Why should a company build a Facebook page?

The usefulness of Facebook as a social networking tool is clear and evident in today's culture. Whether we're looking at middle-aged stay-at-home-mothers stalking their children or blossoming college students tagging photos of one another, one can't deny the importance Facebook has had on a sense of community. Originally, Facebook was intended to connect college kids to one another for the purpose of academics and study groups, rather, it has snowballed into an addicting, virtual venue in which one can stalk, poke or dig into others' lives. How does this apparent subculture become infiltrated, or positively affected, by businesses intended to benefit their market segment?

First things first: if one is to have followers of any kind, one must have a motive and a REASON to become followed. What does this mean to businesses who are looking to reach out to their customers? This means there must be incentives tied to becoming a fan of these said businesses. Why would anyone want to join a virtual fan page if there are no rewards other than self-expression? They must feel needed, encouraged and worthwhile. Whether this applies to customer feedback or direct involvement in decisions, all that matters is that Facebookers must feel a connectedness to the business they choose to associate themselves with.

A great example is Starbucks. With over 7.5 million fans on Facebook, they give the power of CHOICE to their fans. Fans aid in the decision of the next coffee flavor, or roast, to be served nationwide. This is a huge deal. Fans now feel a part of something bigger and have personal purpose in getting involved and interacting with Starbucks' Facebook community.

One can benefit from online promotions given specifically to Facebook fans who choose to align themselves with a particular business. This applies to the incentive topic I spoke on earlier in the post. If they are given coupons, discounts or special "inside" information, your virtual community will have a reason to join.

What can we take from this? If one is to "rally market troops" to follow them, they must give their fans something to run after. Whether this is applied discounts, decision involvement or special promotion benefits, they must make your business at the forefront of your target market's minds.

Marketing times are changing, therefore marketers must be ahead of the curve.

Sources:
http://blogs.wsj.com/india-chief-mentor/2010/06/11/how-to-build-a-great-company-facebook-page/?mod=wsj_share_linkedin

Rolling Stone might be biased

I am a musician. My head keeps constant rhythm to the beats pulsing through my body. Growing up, I dreamed of myself standing on an open stage, singing my heart out to the audience screaming back at me. A world without music doesn’t sound like a place I’d ever want to be.

I can only imagine that there are millions of girls just like me in the states, you know, the girls who dream of making music for the rest of their life. The kind of girl who bops her head to the synchronized instruments streaming into her head from the iPod she’s holding. I can say in confidence that I am not the only girl with the passion for music.


If this is the case, then why would the April 2010 edition of Rolling Stone Magazine, arguably the most well known music magazine to ever hit stands, show such biased evidence towards their writers?

Flipping through each of the pages of the magazine made me madder and madder. How is it that I counted 34 bylines by men and only seven bylines by women? Is this to say that women aren’t capable of writing a literary piece about a band, album or any musical phenomenon?



I read the articles the women wrote in the magazine, and three out of the seven articles are about women artists. Articles about Rihanna, M.I.A., and Coco Sumney (Sting’s daughter) spotted the pages here and there among a collage of manly bands. How could women represent such a small population of its readers?

Two men writers, Tim Dickinson and Chris Norris, were able to write pieces such as “The Watchdog”, a National Affairs piece, and “No. 1 The Black-Eyed Peas” the featured piece for the entire magazine. The ironic thing about the National Affairs piece was that it featured a story about a woman named Elizabeth Warren, a top financial expert for the government. One would only assume that this piece would have been given to a woman because of the previous evidence. Apparently women don’t know enough about politics to write a feature.

The music reviews section didn’t prove to be any less agonizing. Of the 14 music reviews, men wrote 11 of them, and women wrote three of them. Of the three pieces written by women, two of them featured female artists, Kelis and VV Brown.
The movie review section featured Peter Travers. He reviewed four movies, and rated them from three stars to two and a half stars. Personally, I feel that any movie review should be done between two people. Personal bias can easily leak into each article written about the movies. With two people reviewing, there is less opportunity for a one-sided view to creep in.

Overall, I personally feel that Rolling Stone Magazine is not paying attention to its readers and their needs. When women writers are only allowed to write features on women, how will they personally grow? It is hard enough for women to get respect in the workplace, and I can only imagine how much harder it would be in a man-dominated field like Rolling Stone Magazine.

I don’t understand when this misconception came about. Men and women know the same about music and bands, and yet there seems to be this subtle difference of how men are thought of as more knowing of music than women.

It is frustrating, to say the least, when these obvious biases are put into publications. I believe that in time, women will be able to bridge the gaps of biasness. My generation of women is very strong, independent women who are extremely capable of conquering whatever field they feel is meant for them. In years to come, I can only imagine how far women will go from now. In a short 50 years, we have already witnessed women in the workforce succeeding and doing well. Fifty years from now, we will see so many more changes!

Jour 4470:Let's have a revolution

I've always heard scary stories about journalism and public relations ethics class. Whether it was the amount of things to memorize or the unreal amount of writing that must be done, I entered this class scared and anxious of the outcome. What happens if ethics is over my head? How will I last through an entire semester? From then and now, I can honestly say I have experienced a wonderful whirlwind of changes. My personal growth has been developed, and I find myself viewing public relations in a new light.

I personally believe that we are all born with an innate sense of right and wrong; our conscience. What happens when a certain situation calls for an ethical decision that tears these principles apart? What if one thing that is right for one person is wrong for the next?

The most beneficial thing for me in this class is examining the Beech-Nut case study, and applying each ethical theory directly to the case. This example allowed me to fully grasp each theory and examine their pros and cons. I would think of myself as more deontological than teleological, yet when I saw the deontological theories be put to the test I saw that it wasn't always the best solution.

I didn't realize how much I had to learn about the world of public relations. By becoming the ethical conscience of a business or organization, you are responsible for the appearance of your company in the public's eye. I had no idea the public relations department is capable of influencing the entire company, externally and internally. Not only does the public relations department act as the voice of a company, but also it serves as the internal thinking machine.

This class has allowed me to view the world in a new light. There are always various solutions to any conflict, but choosing the right solution for your organization is no easy task. Methods like the Potter's Box and Spiral of Decision help to direct you in the right direction.

This class is vital for my personal growth, and I am so thankful that I was able to grow and learn more about the world I will work in and myself.

Jour 4460: Who I Am

Lately, I have been searching myself and discovering what makes me Emily. I have many facets of interests, and quirky habits unique to my person. When introducing myself to a stranger, what is their impression of me, and should I care? My life will soon take a turn for the better, yet I find myself digging deep to appear as unique as I can be. Oddly enough, I often have trouble.

Public relations is a unique field, and it doesn’t allow for personal interjections when representing a client, right? I never want to lose myself, and what makes me different than anyone else on this wonderful world we live in.



I am realistic. I am known to set real, short-term goals I am capable of meeting within weeks. I’m a dreamer, yet a practical one. I enjoy projects that must be completed in a set amount of time because it forces me to stretch myself to the core. I envision myself as a successful young lady, yet understand that the economy won’t cater to my every whim because of my degree.

I am creative. I blow steam by sitting down at a piano and singing until my lungs scream for air. Creativity humbles me. When I allow my heart to do the talking, my world seems so much larger and opportunities seem in my grasp. I find much joy through different venues of creativity, whether that is through my music, writing, designing or scheming. The gift of creativity was with me when I was born, and I plan to lean on my creative instincts for the entirety of my life.

I am compassionate. I love people and relating to them. Making a new person in the room feel comfortable gives me a high no substance ever could. My heart is an empathetic one. It is my very joy to connect with a new face each day. My resume says that I am a good communicator, but in reality it is because I deeply care for people and what they are about. Everyone has a story, and I would like nothing more than to hear each and every one.

Why would I be a good public relations professional? Because I have what it takes. Not only am I confident in myself, but I am realistic, creative and compassionate. I can only hope that I would stand out in a crowd as being a strong, moral and kind woman that leads by example and through a hard work ethic.

Am I nervous about looking for a job? I would be lying if I said no, yet I believe that there is a career out there for me that will support who I am and what I stand for. I have been inspired, and my prayer is that I may be an inspiration to many.

Jour 4460: Almost Done

This is the last homestretch. Graduation is in August and I could not be more ready. Unfortunately, I’ll get to cheer my classmates on as they cross the threshold of adulthood while I postpone my personal celebration until the end of summer. Despite my own woes of summer school, I’m happy for the friends I’ve made, and can’t wait to see where they will go next.

The public relations program is beginning to feel more and more like family. Classes become extremely small, and everyone’s schedule turns out to be the same. Seeing familiar faces each day makes me want to come to class. Not only are they my classmates, but dear friends that I get along with and love to talk to. The size of the program pushes me to become a better student, listener and learner. Having a personal connection to each girl and boy in my classes involves me. I look forward to catching up with friends, and seeing how internships are turning out.

Yes, I am thrilled to be a part of this incredible program. Not only are the people wonderful, but also the opportunities this program brings will last a lifetime. My portfolio is extremely impressive because of the projects and papers I have been forced to create. During the moments of insane amounts of homework and projects, I find myself thrilled to the core that I am stretching my personal boundaries in ways I never have before.

Thank goodness I am able to walk away from this program with more than a diploma in my hand. I have my work to prove all that I have learned, and this is more helpful than any degree I could get. I see friends of mine with sociology and history degrees who cannot get jobs because of their lack of knowledge in real world situations. I feel confident in all that I have learned because of the real world experiences I have taken part of.

A Lil Bit 'O Resume Inspiration

This is my creative resume. I am currently interning/shadowing at the Dallas Opera. Wha-la! Hope you enjoy it!

Jour 4460: Rockbrook Meeting

On Monday, April 19, me and Ashley went to Rockbrook Elementary in Lewisville to speak with Elaine Wilson, the secretary in charge of scheduling field trips. She was a kind woman with at warm smile. She greeted us at the front of the office and lead us to her little office.

We asked her what exactly it takes to plan an entire field trip and the process to pass with all the parents and staff. She spoke about the price of renting a bus, and the hassle it is to pay a bus company when they’re not actively using them. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) pays for the buses on field trips.

Elaine was very excited about the possibility of the A-Train becoming available to the Lewisville Independent School Disctrict (LISD), and she thought that this idea could go very far. She commented on the educational aspect to train rides, how fun they can be, and how willing parents will be once they discover the A-Train as a new way of transportation.

Overall, the meeting with Wilson was an incredible experience, and very encouraging to me and Ashley. She joked and said, “Rockbrook better get a discount once this thing picks up!” She gave us a few names and phone numbers to get more information about transportation options and safety regulations.

Jour 4470: Ethics - Post 3

Wake Up by Women at Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart is undeniably the one-stop shop found in each small town and urban city. It continues to take over mom and pop stores on every street corner. With each turn of the aisle lies every condiment, cracker or cookie the great states could offer. It doesn’t take a genius to guess that Wal-Mart monopolizes all other grocery stores, and is found in 15 countries while employing more than 2.1 million people at 7,900 stores.
In 2001, a lawsuit was filed against Wal-Mart for discriminating against women in promotions and pay. More than 1.6 million current and former women employees presented cases against Wal-Mart. A Wal-Mart settlement could easily cost $8 billion with a case this big. Wal-Mart reacted to the lawsuit and the overwhelming decrease of stock value by introducing diversity initiatives within the company, which are intended to prevent gender bias and mistreatment of employees.

Reacting to this lawsuit and a decrease in stock value, Wal-Mart recently introduced workplace diversity initiatives, intended to prevent further gender bias and unfair treatment of workers.

"We will continue monitoring Wal-Mart to make sure that they do implement safeguards for women," said NOW Action Vice President Olga Vives. "Corporations must understand that a loaf of bread doesn't cost any less for a woman."

Do I think it is better to be responsible of responsive? This question could be characterized as a “chicken or egg” scenario. In the Webster’s Dictionary, the word responsive is defined as “giving response; constituting a response; being quick to respond or react appropriately or sympathetically.” Overall, being responsive is responding in a reactive manner, while having responsibility within your company in the first place is proactive. I would much rather a company act proactive and responsible from the get-go, than a company acting out of “sympathy” or reacting to irresponsibility.

In this particular situation, Wal-Mart was ethically acting out in the way that American society dictates. The “glass ceiling” is a socially accepted concept because we are complaining about this issue in the first place. If it would have been fixed by now, we wouldn’t have to raise arguments against Wal-mart, or any other big business, in the form of equal pay among women and men.

Wal-Mart acted irresponsibly towards women employees, and in turn had to respond by carrying out new diversity initiatives in order to prevent gender bias. It would have been smarter for Wal-Mart to treat women with respect and equal pay and opportunities in the first place.

Joseph Sellers, a plaintiffs attorney for the women in the Wal-Mart case quoted in Fortune Magazine, states it best: "I think Wal-Mart is finally taking us seriously."

Sources:
tp://walmartstores.com/AboutUs/
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/responsive
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2004/07/12/375875/index.htm
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rightsandfreedoms/a/walmartsuit.htm
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/03/03/1164593/wal-mart-to-pay-117-million-in.html

Jour 4460: Germany....meet The Cupcake

I can’t deny the sweet sensation of a delicately frosted cupcake in my mouth. The tempting smell of the tasty treat lures me to the death of my diet time after time. I gather courage to walk away from the lit-up display case, only to find myself salivating until I give in to my devilish cravings.

The cupcake phenomenon has spread from coast-to-coast, ranging from New York’s own Cupcake Café on 9th Street to Los Angeles’ Frosted Cupcakery on Park Avenue. Only within these past few years has this cupcake explosion take place, and now Germany’s McDonald’s franchises are joining the bandwagon.

With four new New York inspired flavors that hail from Chelsea, East Village, SoHo and Central Park, Berlin is no longer kept in the dark to the American cupcake-craze. McDonalds first introduced Germans to cupcakes on March 30 of this year. The question is, why did McDonalds choose to create themed cupcakes from New York and not other cities or states that create just as delicious cupcakes?

On May 16, 2008, Sex and the City premiered in Germany causing the country to go gaga for the hit sensation that swept the states from 1998 ‘til now. With the overwhelming popularity of the American show, McDonalds figured it fitting to introduce the New York branded cupcakes.

“All of New York is crazy about the cult cupcakes and McCafe brings the hip little cakes to you,” reads the paper advertisements found in McCafes in Berlin. With this genius advertising, McDonalds hit the mark. Clearly, McDonalds did their research.

From a public relations standpoint, let’s talk strategies. Introducing cupcakes that hail from a beloved city in the United States is a grand plan. By making McCafes in Germany resemble quaint cupcakeries and coffee shops, you are allowing your public to experience and take part of this glamorous life found in New York, right? It does have a nice ring to it.

Let’s also remember that as much as this sounds like paradise, it is a fast-food restaurant that can’t mirror the same tastes true bakeries have laid their life down for. I’ll be the first one to admit that I crave a Double Cheeseburger every once in a while, but surely their cupcakes can’t top the true American sensation.

One German was quoted in the New York Times saying the cupcake was “a little articificial”, and decided to stick to traditional walnut pastries called Nussbeugerl.

Surely our New York cupcakes taste better than artificial, right? C’mon McCafe, don’t sell us short!

SOURCES:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/cupcake/?hpw

Jour 4250: March 30 Lecture

Monday evening, our class discussed men and how they are portrayed in the media. We watched a documentary that commented on the evolution of the expectations our society has put on men.

An example of this were the Star Wars action figurines. During the 1970s, the figurines were proportional without bulging muscles and looked like the actors that played Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Darthvader. Fast forward 30 years, and the figurines look more like steroid-abusing football players. This representation of what a "man" should look like can confuse boys, and unsaid expectations are put on them.

It was an entertaining lecture. I left being thankful that I'm a girl.

Jour 4460: Once a PR Student, Always a PR Student

Months into my education as a public relations major, I find myself viewing the world with a fresh pair of eyes. I observe and mentally chew on every billboard I pass, every television commercial I watch, and every breaking news story I read. The classes I have taken have helped shape my worldview.

When I was enrolled in the computer design course for journalism majors, I learned about the four concepts of design: alignment, proximity, repetition and contrast. With this knowledge I am able to provide my personal opinions about certain visual campaigns and advertisements. Not only do I feel I have earned the right to assess visual media, but I feel confident when doing so. I can defend my personal opinions with knowledge I have learned through the classroom and experience. It is liberating to feel secure in what you know and are sure of.

Ever since I have learned to write radio public service announcements (PSA), I find myself tuning into talk radio stations and perking my ears up when PSAs come streaming through my speakers. I ask myself, “What is the format used? Should they have put the phone number in the middle or not? How do they make this product sound so inviting?” Methodically, I put myself in the position of a public relations representative for a corporate company, and envision myself selling their product, service or experience. My mind never stops thinking even when I beg for it to give me a rest! Higher education looks so much prettier to me now than it ever has before.

The Mayborn School of Journalism is quite genius. At the beginning of the road to obtaining my bachelor’s, I found myself uninspired and clueless. I was drawn to the University of North Texas (UNT) because of their world-renowned music program. As a vocal performance major, I felt I wasn’t exercising all of my strengths that I was born with, but only one: my voice. After two difficult semesters, I switched to a major that would fine-tune (pun intended) my writing, speaking, designing, and leadership abilities. Deciding on public relations felt like coming home. It felt welcomed, and I knew it was right for me.

All of the preliminary courses I took helped stretch and break me than ever before. Writing for the NTDaily made me get out of my comfort zone, learning Adobe applications for computer design showed strengths of mine I had never seen before, among other nuggets of knowledge I obtained on my journey. Thank goodness I pressed on through the seemingly impossible projects.

The knowledge and skills I have learned have no price tag (other than the thousands of dollars my gracious father has provided for me). I am a changed woman for the better. For the first time in my life, I love going to class everyday and trying my very hardest to be at the top of my class in each assignment I turn in. For anyone who knows me well, this is groundbreaking.

I am inspired, and my knowledge will never peak. My daily life experiences provide an education, and I am finding this out through opening my eyes and breathing my highly advertised, consumeristic, opportunistic, artistic world in.

Jour 4460: Texas Motor Speedway didn't get last laugh

The first day of April is notorious for infuriating those who are targeted as prey. April Fool’s has become an enduring “holiday” for a certain niche of the population. They're the ones who scribble reminders on their calendar, plan elaborate jokes, and laugh ‘til their bellies are sore.

What if a prank goes too far? Where’s the line? Is it fair enough to say, “It was just a joke, get over it”?

On March 30, Eddie Gossage, president of the Texas Motor Speedway, had an unforeseen announcement for the public. Gossage offered Terry Dorsey, a Dallas country music station DJ, $100,000 to switch his name to TexasMotorSpeedway.com and brand himself with a permanent Texas Motor Speedway tattoo. Dorsey was given 24 hours to make his final decision. Does he take the $100,000 and consent to the stipulations or walk away? Nascar fans held their breath.

The press and commentators reacted exactly how they were supposed to: shocked. Texas Motor Speedway got all of the wanted press they were hoping for. The story made national headlines, and all eyes were on Terry Dorsey.

It’s safe to say that Gossage is a master of trickery. As it turns out, the proposal was an April Fool’s joke on the public and fans. It accomplished what it was meant to accomplish. Texas Motor Speedway received wanted press, and in turn, so did Terry Dorsey and 96.3 KSCS, Dorsey’s station.

Consequently, the district clerk of Tarrant County, Tom Wilder, and his staff didn’t find the joke clever or funny. They spent about three hours in the family law building, where names are legally changed, and prepared to buffer the oncoming of the media and fans. The press turned the family law building, where dozens of people have their lives changed everyday, into an outright circus. Film crews began filming people who were not wanted to be on screen, and were creeping into the privacy of others during vulnerable times in their lives.

Wilder is quoted in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram saying, “It was just a great inconvenience and, apparently, Mr. Gossage and Mr. Dorsey have a lot of time on their hands so maybe they can help us with our 30,000 cases and the overload we have on a daily basis.”

Ouch! It’s clearly evident that the prank showed the power of the “snowball effect”, and how affective the press can be at spreading news, whether important or trivial.

If I was on the public relations team at the Texas Motor Speedway, I would issue an apology to those who were negatively affected (Wilder and staff), and would encourage them to recognize the frustrations this prank caused.

With any prank, trust is lost, whether a small or large amount. They could also apologize to the publics expressing their intentions with the joke. Being tricked can be an embarrassing thing.

The last thing I would advise them to do is to do exactly what Wilder mentioned they could do: help out at the district clerk’s office and make up for the inconvenience caused that day. What better way to show your apology than acting on your words?

This is the perfect example of a harmless prank gone totally wrong. April Fool’s is quickly becoming one of the most annoying days of the year.

SOURCES:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/03/31/2081919/tarrant-county-district-clerk.html

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/from_the_marbles/post/Would-you-change-your-name-to-TexasMotorSpeedway?urn=nascar,231184

Jour 4460: Spring Break Joy

This spring break, I was able to work more than the sane person should, and got to go to Austin for family bonding. I am a waitress at Carino's, and I enjoy my job. One of my favorite reasons for going to work is to interact with all of the customers we get everyday. To make someone's night that much better makes my work all worth the while. Serving food not be my undying passion. I don't have vivid dreams of myself being the top-notch waitress I know I'm capable of being. I don't wish to stay at Carino's for much longer. But I do love meeting new faces, serving them, and getting to know who they are through my service.

In the middle of my spring break week, me and my wonderful boyfriend, Jimmy, went to Austin to see my cousin and two aunts on my mother's side. We are all extremely close, and they got to meet Jimmy for the first time. Me and Jimmy have been dating for almost a year and a half, and we haven't had the chance to introduce him to my family. Due to my grandmother being sick (and passing away later that week), there is a sense of closeness that our family is experiencing that is unlike any other time in our lives. We are learning to cling to each other for strength and unity. It is so special for me to take part in a unique time in all of our lives.

My spring break mixed the perfect amount of work, play, joy, and sadness. The week couldn't have flown by any faster. Isn't that how spring break always turns out?

Jour 4250: March 22 Lecture

Tonight during class we discussed the gay community in the media and how they are portrayed. We watched a documentary on the stereotypes seen on the television, and the effects due to these portrayals. I am from a conservative, Christian household, and I have been taught that, first and foremost, all people are exactly equal. No matter what lifestyle we choose, we are still seen just as lovable as anyone else. Watching the documentary and hearing the class' comments made me realize that the GLBT community doesn't feel that love from society. They find unmatched love in their own community, but the moment they intermingle with the "other" communities (other than GLBT) there is a sense of displacement and loneliness. It breaks my heart to see and hear story after story of cruelty and hate. We live in a fallen world that can be selfish and self-serving, but it is our honor to "love one another as himself".

Jour 4460: Network, network, network

As graduation comes hauntingly closer and closer, I am beginning to fully understand just how important networking is in my industry of choice. Whether through social media like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, or through meeting and mingling with people at career events, I am constantly challenging myself to put myself out there.

While on Google, I decided to search "public relations blogs", and PR blog popped up. Ironically enough, the blog is called "Pop! PR Jots" by Jeremy Pepper. Clicking into it, I decided to read the latest post Pepper decided to write about. Throughout his writing, one word screamed at me from my computer screen: "NETWORK!"

Pepper stressed the importance of networking through social media, events, finding PR mentors, and helping professionals and young professionals out in any way.

"Throughout my career, almost all my jobs have come through referrals or recommendations from past interactions," Pepper says. "That is how the world works, and you have to allow your work to speak for you, not your social media presence."

He doesn't downplay the significance of understanding the social media world, but he stresses the importance of making connections with personal interaction.

My generation of college graduates is a unique bunch. I am not quite sure that we understand just how important personal interaction is. We, and I am guilty as well, believe that if we are involved in multiple Twitter conversations with PR professionals, create social media presence, and email prospective employers, we will get hired the moment we receive our diploma. The truth of the matter is forget the importance a face-to-face conversation and our physical presence in an office of a company we could see ourselves working at.

Let us not forget how to be as impressive in person as we are on the Internet.

Sources:
http://pop-pr.blogspot.com/

Jour 4250: March 8 Lecture

In class on Monday, we took our test, and I felt extremely confident about how I did. Being the first one finished, I felt a little prideful towards my hard studying efforts.

Afterwards, we viewed a few music videos and discussed the stereotypes seen repeatedly on the screen. Women were looked at as sexual icons, rappers were seen as violent gangsters, and women were also depicted as independent and powerful. I have always been aware of the stereotypes seen in music videos, but once it was brought to my attention, the music scene is bombarded with vivid images of how we are supposed to be, look like, and act like. It was quite disturbing.

Jour 4470: Ethics - Post 2

With the excitement of the Winter Olympics slowly dying, a few memories will stick in the minds of viewers. The great Shaun White and his Double McTwist 1260 at the end of his run, the unfortunate crash of Lindsey Vonn, and the tragic death of Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, are some of the premier events that took place. The horrific death of Kumaritashvili caused an uproar in the world.

During Kumaritashvili’s 27th run down the track on Whistler, he lost control of his sled at 90 mph and slammed his head on the back of a pole found in the curve of the track. Seconds later, emergency crews rush to his side and attempt to bring his limp body back to life. This memory will stick in the minds of the people attending him, but also in the minds of the entire world to see.

Vivid coverage of the crash and emergency crews afterwards can be found plastered everywhere on the Internet. Type a few keywords in a search engine, and you’ve got over 10 venues to watch the video on. Ethically, is this what is right and good? Or were the media wrong in putting the graphic videos on the Internet minutes after the fatal crash?

If I were a broadcaster covering the Winter Olympic Games, I would have waited for the family to be informed to tell of this horrific death. They are the ones directly affected. Kumaritashvili’s father was a luger, and is quoted expressing his son’s anxiety about the track.

“"I'm a luger as well and that's why I told him, 'Brake, brake, don't risk it,' " the elder Kumaritashvili said. "He said, 'No Dad, I will risk it, what will be will be.' And he took the risk." (Luger 2010).

Out of sensitivity to Kumaritashvili’s family, I would have exercised Virtue ethics. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Gower 2008). People of the public do not need to see the crash and the aftermath of it. Personally, I feel that it was not considerate of the luger or his family’s emotions.

To play the devil’s advocate, I could argue that the people should be informed so that they are aware of the on-goings at the Winter Games. People love to be entertained and informed, and horrific deaths and crashes entertain people. It gives them something to talk about.

Although media coverage is a business that must captivate and keep an audience, it should always act ethically before it considers what kind of profit a certain story will make. According to the Journalist Code of Ethics, “be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.” I feel that it breaks the code of ethics by leaking those videos and photographs to the public.

All in all, if Virtue ethics would have been applied, the journalists covering the Olympics should have considered the feelings of the family before the drive of a good story.

Sources:

Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

Gower, K.K, Classical Theories. (2008). Legal and ethical considerations for public relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.

Press, Associated. "Luger Was Afraid of a Turn, Father Says." Winter Olympics. ESPN, 15 Feb. 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2010. .

Jour 4460: To kill a tree or not to kill a tree? That is the question...

With many companies deciding to make environmentally conscious ways of doing business, huge changes that affect the regular function of doing things are underway. who's to say what should get a makeover and what should not? I am all for a building becoming a solar-powered Cave of Wonders, cars turning into hybrid "Megatron" monsters, and people tracking their carbon footprints. I do believe that we humans are here on this planet for a reason, therefore we must take great care of the habitat being dwelled in. But are some new eco-savvy ways of doing things the best solution for our customers? Mainly, I am examining the switch from the hardcopy newsletter to the online "e-newsletter".

Sure, the online newsletter seems like a great, efficient way of saving trees and allowing the same information to be spread through a different channel. All employees still receive the newsletter, it's just now in a different format. With an e-newsletter, paper isn't wasted, it is accessible and savable on the computer, and people can print different stories, photos and features that they are interested in. Overall, I agree that it is an easy, cost-effecient way to inform your organization or company.

It is arguably obvious that once you lose the hardcopy newsletter, you lose a little bit of nostalgic formality that has been found within an organization for years. It is proven that one reads a computer screen differently than a printed page full of information. With a hardcopy newsletter, one can enjoy the benefits of becoming educated on all areas of the company, and not just zone in on the specific articles they find interesting. A hardcopy newsletter can be felt, touched, rolled up, and brought along on breaks or on-site jobs. A company that specifically works in home repair, like a plumbing company, must have a way to communicate with repairmen who never look at a computer screen. By keeping a newsletter in print, the company is able to give it to the repairmen, and they are able to take it with them as they drive. Another positive aspect is uniting the company with a sense of community by connecting them to one another as they read about their company on paper. Plus, an inbox for an email account gets bombarded with all kinds of spam, online documents, and corporate emails; it's appropriate to give eyes a break from a computer screen.

All in all, I feel that keeping a hardcopy newsletter is something that is more valuable in the end. Many coworkers look forward to the day that they can sit back, prop their feet up, and read about the daily happenings within their company that doesn't directly involve them. I say it is a priceless road of communication that should not be tampered with.

Jour 4250: February 22 Lecture

I was extremely impressed by all of the presenters in class today. I felt that Addley Fannin did a terrific job, and was so creative. During her presentation, I began to think about why there are so few video games targeted for women, and why so few women were quoted in the gaming publications. Is it because women's motor skills aren't as developed? Because women don't find entertainment in violence? Because women have better things to do than play video games and complete levels? All of these reasons could contribute to this theory, but more importantly, how do men find time to do these things? I find it outrageous to think that so many men will neglect life and social responsibilities for a trivial video game. I haven't done my research, but it makes me wonder.

Jour 4250: February 15 Lecture

While watching "The Black Press" during class, the images of the lynchings will stick with me forever. It makes my blood boil to think that white Americans could do that in good conscience. It is impossible to think that so many stories of the African-Americans have gone untold, and am so thankful for seeing the documentary. It is moments like these that make a good education completely worth it in every way.

Who's to say who's right? Jour 4470

Blog Post 1: Mike Leach versus ESPN

When diving into the world of ethics, one finds himself tangled up in a web of multiple theories and explanations for what is right and wrong, why it is right or wrong, and how it is right or wrong. With theories like deontology, consequentialism, egoism and virtue ethics, how does one establish which path is correct for ethically right behavior? Reading the Mike Leach article, written by Don Ohlmeyer, raises many questions and eyebrows. If we were to compare the Mike Leach versus Craig James and his family debacle to the theories mentioned, what would that look like? How did ESPN play in to the scandal?

According to Karla Gower, author of “Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations”, deontology holds that “certain underlying principles are right or wrong, regardless of their consequences”. Due to Craig James’ direct involvement with the scandal and his influence at ESPN, it would have been wise for ESPN to deliberately remain as neutral and unbiased as possible. All this to say, it may have been less “fair” to the audience who tuned in to hear about the Leach firing, but it would have kept ESPN from sounding extremely biased.

Consequentialism, according to Gower, states that an “action is good if its consequences are good…and an action is bad if its consequences are bad”. It is known as a utilitarian stance, or as Jeremy Bentham, an eighteenth century proponent of utilitarianism, said, “the greatest good for the greatest number of people”. In that case, ESPN may have gone along with telling the audience the straight facts about who said what and why it was said. Bias should not have played a part in this whatsoever.

Egoism is best described as “enlightened self-interest, and contends that an act is morally right if it best promotes the individual’s long-term interests” (Gower 6). Leach and Craig James both could have used this theory to better promote themselves in their long-term career goals. Leach wanted to appear innocent by blaming his rash decision of punishing James’ son, Adam, in a “closet”. He told the press and his staff the Adam James’ actions deserved this. On the other end of the spectrum, Craig James got an opportunity to further advance his personal opinion of Leach’s coaching style by influencing those [ESPN] around him. In turn, both parties failed to consider the other one involved.

Aristotle implied that the golden mean, or “moderation as the path to a virtuous life”, reminds us “that character does make a difference” (Gower 7). A person that carries a sense of self-values close to their heart will, more often than not, do the right thing. By peering through the virtue ethics lens, both Leach and Adam James are at fault. If Mike Leach would have treated Adam and Craig James with more kindness than this uproar would have not been as much of an issue. If the James’ would have considered Leach’s role as the head coach of Texas Tech and not an abusive tyrant, then Leach would still have his position as head coach.

Overall, there are so many ways to look at a certain issue that you will think yourself to death. ESPN chose to televise a biased broadcast and Leach equally chose to choose Adam James with disrespect during practice. In turn, who is to say who is right and who is wrong? If we view one another as equals and as human beings with values, opinions and strong emotions, then your gut can oftentimes point you in the correct direction.





Sources:
Gower, K. K. (2008). Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.

Jour 4460: Hey reporters! How 'bout you pick up the phone?

As a student majoring in public relations, I am being taught how the world of public relations works, what it looks like, how to get involved, and all kinds of techniques as to be a marketable public relations representative. With my fingers crossed, I hope to goodness that I am offered a job through one of my many internships or through some stroke of luck. I have an extremely marketable major from a well-known journalism school, but how in the world will I know that I am going to be a successful employee in the public relations department someday? I can see myself sitting down at my desk the first day on the job and saying, "okay, now what?" How do I get my business in the media, and how do I make them a big deal?

I googled "reporter help", and came across the Web site, helpareporter.com. This Web site advertises "Fortune 500 PR for Free!" Now, how easy could that really be? As with most websites, you are required to sign your life away and create a username and password that they internet world can identify you by. I just don't know if I can trust these things or not. Could this really work, or is it some sort of scam that I'm supposed to buy into? There are currently 29,478 reporters logged into helpareporter.com, and daily pitches are e-mailed to your e-mail inquiring if your company has the source they could be looking for.

The one problem I have with communication via the internet is the lack of personal contact. These reporters could be mythical or a scam. With so many "hook-up" venues for journalists and public relations representatives, just how far is too far? Don't reporters get overwhelmed and forget certain areas on the internet where they can find their information? The lack of face-to-face, or voice-to-ear, conversation leaves me unsettled. I was interested in becoming a public relations professional with the hopes that my love for people and conversation would someday open these very doors that are being propped up by websites that do all of the work for you. It might just be my personal opinion, but oftentimes I wish my personal public relations skills were put to the test more often. It's why I even considered this major in the first place.

Jour 4250: February 8 Lecture

Today, we watched a film in class that discussed the role that gender stereotyping has been played throughout media and, in turn, has affected our society. For one, many times women are seen as sex objects that are used as mental pleasure toys to entice the male audience. Often, women's response to the stereotype is that they will play the stereotype up and continue to fulfill the part of the "seductress" because it is expected of them. The media and advertisers know that sex sells.

Another thing that we discussed in class was the Vanity Fair article that reported on the two "Queen B.'s" in broadcast media. Our discussion led us to talk about statistics, and that most men are CEOs of companies and many women do not feel the need to advance themselves corporately. I am an extremely headstrong woman and am gifted in many areas just as men are, but I personally do not want to be a leader in a corporate setting because ultimately I want to have a family. Having a family and taking care of my children is what I personally feel called to do. It is the most important job that I can think of, and I think that many women also feel that calling and therefore do not wish to live in the corporate world. I may be completely off, but I do feel that women are born with an innate sense of care and are much more affectionate than the majority of men. I, Emily McMeans, was born with the most important job to do; to take care of the next generation who will someday lead the country.

Jour 4250: February 1 Lecture

When our class split up into groups, I joined together with two other white girls with blonde hair and we talked with two biracial girls and one biracial boy. Our conversation was so open and honest that I felt so comfortable bringing up the different ways that we view our race and other races. I brought up the point that a lot of races are told certain stereotypes about themselves that they begin to think those certain things about themselves. Growing up as a blonde-haired girl that had a curvy body and big lips, I began to see myself as a "sex symbol", in the same way that my culture was telling me to act and look like. It wasn't until I matured and began to discover who I was that I changed my own self-image. I don't see myself as a dumb blonde anymore, but an intelligent woman who has just as much brains as anyone else in the room. I loved talking with my fellow peers about these things and can't wait until we do it again!

Jour 4470: Ethics - Post 1

According to the Webster Dictionary, ethics are defined as a system of moral principles and rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc. Who is to judge what is ethical and not? Are they merely up for a vote or someone’s opinion? Humankind has put ethics into separate categories, like Utilitarianism, relativism, and postmodern ethics. Who is to say who is right and who is wrong?

With each decision I make everyday, I run it through an ethical filter with which I determine what is right or wrong for me. What may seem like a positive decision for me to make, may be the opposite for someone else.

While searching through ABC news archives, I stumbled on an article that discussed the ethical debate of embryo screening and whether or not it should be offered for disease prevention. For one party, they may agree with embryo screening to ensure any genetic mutation passed down from the parents was absent in the baby’s DNA. For another party, they may feel that it opens a Pandora’s box of Build-A-Babies everywhere. There are no conclusions as of yet, but Yury Verlinsky, director of the Reproductive Genetics Institute, feels that the public should decide.

"I think the decision has to be in the hand of the patients," says Verlinsky. "We have the technology in preventive medicine to help with the decision. I cannot press my ethics on somebody else and I have two options: to participate or not to participate."

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=116970&page=1

The debate between what is good and evil will forever be a battle between moral codes and opinions. Postmodernism argues that what is right for you is good for you and what is right for another is good for them. In the world of strategic communications, there must be certain codes of conduct that we apply to our public relations profession.

If an organization wants you to withhold certain information that would not be beneficial for that organization, yet would be beneficial for stockholders, where do you draw the line? Do you agree to do as your organization tells you or is your loyalty to the organization’s customers?

A constant search for the morally right is an ongoing struggle that will be debated over for many years to come. We have made some ground as public relations professionals by instilling a code of ethics among our profession, but there will continually be gray areas that will stretch our reasoning.

Jour 4250: January 25 lecture

During class today, we were shown a video that discussed news coverage and the bias that can easily seep into stories that are featured. This video started a lot of good conversation of which I was able to take part in. I commented that a possible marketing reason for airing crime stories first was to reel in the audience due to humankind love for self. Questions like why should I care? or how will this effect me? initially enter into our minds. Personally, I do feel that many of the crime stories aired, whether about crimes done by whites or by another minority ethnicity, are put into the media to aid the public in making smarter decisions or to raise an awareness. The media has only a brief moment to capture its audience and they do so by displaying why people should care first and foremost.
Throughout the conversation in our class we were able to touch on the unfair treatment of people, whether white, black, hispanic, female or male, and how it is seen played out in our government and police force. As a white female with blonde hair, I am often labeled as a bimbo or as someone who is more interested in getting attention for my looks than my intelligence. I am aware that these stereotypes are put on me, yet it gives me even more of a reason to grow in my knowledge and wisdom to further downplay these negative schemas. Due to my beliefs in Jesus Christ, I am no longer held to an American standard of which I am to be or act like, but believe that I should fear the Lord and not mankind and what they may or may not think of me. Once I let these accusations and stereotypes go, I am able to focus on who the Lord has made me and how I may glorify His name in all of my words and work. This is not to say that I do not feel these pressures of proving myself and how I am different, only that I should not place my identity in other's eyes.