In the last week, I had a few experiences that left me thinking, “Wow, some people are seriously out of touch.”   

It’s no surprise, that the marketing and PR landscape is evolving, especially with the emergence of social media, blogs, online video, etc. (we have blogged about before: here and here).  However it is shocking that there are people—PR and marketing professionals alike—who still do not see the value in embracing social media.

Check out this video of PR pundit and industry veteran Jack O’Dwyer at a recent PRSA event discussing public relations and social media:

With all due respect Mr. O’Dwyer (by the way I have always enjoyed your newsletters), but what rock have you been living under? Never mind the cultural shift in the PR industry but think about economic changes that are reshaping the journalism and media business. With traditional media outlets folding at rapid rates, influential blogs such as TechCrunch, GigaOM and HuffingtonPost have become the go-to sources for breaking news and insight.

Suggesting that blogs are not on par with the “press” is ludicrous.  Public relations campaigns focused on traditional media and industry/trade influencers are still very important, but to ignore blogs and question their credibility within the media ecosystem is outrageous.

Social media and blogs allow experts and influencers to share their perspective. People seeking their insight will find them.  It’s the responsibility of PR professionals to keep pace with these new channels and make them a part of their outreach efforts. Take the time to understand them, not eschew their existence.

Mr. O’Dwyer, referencing the lyrics from the famous Hall and Oates song, I am sorry to say “you are out of touch and I am out of time.”

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