Issue 012

SPARK: Blah, Blah, Blah, “BLOG”
If you Can’t Beat them, Join The Discussion

Something unusual, futuristic and downright cool is happening at Spotlight Communications…we have joined the blogosphere.  Our new Blog lets clients, friends and Public Relations gurus connect for free, to discuss topics like, Is the media too sensational? and Can you live without your iPod, laptop, cell phone or Blackberry? Members also advise each other on PR campaigns, and send invites to professional events.  If you’ve ever wondered what a blog is, you’d better get with the revolution-- blogs can and will impact you. Read on as we show you how (in blog format)...

Monday 6:30 a.m.

Today everyone wants to know: What is a Blog?  The term blog is actually short for weblog.  Weblogs are online diaries or journals that are frequently updated.  Blogs are typically open to the public to post replies, and can reflect the personality of the “blogger” (the person who hosts the blog) or a website.  Grammar is knot always correct in blogs and so many unprofessional blogs our sometimes criticized.   

Monday 11:38 a.m.

Twenty-more minutes until lunch…This week, a lot of people have been asking us: Are Blogs Useful? Think of a topic and there is probably already a blog about it floating somewhere in cyberspace.  Blogs can range from serious topics like health and economics to informative issues surrounding politics and technology--We compared Infiniti’s FX35 to BMW’s X5 by viewing a blog of actual drivers.  Finally, there’s a category that we like to call ARE YOU KIDDING? This includes blogs about pet rocks, procrastination and Jerry Springer.  

Tuesday 9:05 a.m.

We are running five-minutes late for one of those marathon team meetings, but we want to address this question: How big is the Blog Phenomenon? It seems that everyone is doing it.  In fact, a recent study shows that there are 14 million blogs in existence, 32 million people reading blogs, and 38,000 blogs created daily. If you can’t beat us, join us.   

Wednesday 3:21 p.m.

We know, we know, you are wondering: Who else is Blogging? Get this, even CEO’s and celebrities are blogging! GM Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz has launched a blog, crooners Moby and Barbra Streisand are on the blog bandwagon, tween heiress Paris Hilton has launched a video blog, and our favorite reality TV business tycoon Donald Trump has joined the network.

Thursday, 11:11 p.m.

Okay, we’re tired and it’s late but you asked, so we will answer the question: Can employees get fired for Blogging? Actually in a recent study conducted by PRWeek and Burson-Marsteller, About 59 percent of CEOs surveyed said they find Web logs, or blogs, useful for internal communications, while 47 percent see them as tools for communication with external audiences.  Many companies actually encourage employees to share new ideas in their blogs and get feedback from customers.

Friday, 4:45 p.m.

This has been fun, and hopefully we’ve helped open your eyes to the benefits of blogging--in fact, we think you’re ready to go out, take the plunge, and start blogging yourself! So, How do you get started?  Good question! If you want to start your own blog there are many web-based tools out there to help you become a bonafide blogger.  But why not start at home?  Visit Spotlight’s Blog to post comments and sound off on media hot topics (please, no posts about pet rocks).  

Think. Speak. Shine...visit Spotlight's all new Blog at http://spotlightcommunications.net/phpbb/index.php

www.spotlightcommunications.net

 © 2005 Spotlight Communications, Inc.