Mike’s Points

Yes.

However, Media Nation’s Dan Kennedy makes several good points on the benefits, convenience and even costs of reading ‘papers online v. on paper.

However, as I commented, there is still — and will be — enough of the U.S. population who are best reached via newspapers in print. It can be due to technology/accessibility or economics. Or, even by choice according to a recent survey from the Pew Internet and American Life Project. (By way of MarketingVox.com.)

“Although most U.S. adults have become part of the online world, nearly one-third of them (32 percent) remain unconnected, some by choice.”

So, while the technology may allow us to get our information digitally, it doesn’t mean that EVERYONE will do so.

For me, I get most of my news via the Internet and the radio. However, I still do get the local Sunday paper. (I don’t get the rest of the daily editions because I do not have time to read them.) There is nothing like reading the Sunday sports, comics, business and other news on a Sunday morning with a good mug of coffee.

It’s just not the same with a lap top.

So, in the print v. digital debate: It’s all about balance and targeting your message or business to what best fits your customers and prospects. Even if it means simultaneoulsy being online and in print.
–Mike

Technorati tags: Newspapers, Pew Internet and American Life Project, Media Nation

To answer the above question, yes.

And, that is the main point of Jeremy Pepper’s review of the first chapter of “Blog Marketing,” by Jeremy Wright.

No one tactic is the be-all, end-all in marketing and communicating with customers and prospects, as Jeremy P. points out:

“Blogs are not a holy grail, but another avenue for people to write, to express, and, yes, to bitch.”

Jeremy W. does note in his book (the first chapter released and reviewed by Jeremy P.) that blogging can help companies be a “fly on the wall.” Therefore, you can quickly:

“[D]etermine what your customers want, how they want it, what they will ultimately buy, and what they’re willing to pay for it. This is the power of the blog.”

Yes, that is the power of the blog. It’s not the only power available to companies — as both Jeremys note (Wright’s is in a comment). But, it is a strong power. Just ask Kryptonite about the potential for negative influence blogs can have.

In his last comment, Jeremy also points out:

“[B]logs are not effectively a form of free advertising - it’s just pure public relations. It’s PR’s to lose, and if we don’t step up and make sure we own corporate blogging, it will become marketing pabulum.”

Yes, PR should have reign over corp blogs, but I that doesn’t mean “ghost blogging.” One of the great things about blogging is the personal, informal interaction between the blogger — whether individual or representing a company — and his/her audience.

Ghost blogging — such as PR people blogging and signing off as a corp exec — is wrong. It still needs to be in the tone and style from the corp exec. However, there is nothing wrong with prior review by the PR person — for proofing and ensuring nothing major will come back and bit the corp in it’s butt.

– Mike

Technorati tags: Blog Marketing book, Blogging, Public Relations, Jeremy Wright, Ghost Blogging