Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Some study areas for test 2

Know the difference between quantitative and qualitative research. What are examples of these research methods? Can you combine them, or use one to do the other? Know the basics of probability and non-probability sampling. Be able to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups.

Know the differences among these terms: goals, objectives, tactics.

Three tactics to reach objectives in the PR process are: news releases, which reach the news media and their audiences; video news releases, which are targeted to broadcasters; and the speech, which may be addressed to many types of real-time, specialized audiences. What do good news releases, VNRs, and speeches have in common? What are special methods for developing these in the best way for their respective audiences?

What about employee relations? When is it at its best?

Perception and reality; think about this again.

Why is there tension between the stances of being an advocate and being an objective representative? Think about this in terms of a recent example in the news—where can you see the advocate role and where can you see someone operating in the objective role?

What’s the benefit of strong ethics? What is corporate social responsibility? Be able to discuss utilitarian ethics and the Potter’s Box.

What are the structural parts of a print news release? How are print news releases different than those found online or sent as email? What do all news releases have in common (print, email, and VNRs)?

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Media kit instructions, again

Here’s the list of what you need to make the “kit.” You’ll have a one-page general news release about the conference. You’ll also need a one-page “biography sheet” or “backgrounder” that will have two paragraphs: a short bio about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a short bio of another speaker. The third page of the kit will be one of two things: a calendar of events at the conference, formatted differently from the WaterWays web site; or a one-page “Call to Action” sheet, which asks people to write letters to their city’s mayor about the importance of addressing water conservation on a community-wide basis. Due date: Wednesday, March 28 [note this is a different time than on your syllabus].

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

New due dates

Wednesday, March 28: Your media kit is due.

Monday, April 2: Test #2

Please record these new dates on your syllabus.

Top U.S. blogs

From "A corporate guide to the global blogosphere," Edelman (Oct. 2006):

www.engadget.com
www.boingboing.com
www.huffingtonpost.com
www.gizmodo.com
www.techcrunch.com
www.dailykos.com
www.lifehacker.com
www.crooksandliars.com
www.michellemalkin.com
www.tmz.com

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Details about Nupros, part of PRSA Dallas

March 15 is the next meeting of new professionals, or Nupros, part of PRSA Dallas. See the link for more information:

http://www.prsadallas.org/nupros.html

Also, PRSA Dallas will be sponsoring a shadowing day for students--more details to be given when available.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Quality of stakeholder research leads to success or failure

Links to two Dallas Morning News stories about stakeholders, constituencies, and TXU's lack of community relations:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/030407dnmetinterestgroups.3b5a77a.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/030407dnbustxu.3b59709.html