A Virtual PR Update

Actually, this is a real update - on a virtual topic.

I thought I’d run down the list of those nice comments and friendly shout-outs from my fellow blogospheroids regarding the infamous Virtual PR Murder Mystery (listen now). I spent a lot of time on that and I appreciate the comments and witty banter that has developed because of it. Also, the link love. Also the attention.

I get lonely.

This is also to find out if I’ve missed any and, maybe, to shame some people who said they’d write about it (or should have written about it), but didn’t - into doing so. Did I mention that thing freakin’ took me for ever?!

I also have word that my evangelists are out there - even now - spreading the viral virtual on my behalf. So very kind.

Also, Master Penn emailed me a snap of the stats today. I was shocked to see it, but - there, plain as day, without question, was, that’s right: a pie chart. I was stunned! Oh, wait, there are numbers, too. Seriously, “total number 250, unique IP 185.” And while I have no idea what that means, my guess it is that more people than the following have listened to my unique tale. I’m flattered. Also, I got an email today from a PRSA associate, not just a member, someone who actually works for PRSA saying “p.s. The ‘murder mystery’ — very cool!“

So, in no particular order, I want to acknowledge that:

• Bryan Person was kind enough to be a guinea pig AND blog about it right out of the gate.
• Donna mentioned it on Trafcom News #56 and blogged it.
• Paull plugged it on the Forward Podcast #24 and Young PR AND submitted it to New PR at Crispynews (you could vote for me…).
• Tom Murphy flattered me with some great comments on his blog.
• The ever-loquacious Phil Gomes gave me the nod.
• Inside PR #57 favored me with a shout-out (although those guys can’t get enough of me).
• Professor Goetsch (rhymes with “sketch”) tossed one to me here, I think that was her…
• The caffeinated Dr. Jones socked it to me at PR Works.
• Lee Hopkins dispelled a rumor or two on his blog and FIR #242.
• FIR # 235.

Many thanks to all who have enjoyed it, blogged it, sent me an email, called, podcasted it , or IMed me about it. I

Meet Me in New York - how big can it be?

I’ll be attending the AAAA Digital Conference for Agencies this Thursday in New York City if anyone happens to be going. I’m hoping to meet up with superman Paull Young and one of my PR heroes and maniacal genius Constantin for lunch as they work just a few blocks away from the conference.

My agency is developing my digital skills so I’m joining the CEO and a couple of the principals as we head to NYC for the day. It’s a one day conference, we fly in and out the same day - so there won’t be a lot of room for chit-chat or dilly-dallying (is that really a word?). Since we’re leaving that day, I’m hoping to stay to the end of the conference for “How a PR Agency Does Digital” from an ad perspective, but I’m not in charge of our schedules.

I really looking forward to going, but it is an Ad conference and in my experience, those people tend to lump PR into one giant publicity/event/stunt-management blob. Yes, I’m aware of the irony that I’m lumping ad agency folk into one giant doesn’t-understand-pr blob.

I’ll let you know how it goes, drop me a line if you’ll be there or live in New York City - how big can it be?

Friday Frivolity - How to write good

How to write good. Yep, says it all. PR people, writers and English language snobs aficionados will enjoy this list of writing tips, tongue firmly planted in cheek. My favorites are:

10. Do not use a foreign word when there is an adequate English quid pro quo.

27. Never use a big word when a diminutive alternative would suffice.

32. Don’t repeat yourself, or say again what you have said before.

33. Don’t be redundant.

47. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.

PlainLanguage.gov provided this short, funny read that made me laugh. For professional communicators and writers, it provides a smart bit of humor. Check it out.