Glossary of digital media terms for PR professionals
The rise in popularity of blogs, and social networking sites such as Facebook and My Space, are rapidly changing the way PR professionals assist clients. Clients expect their PR consultants to be on top of this trend and offer unique suggestions on how to integrate their brand into new media outlets. Digital media is constantly transforming and it can be a daunting task to stay ahead of the digital media game, however, with some insight into the nuts and bolts of new media, PR pros can find social media that is relevant to clients and become empowered and knowledgeable all at the same time. Before we dive into ways to use digital media to leverage our clients, lets first lay some groundwork with a glossary of basic terms:
Web 2.0: Term that is applied to the ongoing transition of the Internet from a collection of websites to a network of web-based communities which aim to foster connections between users.
Blogs: Personal websites consisting of updated entries, usually on a daily basis-(almost like an online diary or journal). Blogs are mostly created by independent writers, however, the popularity of blogs have propelled newspapers, magazines, companies, etc. to also start blogs of their own.
Podcast: Term was created by combining Apple’s “iPod” with “broadcasting.” Podcasting is a way to publish files to the Internet and then allow users to subscribe and receive new files automatically-(usually at no cost). Podcasting is mostly used for audio files, but video files are becoming popular to share-(think YouTube).
Wikis: Term means “quick” and “fast.” It is a type of website that allows users to add, remove, and edit all content without need for registration. A popular example of this is Wikipedia-(http://www.wikipedia.com/)
For more Web 2.0 definitions, visit: http://www.socialsignal.com/blog/alexandra-samuel/web-2-0-glossary
For those that want to discuss Web 2.0 in more detail, the Rutgers University Masters of Communication and Information Studies Graduate Student Association is hosting a panel discussion, “New media, Web 2.0, and social web sites –prospects and perils for organizational communication.” Speakers for the event will discuss student blogs, videocasts, and reporters /editors bloggers. This event is a great way for Web 2.0 novices, and even experts to talk about the effects and implications of social media. The panel will meet Saturday October 13, starting at 6:00pm in Rutgers Student Center, Rm. 411, College Ave. Campus.
