4 Things to Do After Your Arrest Record is Online

The first question anyone asks when they see an account of their arrest online is: "Can do they do that?"

Yes. They can. And they did. Police reports are public record and therefore fair game for journalists. I've reported on my share of cops columns and criminal court cases and all I can say is that people are always interested in crime...so police reports will always be news.

But I get it. It's embarrassing. And it comes up in Google searches so you want to find a way to get rid of it.

I usually give tips on this blog about pitching your story to get in the news but I wanted to address this topic because as a writer and fill-in editor, I see the question "Can you take my arrest record down?" at least three times a week.

So here are a few things you can do about it:

• Contact the editor of the website with the outcome. Were the charges dismissed? Were no charges ever filed? Did you beat the case? Have the charges been expunged? Contact the editor and let them know about it. They can't rewrite history and delete the arrest, but they may add an editor's note about the outcome of the case.
• Comment on the story with the outcome. I would only use this tactic if you can't get in touch with the editor or sometone in charge. Typically, stories online have places where you can comment. I'm not saying write a narrative about the issue that may get you in more legal trouble but posting something like "My name is () and I just want to say these charges were dropped," etc. could help.
• Consider creating your own website or blog. We also know by now that search engines will pick up your name in an online arrest report BUT if you have your own site with its tags and labels that include your name, you can combat some of the negative information with positive info about your jobs, community service, etc. It doesn't have to be an elaborate website and you can host many sites and blogs for free.
• Be prepared to explain. If nothing else, be ready to explain what happened with the incident, that it was a long time ago or that you made a mistake or whatever to potential employers or whomever may come across the information -- especially if the charges were dismissed. 

The moral of the story? It's not easy when your mistakes are visible for everyone to see because conflict can be a huge element of news, criminal proceedings will remain a hot topic. But whatever happened, own up to your mistakes and make sure you're never in the situation again.

Related blogs:
5 Things You Should Never Say to a Reporter
Beware of the Skeletons
5 Ways to Avoid Reporter Mistakes

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and publicity strategist with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

You Shouldn't Try to Get Your Story in the News If...

Sometimes, it just has to be said: everybody doesn't have a newsworthy story.

What's good news for you doesn't meant that it will draw the attention of the masses that reporters are tasked with educating, informing or entertaining every day.

Here are three simple reasons why you should NOT be pitching your story because chances are, you don't have a story that's ready for media attention.

• You just want to sell something. If the only thing you can come up with about your organization or company is what's on sale, you are not ready to start pitching. If you can only offer a reporter coupons for background information, don't bother pitching, just buy an ad.
• You can't explain exactly what you do. If you aren't able to give a clear, concise sentence about why the masses would care about your story, you need to head back to the drawing board until you can figure that out. If you can't explain it to a reporter, a reporter can't explain it to their audience...and nobody gets it.
• Your story has nothing unique about it. I run into organizations all the time that want coverage for a fundraiser. Well, thousands of organizations have fundraisers. What makes yours different and what do you have to offer people if they donate or attend?

The moral of the story? To appeal to a reporter, your story has to have elements that appeals to a mass audience.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and publicity strategist with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Bad News Travels Faster

Someone once said that lies can travel the world while the truth is still getting its pants on.

I think this statement is mostly true and can certainly be applied to good news and bad news. The unfortunate fact is: bad news can also travel faster.

If you look at social media and what gets the most reposts and retweets, sure, there are some amazing quotes, pictures and videos that get great feedback. But cases like the latest social media nightmare for Progressive Insurance can easily get way more air time.

According to CNN Money: "The company's crisis began [in August] when a customer's sibling published a Tumblr post with the kind of headline public-relations people have nightmares about: "My Sister Paid Progressive Insurance to Defend Her Killer In Court.

...Fisher's blog post went viral overnight and was re-shared on Tumblr more than 10,000 times. The Internet hive turned savagely on Progressive and its iconic spokeswoman."

To compound the issue, Progressive apparently responded with a series of RoboTweets, when a genuine, heartfelt statement was probably more appropriate.

The moral of the story isn't not to use social media or to be fearful of what people may say about you. But if you're confronted with bad news, remain genuine and heartfelt. Make sure that your message remains consistent and that you report on your own good news, even if no one else does. 

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media relations consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Look for the Skeletons

There may be a few things worse than having a reporter finding some weird or potentially damning thing about your story that you didn't already know.

Like...war. Or poverty. Or littering.

There are definitely a few things worse than a reporter finding out that the program you are pulling (and pitching) for so wholeheartedly was in the middle of some great scandal three years ago. But if that happens, your only focus is going to be how to recover from that devastating punch.

Here a few tips to avoid that sensation:

•  Be sure that you have done your research regarding your claims.
• Make sure the people you have aligned yourself with have clean, credible backgrounds. Or if they were involved with something, make sure you know about it so that you can explain it and you're not blind-sided by the revelation.
• Understand that if there is dirt to be found, a reporter will find it. And ask you about it, so it's best to have some sort of prepared statement.

The moral of the story? Research is important. Make sure that you are asking the right questions so you know the answer when a reporter asks you.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media relations consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Know When to Fold 'Em

Everyone has that one reporter that is impossible to contact. This person is so elusive that reaching out to them is like trying to catch the wind. So close, yet so far.

It may not be that this reporter talks to everyone on the planer except for, so don't take it personally. They may just legitimately be busy. If you have contacted this reporter several times by phone, email and/or smoke signal to no avail, it may be time to give it up.

I'm not suggesting that you don't pitch to the reporter anymore; I'm saying that instead of trying to get the one-on-one that is escaping you, just add them to your email list and continue to send great pitches and/or releases their way.

The moral of the story? Put your information out there concisely and consistently, but don't make yourself a pest. When something interests them, they will call. 

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism. 

Being Friendly Goes a Long Way

Though we live in a world where everyone wants everything yesterday, keep in mind that being patient and polite when it comes to handling a reporter still goes a long way.

When you call the newsroom, a simple "hello" is a good thing to say before you start rattling off how someone can help you. You don't have to engage them in a full-on conversation -- after all, they are busy -- but you can at least give a friendly greeting. Say "thank you" when they give you the information you need.

The moral of the story: reporters and editors are more likely to want to deal with you again if their memories of you are tainted with rudeness. And no one wants to reunite with a nasty attitude.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Burger King Delivers?!

If you haven't learned anything else from me, hopefully you know that I say it's typically tougher for businesses to get themselves in the news. Why?

Because -- say it with me -- the general feeling is that businesses that want advertising should buy an ad. No free publicity here. Unless you're Apple status. 

Or you've done something with your business so out of the box that the media HAS to take notice.

Like Burger King testing delivery options at 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia.

Fast food? Delivery? Wow. As many times as I've lazily thought, "Man, I wish I could have that Whopper delivered..." I never thought it could happen. The idea definitely has America talking. 

The moral of the story? Find the buzz about your business that can capture the public's attention. Besides your $99 sale, that is.

But don't worry, it's alright if it's not quite as buzzworthy as the idea of a Whopper showing up on your doorstep.

Is Any Publicity Really Good Publicity?

When it comes to seeing your name in the news, is all news good news?

I reflected on this question after watching the escapades of Kim Kardashian and the woes of Herman Cain parade across the news over recent weeks.

It led to do a little research on the subject and a Business Insider article gave an interesting assessment:

"All publicity is good publicity -- if no one has ever heard of you.

Alan Sorensen ...determined that, even when reviews were negative, previously unknown authors saw a one-third bump in sales. Sorensen believes his findings can be applied beyond authors to all small businesses fighting to make names for themselves.

Negative PR is only helpful for small shops though. Big brands can be harmed by bad news, he says."

So, as it turns out, small businesses or organizations may actually be able to benefit from negative press. However, it would seem that even the bump in sales may only be temporary and is a risk because those new clients or customers may not come back. Meanwhile, your reputation is still damaged.

The verdict? Let's try for good publicity...then good publicity can just be -- good.

And as for how Kim K. and Herman Cain will fare? Only time will tell.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.