Worrying research for PR people but probably not the rest of the world

Very busy at the moment but was sent this by Dave from New Media Collective in Leeds. He got it from from New Media Age.

I suppose it makes worrying reading for PR people but less so for the rest of the blogosphere ; )

"Over half of agency and corporate PRs aren't involved in the writing, creative or approval process of their company's blogs, found research from Peppercom Strategic Communications. More than 85% of the UK- and US-based PR professionals surveyed considered blogging an important digital communication tool. Despite this a minority were involved with blogs, or were prepared to maintain them. While ju st half of PRs monitored blogs, three-quarters felt they should take responsibility for any bad publicity generated by them."

Technorati tags: blogging; public relations; social media;

New Media Age

Comments

[Ian Delaney]

Eek!

On the other hand, isn't coaching the acceptable face of PR's involvement with clients' blogs? If your coaching is any good, then their posts won't need signing off will they?

Sorry - not intended to be aggressive. Found the original release for you:

http://www.peppercom.com/index.php?id=102&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=221&tx_ttnews[backPid]=202&cHash=0b142c633f

It quotes Mr Mayfield, the bard of Brighton.

I'm not sure what the lack of difference between the UK & US in this survey shows us. My intuition is that it shows the US technologically ahead of the UK (as per) but more averse to PR consultancy/practices. And the reverse in the UK so everything balances up.

[Simon Collister]

I'm not sure what the differences between the UK & US show Ian, but according to the report: "The similarities serve to underscore the fact that geography is much less relevant when looking at social media." DUR!!!

Also, is it just me that finds the press release headline a littel dull: "Survey Finds 1,100 United States and United Kingdom Marketing Executives in Near Unanimous Agreement on Blogging Practices"??

Joking aside, I do feel that PR consultants job is to coach, cajole and consult busiensses into the blogosphere. I firmly believe that your CEO blogger has to have a strong voice themselves to make it work.

Perhaps PR people can add-value to clients work through proactive work like blogger relations, integrated social media campaigns etc...

[Ellee]

Are PR people bloggers, I think that is the question? How many PR practitioners write personal blogs and really follow blogosphere? It is still a very worrying prospect for many businesses concerned about unfavourable feedback. So if a PR consultant is not a "heart and soul" blogger, he is not likely to succeed in it on a professional level either. As blogging is based around being transparent and interactive, it is only right to say that the CEO blogger needs to have a strong voice. It also means commitment and time, we need a few good practise examples to bring businesses on board.