Findings from Study Reveal Misperceptions in Current Blogger-PR Communications
WASHINGTON, March 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A 2007 study fielded by APCO Worldwide and the Council of Public Relations Firms (Council), revealed a disconnect between bloggers and public relations professionals when it comes to communicating with one another. While a majority of public relations professionals believed they are doing a good job in its outreach to bloggers, most bloggers disagreed.
APCO and the Council have launched a Web site, www.bloggersandpr.com that will promote best practices. Features of the site include:
-- An open call for survey questions for the 2008 version on the study, which will once again examine the working relationship between bloggers and public relations professionals
-- A wiki which will allow people to edit/comment on "Communication Best Practices"
-- And a White paper, "State of Blog Relations"
"While bloggers and PR executives share a working relationship, the study revealed misunderstandings, as well as areas of similar beliefs and aspirations such as the importance of transparency, and the overall impact and influence of blogs," said David Wescott, vice president, APCO Online(R) and social media consultant.
According to the results of the study, just more than half (52 percent), of public relations executives surveyed agreed with the statement, "Our firm does a good job identifying the specific interests of individual bloggers and sending them relevant information." Nearly two-thirds (65 percent), of bloggers surveyed disagreed with the statement, "PR firms do a good job identifying the specific interests of individual bloggers and sending them relevant information."
"Considering the gaps in understanding between the two groups, there appears to be ground for further study; there is clearly room for improvement in the communication taking place," said Matt Shaw, vice president of the Council. "We view this as a great opportunity to bring bloggers and PR professionals together."
"The role of bloggers within the media spectrum is still developing. This poses challenges for professional communicators who may want to apply the same methodologies used in traditional media relations to a medium that is not yet ready, or willing, to embrace the same labels and expectations," said Evan Kraus, senior vice president and director, APCO Online.
To read more findings from the study go to www.bloggersandpr.com.
www.apcoworldwide.com.
www.prfirms.org.
SOURCE APCO Worldwide
For further information: Sarah Goins of APCO Worldwide, +1-202-778-1260, sgoins@apcoworldwide.com
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