What is Country Music?

Well, if you haven’t heard it yet, Brad Paisley’s new song “This is Country Music” serves as a definition that even Mr. Webster couldn’t beat in his dictionary.  Paisley always seems to come out with songs that are perfect for the times we are in.  “Waitin’ On a Woman,” “Welcome to the Future,” “Whiskey Lullaby,” “Online,” “Celebrity.”  The list can go on and on of songs that Mr. Paisley has hit the world with at just the right time…but now more than ever, he’s done it to the “T.” 

Check out his video for the song, taken from the recent 2010 CMA’s. 

Brad Paisley has now combined the songs that have touched country music fans for decades, songs from the legends that he quotes in the end, and said what they’ve all said, in the matter of 5 minutes…it’s priceless.

It turns out country music isn’t about how much money you make, all the bling-bling around your neck, or your 20 cars parked in your lavish 15,000 square-foot garage at your mansion…because that’s not how real people live.  Real people struggle to get by week to week, real people lose love, real people fight for our freedom in foreign lands, not on the streets of Compton…real people make up country music.  Now, yes there have been quite a few one hit wonders who’ve tried they’re hand at country music…but they’re no longer around…because they didn’t hit that thing that country music is about…real life.

Now what’s my favorite part of this Paisley song? It’s the whole damn thing!  There’s not a word in those lyrics that isn’t true, that isn’t Country Music…and I guess when your song is “This is Country Music” it better be right. 

In my previous blog I decided to go off on some of the newcomers or artists in general who have tapped into country-pop music…therefore I’ll spare you this time.  At this time when country music is being bombarded with newcomers and those who hope to, unfortunately, be the next Taylor Swift, this song is the perfect gut check.  If you’re not truly feeling what you’re singing, and what you’re singing isn’t about the people who make up this nation and the things that we go through…adios amigo…you won’t be around for too long…unless you target the insecurities of teens and preteens with your heart-felt break up songs…(you know who I’m talking about)

It’s about time someone came out with a song like this…the last one seems to be from King George and Alan Jackson…”Murder on Music Row.”  if you get a chance, check that one out too!

So…to Mr. Paisley…you just gave country music a definition that cannot be beat…”This is Country Music” is amazing!It’s an anthem for country music, a music that’s provided anthems for the rest of us since day one.

Country Music, Dead at the age of 90.

Loretta, Garth, Merle, King George, Alan, Tim, Kenny, Toby, Trace, Johnny, Kris, George Jones, Jamey Johnson, Dolly, Waylon…the list goes on and on of those who truly were and are Country Music.

There’s a few newer names on that list, and plenty more newcomers in recent years that have kept country a part of their music.  But ever since CMT got T-Swift shoved into their face by Big Machine Records a few years ago, it’s been hard to avoid something that could easily be twisted into the furthest genre from country.

Even some of those big names on the list above have crossed one too many boundaries…Tim McGraw for instance…his radio singles are nothing like the days of old Tim…like when he sang about Barbeque Stains and red rag-tops, and those country boys and girls getting down on the farm…Kenny has crossed so many boundaries…yeah it’s great musical talent to do so, and be successful at it…but until his newest album, Hemingway’s Whiskey, the last few years of Kenny had been rather forgetful for me.  When you go to his concert and all he plays is old stuff…well that’s because the new stuff doesn’t sell like his old music…

Now I can go on and on about how Taylor always sounds the same, and that I could care less about what guy screwed her over this time, but I will spare you for now.  I sit for hours some days cruising YouTube finding all sorts of songs and videos that never hit the charts, but damn it they’re 10 times better than anything from the most recent wave of pop-country wannabees.  Eric Church, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, Luke Bryan…put them on a tour together and see what happens!

There are hundreds of undiscovered singer/songwriters (yours truly) out there who have better songs and potential talent then half of the big stars today…auto-tune really helps you out when you can’t hold a note…here’s link you might want to check out…this man has an amazing story and amazing voice…he lost his record deal, and put it in a song …and damn it’s good…

Anyways…what I’m trying to get at…country music really needs a change…play some more songs about momma and daddy cheating, about the dog dying, about losing love and getting drunk to forget it…that’s country…Since the 1920′s that’s what country music had been about, that’s what it got criticized for too…but that made Country Music.  And now in 2010 you can’t find enough songs that are truly country to say so…so hell yes, Country Music…dead at the age of 90.

Senioritis

I haven’t written here on WordPress since the last downturn of our economy…I guess I’ll begin with a personal debate I have with myself every day…

Well, it’s that time of year again…it seems like it happens every year anyways…but really…

Being a senior in college has its tough moments.  When you have 5 papers due within two days and procrastination is your best asset; or when you’ve just hit a wall and feel like coasting from here on out…

I’ve definitely reached this plateau this year, especially within the last month.  But I can’t allow myself to keep letting it slide…and neither should you!  Get yourself in gear, let the professors get surprised that the once hooded sweat shirt senior sleeper in the back of the class is now pulling amazing work from somewhere.  Let it be your brain!  Coffee and a good night’s sleep can be your best friend, trust me.

Just because you’re 21, and a college senior doesn’t mean the bars are going to die if you don’t go to them every night of the week, or at least the last three nights of the week.  It’s not a bad thing to stay in and blow of some steam without getting too smashed to do work the next day.

Senioritis…don’t let it take over your second semester, or your first…or any semester for that matter.

Final Exam Option B

“A response for those in power to shape the attitudes of the general population.”  That is the definition of Public Relations given by one of the founding fathers and true masters of PR, Edward Bernays.  However, as I have said before, the times they are a changin’ and that definition no longer stands strong and tall in the world of Public Relations.  While creating a new definition of PR I’ve taken a look at Scott McClellan in combination with C. Wright Mills, and also our deathly panel discussion video, Tom Kelleher, and Walter Lippmann.

McClellan talked about how the Government used PR to persuade the people to support a war that was hardly even worth fighting.  Leading the public on with false claims and stories of why we need to go.

Scott McClellan Interview

The Panel Discussion, no matter how painful it was to watch, got the point across that Social Media is booming, and we’ve seen how Social Media has become the new Mass Media.  Many believe that the development of Twitter and other sites has truly saved PR, which is another factor in my newly developed definition of PR for the year 2010.  Thanks to Adam Cipolla (Cipolla270) here is a link to Twitter and its impact on PR.

Another factor I have taken into consideration comes from the ideas of C. Wright Mills and his involvement with World War II and the Military-Industrial Complex.  Mills used this term and idea prior to it being used by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address.  Mills explained how it was the government combined with business and the commerce that truly had control of the state.  This, falling back with Scott McClellan and his accusations of PR in the government and the influence on citizens, adds another kink in the true definition of PR.
On to Kelleher, in his book Public Relations Online he also talks about the importance of society and relationships in PR “Public relations identifies, establishes and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and the various publics on whom its successes or failures depend on” (Cipolla270, p.9)

This relationship, I feel, is not so “mutual” anymore.  As time has passed Public Relations has become a much more forceful action and idea for many professionals involved in the process.  Throughout the book Kelleher also talks about the development of new technologies, much like those that are talked about in the Panel Discussion that we have seen in class; another aspect that needs to be considered in defining the new Public Relations.

Lastly, Walter Lippmann’s claims about the impact of PR have had a somewhat negative demeanor about them, also impacting my consideration.  Lippmann discussed how the ideas and thoughts that many people had about public issues were not truly their own thoughts; they were similes of Public Relations.  Seemingly personal ideas had become impacted and swayed certain ways by subtle and persuasive PR tactics.  In other words Lippmann thought of many as having a sense of a herd mentality.

After combining these five impactful speeches and readings/ PR people, I believe I have come up with a new definition of PR.  Is it correct, well that is for you to judge, but I feel it tells a truthful story of what PR is doing these days.

Public Relations is the development and use of media tactics and other techniques to persuade, promote, and stabilize a positive image of an organization, corporation, or individual amongst the public opinion.

PR Final Exam: Option A

The Community Plate is an organization aimed at defeating hunger across the nation, but more importantly here in our local Rochester area.  Building awareness for The Community Plate and their push through Facebook, with partnership from WXXI, is my main goal.  For the Community Plate this is their direct Mission Statement:

“At The Community Plate, we believe that if there are hungry people in our city, and local vendors with a surplus, good food should not go to waste. We will give area colleges and restaurants an outlet for their unwanted food by providing safe and sanitary transportation to our location to be stored and distributed. Our table will serve the hungry. We strive to feed people, not landfills.”

This mission statement makes it very clear, the goals and purpose of this organization, and through the following channels, I believe we can raise the awareness of this program and put it into the public eye.   My personal mission for The Community Plate is to create a two-way asymmetrical PR system that we have discussed and read of this semester. 

In Public Relations, building relationships with the public as well as with peers is a key to success.  Through the White Paper of Katie Conroy she suggests the use of the afore-mentioned Facebook, the social media and networking site, as a key component to reaching out to peers and the public to promote the image and idea of The Community Plate.  With the help of WXXI and their vast listening audience, the first major step in the right direction, I believe, is researching through various methods.  This would not necessarily be a creative step however it is necessary to gain important information to assist in the development of a creative plan for The Community Plate. 

Working alongside the true media, journalists and broadcasters would envelop my next creative branding idea for The Community Plate.  Creating a pseudo-event would increase the knowledge of the organization.  Gaining an audience from other sources other than the audience of WXXI is very key.  The event could be something simple such as a fundraiser or donation/food drive.  Also a possibility would be to travel around the surrounding area and promote by actually giving out food to the hungry.  Getting to the outer areas of the city and suburbs would also be a big part of this experience because of the amount of influence those individuals have within the region.  The event could gain coverage from news outlets around the area and also be promoted through WXXI, the 1370 Connection, and other social mediums.  Psuedo-events could occur throughout the year, and some could even be organized in “flash-mob” type settings, to gain more shock value. 

My next idea for a creative step to promote the image and mission of The Community Plate is to utilize another source of Social Media, connect with people in the community and across the world with YouTube.  Create a channel and post videos about hunger, about poverty, about all of the causes and effects that this organization is aiming to demolish.  Reaching out to the people with visuals work very well, take a look at a this clip about hunger in America.

HUNGER IN AMERICA

If you notice, this has over 300,000 views, a great way to keep people informed about your organization and the cause.

Combining the direct mail piece that can be seen below, with the efforts of online promotions would work very well.  Send out these direct mailing pieces to prospective business partners and supporters, with a little more creativity behind them, these pieces could have a big impact.

  Using the partnership with WXXI you can promote this cause via their web presence as well.  Posting small messages and similar pieces like direct mail to their web page.  They alone have so many different avenues to use for promotions, it would be a failure to not utilize their presence.   This idea could fall under a category of advertising for the project.

Also, in Kelleher’s book, he talks about the demassification of media and how it is much harder to find one mass source of media.  And in today’s world it has definitely come to this.  Use the help of bloggers and forums, connect them with the Facebook page… inter link as much as possible with the internet and bloggers or forums.  Allow people to talk about your events and organization freely, but also persuade them slightly; this will get your image and your goal out to the internet world.

The final idea I would like to propose consists of cross-promotion, as seen here on MarketingMinefield.  Finding a local or even national business or organization with similar goals, yet not a competitor, would allow several different collaborations that can run years upon years and become a very successful venture for The Community Plate.

After the email I received about Conroy270′s White Paper and her ideas, I feel that when connected with the thoughts I have just conveyed, it would be very beneficial to the organization to delve into those channels of PR.  Building a relationship with the audience of the radio show and promoting all of these different avenues of media through WXXI would work the best.  I will not only use the radio show itself, but I think utilizing all of the aspects of social media to support Community Plate would work well.  Taking from Kelleher and his thoughts on relationships, it is best to have commerce-driven relationships, as well as media based relationships in Public Relations.   I believe this is no exception to that statement.

Letter to Robert McChesney

Oh Mr. McChesney…what you have missed since 2004!  It’s been a busy five years for technology and Public Relations.  Everything that you talked about at your last speech in 2004 was great for the times, but the times they are a changin’.  You had to talk about media moguls and those who enjoy just about all of the powers one can possibly imagine, but much of that has changed as well.  People control much of what they want to control now, it’s a great thing! 

Today we have strayed away from the old-fashioned newspapers and magazines.  Now it’s all about the blogs, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, and so many other internet sites, and Social Mediums.  Yes, it’s social media that has taken over the world, in a sense.  We don’t have to go through Fox to get the most biased reporting there can be, or all of the talking heads telling us the news of the world.  You can find it faster and easier through the people, through social media. 

You can watch the latest videos via YouTube, you can talk across the world face to face with Skype,  you can connect with long-lost friends using Facebook, and see what everyone is doing in 140 words or less with Twitter.  Now these are only a few of the tens to hundreds of Social Media sites that are out there on the ever-expanding Internet.  These sites make the newest blogger and “tweeter” more newsworthy and important than any nightly news anchor these days.  Why wait til the 6 o’clock news when you can get it NOW? 

In summary that seems to be just what this is all about, it’s about the here and now.  In 2004 sir, much of this was still the brainchild of young internet moguls, and now it’s the world as we know it, only five years later.  Take a gander through the internet, just be sure not to get lost in everything there is to see out there!  Maybe check into this before you go on your way:

As you can see, we’ve really let the beast out of the cage in terms of new media.  PR and every ounce of communication is nothing like it has ever been.  But can it get even better?  We’re no longer looking at the newscasts and journalists shaping our minds, we can shape our own, and let the world know just what we’re thinking!

Mr. McChesney, it’s been nice writing to you, glad to have you back!  Go see what you’ve been missing, the internet and Social Media at its finest!

Can PR be practiced ethically?

Public Relations is not fully ethical.  Personally I believe that the mission of a PR professional is to make their company, their image, the best that it can be.  If you’ve dug yourself into a hole, if you’re not on the right foot to begin with, you can’t be ethical in getting out.  Take a look at PR professionals for Cigarette companies, for our own Government; perfect examples of PR that is unethical.  The only way it would be possible to be ethical would be working for a non-for-profit organization or a corporation which fights for a good cause; but then again you can still sway the people with words.  PR is manipulative.  It’s a combination of ethical and unethical terms and pursuing citizens and individuals to support and approve your image.  Ethics are the first things thrown out the window when it comes to PR.

Leads Exercise 1

Introduction:  For the elements of the “Social Media News Release,” I feel I will use Pre-Approved quotes from the executives, as well as a photo of Ike Smith and the team in action.  Also, it would be a good aspect to add in the Rabbits graphic to catch the attention of the reader.  Lastly, a link to the homepage of the team would be helpful.

Lead/Lede:   Are you ready to team up with mascot Thumper and the Rochester Rabbits for this upcoming season? Well now you can team up like never before, ask all your burning questions and get inside information from the Rabbits themselves, thanks to JPEG Wireless and an all new IM service!

The Rabbits’ new IM service allows you the fan to interact live and discuss what the Rabbits are up to now.  JPEG Wireless and the Rabbits bring the players and fans together for the 2009-2010 season!  “We’re on the brink of making it into the playoff’s, and it’s gonna be nice to have the fans there with us,” says Ike Smith, the team’s start guard.  Check it out on their homepage RochesterRabbits.com!

Lead Examples for Group One

Setting the Mood: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/world/asia/18hostage.html?_r=1&hp

News Peg:  http://www.lge.com/about/press_release/detail/21912.jhtml

Description:  http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/22/dogs.irpt/index.html

Ewen Essay…What’s Not Said About PR

In his book PR! A Social History of Spin, Stuart Ewen covers nearly all of the bases of Public Relations up and to the date that the book was written and published.  However, in order to revamp and really give the true spin on PR, Ewen needs to add in a massive part of today’s PR efforts.  This major part being the availability of the Internet and what it has made possible.  Social Networking and Viral Videos in particular. 

Throughout the book, Ewen discusses the far reaching networks of Television and Newspapers that were prevalent at the time, but now it seems as though the day’s top news will be on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or MySpace within minutes or hours of it happening.  Which is faster than any news outlet can get it out to the public.  Because of this timeliness and wide-spread viewership, PR is now much more dependent on the internet.  Check out this video of PR on YouTube about Wells Fargo and a last resort method of Public Relations in a crisis:

You can check out Facebook accounts of some of the top celebrities, businesses, etc of today’s world and see just how they utilize social media and the internet for PR. 

Once again, Ewen did a great job of covering the media that was strongest and most present at the time, as the idea of social networking could hardly be thought of in the 90′s; but I feel with the addition of this category and the talk of it in a more dominant fashion would really add to the book and meaning of PR.

Take any celebrity, company, athlete, etc…and put them on the spot about something, see them trying to save their image, and i bet it’s on Twitter and Facebook before it graces any magazine, newspaper, or nightly entertainment TV show.  Just add Internet and Social Networking/Viral videos, and you make the History of Spin come full circle.