PR Pros Enthusiastic About Social Media
PRSA’s Technology Section and its New York Chapter put on a great event in NYC yesterday at the T3 Conference. I spoke on a panel moderated by Don Bates accompanied by David Parmet of Marketing Begins at Home and Tony Sapienza of Topaz Partners. Tony gave on overview of the tools in social media relevant to PR pros, including wikis, podcasts, blogs, social networks, and more. David discussed SNCR’s best practices for corporate blogging. And I talked about 7 sins in 7 minutes.
What struck me most was the sea change that has occurred since last year’s event by the same sponsors. A significant percentage of people in the audience are now writing blogs and virtually all read them regularly. That’s a far cry from the last one where “what’s a blog?” was a common question.
It was a great opportunity to meet new people and also catch up with some old faces. For instance, I finally met Constantin Basturea in person and saw Steve Rubel for the first time in many months. Speaking of those two, they were on a lively panel discussing the future of PR moderated by Richard Laermer.
(Photo of me here taken by David Parmet with his Nikon D80. Check out more of his photos from the event on Flickr.)
Chip,
Excuse me but it’s not “PR Pros Enthusiastic about Social Media.” It’s lightweight geeks who are constantly talking to themselves about the toys they play with and how much they wish Corporate America would believe they add value. Same faces; same tired story.
Embarrassing.
– Amanda
PS So was that Parmet’s MWW-Nikon bribe camera?
I don’t care Enthusiaste of pr pros
i think they should do more real instead of just saying
Thanks for stopping by, Amanda. Such a pleasure to hear from you!
I am not one to argue that social media is the be-all, end-all. It is but one tool in the communications arsenal. A powerful tool, perhaps, but it will not replace traditional media, as I have said repeatedly on this blog and elsewhere.
Similarly, the folks at the conference were neither lightweights nor unduly awed by the web. They were middle of the road PR people who see value in the medium, but not at the expense of all else.
As for Parmet’s camera, he has been quite open about the fact that he is participating in Nikon’s program. Last time I checked the parties in a bribery scheme weren’t likely to publicize their arrangement, so I can only conclude it is not bribery.
Finally, Amanda, let me just say that I’m glad you find enough value in social media to have your own blog and comment so extensively on others’ blogs.
Chip,
I’m happy to hear that you won’t argue “that social media is the be-all, end-all.”
As far as “the folks at the conference were neither lightweights nor unduly awed by the web”… your article here references a few of PR 2.0 most vocal zealots. And excuse me… they are anything but heavyweights.
With regard to Parmet… the Nikon campaign is payola and unethical by definition. I’ve written about it extensively. If he were a pro he’d know that and know better.
Lastly, I am the antithesis of SM PR. You know that.
Sincerely,
– Amanda
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