Using Uncommon Sense To Build Better Blogger Relationships - March 30

A recent New York Times story citing research from the Pew Research Center claims that people are forgoing blogging in favor of short form communications through social networks like Facebook and Twitter. Fair point. It is impossible to deny the growth and popularity of these channels. But are blogs dying? To paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of the death of blogging have been greatly exaggerated. Blogs - and more critically the communications revolution they inspired - will be with us until people decide they no longer want long form articles to read, share or comment upon.

Bloggers remain an important piece of the right mix of traditional influencers and social media amplifiers to engage with to build awareness for your efforts.  The stream of content, opinion and commentary that they create for their audiences can represent a significant opportunity for a PR program. However, not all bloggers are created equal and the rules of engagement can vary widely from dealing with the media. 

 This panel discussion will explore these differences and challenges; it will include bloggers and PR practitioners charged with blogger engagement.  Attendees will learn best working practices, the bloggers' perspective and what makes an effective blogger relations program.  There will also be a question and answer portion.

 The panel will include:

• Allie Larkin, author and blogger,thegreenists.com
• Erica Carnevale, social media consultant and sr. account manager, Text 100 Public Relations
• David Chapus, The Rochester NY Pizza Blog
• Brian Nizinsky, manager online marketing, Eastman Kodak Company

Other panelists may be included and the session will be moderated Chris Muller, director of communications, PAETEC and blogger at MullerOver.com.