PR Niblets

Monday, July 13, 2009

Can you Digg it?

In one way or another, social media is changing our lives each day. It’s unavoidable. Some prefer to use it for networking, others find it a crucial tool for news consumption. But no matter how you use it, chances are it's changing the way you work and play.

However, not everyone is convinced that social media is the way to go when it comes to reading the news. At last month's PRSA T3 conference, one PR pro I was chatting with was extremely passionate about traditional media formats and was convinced that the next step for newspapers and magazines was a tailored print edition for each individual subscriber. I know what you're thinking, isn't that my Google reader? But for those who are reluctant to change, there is something familiar and comforting about sitting down with a cup of coffee and the Old Gray Lady each and every morning.

In a 2008 survey conducted by Pew Research Center, more people (35 percent) said that they rely mostly on the internet for news than citing newspapers sources. At T3, Beth Murphy, senior director of marketing & communications at Digg, an online news aggregator, started off her presentation with that statistic and then elaborated on the "democratization of online sources." There is a new realization that news is consumed in small bites thanks to news aggregators, micro-blogging and social networks. Currently, Digg receives more unique visitors than the WSJ and NYT combined.

So, why Digg? Those that don't have the luxury of reading every daily paper from cover to cover can indulge in the top stories that the majority believes to be headline news. About.com calls Digg "a goldmine of great news stories, tutorials and practical tips." Others look at it as a universe of all things current. Digg can also make or break an author or site. The more people who Digg an article can cause an influx of traffic to a particular site or blog, thus building your credibility in a community or network and opening up new opportunities.

Want to start Digging? There are some great online resources that can help you including an FAQ, instructions for adding a Digg button on your site (or just tweet
@pdandreu), Digg the Blog, and more.

This ends another installment of adventures in social media. If you dig it, Digg it. But if you find it del.icio.us....well, that's a whole other story!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Happy Father's Trading Technology Day?

Every June financial services executives are faced with the same question: What do I love more, my father or trading technology?

Not exactly a Buddhist Koan, but still a serious quandary …

Oddly, the SIFMA Technology Management Show, one of the financial technology industry's largest trade conferences, always happens right around Father's Day. How am I supposed to enjoy grilling petite filets with my dad when the 12 editors and analysts I've strong-armed into meeting with my clients the next week could mutiny at any moment and boycott my appointments for a cuter, more persistent PR practitioner or an event with better food?

This year, we hosted a joint event for one of our clients, Marketcetera, and the New York Stock Exchange at the Peninsula Hotel. Surely an 85 Dollar Bento box with lobster, steak and mini chocolate pot de crème’s should be good for a journalist or four?

Another client, Tervela, dazzled show-goers with their newest product, showcased topless (i.e. under museum-quality plexi-glass) so curious prospects, writers and analysts could see the bits and bobs inside. A civilized tactic compared to the kind of toplessness that often goes along with trade shows in male-dominated industries.

Although the show was smaller than usual given the fact that Wall Street hasn’t emerged yet from its smoking crater, it was still an excellent time to connect with colleagues, hear about new technologies and meet with the editors and analysts - all of whom kept their appointments :)

And, this year, as he has done for the last fifteen, my dad forgave my pre-occupation during our Father’s Day BBQ and accepted my early departure to get back to the office and prepare.

Editor’s note to SIFMA: don’t ever try moving the show up a month and scheduling it around Mother’s Day. They will not go as quietly!