sun chronicle attleboro
sun chronicle attleboro
sun chronicle attleboro
The Public Relations Industry and Transparency in Reader Comments
The issue of anonymity has plagued the public relations industry ever since the advent of digital media. On one hand, anonymity allows for greater voice and opinion. As this theory goes, commentators, such as an employee at a company that is engaged in illegal activity, would not post to a media site if not for the protection of anonymity.
The same goes for consumers, who under anonymity feel more comfortable reviewing, chastising, and criticizing a company or product. Then, there’s the counter argument, that anonymity coarsens public discourse, and provides a water cooler for ugly, offensive remarks.
It also erodes the value of comments themselves. Without transparency, anyone can say anything at any time without impunity. The media knows that continued lack of accountability will kill what has become a golden goose of online reporting — comments, which can often attract more readership than the article itself and provide a scorecard for editors to determine what is most interesting to any given audience.
Some media are already moving to add a new level of transparency, and along with it, authenticity, to their reader comments. The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro, Mass., recently introduced a new system that requires commenters to register their names, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card numbers.
The Sun Chronicle charges a one-time fee of 99 cents to activate the account. Commenters’ names then appear online along with their posts. The Wall Street Journal has required names to appear with reader comments since 2008.
From a public relations point of view, there is real value in transparency. Anonymity makes it nearly impossible to assess the validity of an allegation or defamatory remark made against a client online.
At the same time, as an industry, we are bound ethically to disclose our representation when commenting online in response to the media or on review sites. In that respect, transparency would level the playing field, requiring both sides to come clean as to who is behind a comment online.
Yet, complete transparency is unlikely to happen. Right now, the media place great value in online reader comments as an eyeball aggregator and a way to score reporters and stories. Required transparency would put a brake on the number and frequency of comments.
What’s the answer? How about a hybrid system whereby commenters could chose to be anonymous or not? Those commenters who opt to give their names — and validate them with e-mail and credit card verification — would have their comments posted higher than those who remain anonymous.
Those who don’t take off the mask would be relegated to the end of the list of comments, defusing their impact. To further encourage transparency, reporters would be encouraged to engage with those commenters who disclose their identity through a special two-way feature of the blog or site. Such attention would trigger even more comments.
No doubt, those of us who read the media would be more likely to give greater credibility to named commenters. After all, these commenters are assuming the real risk that flows from public comments, even if it’s just a negative response from the crowd. And at the same time, this hybrid system of opt-in transparency would still allow the rabble to rouse and the media to score themselves against the visceral response of the masses.
So commenters could choose between transparency and anonymity. But we would all have a better understanding of who is saying what, for what purposes, and for which intended results. At the same time, the public relations industry would gain an additional, more credible tool for correcting the record, responding to misstatement of fact, resetting agendas, and gaining legitimate visibility.
About the Author
Greg Matusky is President and founder of Gregory FCA, the region’s largest integrated public relations and investor relations firm, serving private and publicly traded companies throughout the country. A former business writer, whose work has appeared in Inc., Forbes, and Newsweek magazines, Mr. Matusky built the firm through an intense understanding of the media and how strategic media relations impacts the value of an enterprise. Under his direction, his firm has managed the strategic communications campaigns for Sprint PCS, Kodak, The New England, AccuWeather, Neoware, Universal Display Corporation, and others.
Visit his blog at http://blog.gregoryfca.com
Attleboro newspaper employee arrested
|
|
First Alert 3035DF Digital Locking Steel Security Box, 0.27 Cubic Foot, Black/Silver $41.99 Note: Products are not available for Hawaii and Alaska States…. |
|
|
First Alert 2037F Fire and Water File Chest, 0.62 Cubic Foot, Gray $55.95 This UL classified First Alert media protection chest tested to withstand an external temperature up to 1550 degrees for 1/2 hour and independently verified to protect electronic media, such as memory sticks, CD’s, DVD’s and external hard drives. Waterproof even when fully submerged. Key Protector Chest Features: Interior Dimensions(HxWxD): 10.25 in. x 12.17 in. x 8.58 in. Stores standar… |
|
|
First Alert 3040DF Digital Large Security Box, Black/Silver $53.99 Honeywell Security Lock Box with Digital Keypad. Lock it up… from important documents to your prized autographed baseball to your laptop, with the Honeywell Security Lock Box. And while you get BIG peace of mind, thieves just find one aggravating obstacle after another. 48″ security cable. State-of-the-art digital keypad. Double-steel wall construction. Plus, fire-retardant insulation provides a… |
|
|
Passion of the Christ: Songs (Original Songs Inspired by the Film) $16.98 … |
|
|
The Lost Soul $15.00 This CD features six new original works, two of them instrumentals, three traditional songs, and one borrowed tune. 1. Two Doves (Rathje) 5:232. Been All Around This World (trad. arr. Rathje) 3:123. Finn MacCool (Rathje) 3:534. The Lost Soul (trad. arr. Rathje) 2:545. Witch of the Westmereland (Fisher arr. Rathje) 4:146. Dobrology (Rathje) 2:547. Trout (Rathje) 2:408. Temperance Re… |
|
|
Family $18.49 … |
|
|
Charlie Rose – ‘What Just Happened?’ / Religulous (October 13, 2008) $24.95 A conversation about the film ‘What Just Happened?’ with Robert De Niro, Barry Levinson and Art Linson. || A conversation about the film Religulous with Bill Maher and Larry Charles.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply…. |
|
|
Keyword Optimization – Complete Guide to Choosing Profitable Keywords for Your Website $14.95 Keyword research and optimization are one of the most important aspects in search engine optimization and rankings. One of the most common mistakes people make when creating a website or putting up an online business is believing they already know what keywords customers are using to find them. If you are not targeting the specific keywords your customers are searching for online, they will NEVER … |
|
|
Quality Pay-Per-Click Traffic Video Series (2008, DVD) $49.99 The DVD includes the following videos: 1 – Understanding Quality Clicks Over Quantity Focusing on clicks that convert is more important than just the concept of getting a high CTR (Click Through Rate). The problem most beginners face is they are taught to use a keyword tool and just start adding tons and tons of keywords into the Adwords keyword list and Walla, some magical conversions will hap… |
|
|
Ohio State Buckeyes Ladies Logo Hair Scrunchie $8.95 Ladies, pull your hair back and show your Buckeye team spirit with this team logo scrunchie!… |
|
|
EIKO KPR102 – 2.4V .7A/B3-1/2 SC Mini Flange Base Miniature $4.98 … |
|
|
6 Watt – S6 – 48 Volt – Candelabra Base – Indicator Light Bulb – Bulbrite 750604 $3.99 Brand: Bulbrite – Part No.: 750604 – Wattage: 6 Watt – Voltage: 48 Volt – Base Finish: Brass – Base Type: Candelabra (E12) – Bulb Color: Clear – Bulb Shape: S6 – Bulb Type: Incandescent – Diameter: 3/4 in. – Length (M.O.L.): 1-7/8 in. – Life Hours: 1500 – Case Quantity: 10 -… |
|
|
Alfa AIP-W505 802.11n/b/g Wireless Broadband Router & Access Point with 4 LAN ports – Wireless-N WiFi WISP, Bridge, AP Router – Advanced Security Futures and Supports URL & Keyword Filtering $49.99 AIP-W505 PCB is the 1 x 10/100Mbps WAN + 4 x 10/100Mbps LAN Ports, 802.11n AP/Router that provide up to 150Mbps high speed throughput. W505 PCB is suitable for WISP applications such as AP/Router mode, WISP mode, WDS Bridge Mode, Wireless Bridge Mode and Hybrid Mode; it’s easy to management by user friendly web-based interfaceSpecifications:ManagementWeb-base management interfaceRemote managementS… |
|
|
Micro Innovations Wireless Link Keyboard (TKB700U) $14.99 Designed for travel and easy collapse, this keyboard is ideal for any user on the go. Foldable design lets you conveniently enter large amounts of data quickly and effortlessly. Ultra-slim design looks sharp and saves space. Folds to go wherever you want. Works with most Palm OS and Pocket PCs. For Device Type: Palm OS;Pocket PCs; Wired/Wireless: Wireless; Maximum Wireless Range: NA;Connector/Port… |
|
|
Decorated Mouse Pad with {Keywords} $9.95 Professional “Brite White” fabric mouse pads are among the most versatile and durable, providing brilliant graphic reproduction for spot color or full color imprints. This durable polyester surface is above industry standards and provides a superior product value overall. Designed to reproduce vibrant detailed images. Our mouse pads have white fabric top with the 100% genuine black rubber base (n… |
|
|
Samsung UN46C6300 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV (Black) $1,699.99 The Samsung LED 6300: LED picture quality meets Auto Motion Plus 120HzTM Clear Motion Rate technology, with gorgeous results. The 6300′s LED Ultra Clear Panel absorbs ambient light and virtually eliminates reflections, for a more comfortable viewing environment. It’s beautiful form and function, complementing the most stylish of décor…. |
|
|
Samsung UN55C6500 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV (Black) $2,799.99 What do you get when you combine Internet@TV with 120Hz Clear Motion Rate technology? The Samsung LED 6500. Get the best of the web, right on your HDTV, with downloadable and customizable widgets – and coming soon, Samsung apps. Connect to friends, share pictures, shop online and more. Samsung’s 120Hz Clear Motion Rate technology delivers smooth, natural action in every scene. Samsung LED backligh… |
|
|
Samsung UN55C6300 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV (Black) $2,499.99 The Samsung LED 6300 HDTV: LED picture quality meets Auto Motion Plus 120HzTM Clear Motion Rate technology, with gorgeous results. The 6300′s LED Ultra Clear Panel absorbs ambient light and virtually eliminates reflections, for a more comfortable viewing environment. It’s beautiful form and function, complementing the most stylish of décor…. |
|
|
Hanes Men’s Classic Basic Crew, Three Pack $16.00 Hanes Classics are constructed with very soft ring-spun cotton for added softness and resiliency…. |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Microfiber Minimizer Bra #428 $32.00 Our Lilyette® Microfiber and Lace Minimizer® Bra offers you the very best in beauty and comfort! * Beautiful and comfortable styling * Luxuriously soft fabric* Gorgeous lace details* Smooth under clothes* Guaranteed comfort* Minimizes size – not shapeFabric content: Top Cup: 91% Nylon, 9% ElastaneBottom Cup: 100% NylonBack: 89% Nylon, 1… |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Strapless Bra with Convertible Straps #929 $32.00 Our Lilyette®Strapless Bra with Convertible Straps is essential for the full figure woman as it offers unparalleled fit and the security that every woman desires. * Offers the best in fit and security * Seamless smooth shaping * Guaranteed to stay in place * Luxurious super soft… |
|
|
Green Toys Sand Play Set $12.94 Kids will ‘dig’ building castles and hunting for buried treasure with the environmentally friendly Sand Play Set from Green ToysTM. Made of recycled plastic, this classic 4-piece collection of tools consists of a bucket, sand castle mold, shovel and rake. Made in the U.S.A from recycled plastic milk containers, which helps save energy, reduces landfill waste, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, a… |
|
|
Alex Toys Draw like A Pro $30.00 A fun and easy way to draw…just turn down the lights, switch on the projector, insert a preprinted slide and trace away| Comes with 124 slides, 6 markers, 10 sheets of paper, and a flip book…. |
|
|
Alex 36 X 36 Vinyl Padded Playmat $13.20 All roads lead to fun with this take-along play mat that folds into a toy bag. Open it up anywhere – when you’re finished, pack up the toys and you’re on your way| Open mat measures a generous 36″ x 36″ of prime playing real estate…. |
|
|
Sirius SL-EX1 Stiletto Executive Speaker System $89.99 SIRIUS SLEX1 SIRIUS(TM) STILLETTO EXECUTIVE SYSTEM DESKTOP AUDIO SYSTEM FOR THE STILLETO FAMILY; 10W PER CHANNEL;HIGH-QUALITY, 2-WAY SPEAKER SYSTEM; BASS ENHANCEMENT TECHNOLOGY FOR DEEPER LISTENING; HEADPHONE JACK;DESK OR WALL MOUNTABLE; AUX IN;INCLUDES EXECUTIVE SYSTEM, WEATHERPROOF INDOOR/OUTDOOR ANTENNA, AC ADAPTER, REMOTE & WALL MOUNT BRACKET SIRIUS(TM) STILLETTO EXECUTIVE SYSTEM… |
|
|
Electric Volt Black Web Belt $28.00 Jump start your look with this Volt web belt by Electric!… |
|
|
FCS Premium TAIL GATE Surfboard Pad $27.98 These pads help to secure your boards when they extend past your tail gate or trunk. Easy design allows for quick and simple attachment in seconds…. |
|
|
Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society $10.95 Now revised to include new words and updated essays, Keywords focuses on the sociology of language, demonstrating how the key words we use to understand our society take on new meanings and how these changes reflect the political bent and values of society…. |
|
|
The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers $31.00 One of the main concerns for digital photographers today is asset management: how to file, find, protect, and re-use their photos. The best solutions can be found in The DAM Book, our bestselling guide to managing digital images efficiently and effectively.Anyone who shoots, scans, or stores digital photographs is practicing digital asset management (DAM), but few people do it in a way that makes … |
|
|
YouTube and Video Marketing: An Hour a Day $14.68 A complete, task-based guide to developing, implementing, and tracking a video marketing strategy Online video marketing is crucial in today’s marketplace. This guide teaches you proven, practical guidelines for developing and implementing video marketing for your organization. If you’re a marketer, advertising professional, consultant, or small business owner, here’s a relevant guid… |
Tags: anglicanchurch, attleboro, dioceseofmassachusetts, kidscongress, news, sun chronicle attleboro ma, sun chronicle attleboro obituaries
Leave a Comment