Pitching Tips, Video Blogs and other PR Blog Jots

Journalists as Pitching Coaches

The Flack

Peter Himler reports from a luncheon held by the Publicity Club of New York at which journalists on a panel offered advice to PR professionals for creating effective pitches. The usual complaints were listed, including calling too often and selling too hard. “Occasionally, we'll get some variations on the pet PR peeve list: ‘How many times does my first name need to appear in the pitch letter from some unfamiliar PR person?’ lamented Abby Ellin, a frequent contributor to health and fitness pages of The New York Times.  ‘Half the PR people are trying to get me on the phone. The other half don't return my calls,’ noted engadget's Peter Rojas.”

Amanda Congdon Video Blog Goes Live

Buzz Machine

Jeff Jarvis links to the latest video blog, or “vlog” from famed video-blogger-turned-newswoman Amanda Congdon, who runs vlogs personally and through ABC News' website.  “In the latest, she again tackles the Time cover and says that you are not person of the year, we are. She has advertising from Dove and equipment from Sony. She also insists: “This is not a television show. Please do not make Amanda mad by calling this TV.””

Traditional Crisis Communications Still Key

Shel Holtz

Holtz examines the recent buzz surrounding Microsoft’s controversial RSS patent filing.  He speculates that while PR 2.0 is a useful tool, traditional communications plans can also be a necessary element for corporations in crisis, as Microsoft seems to be relegating its communication plan to only company-sponsored bloggers. “Much of the work Microsoft has undertaken to rehabilitate its image through blogging and other social media interaction could be undone as attacks continue. Microsoft employs several PR agencies—Edelman and Waggoner Edstrom among them. Isn’t there a role for traditional communications in a situation like this?”