Comments on: Advice to the class of ’08: Blogging is an essential for new PR practitioners http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/ Exploring social media and public relations Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:01:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: What College Students Can’t Get From Blogging : Brazen Careerist http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-516978 What College Students Can’t Get From Blogging : Brazen Careerist Fri, 23 May 2008 11:23:38 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-516978 [...] which only contributes to why a large majority of us don’t blog. Though having more teachers that accept such advancements in technology and also promote blogging could help where incentives don’t. It’s not that we [...] [...] which only contributes to why a large majority of us don’t blog. Though having more teachers that accept such advancements in technology and also promote blogging could help where incentives don’t. It’s not that we [...]

]]> By: What College Students Can’t Get From Blogging | SheGeeks http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-516778 What College Students Can’t Get From Blogging | SheGeeks Thu, 22 May 2008 19:56:42 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-516778 [...] only contributes to why a large majority of us don’t blog. Though having more teachers that accept such advancements in technology and also promote blogging could help where incentives don’t. It’s not [...] [...] only contributes to why a large majority of us don’t blog. Though having more teachers that accept such advancements in technology and also promote blogging could help where incentives don’t. It’s not [...]

]]> By: Hot Links for Students of PR | PR for the People http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-499332 Hot Links for Students of PR | PR for the People Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:03:37 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-499332 [...] who is teaching Web 2.0 is Gary Schlee, who has his students on del.icio.us and blogging. Joe Thornley has taken notice and suggests blogging is a must for any new PR student. Good news for me, since I [...] [...] who is teaching Web 2.0 is Gary Schlee, who has his students on del.icio.us and blogging. Joe Thornley has taken notice and suggests blogging is a must for any new PR student. Good news for me, since I [...]

]]> By: James McNally http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-471472 James McNally Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:08:29 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-471472 Brandon, your presence here in this conversation already proves that you're jumping in with both feet, and I think that's a great thing. It's funny that I appear to be the skeptic here. I'm certainly not skeptical about the value of participating in the online community. I just want students to have a fuller picture of what a blog can be. I've met literally hundreds of people through my blog, many of them in person, and though I can't say I started it or continue it for the purpose of getting a job, it's only natural that by meeting so many people, you may end up working with some of them. I would just say that you should try not to approach this "assignment" like something that has to be done for a professor or an employer, but try to see it as a way to make connections to other interesting people around the world. One or two may end up being your bosses, but try to keep that out of your mind when writing. Good luck to all of you and welcome to the conversation! Brandon, your presence here in this conversation already proves that you’re jumping in with both feet, and I think that’s a great thing. It’s funny that I appear to be the skeptic here. I’m certainly not skeptical about the value of participating in the online community. I just want students to have a fuller picture of what a blog can be. I’ve met literally hundreds of people through my blog, many of them in person, and though I can’t say I started it or continue it for the purpose of getting a job, it’s only natural that by meeting so many people, you may end up working with some of them.

I would just say that you should try not to approach this “assignment” like something that has to be done for a professor or an employer, but try to see it as a way to make connections to other interesting people around the world. One or two may end up being your bosses, but try to keep that out of your mind when writing.

Good luck to all of you and welcome to the conversation!

]]> By: Brandon Carlos http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-463912 Brandon Carlos Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:44:46 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-463912 Your comment is a credible one, James. I am one of Gary's students and I must admit that this blogging assignment was not one I met with anticipation. I hold quite an opposite view from Joseph: the benefits of social media in PR are met with dangerous consequences. I do not have a facebook--never will-- precisely for the reasons he's mentioned. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe in making a first impression personally rather than fibre-optically. I must admit, though, that my blog is growing on me. I can understand your concern with this type of project becoming an extension of the resume. The most impressive blogs are those that draw the audience in with plenty of stories and personal examples and then relate those to the profession. I urge you to take a look at a few of my colleagues blogs, you will be amazed at the contributions that we are making to the PR profession. Your comment is a credible one, James.
I am one of Gary’s students and I must admit that this blogging assignment was not one I met with anticipation. I hold quite an opposite view from Joseph: the benefits of social media in PR are met with dangerous consequences. I do not have a facebook–never will– precisely for the reasons he’s mentioned. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe in making a first impression personally rather than fibre-optically.
I must admit, though, that my blog is growing on me. I can understand your concern with this type of project becoming an extension of the resume. The most impressive blogs are those that draw the audience in with plenty of stories and personal examples and then relate those to the profession. I urge you to take a look at a few of my colleagues blogs, you will be amazed at the contributions that we are making to the PR profession.

]]> By: Joseph Thornley http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-448324 Joseph Thornley Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:18:40 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-448324 Kerri, From my first experience with blogging, I have been struck by people's desire to meet and spend time in the real world with the people with whom they have struck up online relations. This has given rise to Bloggers Dinners, gatherings like Third Tuesday and the huge turnouts for the numerous unconferences organized by the community. In my experience, rather than making people lose sight of the value of real face to face relationships, social media has actually enabled people with mutual interests to find one another. By the time we all meet in the real world, it's like we are already in a vigorous discussion. Kerri,
From my first experience with blogging, I have been struck by people’s desire to meet and spend time in the real world with the people with whom they have struck up online relations. This has given rise to Bloggers Dinners, gatherings like Third Tuesday and the huge turnouts for the numerous unconferences organized by the community. In my experience, rather than making people lose sight of the value of real face to face relationships, social media has actually enabled people with mutual interests to find one another. By the time we all meet in the real world, it’s like we are already in a vigorous discussion.

]]> By: Kerri Birtch http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-448272 Kerri Birtch Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:54:09 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-448272 Hi Joe, I was just doing a little back reading of your blog to get me in the mindset for your seminar tonight (I'm so excited) and after reading through the many responses to this post, I'm left with another question which has not been discussed. Do you think that a person's ability to create online relationships in the blog world is a reflection of their ability to create in-person relations? I wonder if a person/student might focus so much on their social media presence that they could lose sight of the importance of being able to communicate face to face. Maybe it's a stretch - any thoughts? Looking forward to tonight! -Kerri Hi Joe,

I was just doing a little back reading of your blog to get me in the mindset for your seminar tonight (I’m so excited) and after reading through the many responses to this post, I’m left with another question which has not been discussed.

Do you think that a person’s ability to create online relationships in the blog world is a reflection of their ability to create in-person relations? I wonder if a person/student might focus so much on their social media presence that they could lose sight of the importance of being able to communicate face to face. Maybe it’s a stretch – any thoughts?

Looking forward to tonight!

-Kerri

]]> By: Robert DaCosta http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-440562 Robert DaCosta Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:08:52 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-440562 Blogs and social media are becoming integral parts of how pr practitioners measure their success. What seems to be the issue however, is how do we measure a blog's effectiveness? By number of hits or comments?Or actual content and opinions? What holds more value? Social media is truly the future of public relations. As a student at Humber College in their pr program, we are using social media more than ever before. This frontier presents immense opportunities, and learning to utilize it will become vital for any successful practitioner. Blogs and social media are becoming integral parts of how pr practitioners
measure their success. What seems to be the issue however, is how do we measure a blog’s effectiveness? By number of hits or comments?Or actual content and opinions? What holds more value? Social media is truly the future of public relations. As a student at Humber College in their pr program, we are using social media more than ever before. This frontier presents immense opportunities, and learning to utilize it will become vital for any successful practitioner.

]]> By: Joe Chawla http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-439596 Joe Chawla Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:52:15 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-439596 Hi Mr. Thornley, Thanks for the response and clarification to my comment. Having posted my own diatribe on social media, since commenting on your site, I have had a chance to hear from both sides on the issue of Twittering. A lot of people have given me some great Feedback about my concerns: David Jones comments, "There is no value in any tool until you’ve determined that there is a real-world use for it. You’ll never know unless you give it a shot." Rayanne Langdon writes, "At it’s very basic function, it’s a fun way to engage with others who share your interests." And, Judy Gombita says, "I suppose there’s no harm in experimenting with setting up an account and observing for a bit. How useful it is/how big a drain it is on your time will be determined by how much you monitor Twitter and/or participate." So, I have to agree with you, social media is definitely more about creating and developing relationships; those I have made just through listening to others comment on my blog (intangible and temporary as they are) seem immeasurably more satisfying. That said, however, to be honest, I probably won't join Twitter (yet), but I also no longer see it as a useless extension of the social media space. That's at least one step in the right direction. ;) Hi Mr. Thornley,

Thanks for the response and clarification to my comment. Having posted my own diatribe on social media, since commenting on your site, I have had a chance to hear from both sides on the issue of Twittering.

A lot of people have given me some great Feedback about my concerns:

David Jones comments, “There is no value in any tool until you’ve determined that there is a real-world use for it. You’ll never know unless you give it a shot.”

Rayanne Langdon writes, “At it’s very basic function, it’s a fun way to engage with others who share your interests.”

And, Judy Gombita says, “I suppose there’s no harm in experimenting with setting up an account and observing for a bit. How useful it is/how big a drain it is on your time will be determined by how much you monitor Twitter and/or participate.”

So, I have to agree with you, social media is definitely more about creating and developing relationships; those I have made just through listening to others comment on my blog (intangible and temporary as they are) seem immeasurably more satisfying.

That said, however, to be honest, I probably won’t join Twitter (yet), but I also no longer see it as a useless extension of the social media space. That’s at least one step in the right direction. ;)

]]> By: Chrissy Chrzan http://propr.ca/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/comment-page-1/#comment-439516 Chrissy Chrzan Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:26:31 +0000 http://www.propr.ca/index.php/2008/advice-to-the-class-of-08-blogging-is-an-essential-for-new-pr-practitioners/#comment-439516 As a PR student and also a new blogger myself I will weigh in on this issue. I think it is a great idea that Gary is making his students write blogs as part of their education, he certainly sees the value in social media and its strong connection to public relations. It is important for young people especially to realize the importance of blogging and the impact it has on any PR campaign and initiatives. However, I feel that if one is forced to make a blog for school they might feel limited by what they can write. For example, if I knew that I was being marked on my content I would probably not write anything groundbreaking, shocking or pushing the envelope for fear of getting a bad mark. I am not sure how the students are being graded, that would be interesting to hear as I haven't seen it posted. ( although I might have missed it seeing all the comments in the thread!) In addition, as a reader I feel that if I knew a blog was being written by a student for the purpose of a class assignment, I might not see the blog as being truly genuine and really expressing the personal views of the writer. I feel like they might post something without actually really believing it, because they feel as if it was something that they instructor might want them to post. I am not saying this is true in all circumstances by any means, it is a great initiative by Gary and Centennial college, I certainly wish Humber was doing something like this for my program as it really gets good conversation and new ideas going which is always the goal of PR. As a PR student and also a new blogger myself I will weigh in on this issue. I think it is a great idea that Gary is making his students write blogs as part of their education, he certainly sees the value in social media and its strong connection to public relations. It is important for young people especially to realize the importance of blogging and the impact it has on any PR campaign and initiatives.

However, I feel that if one is forced to make a blog for school they might feel limited by what they can write. For example, if I knew that I was being marked on my content I would probably not write anything groundbreaking, shocking or pushing the envelope for fear of getting a bad mark.

I am not sure how the students are being graded, that would be interesting to hear as I haven’t seen it posted. ( although I might have missed it seeing all the comments in the thread!)

In addition, as a reader I feel that if I knew a blog was being written by a student for the purpose of a class assignment, I might not see the blog as being truly genuine and really expressing the personal views of the writer. I feel like they might post something without actually really believing it, because they feel as if it was something that they instructor might want them to post.

I am not saying this is true in all circumstances by any means, it is a great initiative by Gary and Centennial college, I certainly wish Humber was doing something like this for my program as it really gets good conversation and new ideas going which is always the goal of PR.

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