producing a heightened interest for said celebrity, but also for the brand of clothing he/she is wearing. Interest increases and so do sales and profit.
Another form of blogging to consider is video blogging. Just look at Youtube. Anyone can post on the website giving thousands of people the opportunity to laugh, cry or just be completely dumbfounded. Some videos become more popular that others, and some people even become famous because of their posts. These people are all promoting themselves through use of technology and media - a genious form of PR if you ask me.
Overall, I feel as though the PR field has really found a niche in its use of blogging. Blogging is a form and tactic of publicity the PR world will be using for a while.
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