Social Media News Release
26 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in PRCA 3330
I had never heard of a Social Media News Release (SMNR) before I was required to create one for my online public relations writing class. I think Brian Solis describes it perfectly, “A Social Media Release should contain everything necessary to share and discover a story in a way that is complementary to your original intent; but, the difference is, how they find it and the tools they use to share and broadcast.” Darren Barefoot expands on Solis’ comment by saying, “They’re basically standard media releases, but augmented by audio, video, photos, social bookmarking links and other social web widgets.”
There are always advantages and disadvantages to everything, including the way PR personnel choose to distribute their material. From what I’ve read so far about SMNRs, one of the biggest advantages is that it’s so cost effective. These releases also offer the advantage of linking multimedia to your release to make it more interactive and clear to the reader. I haven’t found any big disadvantages to the SMNR besides that it may not appeal to everyone, especially older companies run by older generations. Some people haven’t completely let go into the online world and still prefer more traditional methods of sending and receiving information. Other than that, I think using social media is great for current generations since their so active in multiple areas of social media.
PR practitioners should consider using a SMNR when they’re simply trying to spread their word. The fact that key words can be chosen to emphasize the release and appear when someone searches for a particular word on the internet really helps the release reach people it wouldn’t normally reach. Another reason PR practitioners may consider using SMNRs is when their target audience falls into a category that is highly active in the social media world. Feeding your audience information through a channel they’re familiar with, or even prefer, is a great way to get yourself noticed.
A few websites that will help one to create their own Social Media News Release are:
http://www.realwire.com/servicesSMNR.asp
DuPont has created an SMNR using PRWeb to introduce new products to the public:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/03/prweb2240954.htm
My Social Media News Release can be found here:
http://www.prxbuilder.com/link.aspx?id=5b6ce38b-842c-44d0-8343-d84dae391c8b&name=SouthernAdventuresSeaKayakingTrip.xml&xform=xslt%2flink.xslt&perm=true
I created this news release specifically for my online PR writing class. My target audience is any student who attends Georgia Southern University and is also interested in participating in a sea kayaking trip. My purpose for this release is to inform about an exciting and inexpensive outdoor trip that is close by and easy to be a part of. My goal is to catch the attention of students who have participated in activities like this event before, or for people who have never considered it because they didn’t think they were capable.
A few tips for your SMNR creation provided by http://writingmatters.typepad.com/blog/2009/10/social-media-press-release-tips-and-examples.html:
- Link, link, link. Optimize links for search engine visibility.
- Post content in multiple channels.
- Write your SMPR content for online readers.
- Use keywords to maximize search engine ranking.
- Use visuals.
For elaboration on these tips along with more tips, visit the link posted above or try http://www.copyblogger.com/social-media-press-release/
http://www.briansolis.com/2008/02/definitive-guide-to-social-media/
Twitter Assignment
24 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in PRCA 3330
Having to participate in a Twitter assignment was weird for me because I’ve already been active on Twitter for about two years or so. Trying to look at Twitter from a “professional” point of view was a little bit odd. I usually use Twitter to post random thoughts or communicate with friends like a text message. I never used to to communicate with people I do not know well or businesses for that matter.
After adding some professional contacts to my Twitter list, I can see how the Twitter world can work outside of my immediate group of friends. I think that this will be a great way to network as soon as I figure out how to go about randomly communicating with someone I have had zero contact with before. I think that only viewing Twitter from this new perspective for a week wasn’t enough. I plan to keep all of the contacts I’ve added and who have added me to further my Twitter experience.
I think that Twitter has taken off in the business world more than I had originally thought. Like I said, before this assignment I only used Twitter as a social network with immediate friends as opposed to following tons of celebrities, businesses or future potential employers. I’ve discovered that a lot of people post things that I couldn’t care less about, while others provide information or links to things that have direct interest to me. Playing around with Twitter from a new perspective has shown me the potential the site has for my generation as far as networking and getting personal ideas out to different publics.
Twitter seems like it could be less intimidating to reply to someone you don’t know, or barely know. However, I still find it intimidating, but I would be more likely to tweet a business or potential employer over writing a direct, formal email.
Overall, I found this assignment to be helpful and eye opening to what Twitter can be used for outside of a small circle of friends.
Comments
20 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in PRCA 3330
http://ggonzalez33.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/topic-of-the-week-71811/#comment-16
http://yasminehorton.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/bringing-back-good-memories-through-movies/#comment-72
Top Ten Movies
20 Jul 2011 7 Comments
in PRCA 3330
Some of my favorite movies in no particular order:
1. Harry Potter (entire series) – these films are a huge part of my childhood. I began reading the books in fourth grade and then became a fan of the movies. I grew up waiting on new books and movies to come out. The books are phenomenal and the movies are great. Obviously no movie can measure up it’s book, but Harry Potter does an excellent job trying to do so.
http://www.pics-site.com/wp-content/uploads/Harry-Potter-Kids-Then-and-Now-8.jpg
2. Forrest Gump – This movie is definitely one of my favorites. The entire story is brilliant. It’s neat the way Forrest is flashing back to his memories throughout the movie. You get to watch his life then see how everything ended up. I don’t know what else to say, it’s a classic.
3. Mary Poppins – I’ve grown to appreciate this movie as an adult more so than I did as a kid. I love Dick Van Dyke and the character he plays in the movie (Burt). The story line is really fun and ties in both real life characters into a cartoon world.
4. Aladdin – I chose to include Aladdin because it was one of my favorite movies as a kid. I loved all of the Disney princess movies, but this one is one of the best. Now that I’ve grown up, I appreciate it even more because of all the humor you miss as a kid. Robbin Williams does an excellent job, as he usually does.
5. The Notebook – Even though this movie is based on a book, it’s still wonderful. I actually saw the movie before I read the book and was way more emotional during the movie. I think this movie sticks out to me because no matter how many times I watch it, it hits me hard every time. I always have to be prepared to have mascara running down my neck before I commit to watching it. The story makes you want to fall in love and have everything Allie and Noah have together.
6. Taken – This movie made me nervous, especially as a girl, but I thought it was really good. I actually think every girl should watch it just as a reminder of what kind of crazy things can happen, and that no one is invincible. There’s a lot of action and suspense. Not usually my type of movie, but I like it.
7. Slumdog Millionaire - I know some people think this movie got more hype than it was worth, but I thought it was great! I loved that the entire movie was done in flashbacks until the very end. It was one of those movies that you really had to pay attention to understand what was going on. I loved watching it a second time to catch the details I missed the first time around.
8. Tangled – I just saw this movie for the first time this summer. I work at a summer program at an elementary school so I have plenty of opportunities to see kid movies. I loved this one, though. I’ll probably own it on DVD soon enough. The story line was really cute and gave me hope for future generations of kid movies.
9. A Walk to Remember – This movie is along the same lines as The Notebook for me. It’s a wonderful story about two unlikely people falling in love. I really enjoy this movie because I love to see the relationship between Landon and Jamie grow. Watching Landon change into a better person and devote himself to Jamie throughout her sickness melts my heart. Definitely sticks out as a tearjerker.
10. The Blindside- I love this movie, especially because it’s based on a true story. It’s just an overall heartwarming film that makes you appreciate things a lot more. I love Sandra Bullock as an actress, and I really enjoyed her part in this movie. It’s one of those movies that requires a deep breath at the end.
As far as movies I’ve seen this summer, the majority have been kids movies on DVD because of my summer job with an elementary school’s summer program. I’ve watched Tangled, Despicable Me, Mega Mind, Gnomeo and Juliet, along with many others I can’t remember right now. I’ve actually enjoyed all of them and have Red Boxed a couple so my mom could see them.
In the theaters, I’ve only seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 2) and Bridesmaids. I don’t really like spending the money to go see a movie, so two for the summer is kind of a big deal for me. I enjoyed both of these movies. Bridesmaids was hysterical and I’ll probably end up owning that one. The last Harry Potter was impressive in my book. I only had a few complaints. Those complaints being the lack of emotion in a few scenes and rushing through important parts of the story.
To conclude this ridiculously long blog post, overall, I’ve had a great movie experience this summer!
Comments
15 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in PRCA 3330
http://yasminehorton.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/role-models/#comment-70
http://rachelleafloyd.wordpress.com/2011/07/14/role-models/#comment-96
Role Model
12 Jul 2011 7 Comments
in PRCA 3330
As cliche as this may be, I have to say my mom is my number one role model. She has always been there for me and I’m forever grateful for everything she’s ever done throughout my life.
My mom is someone I can go to no matter what. I can go to her for advice, to vent or just to talk about nothing. I know a lot of people who feel like they can’t go to their moms for anything and everything and it breaks my heart to think about that kind of relationship, or lack of relationship, with my mom. The kind of relationship my mom has with my brother and I is the kind of relationship I want if I have kids.
My mom is the kindest person I know. She constantly puts others before herself, but doesn’t let herself get walked all over. That’s exactly how I want to be as an individual. My mom is strong and independent and can handle herself well in every situation I’ve ever witnessed. She’s someone I look up to and someone I want to be like.
I’m so blessed to have my mom and the rare relationship we share. I couldn’t ask for anyone better.
Comments
08 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in PRCA 3330
http://kourtnilee.wordpress.com/2011/07/07/t-o-w-2/#comment-18
http://khilson.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/insecure-or-not-insecure-that-is-the-question/#comment-39
Media and the Physical Self
06 Jul 2011 4 Comments
in PRCA 3330
I did a research paper on this topic last semester for a theories class. I found in my research that media absolutely plays a role in how an individual feels about themselves physically. Obviously the amount of influence media has is going to depend on the person individually.
The media, through TV, movies and magazines show us that women need to be rail thin while men need to be muscular. Whether or not we agree with this, the images are still shot into our minds.
As hard as it is, we need to try to ignore the media when they say these physical traits are what’s acceptable while all other body types are negative. We’re each blessed with a body and we should be thankful for our individuality without trying to live up to society’s ridiculous standards.
From a PR standpoint, I think the media needs to back off and start showing numerous body types in a positive light. For the majority of women, achieving a size zero or two body is impossible. The media needs to show both men and women that individuality is beautiful instead of sticking to such a narrow image.
I applaud show’s like America’s Next Top Model for having plus size models, some of them even becoming the winners. More shows need to start showing different body images positively instead of always making the fat character the funny guy or the loser who can’t get a boyfriend.
Comments
28 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in PRCA 3330
http://rachelleafloyd.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/technology-in-50-years/#comment-78
http://khilson.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/technology/#comment-30
Technology in the Future
28 Jun 2011 9 Comments
in PRCA 3330
Technology has come a LONG way since I can remember. Before I moved to Georgia in the second grade, I remember going to a computer lab at my elementary school in Indiana that had the computers with black screens and green text. Once I moved here, computers were used more, but not like crazy.
My family didn’t their first computer until I was either 8 or 9. I never really needed it for school, it was mostly for leisure. I don’t even remember my parents working on it except when they were checking their e-mails. There wasn’t really a whole lot I could do with our new family computer, mostly because dial-up internet made online interaction very frustrating and sometimes next to impossible. Plus, my brother and I would fight over whose turn it was until my mom needed to use the house phone.. then we were both out of luck.
Cell phones have come a long way, too. I remember my parents having giant phones when they were still fairly new. I got my first phone halfway through my freshman year of high school. I was spoiled, though. I had a camera flip phone! Now everything is turning into mini touch screen computers.
By the time I’m in my 70′s, I think that further into the future, more and more products will become digital based. For example, I believe students will no longer need to purchase text books because everything will be accessible through a tablet. It’ll be easier and less bulky to carry on campus. Tablets will probably be used for note taking, too. Notebook paper and pens will no longer be required school supplies.
Overall, our fancy technology is only going to get fancier.
