Valentines comments:

http://christina890.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/valentines-day/#comment-13

http://rachelleafloyd.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/valentines-day-dont-be-that-couple/#comment-122

St. Valentine!

Valentine’s Day always brings a battle on social media websites.  Singles bash the holiday while all couples are posting pictures on face book of their new “bling” or beautiful flowers.  Amongst the battle I think most people forget that Valentine’s Day should be seen as an opportunity to tell those you care about that you love them and are happy they are a part of your life.  This is easily forgotten due to the fact that it is a “hallmark holiday.”  I think it is important to understand why we celebrate Valentines Day.  It is not meant to be a holiday where there are thousands spent and unnecessary measures for guys to do better than their girlfriends ex.  But, I unfortunately fall under the “I forget what Valentines Day is al about” group and loved a coach purse I got a few years ago. I usually love my presents but if I did not like a present I got I probably would not tell the gift giver that.  I think that most people put a lot of work into what they give for Valentines Day.

From a public relations point of view I would create a business that focused on these three items: chocolate, flowers, and cards. As far as these items I believe it would be important to have quality items for cheaper than the competitors.  Most people that buy these three items are in high school or college and cannot afford expensive gifts.  I also believe it would be a good campaign to partner with a restaurant near by and give 10 percent of meals on Valentines night.  This would bring more business and traffic on social media websites for both businesses creating a symbolic relationship.

Comments this week:

http://bellag1.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/privacy-vs-profit/#comment-189

http://laurenjc.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/social-media-in-the-world-of-pr/#comment-134

Social media has created an entire different world for PR professionals. I believe it has changed the profession for the better because it has created an outlet for companies to reach their customers quickly and more personally.  Basically, the rise of social media has made media “gate keepers” obsolete.  People and companies are now in the driver’s seat of their reputation.  Social media sites allow professionals to handle crises, advertising, issues and reputation management on their own.  This gives the PR world more power.

I do believe that if companies are using social media without public relations experience it may backfire.  Many social media sites, including twitter, can be used very effectively to create “buzz” but if the user does not understand all the different facets of twitter it may be perceived negatively.  All social media outlets are different and are to be used in different ways to connect with consumers or customers.  This is why it is important to know how to use these social medias before using them as the “communicator” of a company.

Also it is important that someone who is skilled in social media practices to have good communication skills. This is because many social media outlets do not have a lot of space to write long “novels.”  Social media was created to give people condensed but important information in “real time.”  I also believe that the uses for social media will continue to change as technology and modes of communication change.  Although social media will continue to change it will always have a place for public relations practitioners.

Comments This Week

http://laurenjc.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/book-vs-movie/#comments

 

http://bellag1.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/book-vs-movie/#comment-184

I am an avid movie-goer.  I dream of going to Sundance and Cannes on a daily basis.  Suffice to say I am extremely jealous. But the topic this week is an important one….read the book or watch the movie first?

My initial answer is the book.  The screen play writers and directors creative depiction of the book are born from the original writing.  The author has taken the time to describe the characters physical features, the places, and most importantly the inner thoughts of a character allowing the reader to understand the character’s personality.  This is where the film is born.

Not to mention, Hollywood has the tendency to exaggerate and change scenes or endings to books.  Of course, seeing a movie and reading the book is two very different facets of entertainment.  Frames in a film are a split second and may need more scenes than the book can give, or more characters.  This is why I believe reading the book is important before seeing the movie.  Also, studios have literature readers to go out and find books to make into films.  This means out of all the novels in the world, the studio decided this was worth their time and energy (and money of course…).  Therefore, I think the film requires that you read the book to get a better understanding of why the film was made and how the book helped the director create the world of the book on film.

Although, I must say I have broken my cardinal rule (read book before film) many times over.  For example, I saw the new Twilight without finishing the book. Faux pas. I also horrendously saw the Help before reading the book.  It is one of those films that are amazing and engaging in the theater but you know the novel could never be fully depicted in film.

Comments week one

http://jordanmcd.wordpress.com/2012/01/26/my-bucket-list-3/#comment-66

http://bellag1.wordpress.com/2012/01/26/hope-my-time-doesnt-come-for-a-while/#comment-180