Scoble -10, Parmet 1

Best post to date on the social media news release squabble is David Parmet who correctly points out that most of the critics are Missing the mark.

Which brings us neatly to Robert Scoble, who misses it more than most. At least Stowe Boyd’s original post was well argued, even if I don’t think he fully understands what it’s all about.

It’s horses for courses. Professional PRs will communicate with people using whatever channel or technique works best – for both sides of the conversation. In a perfect world we’d have a million different ways for a million different people. In the real world we use a variety of methods, which meet the needs of people to a greater or lesser extent. We do what’s possible and what works.

Social media news releases are just part an ever changing world. As are blogs, video, TV, radio, newspapers, water cooler conversations, town hall meetings, email – the list goes on and on.

The problem with most critics, Scoble is only one example, is that they don’t have a clue what real public relations is.

I wouldn’t dream of blogging criticism about some new accountancy tactic, or a new way for surgeons to operate, or a new way for lawyers to settle cases.

So why do some people think their opinions are relevant on a new public relations technique?