“Don’t Be Left out of the Party!”

Filtered Survey Results

Blank Survey

\”Dont Be Left Out of the Party!\” (this is the YouTube video we created for respondents to watch)

As a bystander at Einstein bagels at the local plaza, I took the pictures located below. Within about 10 minutes more than half of the vehicle was consumed in bright yellow and orange flames with tunnels of black smoke shooting into the air.

Emergency services arrived fairly quickly. Within about 3-5 minutes of the initial flames, police were behind the car. I was disappointed with the way the police handled the situation. They did not try and stop traffic or close down a lane. It is understandable that fire rescue was on its way, as well as a tow truck; but this could have escalated very quickly into a serious event. Passing cars could have gas leaking from their vehicle which could have caused a larger fire to occur. Winds could have picked up and pushed some of the thick flames onto passing vehicles. It was during a high traffic time, as Fowler Avenue is always busy, but I felt better precautions should have put into place.

Fire rescue arrived about 20 minutes into the event and had the flames under control and extinguished within about 5 minutes. After the vehicle was towed, the location where the car was is still torched.

(see pictures below)

 Speakers on the panel consisted of:

- Tom Wagner, Public Relations Manager, Florida Aquarium

- Bob Andelman, Host/Producer, “Mr. Media Interviews” podcasts

- Eric Deggans, Television/Media Critic, St. Petersburg Times

- Ellyn Angelotti, Interactivity Editor/Adjunct Faculty, Poynter Online

Moderator:

- Butch Ward, Managing Director/Faculty, The Poynter Institute

             Eric Deggans brought up a great sub-topic about the changes in journalism/social media today. He mentioned a positive aspect to social media is journalist now have more control through social media. Journalists are now able to have more avenues of reach and interact in multiple levels of communication. A journalist can have a Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and 12Second.tv account, plus more, to engage their specific target audiences. Each audience one is trying to target is different, depending on which social media site you are informing.

            “Mr. Media,” Bob Andelman said “Social media is what you want it to be.” He said sometimes people just starting out on social media think most of it has no purpose, but it does. As a freelance writer, he mentioned he was sort of ahead of the times when it comes to social media. He has been actively engaging in it for years.

            Tom Wagner, from the Florida Aquarium was the most compelling panelist. He was able to give us a real example of how social media enhances organizations. He went over his implementation of a “Tweet Up,” in which he invited 200 important bloggers to the Aquarium, for FREE! He allowed them to explore what the Aquarium had to offer and encouraged them to tweet immediately about their feelings and experiences. He also engaged in the two-way communication with the bloggers on Twitter and helped give suggestions to enhance someone if they were having a negative one. He also mentioned after this event took place, sales dramatically increased. Being the only public relations person at the Aquarium, Tom says it is crucial in today’s world. He said customers will post comments or blogs about their experience and engaging in the two-way communication, being positive or negative feedback, Tom feels it is vital to his organization.

            When beginning social media tactics, Eric said to always ask yourself a few questions, such as: What is your goal? Who is following you? Why are you having this particular page? He also mentioned that to just sign up for all of these social media sites is pointless. If you are not going to be active, don’t have them.

            Overall, as a PRSSA member I found this takeover to be extremely useful and exciting. Making connections and being introduced to active professionals is one of the best opportunities I have as a student right now. Getting the knowledge and tools, I need to succeed in this industry is something I will never turn away!

PRSSA Takeover Event

I never really understood what you were supposed to blog about and I am not sure I have found my blogging niche, but I am excited to begin my experience in the blogging world. I love that I am gaining unlimited amounts of information every day, whether I am in class or reading the news paper or talking to all the new people I am meeting.

I know it is going to be hard to obtain a job within in the NFL, but I am ready. I am ready to put in the hours, dedication and get the knowledge I need to succeed in this specific industry. I have never been happier than I am at this point in my career/educational transition and I hope to find my personal blogging style and topics which I feel comfortable expressing my opinion on. I now know blogging is such a powerful medium and I hope this blog will enhance my writing and communication skills for my future!

Switching my major last year from psychology to public relations was THE best decision I have ever made. I am beyond excited to go to class and learn new information about my future profession. I love the students, professors and professionals I have met so far in the short amount of time I have been learning about PR. I joined PRSSA to further enhance my experience and opportunities in the PR world. (The National Conference in November 6th-10th in San Diego, California and I am so excited to go!!) The opportunities to learn and grown in this field are endless and I cannot wait to continue my journey throughout this upcoming year.