Archive for March, 2008
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Robert French of Auburn University and InfOpinions? launched PROpenMic.org, a social network (on the Ning platform) for PR students and faculty. However, several PRos have joined the mix, too. The network just launched today and already has 58 members. Very exciting! Some interesting stuff so far: Using Twitter to find internships and job leads. Videos from students at Georgia and Auburn. Why not join the conversations! You are welcome.... Permalink
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In February of this year, Kami Huyse of My PR Pro and her blog Communication Overtones spent an hour with my Advanced PR Writing class and talked about her social media work with Sea World San Antonio and the amazing results of her efforts. Shel Israel interviews Kami and the park’s director of communication about this effort (and rides the ride!). A great video with some outstanding measurement advice and ideas for social media outreach.... Permalink
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I think this is a great idea! A presentation, uploaded to Slideshare, gives you the opportunity to share who you are with potential employers. I have an online resume, but I’m very tempted to try something like this – just for fun. If I do, I’ll share it with you. Exhibit A: J Ben SykesBen works in Web design and does interactive stuff, so this resume suits that to a T. Gorgeous design. I love it (he has a military background, too… so it helps to tell his story.) | View | Upload your own Exhibit B: Hypothetical. The storyline is a little sappy and veers a little too personal for my taste, but I think the design is nice and this definitely has potential. | View | Upload your own Exhibit C: Cameron Ungar. Cameron’s is a great example. The red text on blue background is hard to read,... Continue Reading
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The fog in Oregon can be debilitating. It frequently grounds planes at our local airport and has a palpable thickness that makes you want to curl up with a good book by the fireplace. Winter term felt much like a thick blanket of fog. Sometimes, a term is just like that. I think it was a combination of my dad’s health crisis and growing sense that one way or another, I have to reduce the work load in my life. It finally feels like it’s lifting. I’m started to get excited about the upcoming term, which will be full of new challenges (my favorite kind!). It’s also likely to be my last term teaching full-time. So I’m determined to enjoy it. I’m doing a little spring cleaning of my desk and closets, working out more and focusing on my family. I can see the sun breaking through! What do you... Continue Reading
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With Web 2.0, it seems you only have to ask and you shall receive. There’s a service for everything! At Gramlee, you can buy “words” and have professional grammar editors check your work. For a high-profile or high-stakes piece, I can see how it might be worth a try. The Gramlee grammar blog is here. Of course Grammar Girl is the queen of grammar tips. With her weekly podcast, you can brush up and be entertained. And this week’s episode is on which vs. that. This is a very very common error in papers I grade… maybe you should listen to it. hint. hint. The point, of course, is that resources abound and if you’re having trouble, take advantage of them! I frequently check my AP style via the Web when my styleguide isn’t handy. Want to make fun of others – I mean, learn from others’ mistakes? Here are... Continue Reading
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This is the first term we’ve created e-portfolios for Advanced PR Writing. I think with a few revisions, this will be a great way for students to present their final work. But overall, the students did a great job. These are the best of the bunch: Patrick BoyeEileen ChangLisa PoplawskiEmily Tormey © Ann Cutting/Corbis... Permalink
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This is the final day of finals week of Winter term 2008. The last few days I’ve been out of town helping at my parents’ house in Henderson, Nev. following my dad’s 5-way heart bypass surgery. No an ideal place to be trying to finish grading for 60+ students, but you do what you have to do. I want to offer a few tips for preserving your sanity (students) and not making your instructors cranky as you wrap up your term. 1. Follow Directions: Each assignment sheet provides instructions on how to succeed; formatting requirements, length,etc. Just follow the directions – knowing is half the battle. 2. Try the Technology: In some classes, you’re trying new technology (GarageBand, Audacity, SlideShare, etc.). Try it out immediately, so you can make adjustments well before the deadline. 3. Test the Technology: Once you’ve created a file (particularly an audio file), test it. Make... Continue Reading
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I’ve noticed a trend. Students who are heavily involved in activities will be quick to let you know… in their email signature block. Like most (all!) of what we write in public relations, your email signature line should be appropriate to your target audience. The advice on email signature lines will vary dramatically (just do a search). But here are a few tips for students and young PRos to make the most of this tiny piece of real estate: 1) Keep it simple: Less is more! Include the info your recipient needs – name, basic contact info – and avoid information overload. 2) Create more than one signature block: Your email signature block should not substitute as a resume. If you’re an intern, an account manager at the student-run PR firm, serve on the PRSSA executive board and participate in your sorority or fraternity, that’s all wonderful. However, each of... Continue Reading
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Spring term (start date: March 31), I’m teaching the capstone PR course, PR Campaigns at our Senior Experience program in Portland. I’m looking forward to it… mostly. Normally, I work with nonprofit organizations based local to our Eugene campus at the University of Oregon, in lovely Lane County. The nonprofits vary in what they need from the basics of a PR program, to fundraising and donor communication to internal communication. And the students usually do a stellar job. Next term, the class client will be the PR major itself because we’re hoping to host a strategic conference either this fall or next spring that connects professional with academics (and vice versa). So the whole course will be around event management. I gotta tell you, I’m logistically challenged… The best lesson I’ve learned from event management experience is to schedule a massage the day after a big event. Thanks, Marilyn! I’ve... Continue Reading
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Howcast is a video sharing site (think: YouTube), with tons of how-to videos. Everything from how to make green beer (very timely) tohow to handle the terrible twos (also very timely! ugh.) to how to wake up early when you absolutely have to. This one is on how to write a cover letter – basic, but a good place to start:... Permalink
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