One of the criticisms that arise from journalists about public relations professionals is the fact that we try to “spin” our stories and send them thousands of pitches to them to get their clients in the news. Today, public relations professionals not only communicate with traditional media outlets, but new media as well such as web sites and bloggers. However, it seems that some bloggers are now putting some public relations firms on their “black lists” and blocking their pitches.
The thing that is interesting about this situation is the fact that there are those that are upset about being on this list, but then there are others that really don’t care, and feel that public relations professionals need to establish a “personal rapport” with bloggers. I think that both sides have a reason to address this issue. For those that do not want to be on the black list, they have to figure out how to get off the list. This may be just communicating informally with the bloggers and get to know them– without creating the pressure to sell a PR event or a product that your client has launched.
On the other side, people that do not care if they are on the black list do have a point in making sure that PR professionals need to establish a professional relationship with bloggers. If these individuals take the time to get to know the blogger, what they write about, and what they are interested in– it will help down the road. It may take longer than writing a mass email, but it is worth it in the long term. Bloggers want to feel appreciated, respected, and credible– and by taking the time and effort to do this– they will be more responsive to public relations professionals. It is important to address and customize the emails and pitches specifically to the blogger and their blog– this is just professional practice.
These are just a few of my thoughts on the subject. Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen 🙂
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