Tech Giants Let NSA Collect User Data

In a world where technology is king and data leak scandals are prevalent, we never truly know who could potentially collect our user data. We blindly put our trust into technology companies, whose privacy policies that we never actually read, without skipping a beat. 

That is why it should be no surprise that tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Apple and Yahoo knew of the existence of the Internet surveillance program PRISM.  According to the NSA's top lawyer, quoted in a recent Mashable article, these companies complied with the government order however they just didn't know it was called that. This revelation comes after months of repeated — and very similar —denials by the tech companies.

As it turned out, the NSA can't just press a button and read a target's emails. The NSA has to get a Section 702 order (which refers to the part of the law which serves as its legal basis) and then the companies comply with it, delivering the data in different ways.

To put this is a PR perspective, it’s a disturbing thought that something you post for a client on Facebook or something you search for on Google while at work could cause three SUVs to materialize in your front yard while six plainclothes police officers fan out to case the joint and ask you a few questions. Sensitive client information should only be used while in private web browsing mode. 

What is your opinion on this recent government scandal? We want to know!

Free Tools to Create an Infographic

Long gone are the days of having to be a professional designer to create or design something visual. With the advancement of technology there are various free tools and methods to assist non professionals on creating something brilliant. Nowadays, people tend to gravitate more towards visuals rather than written items or articles. With that being said, infographics are a great foundation for anyone who is seeking to create visuals. 

Wondering how to create an infographic? Below are three free tools you can use to accomplish your goal:

1. Infogr.am- This website is free! Its the perfect platform for assistance when it comes to creating an infographic. Its easy and self explanatory and one major feature this website holds is you having the ability to make more than 3 different types of charts. Infogr.am also allows you to download files in PNG or PDF format. 

2. InfoActive- This website describes itself as Simple, Responsive and Interactive. InfoActive allows you to turn your data into an interactive story. InfoActive allows you to share your stories directly to your blog or any social network. 

3. Visualize-  This website allows you to visualize your resume in one click. You can connect through your linkedIn and make your resume more interactive. 

Tap in to your creativity and try creating an Infographic for one of your upcoming projects. Times are definitely changing and we are forced to stand out of the crowd so challenge yourself and create something memorable. 

Brand Frenzy

Over the weekend Apple released their two new products, the iPhone 5C and 5S, in stores. Once again, there was a huge frenzy around the release. People lined up in droves just to be one of the first to own the coveted devices. While technology editors and reviewers don't seem to be as dazzled, that didn't stop the crowds from pouring in and giving Apple a record-breaking product launch.


If the product hasn't evolved at the rate that tech editors had hoped, what keeps the lines spilling out the doors? My guess is brand frenzy.

I say brand frenzy as opposed to brand loyalty because that is what it has turned into. The products may not have evolved as much, but consumer loyalty to them has. Customers are glued to their computers to catch the newest innovations announced at the keynote address in one window and to sell their now outdated device in another. Others are already camped outside their local Apple store to snag the freshest product.

Apple has done an incredible job over the years marketing themselves as the cool, popular kid of Silicone Valley. For a long time now, people have stopped buying Apple because they are so revolutionary. Rather, they buy Apple because they are so cool.

In terms of smartphones, many companies have caught up with Apple technology wise. There may no longer be a race to see which brand can compete with them, but Apple is still in heavy competition with itself. Most of the excitement swirling around the Apple keynote address is simply to see whether or not they have outdone themselves like in years past. While the tech editors may not be as swept away as they used to, Apple still seems to have the consumers in the palm of their hand.

Is there a brand that you have become loyal to? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Samsung Introduces The Galaxy Gear Smart Watch

The new Galaxy Gear Smart Watch is finally here! At the IFA tech conference in Berlin, Samsung's co- CEO, J.K Shin revealed  the smartwatch and announced that the smartwatches will be shipped to 140 countries in September. This gear currently only links up with Samsung smartphones; the smartwatch basically  notifies the user on different activities that occurs on their smart phone. Apps are available on this gear and Samsung stressed that this gear is not a replacement of a smartphone but rather an addition and companion to your smartphone. Click here to view the video on this device. 

"Everything Is Amazing, But Nobody Is Happy"

In my first class of Intro to Media Technology, I received somewhat  a "wake up call." Our professor enlightened the class to a video discussing somethings that this generation currently takes for granted. To be more specific, it was technology. This generation is truly blessed to receive such a convenience yet people continue to complain and are never satisfied. I honestly think, with technology and this digital age society's patience went straight out the door. We are so accustomed to getting through to to the internet in a split second that if the internet is to move slow or completely shut off people get irritated instantly.  The internet in itself is a huge benefit to most of us. So maybe we should count our blessings instead of complaining over a small hiccup that happens rarely.

If you will like to listen to the speaker's view on this issue click here to view the video. Also, feel free to comment and share your views.

Productivity? There's an App for That!

This generation has been fortunate to experience all the existing technology and its perks. Many people now own smartphones, tablets and laptops and the apps created for these devices provide various resources to compliment this diverse society. 

Productivity is wanted by majority of persons in this fast paced world. A common goal in society is to be effective and efficient, but quickly. So, the days of writing on paper and having face to face conversations are slowly dissolving and society is adapting to technology offerings. 

Technology definitely paved a path for people who are always on the go. Some devices have apps to assist such people. 

Wondering how to use your device for productivity? Below are three apps used for productivity:

Evernote: This free service is among the most popular apps and it allows you to document everything.This app collects and organizes notes, photos and web pages. It allows you to record voice notes and organize your notes color coded. Who doesn't love color coded notes?

GoToMeeting: This app allows you to host webinars, online training and digital meetings all on your smartphone or device. GoToMeeting can hold up to 25 attendees and if you have a webcam or camera you can even facetime.

LogMeIn: This app is a software that provides remote access to your main computer. You can control your computer from a smartphone or tablet. With this app, you can forever be productive even when you are on the go. 

What other apps do you use for productivity? We will love to know!

Brand Integrity: Tumblr + Yahoo!

My personal Tumblr feed went crazy over the weekend when rumors of Yahoo! Buying the popular micro blogging site first hit the web. Monday morning, Tumblr user’s worst fears were realized and the buy became official; Yahoo! Is now the new owner of Tumblr. The deal is expected to close towards the end of 2013, and David Carp the current Tumblr CEO will maintain his position.

Tumblr users were outraged, some even threatening to delete their blogs and leave Tumblr for good. Tumblr, because it is such a small and personal blogging community, is known for being a haven for creatives. The liberal use of movie and television clips to make GIFS and the posting of explicit images are definitely a few of Tumblr's trademarks that many fear will disappear under Yahoo!’s supervision. Many Tumblr users fear that, their favorite blogging site will never be the same again.

Do users have the right to feel this way? Absolutely! Time and time again we have watched larger, more lucrative brands come in and completely makeover a smaller brand. When the focus becomes less on maintaining the integrity of the brand and more on dollar signs and advertising gains, it is easy for a once popular brand to become unrecognizable to previous users. Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer has promised “not to screw it up” when it comes to the acquisition, and says that Yahoo! plans to grow and brand Tumblr separately of itself. While this hasn't been Yahoo!’s way of doing things in the past, it seems like Mayer has learned from past mistakes, and that Tumblr won’t be turing purple anytime soon.

Do you have a Tumblr blog; will the Yahoo! acquisiton impact you at all? Do you think Yahoo! will maintain the integrity of Tumblr’s brand? Share your thoughts!

Introducing, Google Glass

Google seems to have struck gold again gold again with it's newest project: Google Glass. Glass is definitely Google to the next level. It offers it's users a virtual experience unlike any other by having a voice controlled computer resting on their faces as eye glasses. Yes, Google has taken the futuristic virtual experience often depicted in movies and brought it to public.

Here's a demo of how Glass works:

While this may just seem like another tech advantage that has nothing to do with PR, PR Daily pointed out that this advancement can impact out industry. PR and media professionals are notorious for being on the go. The wearability and functionality of Google Glass may change the way PR people and media outlets communicate with one another. Email piches could quickly become video pitches while waiting in line at Starbucks or on the set of a morning show. There could also be a boost in Google+, Google's social networking site, which would present new challenges for social media managers.

In the coming months, it will be exciting to see how or if Glass takes off. Reports say that Google hopes to sell the product for under $1,500 or around the cost of a smartphone. Price point will definitely play a huge role in the popularity of Glass.

Have you heard of Google Glass? Would you purchase it when it does hit markets? Let us know!

Smartphone Anonymous

You fall asleep to it every night, and you wake up to it every morning. You obsessively check on it through out the night, and sometimes it even wakes you up. No, it's not your significant other or your child - it's your smartphone. A New York Times article written by Tanya Mohn, "Silencing the Smartphone" discusses how companies are making resolutions to wean their employees off their smartphones by adopting in office policies.

More and more companies are adopting these technology policies in order to keep employees alert, refreshed and balanced. A nationwide survey of 2,254 adults found that 44 percent of cellphone owners had slept with their phone next to their bed and that 67 percent had experienced “phantom rings,” checking their phone even when it was not ringing or vibrating. Contrary to popular belief, these habits actually undermine productivity. In order to combat this vicious cycle, the Chief Executive of Empower Public Relations in Chicago, Sam Chapman, has enforced what he calls a, "BlackBerry blackout policy". From 6 p.m. until 6 a.m., both Chapman and his employees turn off their smartphones. Chapman stated that the policy has increased company productivity and morale.

Still, one of the best pieces of advice I took from the article was from a founder of a startup company who said, “Just because you can e-mail at 2 a.m., doesn’t mean it’s a good thing". I'm not recommending we all go cold turkey but we can probably all agree we should put down the phone every once and awhile.

My name is Cori and I'm addicted to my smartphone, are you?

Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About

As we are all aware, communication is one of the main aspects of public relations. As the technology age continues to grow, our interpersonal communication skills start to diminish. Interpersonal relations, which are the communication skills or relationships between people, are key in the public relations industry. Relationships are built off of the communication exchanges people have. 

Because of the new dependence on technology, people see less reason to have direction conversations with each other. Meetings, conferences and just day-to-day discussion can take place through email, which makes talking to someone directly on the phone less important. Emailing can be seen as a haven for those who fear direct conversations; responses are delayed, which give people an opportunity to ponder their response rather than being put on the spot for an immediate answer. 

Technology is a fairly recent phenomenon and people have certainly jumped on the bandwagon. The appeal comes from the convenience factor. People can juggle a million other things while sending emails, participating in teleconferences, or even sending a text message.  

The reliance on text messaging also greatly affects the communication skills that are so important. Text messaging allows people to be informal in their conversations, which becomes a habit that translates into everyday life. Text messages require little to no grammar and abbreviations of words; these habits cannot be reflected into our professional life. Thinking before writing and not incorporating social text with professional writing will result in the best respect.  

It’s important to remember that when dealing with clients and professional workers, keeping your writing professional will serve you well. People want to see you as a credible professional and the first start is through your writing. Although technology is an instrumental part of our everyday lives, we must use it rather than abuse it and not rely solely on its powers for our ways of communication. 

Museums Receive a Social Media Makeover

I have a confession to make: I am a museum geek. Ever since I visited the Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C. for my third grade field trip, I've been hooked. Yesterday, I took a day trip to D.C., a museum-lover's paradise, and hit up a few of the free Smithsonian buildings. During my trip, I noticed a drastic shift in the way museums have started to embrace the use of technology and social media in their exhibits. It used to be you'd get your hand smacked for snapping a picture in a museum (sorry National Archives...I didn't realize twitpic-ing the Emancipation Proclamation wasn't allowed). Nowadays, many museums are adapting to the shift in society and embracing the technology and social media frontiers.

Yesterday I made a visit to the National Air and Space Museum. When walking through the exhibits, I noticed many visitors had their cellphones glued to their ears and I thought to myself - how rude...take your phone calls outside. It took me a few seconds to realize, nobody was talking on their phones - only listening. I walked up to a crowded artifact and on the plaque it provided a number for visitors to call and listen to a renowned astronomer give more information about the medieval telescope. It used to be one would have to pay a decent dollar to receive a private tour from an expert or a scholar, however the National Air and Space Museum has provided every visitor with a cellphone that same opportunity - for free.

The Natural History Museum has also provided guests with some fun new ways to be more interactive with the exhibits. QR-Codes were made present at a few of the exhibits, allowing guests to turn what was once stagnant and stationary into something fun, interactive and exciting. While looking at the caveman exhibit, I was able to follow a QR code to an App where a user could snap their picture and see what they would have looked like as a caveman or cavewoman. While I may not have been happy my Stone Age makeover - I thought it was a fantastic way to get guests more involved with the exhibit.

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has also done a fantastic job getting their visitors more engaged and interactive with their exhibits. When touring the Cleopatra exhibit with my grandparents, several signs and plaques were placed throughout, providing guests with suggestions to snap a picture and upload it to their social media sites. Twitter handles and hashtags were also provided on the signs, making it easier for the pictures and content to be shared and searched by others. Guests were also encouraged to tweet and post about their favorite parts of the exhibit - providing the Franklin with a slew of easily shareable third-party endorsements.

I believe this shift in museums' embrace of technology and social media is beneficial for both parties involved. Visitors are now able to enjoy a much more interactive and educational experience and can share their thoughts with their followers and friends. For museums, this is great news because many guests base their decision to visit on other visitors' reviews and comments. While this may leave some room for negativity as there always is with social media, the overwhelming majority of comments and reviews are positive and can get other guests excited about visiting a new exhibit.

What are your thoughts on museums and their new embrace of social media and technology in their exhibits? Let us know!

Make Work Come to You

Recently, the need to meet face-to-face with clients has been diminishing. With businesses outsourcing left and right, it's hard to keep up with everyone, which is what brought on the need for web conferencing. No more having to fly cross country, no more lengthy business trips away from your family, and no more spending money on overpriced airport food. The majority of the time, all you need is a computer, web cam, and yourself. In a recent article on American Express OPEN Forum titled, "Meet Online to Help Save Time and Money", it is apparent that businesses are taking advantage of the Digital Age. Below are some ways to utilize web conferencing:

• Skype- This video conferencing software has come a long way since the days of just chatting with your friends. Now, it is being used for business meetings, long distance interaction, and even interviews. Personally, I have seen some of my friends interview via Skype, wearing a blazer on top and their pajama pants. Gone are the days of trekking to a corporate building wearing a stuffy suit. The workdays are getting shorter as work increases, and there isn't time to waste traveling, when all you need to do is log on.


• Share files- Web conferencing gives members of the meeting the ability to share files or materials, just as if they were handing out sheets during an in-office meeting. Also, the ability to instantly revise comes into play, and minimizes the need to keep old versions of papers.
  


• Improve Participation- Because of the way that online conferences are set up, interruptions are greatly reduced, which in turn improves active participation. Attendees are given the tools on whichever software they use that: allows them to signal when they would like to contribute, send private messages, and even invite people on the spot to join in on the conversation. Can't make it for some reason? No problem, holding meetings online means that you will be able to record the session for later review, making there be no excuse for not being up-to-date.

Will you be utilizing Web Conferencing in your workplace? Have you ever met with clients via video conferencing? Which was more effective? Let us know!

Remedies for the Common QR Code Mistakes

Times are changing and so is the way businesses are interacting with their customers. Traditional TV commercials and radio spots are still utilized by companies worldwide, however newer and more innovative mediums are growing increasingly popular. QR (Quick Response) codes, originally created in Japan to keep track of automotive parts, have become the latest trend with smartphone users and the companies that use them to promote specific products, services or events. But, with any new technology, there are several mistakes to avoid in order to ensure a successful QR code campaign for your business.

While thinking of creative ways to use QR codes in campaigns for our own clients this upcoming year, I found two articles incredibly useful that outline the do's and don'ts of QR code campaigns. Together, Mashable and MarketRumba help provide the perfect remedies for the common QR code mistakes.

Mistake 1: Sending a person to your non-mobile ready website.
More and more businesses are starting to use QR codes in their marketing campaigns. They are using the QR codes to send the customer to their websites, thinking this is a good idea. What they fail to understand is that the website may not be a mobile ready website and easily viewed on a mobile phone. The customer will be stumped and the lead will be lost.

Remedy: Matthias Galica, the CEO of ShareSquare, provides tips for marketers and brands using QR codes, and specifically emphasizes testing a barcode for functionality across a variety of devices and scanner applications before launching. It’s important, especially because the consumers that scan codes are likely tech-savvy and vocal — the kind of consumers you want on your side.

Mistake 2: Not having a clear goal for your QR code.
Any effective marketing campaign leads the potential customer to act on the promise of the marketing message. QR codes are no different. A confused person doesn’t make a decision and contributing to a muddled mind sabotages your efforts. So, what end result do you want from you QR code campaign? To give information? To promote an event? To entertain your audience? To have your customer “Like” your Facebook Fan Page? To make a sale?

Remedy: Boost sales, increase customer engagement, build brand loyalty, educate your audience. Whatever the campaign objective, be sure to define its goals before integrating a mobile barcode. Consider monitoring the campaign via a barcode management platform. Your business will be able to leverage the provider’s expertise, better assess your campaign effectiveness and evaluate its real-time success through analytics.

Mistake 3: Limiting QR codes to brochures and websites.
Once you have started using QR codes with your customers and get a positive response you can expand how and where you display your QR codes.

Remedy: Mobile barcodes should be incorporated into all digital and traditional media so the consumer has 360-degree exposure to the mobile marketing campaign. This will also ensure that consumer experience, dialogue and interactivity are at the heart of the campaign and not simply an afterthought. Print your QR code on anything printable; bags, business cards, in-store banners, etc...the applications are endless!

The read the full articles, check them out here and here.

New forms of technology are exciting and effective, but only when utilized to their fullest potential. Innovation shouldn't be used solely for innovation's sake but rather when there is a clear purpose and trends are used in a forward-thinking manner.

What tips or mistakes to avoid do you have to share? Let us know!

Interning at Earth Networks-Weatherbug

When I began interning with Earth Networks – WeatherBug on May 16, 2011, I was in for a pleasant surprise. From previous experience I figured the first day at my internship would be all about adjusting, getting introduced to the people that I would be working with for two months, etc. I figured wrong. My internship director put me to work from the moment I entered the big glass doors in the Earth Networks office. For those of you who do not know, the company that I am interning for is the owner and provider of WeatherBug products and services and has a network of various weather related monitoring systems.

Before starting my internship, the most I knew about weather was from either watching the news or quickly looking at the local weather on my phone (of course I did a ton of research on the company before I started my internship). Little did I know there is much more to know in order to be a great public relations professional at Earth Networks. During my first week on the job I did a lot of public relations activities that, as a student, I learn about but never had the opportunity to actually do. For instance, my intern director had me do a run through of Vocus, a public relations distribution and news monitoring service. This is a valuable tool for me, and I am lucky to that I learned how to use this service. I also wrote a press release, wrote and distributed a media advisory via BusinessWire, and created a “retweeting 101” document to be sent out to meteorologists and other key people in the organization.

On top of all this, I am learning a great deal about the inner workings of a technology company. One of my favorite parts of working here is how nice and supportive everyone is. I am able to tell my boss what I want to learn more about and how she can help me further my skills. My experience so far here has taught me that perception is everything. Here are some tips from my first week:

1. Word choice is everything: Avoid using negative words like “ruin,” or words that assume the reader of the press release is uninformed.
2. Always have someone else read your work: When I was writing a press release I created about four drafts. I sent each of those drafts to my boss for critique and approval. Though it may take longer to send than you want it to, nothing is worse than sending out wrong information.
3. Ask questions: If you do not know what you are doing, do not try to pretend you do. For instance, I had to ask several questions about Vocus in order to understand how to use it.
4. Put your best foot forward: If you are selective and choose the internship that is best for you and what you want to learn, this tip should be no problem! Come to work with a smile on your face and be ready to be the best intern you can be.

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Kurie Fitzgerald.

Dropbox – The Best Collaborative Work Tool You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

We’ve all been there – the dreaded group project that required sending documents and many files back and forth over email. This is not only time consuming but can really put a damper on how the group communicates and if the group work is running efficiently. From my own experiences in group projects that required a lot of file sharing, documents and emails can be lost in the sea of hundreds of emails college students receive daily. Attachments are often troublesome to open depending on certain formats and operating systems used by the sender/receiver. With all the various platforms and formats catered to each computer it can often be stressful to waste time on converting and figuring out formatting. After all we’re college students not IT technicians.

Luckily there is an extremely useful tool available for those who are not tech savvy and it’s called Dropbox. Dropbox is a free file hosting service that lets users share photos, documents and videos anywhere and with anyone who uses it. As a Dropbox user myself, I have used it to share hundreds of edited photos and proposals without having to email them to myself for back-up and keep track of changes through them. Dropbox will also always save versions of your files so that in case a file does get deleted you can restore it through the website.

Perhaps the best thing about Dropbox is that it’s a relatively simple tool to use and can be a “killer collaborative work tool” according to Lifehacker.com because of its ability to sync files from the Dropbox website instead of going to a local hard drive to access files. Lifehacker.com says “The problem with making everyone provide access to their machine for everyone else is that it’s hard to maintain and doesn’t work well when sharing a particular file with multiple people. Like the previous method, it requires some effort.”

Recently I put Dropbox to the test by using it to save a presentation for my capstone class. I found it very time saving because I did not have to go back and forth with email attachments to see changes on the presentation. Also, accommodating different group members’ schedules was difficult but using Dropbox allowed anyone of us to edit and make changes and share them easily with everyone. This saved my group so much valuable time and effort, not to mention my email being free of 20-page long threads.

So when it comes to deciding whether to sift through endless emails to access a file or to simply go to a website or application on your computer to see a file, the answer for which will save you an unnecessary technological headache is clear. Dropbox will simplify your life and work.

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Jessica Lopez.

Trying to rest? Give your eyes a break

It seems as though there are never enough hours in a day. Chances are, your waking activities and daytime responsibilities have a tendency to bleed into your sleep time. At this point in the semester, mine certainly are!

Do you check your e-mail or play around on your smart phone or tablet before bed? Are you up late working at the computer? A new study by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) sheds new light on why this can be a bad thing.

Besides cutting into your sleep time, the use of these devices before bed time can actually "increase alertness and suppress the release of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin," according to the NSF as reported on prdaily.com. The disruption is caused by exposure to the bright artificial light of the screen before bed, the NSF said.

Moral of the story? Giving yourself a break in between using the computer, TV or your smart phone and going to bed can have a positive impact on your quality of sleep. If you're like me, you need all the sleep you can get!

iPads Upgrade the Shopping Experience

Keeping up with technology trends is important. For retailers, that means recognizing that their customers may prefer being able to customize products or browse their options online before making an in-store purchase. Many retailers are making efforts to accommodate their technology-savvy shoppers by incorporating iPads into their stores.

An article from the Chicago Tribune discusses some of the ways stores are using iPads to upgrade their customers' shopping experiences. One cosmetic company, Make Up For Ever, is using iPads to allow customers to access face charts for browsing makeup combinations. Things Remembered, a personalized gift retailer, is using iPads to allow customers to browse messages and designs for engravings. The stores plan to eventually add a feature allowing customers to view their completed design before they order. Other clothing stores are using iPads to allow customers to browse their online catalogs while shopping in their stores.

How much the addition of iPads to stores improves the shopping experience is something to be experimented with and debated, but making the in-store shopping experience more high-tech will likely appeal to the wired generations.

Would you be impressed by iPads when shopping in stores? Have you been to any of the stores already using them?

Have the Internet and Social Media Become Rights?

There are countless blog posts and articles discussing the many ways social media is changing our lives. The recent events in Egypt have created a new debate about social media. An article in The Washington Post reported on U.S. officials speaking out against blocking the Internet and social media, referring to these technologies as rights.

This topic was brought up in one of my classes last week. Our conversation quickly became focused on what constitutes a right. As we all (should) know, the First Amendment gaurantees us five rights: speech, press, religion, assembly and petition. My professor stressed that social media and the Internet have become tools to help us exercise these rights. The ability to exercise our freedom of speech through social media is obvious, but the other First Amendment rights can be exercised through technology just as well. As oppressive goverments have realized, these technologies have come to aid people in organizing themselves to challenge the status quo. Banning social media and the Internet do not completely prevent people from exercising these rights, but it does take away a major channel for doing so.

So the question stands: if the Internet and social media are tools for exercising our rights, does that make access to these technologies a right as well?

PR Trends to Look for in 2011

Public Relations and Marketing are both booming industries and will only continue to progress in 2011. Because of advancements in technology, the industries are changing. It is important to stay on top of what is up-and-coming, so here are some of the top PR trends to look for in 2011:

1. Integrated Public Relations is becoming an essential part in the world of marketing. Traditional PR and social media are coming together to capture every facet of corporate communications.
2. Being able to calculate and confirm the Return On Investment (ROI) is a vital part of PR this year. If this can be accomplished proficiently, the client’s approval will be easier to obtain.
3. Survival is in the cards for reporting on news. The Internet and television are still the top two ways to obtain the news, so don’t expect traditional media to die out completely.
4. Video is a must. Preparedness for on-air time is vital this year. With almost everything progressing in video form, this should come as no surprise.
5. WikiLeaks are something to be fearful of. There are many emerging wikis focused on corporate wrongdoings, so cautionary measures should be taken.
6. Tablets (such as iPads) are taking over social media. PR professionals need to make sure that content can be accessed anywhere and at any time as the news progresses rapidly to tablet form.
7. Firms must be able to observe, understand, and benefit from public emotion and explain this method to their clients.
8. YouTube, Hulu, VooDoo, and other similar services will continue to be popular. Young adults place most of their TV attention by picking up their laptops or iPads, so companies need to market appropriately.
9. 2011 will be the year that Internet and television integrate for good. This year, Internet TV will finally launch, so that people can communicate electronically while watching a favorite television program simultaneously.
10. Facebook may become outdated. The more complex and diverse it becomes, the more young adults are turned off by it.

Stay on top of your game by watching for these trends in the world of PR! For more information, click here.


This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Kaitlin Tully.

Cryptic Clues about UCLA's Internet Celebration

Did you know that the first Internet message was sent by professor Leonard Kleinrock of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at UCLA 40 years ago? Many people think the Internet was created at MIT, but it was the communications team’s job at UCLA to inform you otherwise. In order to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Internet and talk about the real-world impact that some of the discoveries and research work from UCLA have, the university proposed a $100,000 budget for advertising and promotion. Instead, they got $9,500 total.

Although the creation of the Internet is obviously impressive, it is also noteworthy that the team at UCLA was able to craft and execute such a creative campaign in two months and with a budget that was slashed by 90 percent.

Below are some of the components of the campaign:

• A countdown clock was posted on the main page of the university’s website with no description of what it was counting down to. When visitors clicked on the clock, cryptic clues would appear hinting at what was going on. When the clock hit zero, the website page began to flicker and appeared to crash to the ground with a balloon featuring the letters “LO” floating upwards, a simulation of the crash that occurred when Dr. Kleinrock attempted to type “LOGIN” in his first Internet message. A link then sent readers to an article about the anniversary.
  
• Cryptic clues about the anniversary were also disseminated on Facebook with a #ucla40 tag that led people to guess what could possibly be going on. Social media was also used to promote videos of Dr. Kleinrock explaining the process of sending the first information over the Internet to UCLA’s 55,000 Facebook fans, 5,500 Twitter followers and 6,500 YouTube subscribers.
  
• Traditional media was also used as a component to the plan. The UCLA team bought an ad in the school newspaper, pitched an online story in the university magazine, and bought online banner ads in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, which led to approximately 160,000 impressions on the event website.
  
• The eight-hour main event was live streamed on UCLA’s website, Ustream and Facebook accounts. More than 50,000 viewers tuned in and communicators encouraged speakers at the conference to ask their Twitter followers to send in questions to be answered live.
  

What would you have done with $9,500 and the task of promoting the 40th anniversary of the first Internet message? Click here to read the full article by Matt Wilson at Ragan.com.