Blogging About PR? What a Novel Concept!

As Social Media continues to show us how it can (and will) wiggle its way into our lives next, it is important to acknowledge the individuals who have been blogging about its capability all along. These practitioners have been using these platforms to voice their thoughts on social media and what it has done and can do for its online users. These blogs have provided me with some insights on social media and how I can improve my tactics as a PR practitioner.

1. It All Starts with Butter- PR expert, Foodie and entrepreneur Shaun Rusich writes a gastronomic blog about gourmet food, restaurant openings and various ways to incorporate food and social media. I have included the Facebook page to this link as the blog itself is currently undergoing some maintenance.

http://www.facebook.com/itallstartswithbutter

  

2. PR Couture- This is a PR Blog about fashion. Although I would not consider myself a fashion ‘guru,’ I can certainly admire those who are via PR Couture and I can also recognize how well this blog is written in order to speak to its publics.

http://www.prcouture.com/

3. Mashable- An excellent source for up-to-date information concerning what is new in the world of Social Media. The site is updated regularly and provides real time information to online users.

http://mashable.com/

4. PR in Your Pajamas- This blog is a personal favourite of mine. It may be the ever-living university student that thinks fondly of the days when I was in school full time and completing assignments while in my pajamas. This site is a lot more focused than it seems as it provides comfort to online readers who understand that a lot can be accomplished in a day without leaving your computer. http://prinyourpajamas.com/

5. Spooning HQ Blog –This is another great Foodie/PR blog about what’s hot and not in the kitchen. This blog discusses health, recipes and food controversy while simultaneously displaying media for today’s hottest restaurants. Though the blogger herself (Alice Stanner) is based out of London, England, her blog manages to reach across the globe to teach readers the importance of staying connected through online dialogue.

http://spoonhq.wordpress.com

6. Cisco Blog-This is an excellent source for stats on social media users and the impact it is having across Canada. It provides real time data and it also speaks to the population over 35 about the importance of social media and how to get involved and use it correctly.

http://blogs.cisco.com/socialmedia/generations-and-social-media-in-canada/

7. A Class Act-This former Ryerson grad blogs about PR education in Canada. As a PR student and future PR practitioner, I thoroughly enjoy this blog that provides information about internships, curriculum and careers in the PR world.

http://classact.prblogs.org/category/internships/

8. PR Newsletter- Other than the somewhat irritating sounds this blog makes when you enter its site, this blog shares some detailed information about news in PR today. Please be aware that a subscription is required for PR Newsletter.

http://prnewsletter.com/

9. PR Squared –Written with a sassy, ‘who cares’ attitude (which is done very well,) this blog discusses anything and everything related to PR and the news today. I enjoy that this blog as it ‘cuts the crap’ and I feel like I am having a conversation with the blogger.

http://www.pr-squared.com/

10. The Future Buzz-This is a blog that provides readers with stats and information about social media. It manages to accomplish this all while providing readers with a pleasant, easy to read layout that is easy to follow.

http://thefuturebuzz.com/

The Wandering Socialite: A Social Network Super Fan

The Wandering Socialite:

Facebook. The word almost seems passé now and yet, we still continue to incorporate this form of social media into our daily routines. Looking more directly at how Facebook has impacted our lives, we may examine the re-definition of words associated with Facebook.

“Friendship” and “Privacy” are two words that five years ago I would associate with relationships and solitude. Today these are words that I automatically associate with a social network, an online database that would have meant nothing to me 5-10 years ago but means everything to me today (online.) As noted in Eric Qualman’s “Social Media Revolution,” my offline behaviour has now been affected by my online behaviour. It may be argued that I have become a brand ambassador for Facebook; as I have re-defined these words in my own mind based on my Facebook usage and dependency.

In “How to Convert your Superfans into Brand Ambassadors,” Aliza Sherman explains that my jump from being a Facebook “Superfan” (someone who visits the network regularly) to a brand ambassador (someone who has incorporated the network into my daily routine) is linked to my desire to be a part of a community. (http://gigaom.com/collaboration/how-to-convert-your-facebook-superfans-into-brand-ambassadors/)

Sherman explores what motivates users to use Facebook in the first place and why we continue to re-visit  our Facebook pages so frequently. The author determines that we as a public have a desire to feel connected. Sherman then goes on to explain that it is our actions made when seeking connection that enable us to incorporate a social network such as Facebook into our lives. I believe that Sherman’s claims are true and one of the reasons for this is that I have checked my Facebook three times while writing this blog.

Sherman has correctly identified that our natural desire to be a part of a community has linked us to use such devices as Facebook. However, actions that are accepted “online” are not necessarily accepted “offline” when attempting to find community and connect with our peers. In the Youtube video, “The Offline Social Network.” two strangers on the street attempt to ask other strangers personal information about themselves that is commonly asked on Facebook. The strangers asking the questions are surprised to learn that asking for such personal information from other strangers face to face is not necessarily socially acceptable in the same way that it is online.