Comments on: All of Us and None of Us

By: Hilarye

Hilarye — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:45:28 +0000

I am still astounded when I speak to my fellow PR peeps and they don’t get the fact that social media is public relations. Time and time again I have heard them say- shouldn’t the marketing department handle this? Correct me if I am wrong but public relations is about message crafting and I dunno relating to the public? If thats not social media I don’t know what is. I don’t want someone not trained on handling messaging for the company I represent out there commenting on blogs- that is exactly why people post libel and get fired, they don’t understand public relations.

The social media train is leaving the station… are you on it?

By: Media Bullseye

Media Bullseye — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:11:38 +0000

You Don’t Own Me (and Other PR Blog Jots)

Todd Defren examines the latest debate about who “owns” social media. He notes that while any one in the company can contribute in the social media space, there will likely be unforsee complications that could be helped by a little PR. Also: a good Pod…

By: Erika Napoletano

Erika Napoletano — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:48:50 +0000

Agreeing wholeheartedly on: “The good firms are realizing that it’s not enough to hire a few (newly-graduated) bloggers and check-off the “Yea, we do Social Media” box.” I’m confident it’s not so much a game of who’s doing it (i.e. social media) but rather, who’s generating buzz that translates into quantifiable results for the client’s benefit. It’s not enough to be just “out there” in social media – it all has to be done with strategy, networks and goals and never forgetting the altruism that I think has to accompany every Tweet, Stumble, Xing or new friend.

Me? I’m scared poopless about the direction of the web and social media. But it’s also that same exhilaration/anticipation that keeps bloggers and other practitioners of social media’s eyes, ears and comment streams open. Those who close the door when they tick-off “doing it” on their list of services are missing that cool/scary mixed emoticon

Thanks for the cool/scary emoticon this morning, Todd!

By: Brian Block

Brian Block — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:48:47 +0000

Speaking from the PR side, I’ve brought these things to the attention of clients and coworkers and some don’t get it. No matter how much evidence I can show someone regarding the online interaction and conversations taking place about them, the client still has yet to sign off on it. As budgets tighten around the country, people are hesitant to try new things. And without the opportunity to actively work on social media related accounts, some PR and ad firms do not get to practice their craft online.

My suggestion, when convincing a client to back your plan to join the conversation online, don’t show them what they could be doing; show them what the other guys have done (show good and bad examples).

Great post Todd!

By: Bastian Scherbeck

Bastian Scherbeck — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:41:51 +0000

Thanks for that post Todd – especially for the second but last sentence . You made a good point here: Concerning social media we are all still in the learning process and will be for some time to go – but hey: That’s what makes it fun

By: Lauren Vargas

Lauren Vargas — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:49:15 +0000

I agree…to an extent. Yes, many more will jump into the sandbox, but PR needs to step up and take some responsibility. This does not mean total control, but we can be a guide.