My sister-in-law has the cutest “mommy” blog.  She’s a stay at home mom and loves to write, so she started a blog for family, friends, and other moms to check out.  My nephew is the cutest baby ever, by the way

http://colins-mommy.blogspot.com/

I’ve discovered that people have very unusual interests and patterns.  Just by browsing through blogs then websites, I landed upon this website.

http://www.pajamasallday.com/

It’s really serious about pajamas!!

I’m was so at a loss for things to blog about I Googled it.  I came across this website that actually have some good advice. 

http://blogging.ducttapemarketing.com/2006/06/10_things_to_bl.html

I’ve also always wondered what was up with the people that blog in lists.  Here’s some feedback about that.

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/09/29/101-ways-to-run-out-of-things-to-blog-about/

Check it, you bloggers!

To everyone that’s been studying the Obama campaign for the past few weeks in class…

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/17/campaign.wrap/index.html

The semester’s almost over; I’ve been meaning to catch up with my blogging but never seem to have a chance.  If anything, I’ve learned that blogging can be a real job if it’s not your passion.  It’s not really want I LOVE to do in my spare time, and trying to find a blog topic can be kind of annoying.  There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s a fabulous tool for PR, or anyone looking to communicate with people who have similiar interests.  However, it takes work, dedication, and most importantly, time. 

I hope to eventually take my blog to the next level – find some interesting things to talk about and meet some people with similar interests. 

Blogging seems to be about honesty. So, to be honest, I’m still not a “blogger.”

I’ve been working all day on creating a website that inclues my resume, online portfolio, and “about me” section.  I’m using Google Page Creator. It’s a pretty cool program if anyone wants to create a webpage that isn’t a blog (no place for feedback).  Once I get that up and running, I’ll link it to my blog.  Any suggestions for a website that will be seen by possible future employers?

We’re assigned now to blog about anything… which seems like a good idea until it’s time to blog. I really do feel that blogging is a great tool for the PR industry, or anyone looking to communicate with people that have similar interests and ideas, but I often feel like I have nothing to say. 

A great piece of advice from Scott was to set up a blog about what you like to do as a college student, so that possible employers can look at your blog.  When they see that you take the time to post about your innovative ideas and make connections in the field, they may be more interested in hiring you.  Eventually, I would love to do this, but I still don’t know what I want to do. 

So, here’s what I have, of importance, for today.  In reading an on-line newspaper, the Morning Call from the Lehigh Valley in P.A., I came across this article.  It talks about how a 911 dispatcher was fired for posting inappropriate picture on her Myspace.  In many classes we discuss the dangers of posting pictures on the Internet.  I just wrote a feature for my feature writing class on the dangers of digital media, but also found this interesting.  Here’s the article -

911 supervisor in trouble!

We’re all familiar with the concept that is the “tipping point,” but Gladwell takes the time to analyze how it actually works.  In theory it seems like a great idea that you can understand how tipping works, and in turn create your own tipping point for your organization.  He highlights the three tools needed: the connectors, the mavens and the salespeople.

If Gladwell had not used examples in the text, I’m not sure that I would have been able to clearly grasp the idea.  It also helps you to understand how the smallest things can influence a big change, and that one moment can determine substantial results.  Who would have thought Hush Puppies would make a comeback?

And, I love the section about the “price vigilantes,” or “Market Mavens.” I wish I had my own, personal Mark Alpert.

The more I read Scott’s book, the more it makes sense.  It’s unbelievable that, until this point in my educational endeavors, there has been little emphasis on how PR practitioners can reach their audience directly.  I like to think I’m computer savvy, but I have a lot to learn about how the internet influences PR practices and success.  Most importantly, I feel like Scott is sharing an opportunity to learn about the newest, and possibly best tools for professionals in reaching an intended audience: the internet and blogging .  I marked with yellow and pink highlighters the idea of having your organization available for the consumer when they need it.  It seems so obvious that the more information you get out there, the easier it will be for your consumer to decide on you. 

When looking for a hair salon in the area, I was surprised at how many businesses did not have websites.  I chose a salon that did have a website, a really good one, and blog entries about satisfaction with their services.  I had the chance to feel connected to the business; all their necessary consumer information was made available when I was looking for it.  

It seems, Mr. Scott, you’re on to something big.

I’ve always thought of bloggers as people who share too much information.  Maybe I was just a little behind the times, because I hadn’t thought of blogs as being a great tool for PR professionals.  It makes sense that it would be, because you can access an infinite amount of people with no middle-man or delay of publication.  I guess in public relations there is never really “too much information,” especially when it comes to keeping your public informed.  I’m not sure I’m ready to blog my life away, but I’m excited to learn about this tool for the future.