In my Social Media and PR class, I am required to comment on 30 blogs. Each blog comment must be at least 100 words. The following are my blog comments throughout this semester.
1. “PRSA Real World Conference in Atlanta” — Lindsay Cameron
http://lindsayecameron.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/prsa-real-world-conference-in-atlanta/
Date of my Comment: February 3, 2010
My Comment:
I was thinking of going to PR Real World this year but I hadn’t made a final decision yet. After reading your blog post, I am highly considering attending. The networking seems priceless! Also, it sounds like a much easier way to find an internship or a job rather than going to a career fair here at Southern. The skills you learned regarding resume writing, cover letters, interview skills, and how exactly to network are all things I am interested in learning. It is also nice to know that professionals will be there from differing areas of public relations. The conference seems like an experience worth taking.
2. “Social Mannerisms” — Lauren Hopkins
http://lala1185.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/societal-mannerisms/
Date of my Comment: February 3, 2010
My Comment:
When you said, “public relations isn’t just about helping, but it’s a characteristic that exemplifies how one should behave in society as an adult at this stage of their life,” it got me thinking. PR practitioners get shown in a bad light sometimes, but if we are acting in the way others should act then they are no different than us. PR practitioners do things to help their client. In turn, the client and possibly the public sees these things and they will want to do something in return. It is sort of like “I’ll help you because someone helped me.” If everyone acted with this in mind it would turn into an endless cycle.
3. “Should Student Groups be Allowed to Fire Group Members” — U. Andrews
http://practicalissues.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/should-student-groups-be-allowed-to-fire-members/#comment-34
Date of my Comment: February 3, 2010
My Comment:
From a student point-of-view, I find myself wanting to say that firing should be allowed in every group project. But from a rational point-of-view, I would have to say class content has to be considered. As painful as group work can be in lower level classes, in the “real world” you’re going to have to deal with people you don’t like or people you clash with. My advice, deal with it! In the career field you can’t always pick and choose your co-workers. You will have to figure out a way to work through your differences.
That being said, I support firing in a capstone class. If a group member is slacking off or not pulling their weight and they are that close to graduating then they need to be hit with reality. No one is going to cover for them when their boss wants something done, so why should the group members have to cover?
4. “Foursquare, not just a neighborhood game… T.O.W. #7″ — Mackenzie Stratton
http://mlstratton.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/foursquare-not-just-a-neigborhood-game-t-o-w-7/#comment-9
Date of my Comment: February 28, 2010
My Comment:
I agree with you that Foursquare can benefit businesses but at the same time it kind of bothers me to give out your location 24/7. It doesn’t strike me as very safe. Yes, stalkers may find it a fun game but me, not so much. It is a very new thing for me so I cannot fully say it is a negative thing. I just want more information. I can see how Foursquare will help business monitor customer flow and frequency but I just do not see the individual benefits at the moment. Being this is a newer site maybe the more I learn about it the more comfortable I will feel about it.
5. “TOW Week 6 – Social Media: Friend or Foe″ — Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/tow-week-6-social-media-friend-or-foe/#respond
Date of my Comment: February 28, 2010
My Comment:
Social media is an important tool for companies to use today. Through social media, companies can build vital relationships. They can also keep up with what others are saying about them. By being in the know, companies can be the first to respond to a crisis or rumor. I agree with your point that if companies don’t know what customers are wanting then how can they give customers what they want? You made a good point when you said, “If someone is commenting or posting problems or issues they have with a company, then someone within that company should be able to give them an answer.” Social media is a friend to those who utilize it and a foe to those who ignore it.
6. “PR Connections – University Proposed Budget Cuts″ — Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/pr-connections-university-proposed-budget-cuts/
Date of my Comment: March 4, 2010
My Comment:
Facebook is booming with protests and petitions. Everyone is up in arms about something that hasn’t even happened yet. I agree that facts are important. The university is a buzz with fuss over the budget cuts but people seem to have forgotten one small word…proposed. It is our “worst case scenario” not our definite future. Word of mouth is a great thing when spreading truth but it can turn into a terrible thing when the truth is misrepresented. If people are really this angry and upset then write the legislatures. Take a stand and do something to help prevent these budget cuts. Sadly, people would rather fuss and bicker rather than actually doing something. With public relations, I think this is something we need to look at. How can the university get people to take action? How can the university raise awareness about the cuts being “proposed?” How can the university tailor their message to their specific audience?
7. “T.O.W. 9 & 10: Using PROpenMic″ — Mackenzie Stratton
http://mlstratton.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/t-o-w-9-10-using-propenmic/#comment-22
Date of my Comment: March 18, 2010
My Comment:
I created an account because it was required but now I am finding that it is really beneficial. I find myself using the job/internship feature most. It is helpful to look at because you don’t have to filter through marketing and advertising jobs but everything is specifically geared to public relations. The other thing I really like is the chat feature. It is a great way to network as well as get ideas on projects and papers. I have also found it useful in looking into Grad school. Talking with other students in the programs is the best way to find out the inside info on a school.
8. “TOW Week 8 – Podcasting″ — Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/tow-week-8-podcasting/#comment-90
Date of my Comment: March 21, 2010
My Comment:
A podcast is a more personal form of a blog. Listeners get the same thing out of listening to a podcast that they would get from reading a blog. But the personal aspect does play a big part. I think companies should utilize podcasts because of the personal aspect. Customers want to feel like they matter and they want to feel like companies really do care about and value them. What better way to should customers you care than talking to them directly? That is exactly what a podcast can let companies do. Companies can engage with customers through a podcast. Customers will hear a voice rather than reading text and it shows them that a company cared enough to take the time to talk to “them.”
9. “Week of Twitter″ — Jon Adams
http://jonadams9.wordpress.com/2010/03/05/week-of-twitter/#comment-2
Date of my Comment: March 21, 2010
My Comment:
I am glad to hear that you are going to keep up your Twitter account after the assignment. But I do encourage you to utilize it to its fullest. It is great that you are following artists and people you like but get involved. Tweet about them or RT to them. Twitter is a more personal connection than Facebook or MySpace. You never know, you could win some concert tickets.
Also, as you get further along in school, use Twitter for networking in your field. It is a great way to meet professionals and keep up-to-date with what is going on in your profession.
10. “Reading Notes – Survival Guide Ch. 6″ — Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/reading-notes-survival-guide-ch-6/#comment-92
Date of my Comment: March 30, 2010
My Comment:
I really enjoyed this reading assignment. Social media is huge and it is important to have a presence within it. You want someone to Google you and see all of your social media pages come up. It is so much better to have something you did appear as opposed to what someone wrote about you. I liked the author’s point about “choose your friends wisely; do not just add anyone who asks; do not just add anyone who asks; check out their profile first.” It is a really good point. Sometimes we are so eager to have a “friend” that we except people we don’t even know anything about. We need to keep in mind the fact that our contacts can see our other contacts. Do we really want to “friend” a person we no nothing about?
11. “TOW Week 7: Foursquare″ — Jessica Cameron
http://jcam19.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/tow-week-7-foursquare/
Date of my Comment: April 4, 2010
My Comment:
I agree that Foursquare can strengthen a business. It can help them better find, understand and entice their target markets. It can also help them see who their valued customers are and those niche markets they need to work on strengthening. Foursquare can also help businesses better understand their competition. They can see where their customers are going and what their competition with. Foursquare is also a great way to have free publicity for a business. With Foursquare updating Facebook and Twitter statuses, the name of a business is getting out there. Foursquare is free publicity to any business. If people are going to the business and checking-in, then it could entice others to go too. Maybe, if only, to check it out for themselves.
12. “Internships″ — Stephanie Medlin
http://stephaniemedlin.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/internships/
Date of my Comment: April 4, 2010
My Comment:
Internships are very important. Many times when you go looking for a job, they won’t hire you if you don’t have experience. The experience you need comes in an internship. It is sort of like a transition period where you take everything you learned in class and apply it in the real world, prior to actually getting paid for it. Many professionals recommend completing two internships. The more experience you gain, the better you will look in the job market. A great source in looking for an internship is the PRSSA Job Center. You can access it through Google but it is a place where employers post job and internship listings specific to a career in public relations. It is a great resource and I suggest checking it out if you are searching for an internship or a job.
13. “Behind the Scenes of Social Media″ — Lauren Hopkins
http://lala1185.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/behind-the-scenes-of-social-media/
Date of my Comment: April 4, 2010
My Comment:
“Three vital characteristics that his company was founded upon are simplicity, energy, and integrity.”
I think Waxman nails it with these three things. They are what every public relations professional should be striving for, especially in this new age of social media. And in this new age, I believe integrity is the most important. If you desire to have a strong relationship with your clients and if you desire their return business, then you must operate with integrity. In the world of social media, words can be changed, messages jumbled and rumors spread but while all that chaos is swirling around you, you must continue to operate your business (as well as conduct yourself) with integrity. Social media makes you and your company transparent to the public. Wouldn’t you rather them see you with integrity as opposed to sweeping issues under the rug?
14. “Be a PR Student 2.0″ — Mackenzie Stratton
http://mlstratton.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/be-a-pr-student-2-0/
Date of my Comment: April 5, 2010
My Comment:
I agree that in this day we need to be PR students 2.0. We have to be able to adapt to the changing world around us as it continues to change. Knowledge of social media is something that can bump students to that 2.0 level. At the same time, I agree that motivation is a necessary. Students must be motivated outside of the classroom. They must seek out opportunities to sharpen their skills and gain valuable work experience. They must be motivated to network with professionals instead of being intimidated by them. Today, more than ever, students need to step it up to the next level if they want to be valuable in the job market. We as students must transition from PR students 1.0 to 2.0.
15. “Social Media is a Double-Edged Sword″ — Allison Allmond
http://aallmond1.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/social-media-is-a-double-edged-sword/
Date of my Comment: April 5, 2010
My Comment:
You make an interesting point. I have always looked at social media as a good thing because of what it can do for a person in the “professional world.” I do think applications like LinkedIn and Twitter can help promote you in the business world. These applications can help you create a brand. The downside though, is what other people can see, use or know about you. Social media isn’t the most private thing in the world and if stalkers are out there, applications like Foursquare can be a stalkers best friend. Honestly, social media is what you make of it. Personally, my social media sites are kept professional. I try to make it a point not to let my personal life out on the internet too much.
16. “Toyota is Looking Up″ — Mackenzie Stratton
http://mlstratton.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/toyota-is-looking-up/
Date of my Comment: April 11, 2010
My Comment:
I agree the public relations is big when it comes to crisis management. I also agree that Toyota has done a fairly good job of handling their crisis. I was at a PR conference last month and one of the sessions was on crisis management. The speaker made a really god point when he said that there are two things Americans hate more than anything; a liar and a cheat. When a crisis occurs, you need to act fast and when you address the media you have to come across as being sincere. The public doesn’t want to be lied to and they don’t want to be cheated out of information. Be honest and forthcoming with information. Above all, talk to the media. If you don’t talk, someone else will. The media is going to get their information whether you provide it or not and if it doesn’t come from you, the media can hurt you with it.
17. “TOW Week 12 – Widgets and Badges” – Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/tow-week-12-widgets-and-badges/
Date of my Comment: April 11, 2010
My Comment:
When I first started researching widgets and badges, I was really confused. I had heard people talking about them before but I had no real idea what in the world they were talking about. Research showed me the badges were used mainly for advertising purposes. That part, I got. Badges are on almost every website in some form or fashion. Widgets, on the other hand, still confuse me. The closes I got to actually understanding them came in the form of an analogy: Widgets are to websites what applications are to iPhones. Ok, so widgets are like iPhone apps. Well, that doesn’t really help me because I don’t have an iPhone so I don’t understand apps. Who knows? Maybe one day I will get an iPhone or at least get a better understanding of what a widget actually is.
18. “Body Language and Nonverbal Communication in Job Interviews” – Sarah Kemp
http://skemp1.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/body-language-nonverbal-communication-in-job-interviews/
Date of my Comment: April 11, 2010
My Comment:
This is very good information. Nonverbal communication is an important thing especially in a job interview. Nervous habits can sometimes cost you a position if you are unaware of them. Eye contact is very important. I think you always need to look a person in the eyes as both a sign of respect and a sign that you are engaged in the conversation. I think our nonverbal skills are being weakened by social media. Facebook and Twitter can’t read nonverbal and you can’t have a nervous twitch in a blog. I think this makes it all the more important that we concentrate on our nonverbal skills since we aren’t using them as much as we once did.
19. “How to Stand Out as an Intern” – Marilyn Lintel
http://marilynpr.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/how-to-stand-out-as-an-intern/#comment-58
Date of my Comment: April 12, 2010
My Comment:
This is good information about ways to stand out as an intern. As an intern, it is important to let your work speak for you. Do everything to your best ability and have fun while you do it. One thing I would add is to not be scared to ask questions. An internship is a learning experience. If you knew it all there would be no reason for you to be an intern. Use your internship as a time to learn things you don’t know. Don’t just do the things you know how to do. Try things you’ve never done and ask for help if you get lost in the process.
20. “Unpaid Internships and Ethics” – James Kicklighter
http://jameskicklighter.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/unpaid-internships-and-ethics/#comment-169
Date of my Comment: April 14, 2010
My Comment:
I agree that by cutting the number of internships offered, companies could potentially afford to pay a few interns. I understand that internships are beneficial to college students, as far as experience goes, but at the same time college students have to pay school tuition, rent and transportation to and from the internship. (This is assuming the internship is in the college community. If that is the case, students could also be paying an additional rent.) If a student is interning and attending classes, the schedule hardly leaves time for a paying job. The internship and classes are both required for a degree but if a student does it all, they could potentially run into the problem of not being able to pay for any of it. The experience an internship offers is priceless but a pay check of some sort wouldn’t hurt.
21. “TOW Week 13 – Viral Video” – Allie Schulmper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/tow-week-13-viral-video/#comment-101
Date of my Comment: April 15, 2010
My Comment:
Both of the videos you posted, I would consider to be viral videos. I think humor plays a huge factor in whether a video goes viral or not. The humor and the “cuteness factor” are both things that attract attention in our society. Viral videos are also relatable on some level. Either something you experienced firsthand or something you could imagine yourself doing. There are so many videos out there. Whether a video goes viral or not is all in how it appeals to people. Is it funny? Can I see this happening to me or someone I know? Will my friends like it if I e-mailed them the hyper link to this video? I think these are all questions that play into whether a video goes viral or not.
22. “Twitter Vs. DVR” – Kacie Whigham
http://kdwhigham.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/twitter-vs-dvr/#comment-88
Date of my Comment: April 15, 2010
My Comment:
I never thought of this but you’re absolutely right. Twitter is the ultimate spoiler. Why should you record something to watch later when Twitter can give away the ending first? A lot of times when I record shows to watch, they next day I try to avoid people who I no watched it so they want spoil it for me. But it isn’t really that easy now that Twitter is in the picture. As strange as it sounds, Twitter makes it important to stay up-to-date with television shows. If you have Twitter and use it on a regular basis, why even bother with trying to keep the secrets stored in your DVR?
23. “Social Media and Wedding Planning?” – Kacie Whigham
http://kdwhigham.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/social-media-and-wedding-planning/#comment-90
Date of my Comment: April 15, 2010
My Comment:
I never really thought about using social media to help plan your wedding but why not? Social media is used for everything else. I enjoyed your tips. I think social media is a great way to get your wedding out there. With all the contests on Twitter, I think that would be a great place to start. Who knows? You could win you honeymoon through Twitter. I also like the idea of sharing you registries and contacting vendors. Social media keeps costs down, too. These are all great pointers. The video in the post also made everything so much more personal. Neat idea!
24. “Viral Video” – Allie Schulmper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/viral-video/#comment-112
Date of my Comment: April 19, 2010
My Comment:
I definitely think this video is going viral! Ok, maybe not worldwide but definitely in the Statesboro area. You and Jessica did a great job. Sorry my terrible South Georgia accent got in the way. That is my next project. I am calling it “project erase an accent.” I think it is going to hurt me in the job market. But on the other hand, when I go to conferences, I have tons of random people come up to me just to hear me talk. They tell me I have a cute accent…don’t know how much they really mean it. But I really did like ya’lls video. I hope ya’ll win the extra credit!
25. “Ethics” – Kacie Whigham
http://kdwhigham.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/ethics/#comment-106
Date of my Comment: April 19, 2010
My Comment:
You make a great point. So many times people act the way they think they are expected to act rather than the way they would actually act. They do what they think others around them would expect them to do. Social norms play a big role in this. You can really see it on a college campus. Like you said, drinking is a prime example. I know a few people who had never drunk in their lives. But when they entered the college setting, the supposed norms took over. They did what they thought was normal for a college student. Like you said, so many times was assume what the norms are rather than actually recognizing them.
26. “What to Wear to a PR Job Interview” – Jessica Cameron
http://jcam19.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/what-to-wear-to-a-pr-job-interview/#comment-87
Date of my Comment: April 19, 2010
My Comment:
“55% of another person’s perception of you is based on looks.” Wow…that’s a lot! All of your pointers are really good. One thing that gets me thought is the closed toe shoes for women. Have you heard that? I have actually been reminded of it in several of my classes; communications and business classes. Personally, it drives me crazy. Who really cares if I wear peep toe shoes? Does that really offend people? I have never understood the point of that rule but I have been forced to abide by it. Do men know how hard it is to find closed toe heels that are cute? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
27. “Reading Notes: WordPress: Survival Guide, Ch. 4” — Allie Schulmper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/reading-notes-wordpress-survival-guide-ch-4/#comment-114
Date of my Comment: April 19, 2010
My Comment:
As sad as it is to say, I just brought myself to read this chapter. I kept putting it off because I thought I was pretty good with WordPress. I mean, we have been using it for a few years now. But after reading it I felt like I learned a few things I never knew. The widgets became so clear. I had never used widgets on WordPress and now I do. I also liked how the author talked about settings and appearance. I didn’t expect to gain anything from this chapter but I did. And the things I learned make blogging a whole lot easier.
28. “Trade Book Review” — Jessica Cameron
http://jcam19.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/trade-book-review/#comment-90
Date of my Comment: April 20, 2010
My Comment:
I actually read this book last semester for practicum. I really like how the authors stressed the need to have desire. I think that is important in anything you do. You have to have the desire to do it and the desire to do it well. I also liked how they reminded the audience where social media came from. The idea that social media came out of the social sciences is important to remember. All in all, like the book says, you have to keep that relationship in mind. PR is all about relationships whether through social media or through face-to-face conversations.
29. “Celebrities Using the “R” Word” – Kelsey Hendrix
http://kelseyeh.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/celebrities-using-the-r-word/#comment-88
Date of my Comment: April 20, 2010
My Comment:
I think sometimes celebrities don’t think before they speak. This is a major area where PR needs to get involved but at the same time…what can they do? In order for PR to work, the celebrity would have to take the advice. And after the whole Tiger Woods incident, we know the words of PR pros aren’t always listened to. These celebrities are trying to promote themselves and frankly are not worried with who is hurt in the crossfire. If celebrities just took the time to realize how the things they do and say are taken to heart by their fans, maybe then this would stop.
30. “Humor in a Viral Video is the Key” – Emily Roche
Date of my Comment: April 20, 2010
http://eroche1.wordpress.com/2010/04/20/humor-in-a-viral-video-is-the-key/#comment-14
My Comment:
I agree with you. Humor is a major factor in whether or not a video goes viral. People love to laugh and they love the “cuteness factor.” If you can give them both in a video and throw in a splash of relatable aspects, then you have the perfect recipe for a viral video. Like you said, people find different things funny. So, what one person may like may not be popular with others. I think this is where the relatable aspects and the cuteness factor play in. Everyone loves to see a little child doing something cute or funny and most people can relate to it. That is why I think you need all three to have a viral video.
//
Social Media and PR 
Blog Comments
In my Social Media and PR class, I am required to comment on 30 blogs. Each blog comment must be at least 100 words. The following are my blog comments throughout this semester.
1. “PRSA Real World Conference in Atlanta” — Lindsay Cameron
http://lindsayecameron.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/prsa-real-world-conference-in-atlanta/
Date of my Comment: February 3, 2010
My Comment:
I was thinking of going to PR Real World this year but I hadn’t made a final decision yet. After reading your blog post, I am highly considering attending. The networking seems priceless! Also, it sounds like a much easier way to find an internship or a job rather than going to a career fair here at Southern. The skills you learned regarding resume writing, cover letters, interview skills, and how exactly to network are all things I am interested in learning. It is also nice to know that professionals will be there from differing areas of public relations. The conference seems like an experience worth taking.
2. “Social Mannerisms” — Lauren Hopkins
http://lala1185.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/societal-mannerisms/
Date of my Comment: February 3, 2010
My Comment:
When you said, “public relations isn’t just about helping, but it’s a characteristic that exemplifies how one should behave in society as an adult at this stage of their life,” it got me thinking. PR practitioners get shown in a bad light sometimes, but if we are acting in the way others should act then they are no different than us. PR practitioners do things to help their client. In turn, the client and possibly the public sees these things and they will want to do something in return. It is sort of like “I’ll help you because someone helped me.” If everyone acted with this in mind it would turn into an endless cycle.
3. “Should Student Groups be Allowed to Fire Group Members” — U. Andrews
http://practicalissues.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/should-student-groups-be-allowed-to-fire-members/#comment-34
Date of my Comment: February 3, 2010
My Comment:
From a student point-of-view, I find myself wanting to say that firing should be allowed in every group project. But from a rational point-of-view, I would have to say class content has to be considered. As painful as group work can be in lower level classes, in the “real world” you’re going to have to deal with people you don’t like or people you clash with. My advice, deal with it! In the career field you can’t always pick and choose your co-workers. You will have to figure out a way to work through your differences.
That being said, I support firing in a capstone class. If a group member is slacking off or not pulling their weight and they are that close to graduating then they need to be hit with reality. No one is going to cover for them when their boss wants something done, so why should the group members have to cover?
4. “Foursquare, not just a neighborhood game… T.O.W. #7″ — Mackenzie Stratton
http://mlstratton.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/foursquare-not-just-a-neigborhood-game-t-o-w-7/#comment-9
Date of my Comment: February 28, 2010
My Comment:
I agree with you that Foursquare can benefit businesses but at the same time it kind of bothers me to give out your location 24/7. It doesn’t strike me as very safe. Yes, stalkers may find it a fun game but me, not so much. It is a very new thing for me so I cannot fully say it is a negative thing. I just want more information. I can see how Foursquare will help business monitor customer flow and frequency but I just do not see the individual benefits at the moment. Being this is a newer site maybe the more I learn about it the more comfortable I will feel about it.
5. “TOW Week 6 – Social Media: Friend or Foe″ — Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/tow-week-6-social-media-friend-or-foe/#respond
Date of my Comment: February 28, 2010
My Comment:
Social media is an important tool for companies to use today. Through social media, companies can build vital relationships. They can also keep up with what others are saying about them. By being in the know, companies can be the first to respond to a crisis or rumor. I agree with your point that if companies don’t know what customers are wanting then how can they give customers what they want? You made a good point when you said, “If someone is commenting or posting problems or issues they have with a company, then someone within that company should be able to give them an answer.” Social media is a friend to those who utilize it and a foe to those who ignore it.
6. “PR Connections – University Proposed Budget Cuts″ — Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/pr-connections-university-proposed-budget-cuts/
Date of my Comment: March 4, 2010
My Comment:
Facebook is booming with protests and petitions. Everyone is up in arms about something that hasn’t even happened yet. I agree that facts are important. The university is a buzz with fuss over the budget cuts but people seem to have forgotten one small word…proposed. It is our “worst case scenario” not our definite future. Word of mouth is a great thing when spreading truth but it can turn into a terrible thing when the truth is misrepresented. If people are really this angry and upset then write the legislatures. Take a stand and do something to help prevent these budget cuts. Sadly, people would rather fuss and bicker rather than actually doing something. With public relations, I think this is something we need to look at. How can the university get people to take action? How can the university raise awareness about the cuts being “proposed?” How can the university tailor their message to their specific audience?
7. “T.O.W. 9 & 10: Using PROpenMic″ — Mackenzie Stratton
http://mlstratton.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/t-o-w-9-10-using-propenmic/#comment-22
Date of my Comment: March 18, 2010
My Comment:
I created an account because it was required but now I am finding that it is really beneficial. I find myself using the job/internship feature most. It is helpful to look at because you don’t have to filter through marketing and advertising jobs but everything is specifically geared to public relations. The other thing I really like is the chat feature. It is a great way to network as well as get ideas on projects and papers. I have also found it useful in looking into Grad school. Talking with other students in the programs is the best way to find out the inside info on a school.
8. “TOW Week 8 – Podcasting″ — Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/tow-week-8-podcasting/#comment-90
Date of my Comment: March 21, 2010
My Comment:
A podcast is a more personal form of a blog. Listeners get the same thing out of listening to a podcast that they would get from reading a blog. But the personal aspect does play a big part. I think companies should utilize podcasts because of the personal aspect. Customers want to feel like they matter and they want to feel like companies really do care about and value them. What better way to should customers you care than talking to them directly? That is exactly what a podcast can let companies do. Companies can engage with customers through a podcast. Customers will hear a voice rather than reading text and it shows them that a company cared enough to take the time to talk to “them.”
9. “Week of Twitter″ — Jon Adams
http://jonadams9.wordpress.com/2010/03/05/week-of-twitter/#comment-2
Date of my Comment: March 21, 2010
My Comment:
I am glad to hear that you are going to keep up your Twitter account after the assignment. But I do encourage you to utilize it to its fullest. It is great that you are following artists and people you like but get involved. Tweet about them or RT to them. Twitter is a more personal connection than Facebook or MySpace. You never know, you could win some concert tickets.
Also, as you get further along in school, use Twitter for networking in your field. It is a great way to meet professionals and keep up-to-date with what is going on in your profession.
10. “Reading Notes – Survival Guide Ch. 6″ — Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/reading-notes-survival-guide-ch-6/#comment-92
Date of my Comment: March 30, 2010
My Comment:
I really enjoyed this reading assignment. Social media is huge and it is important to have a presence within it. You want someone to Google you and see all of your social media pages come up. It is so much better to have something you did appear as opposed to what someone wrote about you. I liked the author’s point about “choose your friends wisely; do not just add anyone who asks; do not just add anyone who asks; check out their profile first.” It is a really good point. Sometimes we are so eager to have a “friend” that we except people we don’t even know anything about. We need to keep in mind the fact that our contacts can see our other contacts. Do we really want to “friend” a person we no nothing about?
11. “TOW Week 7: Foursquare″ — Jessica Cameron
http://jcam19.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/tow-week-7-foursquare/
Date of my Comment: April 4, 2010
My Comment:
I agree that Foursquare can strengthen a business. It can help them better find, understand and entice their target markets. It can also help them see who their valued customers are and those niche markets they need to work on strengthening. Foursquare can also help businesses better understand their competition. They can see where their customers are going and what their competition with. Foursquare is also a great way to have free publicity for a business. With Foursquare updating Facebook and Twitter statuses, the name of a business is getting out there. Foursquare is free publicity to any business. If people are going to the business and checking-in, then it could entice others to go too. Maybe, if only, to check it out for themselves.
12. “Internships″ — Stephanie Medlin
http://stephaniemedlin.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/internships/
Date of my Comment: April 4, 2010
My Comment:
Internships are very important. Many times when you go looking for a job, they won’t hire you if you don’t have experience. The experience you need comes in an internship. It is sort of like a transition period where you take everything you learned in class and apply it in the real world, prior to actually getting paid for it. Many professionals recommend completing two internships. The more experience you gain, the better you will look in the job market. A great source in looking for an internship is the PRSSA Job Center. You can access it through Google but it is a place where employers post job and internship listings specific to a career in public relations. It is a great resource and I suggest checking it out if you are searching for an internship or a job.
13. “Behind the Scenes of Social Media″ — Lauren Hopkins
http://lala1185.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/behind-the-scenes-of-social-media/
Date of my Comment: April 4, 2010
My Comment:
“Three vital characteristics that his company was founded upon are simplicity, energy, and integrity.”
I think Waxman nails it with these three things. They are what every public relations professional should be striving for, especially in this new age of social media. And in this new age, I believe integrity is the most important. If you desire to have a strong relationship with your clients and if you desire their return business, then you must operate with integrity. In the world of social media, words can be changed, messages jumbled and rumors spread but while all that chaos is swirling around you, you must continue to operate your business (as well as conduct yourself) with integrity. Social media makes you and your company transparent to the public. Wouldn’t you rather them see you with integrity as opposed to sweeping issues under the rug?
14. “Be a PR Student 2.0″ — Mackenzie Stratton
http://mlstratton.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/be-a-pr-student-2-0/
Date of my Comment: April 5, 2010
My Comment:
I agree that in this day we need to be PR students 2.0. We have to be able to adapt to the changing world around us as it continues to change. Knowledge of social media is something that can bump students to that 2.0 level. At the same time, I agree that motivation is a necessary. Students must be motivated outside of the classroom. They must seek out opportunities to sharpen their skills and gain valuable work experience. They must be motivated to network with professionals instead of being intimidated by them. Today, more than ever, students need to step it up to the next level if they want to be valuable in the job market. We as students must transition from PR students 1.0 to 2.0.
15. “Social Media is a Double-Edged Sword″ — Allison Allmond
http://aallmond1.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/social-media-is-a-double-edged-sword/
Date of my Comment: April 5, 2010
My Comment:
You make an interesting point. I have always looked at social media as a good thing because of what it can do for a person in the “professional world.” I do think applications like LinkedIn and Twitter can help promote you in the business world. These applications can help you create a brand. The downside though, is what other people can see, use or know about you. Social media isn’t the most private thing in the world and if stalkers are out there, applications like Foursquare can be a stalkers best friend. Honestly, social media is what you make of it. Personally, my social media sites are kept professional. I try to make it a point not to let my personal life out on the internet too much.
16. “Toyota is Looking Up″ — Mackenzie Stratton
http://mlstratton.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/toyota-is-looking-up/
Date of my Comment: April 11, 2010
My Comment:
I agree the public relations is big when it comes to crisis management. I also agree that Toyota has done a fairly good job of handling their crisis. I was at a PR conference last month and one of the sessions was on crisis management. The speaker made a really god point when he said that there are two things Americans hate more than anything; a liar and a cheat. When a crisis occurs, you need to act fast and when you address the media you have to come across as being sincere. The public doesn’t want to be lied to and they don’t want to be cheated out of information. Be honest and forthcoming with information. Above all, talk to the media. If you don’t talk, someone else will. The media is going to get their information whether you provide it or not and if it doesn’t come from you, the media can hurt you with it.
17. “TOW Week 12 – Widgets and Badges” – Allie Schlumper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/tow-week-12-widgets-and-badges/
Date of my Comment: April 11, 2010
My Comment:
When I first started researching widgets and badges, I was really confused. I had heard people talking about them before but I had no real idea what in the world they were talking about. Research showed me the badges were used mainly for advertising purposes. That part, I got. Badges are on almost every website in some form or fashion. Widgets, on the other hand, still confuse me. The closes I got to actually understanding them came in the form of an analogy: Widgets are to websites what applications are to iPhones. Ok, so widgets are like iPhone apps. Well, that doesn’t really help me because I don’t have an iPhone so I don’t understand apps. Who knows? Maybe one day I will get an iPhone or at least get a better understanding of what a widget actually is.
18. “Body Language and Nonverbal Communication in Job Interviews” – Sarah Kemp
http://skemp1.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/body-language-nonverbal-communication-in-job-interviews/
Date of my Comment: April 11, 2010
My Comment:
This is very good information. Nonverbal communication is an important thing especially in a job interview. Nervous habits can sometimes cost you a position if you are unaware of them. Eye contact is very important. I think you always need to look a person in the eyes as both a sign of respect and a sign that you are engaged in the conversation. I think our nonverbal skills are being weakened by social media. Facebook and Twitter can’t read nonverbal and you can’t have a nervous twitch in a blog. I think this makes it all the more important that we concentrate on our nonverbal skills since we aren’t using them as much as we once did.
19. “How to Stand Out as an Intern” – Marilyn Lintel
http://marilynpr.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/how-to-stand-out-as-an-intern/#comment-58
Date of my Comment: April 12, 2010
My Comment:
This is good information about ways to stand out as an intern. As an intern, it is important to let your work speak for you. Do everything to your best ability and have fun while you do it. One thing I would add is to not be scared to ask questions. An internship is a learning experience. If you knew it all there would be no reason for you to be an intern. Use your internship as a time to learn things you don’t know. Don’t just do the things you know how to do. Try things you’ve never done and ask for help if you get lost in the process.
20. “Unpaid Internships and Ethics” – James Kicklighter
http://jameskicklighter.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/unpaid-internships-and-ethics/#comment-169
Date of my Comment: April 14, 2010
My Comment:
I agree that by cutting the number of internships offered, companies could potentially afford to pay a few interns. I understand that internships are beneficial to college students, as far as experience goes, but at the same time college students have to pay school tuition, rent and transportation to and from the internship. (This is assuming the internship is in the college community. If that is the case, students could also be paying an additional rent.) If a student is interning and attending classes, the schedule hardly leaves time for a paying job. The internship and classes are both required for a degree but if a student does it all, they could potentially run into the problem of not being able to pay for any of it. The experience an internship offers is priceless but a pay check of some sort wouldn’t hurt.
21. “TOW Week 13 – Viral Video” – Allie Schulmper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/tow-week-13-viral-video/#comment-101
Date of my Comment: April 15, 2010
My Comment:
Both of the videos you posted, I would consider to be viral videos. I think humor plays a huge factor in whether a video goes viral or not. The humor and the “cuteness factor” are both things that attract attention in our society. Viral videos are also relatable on some level. Either something you experienced firsthand or something you could imagine yourself doing. There are so many videos out there. Whether a video goes viral or not is all in how it appeals to people. Is it funny? Can I see this happening to me or someone I know? Will my friends like it if I e-mailed them the hyper link to this video? I think these are all questions that play into whether a video goes viral or not.
22. “Twitter Vs. DVR” – Kacie Whigham
http://kdwhigham.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/twitter-vs-dvr/#comment-88
Date of my Comment: April 15, 2010
My Comment:
I never thought of this but you’re absolutely right. Twitter is the ultimate spoiler. Why should you record something to watch later when Twitter can give away the ending first? A lot of times when I record shows to watch, they next day I try to avoid people who I no watched it so they want spoil it for me. But it isn’t really that easy now that Twitter is in the picture. As strange as it sounds, Twitter makes it important to stay up-to-date with television shows. If you have Twitter and use it on a regular basis, why even bother with trying to keep the secrets stored in your DVR?
23. “Social Media and Wedding Planning?” – Kacie Whigham
http://kdwhigham.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/social-media-and-wedding-planning/#comment-90
Date of my Comment: April 15, 2010
My Comment:
I never really thought about using social media to help plan your wedding but why not? Social media is used for everything else. I enjoyed your tips. I think social media is a great way to get your wedding out there. With all the contests on Twitter, I think that would be a great place to start. Who knows? You could win you honeymoon through Twitter. I also like the idea of sharing you registries and contacting vendors. Social media keeps costs down, too. These are all great pointers. The video in the post also made everything so much more personal. Neat idea!
24. “Viral Video” – Allie Schulmper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/viral-video/#comment-112
Date of my Comment: April 19, 2010
My Comment:
I definitely think this video is going viral! Ok, maybe not worldwide but definitely in the Statesboro area. You and Jessica did a great job. Sorry my terrible South Georgia accent got in the way. That is my next project. I am calling it “project erase an accent.” I think it is going to hurt me in the job market. But on the other hand, when I go to conferences, I have tons of random people come up to me just to hear me talk. They tell me I have a cute accent…don’t know how much they really mean it. But I really did like ya’lls video. I hope ya’ll win the extra credit!
25. “Ethics” – Kacie Whigham
http://kdwhigham.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/ethics/#comment-106
Date of my Comment: April 19, 2010
My Comment:
You make a great point. So many times people act the way they think they are expected to act rather than the way they would actually act. They do what they think others around them would expect them to do. Social norms play a big role in this. You can really see it on a college campus. Like you said, drinking is a prime example. I know a few people who had never drunk in their lives. But when they entered the college setting, the supposed norms took over. They did what they thought was normal for a college student. Like you said, so many times was assume what the norms are rather than actually recognizing them.
26. “What to Wear to a PR Job Interview” – Jessica Cameron
http://jcam19.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/what-to-wear-to-a-pr-job-interview/#comment-87
Date of my Comment: April 19, 2010
My Comment:
“55% of another person’s perception of you is based on looks.” Wow…that’s a lot! All of your pointers are really good. One thing that gets me thought is the closed toe shoes for women. Have you heard that? I have actually been reminded of it in several of my classes; communications and business classes. Personally, it drives me crazy. Who really cares if I wear peep toe shoes? Does that really offend people? I have never understood the point of that rule but I have been forced to abide by it. Do men know how hard it is to find closed toe heels that are cute? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
27. “Reading Notes: WordPress: Survival Guide, Ch. 4” — Allie Schulmper
http://allieschlumper.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/reading-notes-wordpress-survival-guide-ch-4/#comment-114
Date of my Comment: April 19, 2010
My Comment:
As sad as it is to say, I just brought myself to read this chapter. I kept putting it off because I thought I was pretty good with WordPress. I mean, we have been using it for a few years now. But after reading it I felt like I learned a few things I never knew. The widgets became so clear. I had never used widgets on WordPress and now I do. I also liked how the author talked about settings and appearance. I didn’t expect to gain anything from this chapter but I did. And the things I learned make blogging a whole lot easier.
28. “Trade Book Review” — Jessica Cameron
http://jcam19.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/trade-book-review/#comment-90
Date of my Comment: April 20, 2010
My Comment:
I actually read this book last semester for practicum. I really like how the authors stressed the need to have desire. I think that is important in anything you do. You have to have the desire to do it and the desire to do it well. I also liked how they reminded the audience where social media came from. The idea that social media came out of the social sciences is important to remember. All in all, like the book says, you have to keep that relationship in mind. PR is all about relationships whether through social media or through face-to-face conversations.
29. “Celebrities Using the “R” Word” – Kelsey Hendrix
http://kelseyeh.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/celebrities-using-the-r-word/#comment-88
Date of my Comment: April 20, 2010
My Comment:
I think sometimes celebrities don’t think before they speak. This is a major area where PR needs to get involved but at the same time…what can they do? In order for PR to work, the celebrity would have to take the advice. And after the whole Tiger Woods incident, we know the words of PR pros aren’t always listened to. These celebrities are trying to promote themselves and frankly are not worried with who is hurt in the crossfire. If celebrities just took the time to realize how the things they do and say are taken to heart by their fans, maybe then this would stop.
30. “Humor in a Viral Video is the Key” – Emily Roche
Date of my Comment: April 20, 2010
http://eroche1.wordpress.com/2010/04/20/humor-in-a-viral-video-is-the-key/#comment-14
My Comment:
I agree with you. Humor is a major factor in whether or not a video goes viral. People love to laugh and they love the “cuteness factor.” If you can give them both in a video and throw in a splash of relatable aspects, then you have the perfect recipe for a viral video. Like you said, people find different things funny. So, what one person may like may not be popular with others. I think this is where the relatable aspects and the cuteness factor play in. Everyone loves to see a little child doing something cute or funny and most people can relate to it. That is why I think you need all three to have a viral video.
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