sarahmargegan

Valentines comments:

sarahmargegan — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:24:53 +0000

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!

sarahmargegan — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:15:06 +0000

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:

sarahmargegan — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:50:37 +0000

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

PR practitioners and social media

sarahmargegan — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:45:31 +0000

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

sarahmargegan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:57:37 +0000

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

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

First: the book or the movie?

sarahmargegan — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:09:46 +0000

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

sarahmargegan — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:32:31 +0000

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

My Bucket List

sarahmargegan — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:12:54 +0000

I have always been afraid of having a bucket list. I always felt that if I was making a bucket list I was growing up too fast. Even worse, I would be extremely old recounting all the things I never did that I wanted to do. Although, now that I graduate in May making a bucket list for the whole world to see seems appropriate, almost a necessity.

Listing all the things I want to do/ accomplish seems like a great exercise. So here goes…

1) Travel to France with my dad- my dad is in love with the culture and the language.

2)Work in film/television entertainment- This is my dream come true- I might as well make it a reality

3) Move to California- even if only for a few months

4) Live in a city abroad for at least 3 months

5) Produce a film on my own (financially and creatively)- present it at Sun Dance

6) Go on a music tour- see different cities, meet new people

6) Join the Peace Corps- I hope I am selfless enough one day to check this off my bucket list

7) Go to the Golden Globes or the Oscars (maybe I planned it ?)

8) Be in two (cool) places at once

9) Invent something

10) Learn to ski (go sking)

11) Be fluent in another language

This list is a series of things I have always wanted to do for myself. The bucket list is an important list to make and consider especially at our age. If we figure out what we want now nothing can stop us.

The Jingle Bell Run/ Walk

sarahmargegan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:07:46 +0000

As my organization focuses on juvenile arthritis and arthritis research there are few times I hear personal stories about children suffering from arthritis day in and day out. I came across an article written about a boy named Joseph Verrekia, a first grader in Pennsylvania. His parents found out about the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Joseph Verrekia then decided to come to school with information about arthritis to try and persuade his classmates to join his walking tea, for Jingle Bell. His family and friends have helped him raise almost $6,000 this holiday season.

This six-year-old boy has a mature grasp on his disease for being so young. He raves about wanting to raise money so he can help people just like him. This Jingle Bell event alone will raise almost $300,000 just this year. This is an inspirational story that would help my organization become passionate about raising money and awareness for juvenile arthritis and arthritis research.

My organization could learn tips about better public relations and marketing strategies for non-profits by following many of the steps the event planners for the Jingle Bell pioneered. There are going to be many media outlets at the event to help Verrekia’s cause and other children facing the same difficulties every day. The Jingle Bell Run/Walk should be used by my organization as a training ground for next year’s philanthropic events.

Hazing: Still a Truth

sarahmargegan — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:00:03 +0000

One of the top reasons parents do not want their teenagers joining the Greek system at respective colleges is because of hazing. In 2011, I wish hazing was not an issue but sadly it is. Hazing occurs on college campuses around the United States. The worst part about hazing is it is difficult to catch.

A New York Times articles states that 55 percent of college students admit to being hazed by their organizations but 95 percent do not speak of the events that took place.

These statistics are especially severe because most hazing activities involve some type of alcohol or drug. There are 2,000 alcohol-related deaths due to alcohol consumption among United States College students each year.

The president of Cornell University, David J. Skorton asks for American University’s “to face the facts” about hazing on campuses and begin to make programs to stop Hazing.

Most campuses today have a no- hazing tolerance but this does not seem to stop many college students that still engage in these activities.

I believe to stop hazing on campuses students must feel safe to talk to faculty and staff about the instances. The fear of being ostracized is what keeps students quiet. I believe that colleges need to create an anonymous hotline to give campus police a tip. Hazing is something that can be non-existent students need to feel they can open the doors of communication.

This posts inspiration and statistics came from a New York Times article by Cornell University President David J. Skorton