Face-off: Blogs vs. Press Releases
This project in my style & design class as part of curriculum for a degree in PR has been my first exposure to blogging. While I see its importance and use for networking, information, and communication, I have noticed a big debate as to whether or not blogs will replace press releases.
Technology is taking over every aspect of businesses including public relations. Communication is easier now that you can sit in front of a computer and talk to someone thousands of miles away while seeing them face to face. E-mail has made it possible to send information in the matter of seconds and every day new technology advancements are coming about. While I believe that blogging is making a huge impact in the world of public relations, I do not yet know if press releases are completely dead. How am I to know for sure as I am merely a PR student?
Professionals have voiced their opinions on this subject and have a wide range of ideas as to what the future of press releases will be. Tom Murphy, of PR Opinions, believes “press releases are the essential record of a company’s performance and history….why in God’s name would the blog replace the press release?” Andy Lark, of Andy Lark’s Blog says, “Press releases are not dead….Blogs aren’t the reason to kill 50% of your press releases – the reason to kill them is that about 50% aren’t news. “
Although many people think differently. Steve Rubel , of Micro Persuasion, says straight up that blogs are the new press releases. Amy Gahran, of Contentious, says that she has never liked press releases. “They’ve always felt slimy and fake to me. I’ve always thought there had to be a better way to convey that information, to make those kinds of connections.”
I believe that blogs and press releases should live together in harmony. Blogging gives the opportunity to have two-way communication. A release can be posted and professionals and people on the web can give their opinion and added information about the subject at hand. Blogs allow people to not only state the news, but add their own input while allowing others to express their thoughts as well. Most of the time press releases do not give the public or other professionals a chance to respond. Blogs also don’t just allow for response, but it is immediate response.
Although, I still think there is a need for press releases. As much as I have hated writing press releases over and over for different classes during my time here at Auburn, I think it is the best way to get news out to everyone. I think that the press release and now the blog are both important and they can be taken full advantage of when used together.
As Murphy said, “Blogs are a tool…Press Releases are a tool….All PR practitioners understand that the most effective campaigns use the appropriate tools, in the appropriate manner to reach, educate and inform a specific audience.” Instead of debating which one is better, I believe we should be thinking of ways to make them work more efficiently together!
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