A discussion of PR ethics

Let’s talk ethics. Why? Because in today’s world, we need to keep this conversation alive as much as possible. And because considering ethics is like exercising a muscle – if you don’t do it every so often, your ability atrophies.

New media users follow an average of only 5 companies online: New Cone research

New media adoption is soaring, thanks to older Americans and minorities increasingly moving online, but the competition among companies looking for loyal followers just got tougher.

Out with the old, in with the controversial

Everybody needs a little makeover now and then, but however good the intention, sometimes things just don’t work out for the better. This week, after more than 20 years of standing behind an iconic, all-caps standard, Gap Inc. launched a new Helvetica logo that has drawn the ire of many, especially those with easy access to social media. Blogs and twitter feeds lit up with caustic reactions and relatively little support.

Twitter steps it up with new site design

“We’ve learned something since starting Twitter – life doesn’t

always fit into 140 characters or less.”

A challenge to all PR pros

Confidence in traditional media in the U.S. is down, if the results of a recent Gallup poll are to be believed. Americans continue to express near record-low confidence in newspapers and television news – with no more than 25 percent of Americans saying they have a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in either.

Stayin’ alive

How can a brand stay alive, remain relevant and engage with its consumers? Those are the key questions for any mature brand. Not to be a “Debbie downer,” but 24/7 Wall St. regularly compiles a report of brands that are likely to disappear in the near future.

Old school or new when it comes to paid media?

When brands look to enhance and extend the reach of their messages, they often turn to paid media tools. Whether for a product launch, company news, an event or a new campaign, audio news releases, radio or satellite media tours and b-roll distribution help PR professionals reach key target audiences.

What does the Facebook Open Graph mean to marketers?

Recent changes to Facebook announced at the Facebook developers’ conference have been hot topics in new media marketing and pop culture.

Stop and think about going mobile

It’s not exactly breaking news, we know. But just in case you haven’t considered integrating mobile into your communications strategies, here’s some recent facts and figures that might make you stop and think.

Surviving a PR disaster is a preparedness plan away

Toyotas and aspirin and lettuce! Oh my! These days, everywhere you look something else is being recalled. What is a company in crisis to do?