Bacon's updates media guide with blog info

Yep, I just got the same thing... and I run a PR firm. Karma.

As good as Bacon's is when it comes to maintaining a database of mainstream media, I am concerned about the inevitable backlash that will result when PR pros en masse "pitch" their clients' goods and services to citizen journalists.

The rules for journalist engagement in the blogosphere are different, something PR practitioners will painfully learn soon after sending their first blast e-mail to Bacon's new database of bloggers.

I'm not too sure I agree with Peter Himler's comment. While yes, some in PR will screw up pitches to bloggers, just as they do with other media. Guess that's where the term "flack" comes in.

But, when "pitching" bloggers -- the same you would any media outlet -- know your audience. Know the style and topics, know the audience, get a name. Make it personal. Though I have done it on a few projects, I don't mass-blast important or targeted news or product/client pitches.

So, yes, some in PR will look like fools. But most(?) will do their jobs right, and pitch bloggers one-on-one, with mostly customed pitches.
-- Mike

I got it too, and maybe it's because I'm in PR myself, I get a bit worried about being on the recieving end of a bunch of pitches. I'm based in Sweden and don't see what's in it for me? Even though I'm blogging from an international perspective, why would I want to be in Bacon's database?

I get loads of email already through my blog and the only good stuff comes via people I have some relation to. If I would get something via a Bacon's pitch I would know that (most likely) I'm one of a hundred to get the same email and then it's not interesting.

Mike,

I pray, for the sake of our already much-maligned industry, that you are right in saying that most practitioners will abide by the rules of the road before endeavoring to spam the blogosphere.

Still, maybe Bacon's should consider including an etiquette section (or links to the best thinking on rules of engagement) as part of its blogger database?

I too received that spam blast. Mine was much more personalized it read "Dear Ms. Evelyn Rodriguez Crossroads Dispatches". So much for conversation ;-)

Since I already get enough PR pitches so why on earth would I willingly add my name to Bacon's database?

Peter: Etiquette? What a concept! And, definitely a good one. Since most bloggers are individuals and, even more passionate about their topics than traditional news reporters are about their topics, a better sense of civility and etiquette is needed in contacting bloggers. Excellent suggestion.

Will it be heeded by Bacon's and other media directory companies ? Probably not.
Mike

I got a phone call. Ha!

Media Map has included bloggers for 2 years.

Blogged about finding myself there in 2003 here: http://allied.blogspot.com/2003/09/funny-thing-happened-on-way-back-to.html

enjoy!