Comments on: Blogger Relations: Where has all the creativity gone?

By: becky

becky — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:39:57 +0000

Nice topic, Susan. While I don't regularly get pitches and have to worry about it, I do hear about this all the time on Twitter and Facebook. And I do wish companies would stop approaching the same bloggers over and over again. It gets a little tiring for the audience, too. .-= becky´s last blog ..This Sushi’s on a Roll =-.

By: Kimberly/Mom in the City

Kimberly/Mom in the City — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:57:43 +0000

I agree with much of what you wrote. Of all that you said, “The negative competitive pitch” is the one that hits home the most. That (along with dishonesty) is two of my top pet peeves.

I think that if we learned nothing else from the most recent presidential contest, that we should have learned that people (consumers) are tired of negativity. Focusing on what your person/product/etc. does right rather than what your competition does wrong is a much smarter, positive approach.

By: Susan Getgood

Susan Getgood — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:54:52 +0000

I don’t have a problem with Dunkin’ Run other than as I said, it seems like a solution in search of a problem.

As you say Liz, Dunkin’ can afford the experiment for the buzz, and hopefully they’ll come up with more useful things down the road.

Smaller firms though have to be very careful not to do things just because they can. You have to be sure that your “thing” connects with real customer needs.

By: Julie @ The Mom Slant

Julie @ The Mom Slant — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:53:59 +0000

To add to Kristen’s point regarding companies’ reluctance to explore creative projects, it’s also a function of budget. Social media outreach is not yet a fiscal priority for most companies.

To add to your point, Susan, on the content – the WHY, it’s got to be something more than just getting free stuff in exchange for writing about it, or even being compensated. There has to be personal interest and investment; that’s what makes a blogger’s influence desirable.
.-= Julie @ The Mom Slant´s last blog ..Five reasons why everyone (even moms) should be on Twitter =-.

By: Mom101

Mom101 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:43:25 +0000

Fantastic post Susan. Great food (heh) for thought.

I’d hope that marketers like Frigidaire or Disney are using their big events as a stepping stone to developing ongoing relationships with influential and highly targeted bloggers. It does not good to fly a few folks down to Disney, get a few posts out of it, then never talk to them again.

In defense of Dunkin’ Run I think it’s actually pretty cool. A marketer of that size can afford to invest 15 (or 40) k in developing an iPhone app for nothing more than word-of-mouth and buzz, and to help support the brand message. It’s probably less investment than throwing a big old skool PR style party, and they’re sure getting a lot of press about it.
.-= Mom101´s last blog ..God, I’m freaking old =-.

By: Deborah Smith

Deborah Smith — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:54:25 +0000

Thanks for this post. Found this article through the ping back to my post on Peapod. I get contacted by PR companies every week. Since my blog is a food blog, practically all the offers sent are regarding food products, restaurants. Which I enjoy. I feel it gives my blog much more life than if I was strictly writing about recipes and restaurants. The only pitches I ignore are those that I feel do not bring my readers any value. New products I can review, new restaurants or menu choices that I can review, all add to the value my readers get from my blog. I have over 2000 followers on Twitter whom I also promote to, so I do believe Yes, people are still reading blogs. At least some of them. .-= Deborah Smith´s last blog ..Win it Friday? =-.

By: Motherhood Uncensored

Motherhood Uncensored — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:48:25 +0000

Julie and I feel similarly – and pitch accordingly, but it’s not surprising how many clients are not interested in taking the time to do something creative. What they don’t understand that smaller does often times mean better results.

Better target with the right bloggers, plus something that’s worth talking and writing about – not just the same old “here’s my product here’s how much I love it.”

Is anybody really reading that anymore?
.-= Motherhood Uncensored´s last blog ..Mean people suck =-.