We've Moved!

We had so much fun at last night’s PRSA event dubbed, “Meet the New Media: Online Reporting, Social Blogs and Internet Video: Pitching and Placing Stories in the Digital Age (wow, that’s a really long title!).

Jared Kreiner, Public Relations Specialist for Blueliner (aka my partner in crime), accompanied me to the event and boy did we enjoy the wine, hors d’oeuvres, conversation and panelists (but not in that order, of course)…

Although Blueliner has been leveraging the power of the Web for clients since its birth, the seminar reinforced our basic beliefs and strategies. Here’s a brief recap on what the fine panelists had to offer us PR hungry folks:

• Rod Kurtz, senior editor at Inc. explained the value of building long-lasting relationships with journalists. Rod explained that many of his relationships with publicists have been over the course of years, and that he trusts their instincts when they come to him with a new trend or idea. Rod also explained that universally, journalists don’t like to be sold to. Often times when a journalist hears a pitch that sounds too much like an advertisement, they defend themselves from manipulation and reject the idea. Rod’s not the sort of editor who likes to keep things strictly business. He explained the tactlessness of following up on an email pitch before the journalist even has time to read it (you know who you are). Rod also explained one of the biggest taboo’s in the biz - the pitch letter addressed to “Dear Editor.” If you can’t bother taking the time in researching the editor or editorial profile of the magazine, then don’t bother writing at all. Once again, it boils down to offering the publication something of value to their readership.

• Will Femia, a writer for MSNBC’s blog “Clicked” gave insight into the mind of a blogger, and what works when pitching them. At Blueliner, before we pitch to a blog author, we take a hard look at the blogs content and tone, which is exactly the sort of strategy Will emphasized. For those interested, Will’s blog covers almost everything hot on the web and in the blogosphere. Will is one of the most plugged-in bloggers we’ve ever met - and we liked his hair, too.

• Bart Feder, President and CEO of The FeedRoom, gave insight into the growing demand for online video. Bart’s a broadcast veteran who left NYC’s Eye Witness News for the promise of broadband technology while it was still in its infancy. Bart has built a successful company by providing his clients the ability to stream their announcements flawlessly through video. Bart discussed his career change candidly, and expressed disappointment over the growing corporate control of journalism. Bart doesn’t regret his career change one bit, some of his clients include, GM, HP, WalMart, and The Pentagon!

In all, Blueliner had an excellent opportunity to share best practices with people representing many of New York’s top firms. We also got to hear speakers who reassured us that our philosophies are on the right path. Here’s a shout out to Rod, Will, Bart and the folks at PRSA, for an insightful and fun-filled evening!