I came across AB Words Blog, which provided some great examples of how PR practitioners annoy journalists. Since I am majoring in public relations, it is important for me to learn what to do and what not to do when I enter the professional world. I’ve compiled a list below of how PR peo
ple can drive journalists crazy.
1. Failing to keep your press release short and sweet. When sending press releases it is important to be concise and to the point. Nobody has time to sit around all day reading a press release jam packed with information.
2. Not supplying journalists something when they need it. If you have the ability to offer a person information without it harming you, do it. It will
only take a few seconds of your time and you will also be helping someone else out.
3. Failing to follow up on face to face meetings. Nothing seems more unprofessional than saying you’re going to do something and not doing it. If you plan a face to face meeting, go to it.
4. Using quotes without using names. It is very important to always cite your sources. If you don’t do this you could be falsely accused of plagiarizing someone else’s work.
5. Sending out irrelevant press releases. Make sure you send press releases to only people who are interested in them. IF you are just sending out random press releases, a majority of the people you send them to are not going to read them.
6. Sending files improperly. If you constantly send out improper files, journalists will eventually stop reading your emails altogether. Nothing is more annoying than opening an email that you can’t properly download.
7. Difficult to contact. Make sure you provide all the ways someone can contact you. Facebook, twitter, & cell phone numbers are all great ways to contact a person.
8. They don’t know when to take ‘no’ for an answer. No means no, so don’t harass others when you don’t get your way.
9. Not respecting their time. Just like you, other people have busy schedules also.
10. Saying you’re going to do something and not doing it. If you give someone your word, stick to it. If you constantly let people down they will eventually stop asking you for help.
