Google has unveiled its own social networking application. Google BUZZ allows for users to ‘cut out the nonsense’ in order to find topics that will fit their interests. This application also allows for user to converse through instant chat or send messages privately or publicly along with send links, video and picture. The application is versatile enough for users to connect to sites such as Flickr and Twitter.
Google BUZZ is idea for the increasing demand for social media. In terms of Public Relations this is idea as it helps connect various forms of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Flickr to be used together there it impact can potentially be ground breaking. It can also help the PR practitioners’ job of monitoring attitudes and trends much easier as well as the obvious, help building communication and getting messages out strategically. Communication has never been more important especially where the internet is concerned. With online media, and real time, reputations and images are shattered in minutes. Therefore an application is a vital tool for a pr practitioner. In assisting clients with building and or maintain reputation, or crisis management, generating publicity and establishing communication with publics.
Furthermore, this would aid marketing services that Google aim to utilise online marketing services. The application was unveiled 9th February. Watch this space
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Can I see your PR License
The regulation and licensing in Public Relations, appears to be hot topic in contemporary PR. I personally feel licensing would actually raise and support PR’s claim to be a credible profession. The question of ‘professionalism’ has shadowed PR’s creditability along with the practice of ‘spin’ which is related to Edward Bernays notion of ‘propaganda’.
Public relations’ is often compared with more academically accepted professions such as law or medicine when arguing for the strict regulation of the practice. Many practitioners lack any formal degrees or education which is compulsory in law or medicine. However, the PR practice is relatively new in comparison with these ‘classic’ professions. L’Etang & Pieczka (2001) observe one aspect as to why education is not highly recognised.
“Practitioners do not identify specific knowledge but rather focus on personal qualities such as creativity, lateral thinking, flexibility, articulateness, persuasiveness, common sense and integrity”
I would argue that licensing is needed as this would mean that Public relations would not be deemed as a ‘mickey mouse’ subject in addition to this education would also become more valued and with it the regulating institution such as the CIPR which formulate many of the university courses. This would also lead to more investment in research institutions to develop the standards for this practice. Further more, the bad press such as ‘spin & propaganda’ which PR receives due to poor practitioners who do not care about the future or integrity of this practice.
Public relations’ is often compared with more academically accepted professions such as law or medicine when arguing for the strict regulation of the practice. Many practitioners lack any formal degrees or education which is compulsory in law or medicine. However, the PR practice is relatively new in comparison with these ‘classic’ professions. L’Etang & Pieczka (2001) observe one aspect as to why education is not highly recognised.
“Practitioners do not identify specific knowledge but rather focus on personal qualities such as creativity, lateral thinking, flexibility, articulateness, persuasiveness, common sense and integrity”
I would argue that licensing is needed as this would mean that Public relations would not be deemed as a ‘mickey mouse’ subject in addition to this education would also become more valued and with it the regulating institution such as the CIPR which formulate many of the university courses. This would also lead to more investment in research institutions to develop the standards for this practice. Further more, the bad press such as ‘spin & propaganda’ which PR receives due to poor practitioners who do not care about the future or integrity of this practice.
Monday 8 February 2010
Nightmare From Fleet Street..........
Even a Hollywood blockbuster script could top the way; John Terry’s nightmare is being played in the media. His ongoing exploits continue, as he falls from grace in spectacular fashion. True to style and form he has managed to be the main ‘playmaker’ in his own downfall. The former England captain, he gone from hero to zero overnight, his reputation and career has taken a battering.
Vanessa Perronce already appear to be in the lead after a series of own goals by John Terry. A history of infidelity, along with a catalogue of ‘incidents’ such as urinating in a bar, It would appear that this latest episode is the straw that broke the camels back. However, the damage appears to be already done. The weekend papers reported that, his cocky arrogant and self deluded attitude has only been shattered after Capello stripped him of the England captaincy after gathering storm against terry has been whipped up in the media included Wayne Bridge, whose ex’s is at the centre of the scandal.
In come the PR, former Hello and News of the World editor Phil Hall seems to have been roped into dealing with one of the biggest scandals of contemporary English football. However, in this recent destructive press ‘witch’ hunt. The honest name of PR has again been dragged through the mud and negatively associated with the scandal. Furthermore, the like of Max Clifford may well be practicing PR. Moreover he is seen as a vulture that is assisting ‘home wrecker’ to sustain her ‘WAG’ lifestyle. I guess if Phil hall can salvage Terry’s reputation then, constructive PR has taken place, although I disagree with John terry’s action I disagree the fashion in how his career has been damaged in the media circus. The press also continue to play their part in loosely terming publicists such as Max Clifford as ‘PR Gurus’.... what kind of image does this statement portray for PR, which has suffered greatly from the negative portrayal by journalists. Hopefully, this negative portrayal will evaporate with the deluded journalists that create such narrow minded portrayals.
Vanessa Perronce already appear to be in the lead after a series of own goals by John Terry. A history of infidelity, along with a catalogue of ‘incidents’ such as urinating in a bar, It would appear that this latest episode is the straw that broke the camels back. However, the damage appears to be already done. The weekend papers reported that, his cocky arrogant and self deluded attitude has only been shattered after Capello stripped him of the England captaincy after gathering storm against terry has been whipped up in the media included Wayne Bridge, whose ex’s is at the centre of the scandal.
In come the PR, former Hello and News of the World editor Phil Hall seems to have been roped into dealing with one of the biggest scandals of contemporary English football. However, in this recent destructive press ‘witch’ hunt. The honest name of PR has again been dragged through the mud and negatively associated with the scandal. Furthermore, the like of Max Clifford may well be practicing PR. Moreover he is seen as a vulture that is assisting ‘home wrecker’ to sustain her ‘WAG’ lifestyle. I guess if Phil hall can salvage Terry’s reputation then, constructive PR has taken place, although I disagree with John terry’s action I disagree the fashion in how his career has been damaged in the media circus. The press also continue to play their part in loosely terming publicists such as Max Clifford as ‘PR Gurus’.... what kind of image does this statement portray for PR, which has suffered greatly from the negative portrayal by journalists. Hopefully, this negative portrayal will evaporate with the deluded journalists that create such narrow minded portrayals.
Sleeping with the enemy....The love hate relationship between politics and media
Sleeping with the enemy
As the general election draws ever closer it becomes apparent that Britain’s electoral voice has had changed of heart. Moreover, the media appear to have had just enough of New Labour and its poor leadership. Gordon Brown no toes the same road his as the defeated and alienated John Major once did; the party leader who is rides the wave of an ever increasing wave of unpopularity, the signifier of an end of an era.
The real power appears to lies the hands in those whom, report legislation as oppose to those whom make it. The Sun previously managed to ‘decided’ whether the New Labour should be ushered into power through such headlines as ‘THE SUN BACKS BLAIR GIVE CHANGE A CHANCE’, The Sun also suggests that it managed to keep the Tories in power, ‘IT WAS THE SUN WOT WON IT’. Certainly it would highly foolish to dismiss such claims. Tabloids most defiantly manage to wield significant power over public opinion through ‘sleaze and allegations’. However, other factors appear to be ignored such as, policies, personal relationships between editors and politicians and sponsorship. At present, Brown suffers from a public backlash and his communication skills appear to making his task much harder than predecessor Tony Blair. Alastair Campbell, the head of spin is believed to have managed to successfully win over the press, which made the election campaign much easier and thus, Tony Blair sailed into power on the back of a landslide victory. Labour appear to suffering, the main route to get their message out and campaign off the ground is seemingly blocked, and actively working against them, with regular stories littering the press about the disarray in Gordon Browns’ camp.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/benedict-brogan/6248447/The-sun-has-finally-set-on-New-Labours-love-affair-with-the-media.html
As the general election draws ever closer it becomes apparent that Britain’s electoral voice has had changed of heart. Moreover, the media appear to have had just enough of New Labour and its poor leadership. Gordon Brown no toes the same road his as the defeated and alienated John Major once did; the party leader who is rides the wave of an ever increasing wave of unpopularity, the signifier of an end of an era.
The real power appears to lies the hands in those whom, report legislation as oppose to those whom make it. The Sun previously managed to ‘decided’ whether the New Labour should be ushered into power through such headlines as ‘THE SUN BACKS BLAIR GIVE CHANGE A CHANCE’, The Sun also suggests that it managed to keep the Tories in power, ‘IT WAS THE SUN WOT WON IT’. Certainly it would highly foolish to dismiss such claims. Tabloids most defiantly manage to wield significant power over public opinion through ‘sleaze and allegations’. However, other factors appear to be ignored such as, policies, personal relationships between editors and politicians and sponsorship. At present, Brown suffers from a public backlash and his communication skills appear to making his task much harder than predecessor Tony Blair. Alastair Campbell, the head of spin is believed to have managed to successfully win over the press, which made the election campaign much easier and thus, Tony Blair sailed into power on the back of a landslide victory. Labour appear to suffering, the main route to get their message out and campaign off the ground is seemingly blocked, and actively working against them, with regular stories littering the press about the disarray in Gordon Browns’ camp.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/benedict-brogan/6248447/The-sun-has-finally-set-on-New-Labours-love-affair-with-the-media.html
Sunday 24 January 2010
The General Election.........
The opening days of 2010, saw the general election campaign beginning. In the red corner, an injured by the tabloid backlash along with self strangulation from party politics is Gordon Brown. Public opinion polls show a change in opinion towards Labour, the recession, War in Iraq along with infamous scandals such as cash to peerages have seem to tainted labour’s image as a part for change, and in the blue corner, sees the dubious, newly polished and air-brushed 2-d tableaux of David Cameron. Who, ironically along with the public appears to be utterly clueless as to how ‘change’ will be achieved without actually being aware of his policies. Perhaps we have another Gordon Brown on our hands, armed with smart rhetoric and pristine imagery, preoccupied in conniving the public to hand over valuable votes.
Indeed, “this is the year for change” (the slogan for the conservative campaign) as we have seen so far with the election campaign. David Cameron along with is fellow party members have been quick to utilise the new media. Both facebook & twitter have been utilised to get messages out, 3/1/10 saw the conservatives’ set-up their campaign with regular updates.
Barack Obama and the democrats, managed to successfully, utilise blogging, YouTube, facebook and other social networking sites. Gordon brown also issues a weekly podcasts from 10 Downing Street. However, the political blogger plays a most problematic role which can derail a political campaign. This provides even more scrutiny for bad political practices. One notable case is Boris Johnson who admitting to on camera, which it would in fact cost 100 million rather than 8 million to improve London bus services.
Michael McGregor, who runs the London Office of Blue State Digital the online consultancy firm which, provided the technology that powered the Obama campaign, remarks
“New media....isn’t a replacement for traditional campaigning; it allows you to do more traditional campaigning. One right, the new tools that online campaigning give means more and more people become closely involved in campaigns”
Indeed, “this is the year for change” (the slogan for the conservative campaign) as we have seen so far with the election campaign. David Cameron along with is fellow party members have been quick to utilise the new media. Both facebook & twitter have been utilised to get messages out, 3/1/10 saw the conservatives’ set-up their campaign with regular updates.
Barack Obama and the democrats, managed to successfully, utilise blogging, YouTube, facebook and other social networking sites. Gordon brown also issues a weekly podcasts from 10 Downing Street. However, the political blogger plays a most problematic role which can derail a political campaign. This provides even more scrutiny for bad political practices. One notable case is Boris Johnson who admitting to on camera, which it would in fact cost 100 million rather than 8 million to improve London bus services.
Michael McGregor, who runs the London Office of Blue State Digital the online consultancy firm which, provided the technology that powered the Obama campaign, remarks
“New media....isn’t a replacement for traditional campaigning; it allows you to do more traditional campaigning. One right, the new tools that online campaigning give means more and more people become closely involved in campaigns”
Wednesday 20 January 2010
Two weeks and still running.....
I find myself two weeks into my placement. I must say it is going better than I expected. Much of the tasks I have been given seem to relate to the work we have covered in class. The practical experience is important as I can see how things play out if the right measures aren’t put in place, such as management and planning.
Fuelled media is the name of the company where I have decided to do my placement. The company generally places focus on ‘new media’ and consists of a graphic deigns department, advertising & marketing and Public relations. The company believes by offering a wide variety of services it can hold on to clients in such turbulent and competitive times. The Public Relations department tends to work alongside with the marketing and advertising, as many clients are provided a joint package of pr and advertising campaign. It makes business easier if both pieces of work are carried in the same company as oppose to having the work spread across separate companies. Seema is the head of Public relation operations at Fuelled Media, she is also my mentor, she too did a masters in PR, with respect I feel I have benefitted from having a mentor such as her. It gives me something to aim for, that the master can help me achieve a good job in Public relations, and it is worth it after all.
Me and Seema having been working on an exciting a new project, the grand opening of a new bar called ‘Chilli Whites’ situated on Belvoir Street. I have had to brainstorm on innovative ideas in raise the profile for the grand unveiling, such as treasure hunts, mascot’s artwork/graffiti. I have also written press releases for regional magazines and newspapers such as the Leicester Mercury and 69 magazines. I have also been selected to conduct a presentation on, Leicester’s bar scene so far in 2010 and how I feel the most effective method would be for the grand opening. I have had to conduct research into competitors, and other events and themes in the city which my underline or threat the exposure the bar would receive.
Fuelled media is the name of the company where I have decided to do my placement. The company generally places focus on ‘new media’ and consists of a graphic deigns department, advertising & marketing and Public relations. The company believes by offering a wide variety of services it can hold on to clients in such turbulent and competitive times. The Public Relations department tends to work alongside with the marketing and advertising, as many clients are provided a joint package of pr and advertising campaign. It makes business easier if both pieces of work are carried in the same company as oppose to having the work spread across separate companies. Seema is the head of Public relation operations at Fuelled Media, she is also my mentor, she too did a masters in PR, with respect I feel I have benefitted from having a mentor such as her. It gives me something to aim for, that the master can help me achieve a good job in Public relations, and it is worth it after all.
Me and Seema having been working on an exciting a new project, the grand opening of a new bar called ‘Chilli Whites’ situated on Belvoir Street. I have had to brainstorm on innovative ideas in raise the profile for the grand unveiling, such as treasure hunts, mascot’s artwork/graffiti. I have also written press releases for regional magazines and newspapers such as the Leicester Mercury and 69 magazines. I have also been selected to conduct a presentation on, Leicester’s bar scene so far in 2010 and how I feel the most effective method would be for the grand opening. I have had to conduct research into competitors, and other events and themes in the city which my underline or threat the exposure the bar would receive.
The story so far......
Currently, it’s been three months since I began my MA in Public Relations, and, true to fashion, my opinions and views concerning the profession have changed.
I initially studied Public Relations at undergraduate level as a module on the final year of my undergraduate course. I found the subject difficult to grasp. I was required to use skills which initially were not of my repertoire- as I was accustomed to writing essays, and conducting research and reflecting on my findings in analytic fashion.
I decided to actively seek unpaid work experience, to aid my learning and develop certain skills, and so it was, I eventually succeeded in my quest to seek out work experience in pr. It was a small in house agency. As I continued my voluntary work, I began to discover I enjoyed pr, this naturally lead to the next step which was to embark on an MA in PR.
I am beginning to learn the nature of PR which is, not everything appears as it seems. Much like the times we live in, PR appears to be fluid and restless in nature. It appears to consist of many skills, critics would accuse PR practitioners as being, jack of all trades yet, master of none. I however, would disagree. The current climate, especially media, requires versatility along with flexibility. This is echoed in the skills all good PR practitioners are required to harbour; communication, writing, organisation, crisis management, management, image management and media relations.
In my journey to secure adequate work experience which also happens to be a compulsory component of my course. I leant to discover that, relocation is almost certainly immanent if I am to prosper in PR. Furthermore, travel costs to the capital, are seemingly problematic. After concluding my degree, unfortunately I find myself riddled with debt....ah the joys of student life. However, I am lucky enough to be able to draw on contacts which I established during my undergraduate years. The in-house agency is the answer to my problematic issue of work placement. I intend to save a substantial amount of income which would hopefully allow me to make inroads into the capital and secure some sort of placement; which would require me to travel once a week over an on-going period of time. I would wish to establish some sort of link with an agency as opposed to an in-house- as I feel agencies would provide me with a more detailed and elaborate portfolio of the work I would have undertaken during my work placements. This should aid me in securing employment. I would also like to wish my fellow course mates all the best on securing work placements.
I initially studied Public Relations at undergraduate level as a module on the final year of my undergraduate course. I found the subject difficult to grasp. I was required to use skills which initially were not of my repertoire- as I was accustomed to writing essays, and conducting research and reflecting on my findings in analytic fashion.
I decided to actively seek unpaid work experience, to aid my learning and develop certain skills, and so it was, I eventually succeeded in my quest to seek out work experience in pr. It was a small in house agency. As I continued my voluntary work, I began to discover I enjoyed pr, this naturally lead to the next step which was to embark on an MA in PR.
I am beginning to learn the nature of PR which is, not everything appears as it seems. Much like the times we live in, PR appears to be fluid and restless in nature. It appears to consist of many skills, critics would accuse PR practitioners as being, jack of all trades yet, master of none. I however, would disagree. The current climate, especially media, requires versatility along with flexibility. This is echoed in the skills all good PR practitioners are required to harbour; communication, writing, organisation, crisis management, management, image management and media relations.
In my journey to secure adequate work experience which also happens to be a compulsory component of my course. I leant to discover that, relocation is almost certainly immanent if I am to prosper in PR. Furthermore, travel costs to the capital, are seemingly problematic. After concluding my degree, unfortunately I find myself riddled with debt....ah the joys of student life. However, I am lucky enough to be able to draw on contacts which I established during my undergraduate years. The in-house agency is the answer to my problematic issue of work placement. I intend to save a substantial amount of income which would hopefully allow me to make inroads into the capital and secure some sort of placement; which would require me to travel once a week over an on-going period of time. I would wish to establish some sort of link with an agency as opposed to an in-house- as I feel agencies would provide me with a more detailed and elaborate portfolio of the work I would have undertaken during my work placements. This should aid me in securing employment. I would also like to wish my fellow course mates all the best on securing work placements.
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