Comments on: Are PR people boring or just bored?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:31:57 +0000

Thanks for stopping by Liz. You might be interested in this post where an editor at the Wall Street Journal raved about a company using humor in its press release: http://www.newsvetter.com/2010/05/27/journalists-reward-humor-in-pr/

By: Liz

Liz — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:56:31 +0000

As a Public Relations graduate and PR professional, using “loaded” words and “creativity” or wit is totally unprofessional and pretty much illegal in the PR world. Journalists don’t like that kind of crap because that means they have to re-write the press release for their publication. Writing in plain, straightforward language allows the journalist to reprint the press release verbatim, without time consuming editing and re-wording. Everything we do has to meet standards that are accepted by journalists…thats why our writing is so damn boring.

By: Four steps to better press release optimization

Four steps to better press release optimization — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:45:26 +0000

[...] really don’t like press releases. So when Portland-based search engine marketing firm Anvil Media posted something about press [...]

By: Journalists will reward humor in PR

Journalists will reward humor in PR — Fri, 28 May 2010 22:02:39 +0000

[...] 3. Journalists are desperate for press releases or pitches that exhibit some originality. [...]

By: Andrea

Andrea — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:45:16 +0000

The news release writing process is very monotonous to a PR practitioner, so yes, I agree that adding a little creativity and humor with the work would be an excellent way to grab attention. Like you said, people should sell their writing and ideas via press releases, in the same way someone tries to sell a product face-to-face with an interested buyer. We’re humans, not robots! It’s okay to design your press release instead of forcing it to fit a formula.
The only thing I would have to say is to watch how creative you get with it. Press releases are serious business for PR practitioners as well as the companies. Too much humor or creativity may lead to confusion. However, as long as it conveys appropriate information, I don’t see how humor could affect anything. Journalists can have humor in their column, why can’t PR practitioners have it in their press releases?

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:32:16 +0000

I’m glad to see some of the comments here. Yes, we were taught to give just the facts in a press release — that we could have some fun with the headline to try and catch the eye of the journalist — allowing the journalist to be creative — that journalists don’t want to be told how to write. Today, as many have said, you have to find a happy medium. What a PR person can do is follow up and help the journalist understand why the factual, and, as you say boring release, should be written.

By: This van was a rockin’ and people came a knockin’

This van was a rockin’ and people came a knockin’ — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:44:25 +0000

[...] long ago I wrote about the boring press releases from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. And just when I thought all hope [...]

By: The Guhmshoo Gallery

The Guhmshoo Gallery — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:10:03 +0000

[...] at CES – Exciting show, boring [...]

By: Humorwire: A Creative PR Playground

Humorwire: A Creative PR Playground — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:05:50 +0000

[...] on the feedback from last week’s post, one thing appears to be clear: PR people want to be funny and creative but sometimes their clients [...]

By: Kathy Klotz-Guest

Kathy Klotz-Guest — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:17:42 +0000

Sad, but true. Clients say they want to be different and stand out, and yet they tie your hands creatively. It’s completely false that levity or lightheartedness = less serious. It’s about connecting on a human level with your HUMAN customers. Sadly, and esp. in B2B, companies get scared and revert to the same boring familiar crap. Aversion to a little risk-taking. But fun – not comedy – is not super-risky if done right and the upside is huge! Playfulness is about putting your customer first – it’s completely consistent with what great marketing is about.