Have you asked yourself lately... ? January 15, 2008 7:36a.m, PST Blog by Rochelle ~ PR's Online Makeover: Prettier or Uglier? In the first few blog entries I discussed what is important in life--at least for me... family, friends, job... in that order. Now that we have that established, we'll turn this page into its intended purpose--that of a discussion of the writing life and life in general. Since we live to work every day and like so many writers, I couldn't quit writing if I wanted to, I'll use some of my pent--up scribbling energy to help other writers and emerging authors, or just have a debate with anyone about whatever! I can take the opposite POV in just about any case, with merit. I have my personal beliefs, but in most issues there are two sides and I don't mind stumping for the underdog, if it makes a point. (I knew my high school debating experience would come in handy some day.) You can see more of my dichroic debating at AuthorNation.com , where I am half of a blogging team in the Point & Counterpoint issues. What fun! But don't forget to come back here :-). Let's see... what strikes me today? OH! I know... since part of my business is PR for authors and small businesses, I am embroiled in the swirling changes of media relations, thanks to the Internet. The new trends are seeing media personnel go to online posting sites for news from the private sector, which pits your press release against 100 others, in as many minutes. Their alternative sources for the "big stories" come from big-money PR distribution firms. If you're an author or small business with a modest-to-nothing PR budget, you're left scratching and crawling your way through the online posting system, praying an AP, Reuters or UPI bigwig will spot your free or minimal fee news. And are they even looking there? And do press releases still work? Is it worth our time and in some cases, money, to email or snail-mail them anymore? I know their format has changed because now we have to not only structure them to interest the media, but accommodate SEO. What is the secret key lurking in the collective media mind that unlocks their interest and allows it to wrap around your news, and hopefully shove you into the limelight for your 15-seconds of fame? Yep--notice how the attention span is shortened from 15 minutes, to mere seconds. Have you watched the postings on PR sites like PRFree.com, or NewswireToday.com? The home page posting board is like a rotating stocks board... nothing remains the same... from second to second. How in the world is your little book or business going to compete against thousands of others per day? While this may be a shameless plug, which I try not to do in my blog, it addresses the issues and I need YOUR help--both media personnel and those who are trying desperately to attract their attention. I am currently surveying to answer these questions and attempt to get a grip on the "new PR." The resulting book, Exploding PR Myths will be released later this year by Infinity Publishing. So let's explore how to--or whether to--approach media outlets directly; how to navigate the online posting sites; when it's worth your money to hire a publicist; if your press release is effective via email; ditto, snail-mail? Are press releases going the way of the dinosaur, or are they mutating into a different animal altogether, to feed the Internet monster? MEDIA PERSONNEL (television, radio, print and online news sites): Please answer 10 short and simple questions that pertain to your role in public relations that through EPRM will make your job easier, because you will get the news your way. You may be missing some great stories only because an author or business can't afford the big bucks for a publicity firm--how can we reach you? NOTE: your name and/or affiliation will NOT be included in the book unless your authorize it. Survey: TV Media Survey: Radio Media Survey: Print Publications Survey: Online News Sites AUTHORS & SMALL BUSINESSES: Please respond to 10 easy but important questions that ask how--or if--you currently do any publicity for your book or business, how you submit it, and your biggest question or complaint about the process. NOTE: your name and/or affiliation will NOT be included in the book unless your authorize it. Survey: Authors Survey: Small Business Owners So let's get on with it. Let your voice be heard in this crowded, noisy world! Ciao for now! LR Back to Blog Archives Back to Current Blog Home, James...