http://laurenjc.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/semester-reflection/#comment-110 - First off I’d like to say congratulations on the upcoming birthday seeing as you’ve been talking about it since January lol. Additionally, you’re welcome… I’m glad I could steer you clear from taking that media law class!

http://noelecrooks.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/see-ya-later-spring-2011/#comment-72 - I feel the need to comment on something that caught my eye… you like your roomates! Many people, mainly girls for that matter, tend to not like their roomates, (haha)… I’m happy for you.

Brian Solis, principal at Altimeter Group, defines a social media news release as a way to provide readers with the ability to distribute information and multimedia and bookmark and share content. They also serve a purpose by providing users of new media in one package, containing all the information they need to write a story however they please. The new era of social media has attracted a significant amount of individuals and receiving information this way is not only quick, but it is also sufficient. Organizations, businesses and whoever else for that matter can spread the word about certain events or products within the hour. In addition to distributing their information, there may also be videos, photographs and/or audio attached. These releases can be posted on websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Digg and del.lcio.us.

Information above was based off of this website: Social Media News Release Info.

What are the advantages & disadvantages of a SMNR?

Advantages: 

1) Instant Release; Because social media news releases do not need to be printed or sent through journalists, they can be distributed as soon as they are completed.
2) Attachments; A smnr allows the creator to attach photographs, pictures and/or audio that are relevant to the release, which the viewers can then have to assist them while they read.
3) Multiple Outlets; Social media has grown tremendously in the last few years and there is a vast amount of people across the world that are connected to social networks online. For example, as stated in the definition, websites such as Facebook and Twitter are available for use. Disseminating a smnr through these websites wouldn’t take but a short amount of time and it will be available to the public. In addition to the public being able to view the information quickly, feedback can also be given back in a more timely manner.
4) Various Sources; The social media new release being online allows links to also be included with it. Links that may provide additional information or inform the audience even more than they are already aware of.

Disadvantages: 

1) Communication; The way social media works is a great deal different than the way a typical press release works. Information needs to be presented a certain way or the audience will pay it no mind.
2) Filters; A lot of information still gets overlooked online because the audience doesn’t always take time to search through everything to receive the best information.
3) Anonymity; There are a lot of anonymous sources online and some if not all information may be seen as false if the viewer(s) don’t trust the source.

This information is based off of the information found here: Advantages & Disadvantages of Social Media

When should a PR Practitioner consider using a SMNR?

A PR Practitioner should consider using a SMNR when they want to get information out instantly and sufficiently to a large audience. The good of a SMNR definitely outweigh the bad in multiple ways and unless it is written in a way the audience doesn’t understand, it should be beneficial. Additionally, not online does a company get the benefit of posting their news release on different websites, the majority of these sites are connected in one way or the other. For instance, some websites are now associated with Twitter and have buttons such as “Tweet This”, which will send a link to an individual’s Twitter profile and will allow others to view it.

Websites to assist you with creating a SMNR:

1) Pressitt: http://pressitt.com/
Pressitt is a really neat website to help assist you with creating a Social Media News Release and has had a wide range of companies use it already so it has some clout. A few companies include Google, Nokia, Intel and Sharp. Additionally, Pressitt is a free service.

2) Pitchengine: http://pitchengine.com/
Pitchengine is also a great website to use if needing to create a Social Media News Release. In comparison to Pressitt, there have also been a significant amount of companies to use this website, but the main difference is Pitchengine is not a free service.

An example SMNR & a SMNR created by me:

Applebee’s Vetaran’s Day SMNR – Although this SMNR is two years old, I found it to be sufficient for Applebee’s because it explains how Local Military were invited to eat free on Veterans Day. It contains information about the special event and shows what will be available for those attending.

EE’s Coffee House Series SMNR (Created By Khrys Dent) – My SMNR informs the audience about the “Coffee House Series” presented by a student run organization on Georgia Southern’s campus called “Eagle Entertainment”. It encourages people to come out and attend, whether they are simply watching or if they wish to participate. The time for the event is provided and information on how to sign up is also provided.

Tips for creating an SMNR:

1) Headlines should not be longer than 80 characters and should have keywords in relation to the major theme of the release.
2) Add hyperlinks to your website because they will attract more viewers.
3) Allow your content to be circulated to social media websites such as Digg and del.lcio.us.
4) Add photographs, videos and audio to release so that it is more pleasing to the eye and brings more interest.
5) Create a SMNR with a purpose, not just to attempt to receive attention. Write a SMNR for a new and innovative product or event, it’ll better your promotion.
6) Use keywords that relate to your SMNR, this way when viewers use search engines, they’ll be directed to it.

Information above is based off of information by Dennis L. Wilcox in his textbook, “Public Relations Writing And Medi Techniques”.

If I could change anything, I probably would change… well, I don’t think there is much I would change. I had to take these classes because they are required, but if I could, I would most definitely have dropped them. My personal endeavors and so forth throughout the semester came and went, there’s not much to say about them so I’m sure I wouldn’t change those.

As for things I have learned… this course has informed me a lot about Public Relations in general, a lot more than all of my other courses and all of this information is valuable to me. I will keep everything I can to help me in the future and I have also learned that trying to balance school and music will continue to become more hectic until I graduate. However, I will continue to find a way to do so… I’d just rather keep my GPA above a 3.5 at the same time.

http://symonesullivan.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/my-bucket-list/#comment-35 - You put your bucket list in actual list form (lol), nice. But, I wouldn’t expect it any other way… you’re quite organized.

http://kp01270.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/my-bucket-list/#comment-52 - I didn’t know you had a cosmetology license, that’s cool. I’m sure you’ll do great things with whatever you decide to do.

As far as being remembered… I just want to be remembered in a way that is respectable and somehow beneficial to others. It’s nice to be successful, but if my success can’t encourage or help others then I don’t feel like I’ve completed my task. Even if I only make a difference in the lives of a small group, at least someone had something good to say about me.

http://kmdale.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/texting-while-walking/#comment-51 - You’re absolutely right in saying that texting while walking can also be dangerous… people generally don’t think about it like they should. I also think that the way you chose to alert people is also interesting… I guess no one will be walking by me while I’m texting.

&

http://laurenjc.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/no-texting-while-walking/#comment-92 - Just your first paragraph made me laugh because I’ve witnessed it (lol). I like the comparison you made with pushing a cart… I never thought about it like that, kudos.

However, I do not walk into people while I’m texting and walking… I find that to be very rude. I’m not a fan of coming in close contact with people I’m not familiar with, so bumping into someone unexpectedly is not bound to happen anytime soon. The majority of people that do this tend to not pay attention to where they are walking, if I must say so myself. I figure if you are going to text and walk you need to set your mind to concentrate on the most important of the two. If you’re reading this and having a hard time figuring out which one I am talking about… I’m talking about texting… (lol) no, truthfully… “WALKING” is more important. People get hit by cars, run into things that aren’t moving and trip over sidewalks. Although it is hilarious to me to see someone walk into a pole, it might not be humorous to them.

My advice to people who struggle with this… put your phones away until you reach your destination, it’s not worth a bruised body part. If it were possible, I’d alert the public about this issue by creating a commercial with the idea of “That Guy” and “That Girl”. The commercials would basically give real instances where people are texting and walking and causing some sort of problem within their environment and a statement would come up like, “Don’t Be That Guy!” I’m actually considering making that a video (lol) & now my blog post is complete.

I generally use Twitter for my music, as far as promoting different projects that I am working on or that I have taken part of. I have followers ranging from friends to people that follow me from my YouTube Channel. However, for this past week I changed the way I was using Twitter to suit this assignment and surprisingly it wasn’t that bad. I honestly felt as if I would lose followers, but I generally speak sensibly on my Twitter account anyway so it wasn’t really any different.

I plan to continue using my Twitter account because I find it useful in regards to keeping in touch with people that I know and it also helps me network. In regards to this assignment, I believe I followed the instructions… even if I missed a few things, I got to utilize my account in a new light. Hopefully I can continue to use Twitter and it benefits me in the future.

http://laurenjc.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/trust-advice/#comment-88 - Taking my own advice is definitely something I don’t do myself (lol), so I can definitely relate. It’s nice that you can ask your sister for advice when you need it though, maybe my sister can give me advice one day… she’s only 14 yrs. old now (haha).

http://symonesullivan.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/the-best-advice/#comment-25 - That is wonderful advice, I love when people tell me that (lol). It’s something that you can believe in and not just feel like you’re being told that just so you have an answer. It’s honest and trustworthy, great post.

Relax with one of these… lol:

Photograph By: Noele Crooks