The Data Confirms What We Already Knew: Long Hours & Depression

At last, a study that quantifies and corroborates what every PR exec has known/suspected F-O-R-E-V-E-R.  Digital only made it worse, and globalization finally made it necessary to add a night shift to PR teams.

"Study:  Working late increases your risk of depression" by Kevin Allen http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/10699.aspx

How telling is it that this article appeared above the fold in today's "PR Daily News Feed?"

One commenter on this article actually referenced the "B" word.  Please do NOT get me stated on "Balance."

bal-ance  n. [[ < LL bilanx, having two scales ]]   1 the ubiquitous myth propagated in the latter part of the 20th century for the purpose of cultivating a more lucrative anti-depressant market among working mothers, selling more self-help books written by single/divorced men, and giving rise to the "Time Management" consulting industry --vt -anced, -ancing

Can't help wonder what, if any, effect this will have on the public relations industry ... okay, just slap me, that was silly.

Social News Apps: We've come a long way baby ...

Had to share this for 3 reasons:

1. I've always hated RSS feeds and feel like celebrating that we've gotten past them.

2. I really needed this round-up, and hope it helps you too.

3. All 10 of these apps are very cool.

The 10 Social News Apps You Need to Try | Xconomy

Enjoy!

SOPA, PIPA Votes Indefinitely Delayed

Oh crap. Just when I thought I was up to speed on it ... SOPA, PIPA Votes Indefinitely Delayed

I'll bet the Wikipedia blackout was what got to 'em.  Probably caused widespread chaos all over the Hill.  I can see it in my mind's eye as if I were there ...

Congressman: "What does this S-O-P-A stand for again?

Aid: "Dunno. Hang on a second, let me check Wikipedia ... Hey! What the f---!?!"

Congressman:  "Get me Reid's office -- this is gonna be a problem."

SOPA: A Mega, Meta Mashup Of News (Fast Company)

Trying to keep up with the SOPA maelstrom? Me too -- and it's really been painful.

Don't give up -- Fast Company has galloped in to the rescue. They've consolidated and constructed an entire overview article using links to the latest reporting and analysis and it's all right here: SOPA: A Mega, Meta Mashup Of News | Fast Company

Do yourself a favor and step away from the search engine and RSS feeds. Give this article a good read, maybe even click thru a couple of the links. It helps -- I finished it and felt much better.

And while you're thinking about it, leave a comment with your two cents on SOPA. What's good about it, what's bad about it and how do you think it will all shake out?

Facebook Predicts the New Hampshire Primary Winner [Study] | BostInno

Of course they did ...

Facebook Predicts the New Hampshire Primary Winner [Study] | BostInno

Facebook Predicts the New Hampshire Primary Winner [Study] | BostInno

Of course they did ...

Facebook Predicts the New Hampshire Primary Winner [Study] | BostInno

Know Your Stuff: The Legalities of Marketing

There's nothing more frustrating & embarrassing than creating a drop dead promo or campaign only to have it shot down by corporate counsel for the simple reason that it is in violation of state, local, or federal regulations.

Or worse ...

Except, of course, if your corporate counsel is more familiar with patent law than FCC regs and the campaign launches without thorough and comprehensive review. When the regulators and various legal entities descend on your company, you can rest assured Counsel will pass the buck right to your office. And sleep very well that night too, thank you.

Integrate the Creative with the Practical -- You'll be Glad You did

Creativity is only part of campaign development. If you're not up on the legalities and liabilities that come with the job you're a prosecution waiting to happen.

Just like knowing your budget boundaries, you need to know your legal boundaries before planning a campaign. As such, you not only save time and $$, but you position yourself and your team as genuine, credible resources for your organization. Enhance your value and the value of your group and you will find it a lot easier to do your job without the second guessers, and dime-a-dozen arm chair marketeers.

If you haven't gotten around to drafting a Policies & Procedures manual for Marketing at your organization, this is an excellent way to educate yourself, educate your team and educate your organization at large.  In addition it consolidates your brand requirements, style guide and procedures for material requests.

Last but not least, it helps your company educate employees (and management) about way they can promote the brand most effectively, as well as avoid inadvertent brand damage (think Chrysler employee tweeting profanities about Detroit drivers last year ... make me wince just recalling it!)

What triggered this dire warning?

Oh, I was just getting caught up on some blog reading and came across the following post. I urge you to read it -- and anything else you find on PR, IR and Marketing-centric laws. Social Media Promotions and the Law: What You Need to Know | Social Media Examiner

More Resources

Here are a few additional online resources that will get your started:

• Internet & General Marketing Laws: http://marketingtoday.com/marketinglaws/usmarketinglaws.htm
• e-Mail Laws: http://marketingtoday.com/marketinglaws/emaillaws.htm
• FTC Div. of Marketing Practices: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/bcpmp.shtm
• CAN-SPAM: http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus61-can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business
• Multiple News-related Topics: http://blog.ericgoldman.org

Got a Professional Organization?

Several are good sources for information about the laws and regulations that pertain to many facets of Marketing, including:

• AMA (American Marketing Assoc.) http://www.marketingpower.com
• DMA (Direct Marketing Assoc.) http://www.the-dma.org
• PMA (Promotion Marketing Assoc.) http://www.pmalink.org

Nobody Said This Was Going to be Easy

In fact, I've been known to remark that Marketing positions should be posted with a Surgeon General's Warning all their own.  But, for those of us who have found a real niche in Marketing, constantly learning and staying abreast of news and developments is one of the aspects of the function that make it dynamic and interesting.

These are the details that differentiate the professionals from the wannabes.  A Marketing professional thinks outside the box while also knowing the contents of the box like the back of his/her hand.

Can you recommend other resources?

We'd like to hear from you.  Please post a comment and refer us to your favorite resources and colleagues.

Thanks!