3 Reasons Why Publicity Should Be Part of Your Marketing

Everyone knows that marketing is essential to any business.

It's the reason why McDonald's with their millions of locations and billions of burgers sold continues to produce commercial and other initiatives -- because the executives know their products need to stay on people's minds.

So let's talk about about publicity's role in your marketing. By publicity, I mean using the media to air a message that is NOT an advertisement.

So you may be asking...why? I'm a plumber. Why should I try to get publicity?

Related: Three More Ways to Get in the News

Well, Mr. Plumber (and other business owners), you have to consider a few things:

1. Understand that media is more than just the news. There are blogs, magazines and websites about home improvement (or whatever industry you are in) where your expertise may fit. Do you have great information to contribute to create more of a following for your business?
2. You're not using publicity to directly sell. You're using it to create awareness about who you are, what you do and how you can assist potential clients. And it's cool to just help people when you can.
3. If you want to be considered an expert, publicity is a great way to establish credibility. It also gets your message out to a wide audience, which is why I like to say publicity is word-of-mouth on steroids.

The moral of the story? Publicity is a great tool for spreading your message, which will let people know more about you. If you have a marketing plan to grow, definitely consider how you can get the word out through the media.

Related:  The Winding Road to Publicity
               Before You Pitch: 5 Questions Reporters Will Definitely Ask
                   
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.

Are You Made for TV?

A few years ago, I was part of an investigative team looking into inconsistencies in property values in Clark County, Ohio.

What that means in English is that some homes in the area were way overvalued -- leading to huge increases in property taxes -- and some homes were not valued as high as they should have been.

The culprit, according to one whistleblower, was shoddy reappraisal work done by a company hired by a shoddy county auditor. For this reporter, it was investigative heaven. And it was work that yours truly and a colleague of mine won an award for Community Reporting from the Ohio Associated Press.

But, oddly enough, this huge story that was in our newspaper constantly over more than six months made barely a blip in broadcast news.

Was it it because it wasn't important? Not at all. It was because, as broadcast is largely driven by audio and visual, this story was hard to show and explain.

Each time I wrote a follow-up to that story, I had to carefully craft it so that people could follow along and not get blogged down by numbers, factors and something one source called " economic obsolescence."

It was tough to do -- and would have been even tougher if I only had 1 minute and 15 seconds of broadcast time -- at the most -- to explain, including any interviews.

You need to ask yourself: is your story made for TV? Can you:

• Readily explain it in two or three sentences?
• Provide several interesting visuals to explain it?
• Offer simple statistics to prove your point?

The moral of the story? These are key points you need to address with any story, but especially with broadcast media. They rely on sight and sound to get your story told, so if your story consists of mostly paper, perhaps a newspaper would be a better fit.

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.

You've Got the Interview...Now What?

Your day has come. You have pitched and reported called you back.

Here's your moment to shout, "Yay!"

But after that, here are three tips to keep you on track during your interview:

1. Don't spend a whole lot of time talking about your competitors. This holds true if you're a business or organization or whatever. This is your moment to shine. Instead of blatantly saying, "Company X doesn't do this..." simply focus on whatever it is that you do.
2. Listen to the interviewers' question...and answer it. Do this to the best of your ability and stay on track. Nobody likes a rambler.
3. Have an idea of what you're going to say before the interview. Make a list of three to five succinct points that you know you want to make and don't stray too far from those points.

At the end of it all, your dynamic interview will become a dynamic story.

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. 

Knowing When to Grab a Publicity Opportunity

Blue Ivy Events is enjoying unexpected residual publicity
from sharing a name with the newborn of Jay Z and Beyonce.

Before this week, how many people could say they had heard of a Boston small business -- an event planning company called Blue Ivy?

Now the whole country -- and dare we say, the world -- has exposure to the company because it happens to share its name with the already ultra-famous kid of Beyonce and Jay Z.

So what did the owner Veronica Alexandra do to ride this unexpected media gem as far as it can go? In addition to explaining how she came up with the unique name (the media is having a field day trying to figure out how  Bey and Jay did for their new bundle of joy) she is also taking full advantage.

Huffington Post reports: "... Alexandra's business name has been dethroned in Google searches by the power couple's baby. She is now working the 'if you can't beat them, join them' approach -- she has done whirlwind media appearances, posted a banner on her website that says 'CONGRATS to our SOUL MATE Couple with Baby Blue Ivy!' posted messages on her Facebook and tweeted 'event planning company came first ... Beyonce 2nd ...' and 'Beyonce's daughter just validated how artistic we care to be. Love IT!'"

Great way to recognize a publicity opportunity. The moral of the story? Keep an eye on what celebs are naming their kids. 

Note: I have to thank my buddies over at Complete Concepts Consulting, Inc. for the inspiration of this post.


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.

Keep a Record of All News Appearances

Before I just started asking my clients outright, sometimes I would have worked with a client for several weeks before I find out they have appeared in a news publication or on a program before.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

This question is typically met with a shrug. Or a blank look as if to say, "What, that matters?"

In a word, yes.

Remember when we talked about why you want publicity and how you can benefit -- and one reason is that it gives your organization credibility.

So if you have already had a reporter verify who you are and what you do, make sure you share it on your website under a link marked "In the News" or "Press."

And one last word to the wise: if your last media appearance was six years ago, you should be looking for fresh ways to get publicity.

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.

The Fine Line Between Social Media and Spreading Rumors

We've spoken before about about using social media, such as Twitter, as means to get news and information.

Though I concede people may first "hear" about news on their social media feeds and streams, I also believe that many people Google or check a reputable news outlet before believing -- or spreading -- the information.

But over the last few days, we have an intriguing case and I'd love to know what say you about when spreading information via social media becomes a criminal offense.

According to the Associated Press, two men in Mexico City face charges of terrorism and panic after Tweeting false reports that gunmen were attacking schools. Chaos and 26 car crashes ensued as terrified parents rushed to pick up their children, prosecutors said. If convicted, the men could face up to 30 years in prison.

Meanwhile, defense attorneys said the two men were simply retweeting and posting what had been told to them.

So, what do you think? What is the responsibility of social media users to verify before they post? And in what situations?

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc.  Her background is in print journalism and she has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette advises nonprofits and small businesses on how they can get media attention for their programs and efforts. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

The Hazardous Side of Being a Reporter

I've always said that in many ways, reporters have to defy every natural instinct of self-preservation.

We hear gunshots, we head out to the scene. Word gets out of a tornado touching down, we're driving toward it while every other person with an ounce of sense is going the other way on the highway (true story, by the way). And we scramble to get to a car wreck, house fire or other other potentially catastrophic situation.

And we while the adrenaline is pumping, our nerves are singing and many of us love the rush, we primarily do it for you. So that you will have the information you need when you need it.

 Though some questioned whether there was too much coverage, but my answer to that is if the hurricane had been downplayed, there would be criticism, too so >> insert shrug here <<. Meanwhile, as I watched, read about, listened to and clicked on the nearly nonstop coverage of Hurricane Irene this past weekend, I had to hand it to my brethren of the pad, pencil, camera and recorder. Through wind, water and rain, they brought you the story. They even managed to (mostly) stay upright.

There's only one thing left to say: Well done.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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 they can get media attention for their programs and efforts. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Respect the Reporter's Deadline

A reporter calls at 3 p.m. to ask you a question about a story.

"Oh, great, thanks for thinking of me," you respond. "When do you need it?"

"Now."

Pause.

From any other professional, this last-minute call may seem rude and get your mind going into the "how-dare-they" zone.

But consider a reporter's profession -- the very essence of which, it last-minute. Up-to-the-minute updates. Breaking news. You heard it here first.

These aren't just empty promises, they are the ways reporters have to function to stop on top of the news. And the adrenaline is pumping because it's 3 p.m. and they have to write a story and be ready to go to press or go on air at 5 p.m.

So it may be that if you have a business, organization or are otherwise involved in some newsworthy venture, a reporter may call you for a comment on a related story.

If they do, don't panic. They called you because you have somehow established yourself as knowledgeable on the topic. Rely on that knowledge and answer the questions to the best of your ability. And if you don't know about the particular situation or issue, say that you can't comment.

But don't chicken out. Don't tell them you have to call them back so you can give them some prepared, plastic statement.

Believe me, if a reporter knows they can call you in a crunch for a great, concise quote, you have just made a new friend.

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 they can get media attention for their programs and efforts. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Try to Catch the Beat

Let's test your media knowledge a little bit.

Do you know what a beat is?

If, at this moment, you're trying to verbalize a term that has anything to do with music, stop. That's not it.

In the wide world of media, a "beat" is an area or subject that a reporter specifically covers. For example, when I worked at the Springfield News-Sun in Springfield, Ohio, I was on the county government beat. I covered all things related to Clark County, including regularly going to county commission meetings and events of other local governmental agencies. While I was at the Marshall News Messenger in Marshall, Texas, I covered education, but before that, I was the religion reporter.

Now that you have it, let's discuss why this is important. Knowing what beat a reporter covers is good to know because it tells you which reporter to pitch your story to -- directing the flow of information. While there are GA (general assignment) reporters who pretty much cover any and every thing, it's great to know when to contact the business reporter or the education person.

Knowing which beat you want -- and therefore which reporter to contact -- saves you time, as well as the person who would normally have to shuffle your press release off to the right person anyway.

To Figure Out What Reporters Want...Watch the News

If nothing else, I have stressed in my semi-monthly messages that research is key when it comes to figuring out what should be in your press release and how it would pique a reporter's interest.

With that said, you will have no idea what makes the news in your coverage area if you don't watch, read, listen or click on the news in your coverage area.

I've been a reporter in Houston, Marshall (Texas), Springfield (Ohio) and the surrounding suburbs of Chicago and no market was the same when it came to what stories got coverage.

Things to remember as you check out the news in your area:

• Who? Who is more likely to get coverage? Businesses, organizations, individuals? Is there a common element you see?
• When? Is there a season or time of year where reporters are more likely to cover a certain subject?
• What? A smaller market is more likely to cover a grand opening of a business. But a larger market will need a few more reasons to give that story air time.

Once you have a grasp on what your coverage area highlights, you can tailor your press release to include those same elements. You also know that if you don't have some of those same elements, you may not have a viable story.

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 they can get media attention for their programs and efforts. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

If Your Topic Doesn't Interest YOU, It Won't Interest A Reporter

Think about what you want to pitch to a reporter.

Now take yourself out of the equation. This means the story is no longer about YOUR cause, YOUR event or YOU.

Does it catch your attention? Are you still interested?

If not, a reporter won't be either.

I have met many people who thought they had a story because they were so taken with their own accomplishments -- which, while they were great on a personal note -- did not make a good or intriguing news story.

Gauge the newsworthiness of your story like this: If it were something that had nothing to do with you that came on television, the radio, was featured in the newspaper or online, would you change the channel, turn the knob, turn the page or click away?

If the answer is yes, do not expect a reporter to be interested in a topic that even you don't care about.

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

Help Us Help You: Ways to Head Off Reporter Mistakes

This may come as a surprise.

But, reporters are only human. And...we make mistakes.

Shocking, I know. However, it's true and it's possible that mistakes may wind up in your story.

I have printed some inaccurate information in my time -- in some instances, it was my fault and in others, I was given bad information.

At any rate, I believe most of the subjects of my stories were very gracious in pointing out errors and didn't make me feel too badly about the mistakes. If there were any real rabble-rousers, I think I have blocked them from memory.

Still, there are some things that you, as the subject of a story, can do to help a reporter out. Being proactive with giving facts and background information may go a long way in ensuring the accuracy of your story.

• Give a fact sheet. Have a story with lots of numbers or details? Perhaps a budget? Here's a tip: give the reporter something written with those details on it. We love figures and trends and we love quoting them. You can leave it to the reporter to figure out the percentage increase of your revenues or you can issue a fact sheet with the numbers already there. 
• Be available for follow-up. You had the interview and it went well, but the reporter wants to clarify something and can't reach you. You want to make sure the reporter has all the contact information he or she needs to ask you that question that inevitably pops up as we are going over our notes or putting together the story.
• Make sure they understand. Don't be condescending about it, but if you know your organization has had three names changes in the past five years, plus five elections (with one that didn't count because of that whole missing ballot thing) don't hesitate to go over every thing step by step with the reporter. You can say things like, "Now, just so you know, I want to clarify that Sally Bee was the president when we changed our mascot for the eighth time, not Sally Zee." You can do this for confusing information or just basic background.
• Spell out names, give titles and/or rank when applicable. Nine times out of ten, reporters will ask you how to spell your name and your title, but if they don't, gently say, "That's John Smythe, S-M-Y-T-H-E, first lieutenant of XYZ organization."
• Be sure your own information is accurate. Don't blame the reporter if you accidentally told them you raised $55 when you actually raised $5,500. Make sure all of your own information is in order before you present it.

The moral of the story? Make sure you present the most accurate information possible to avoid published (or aired!) mistakes.

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

Where is Your Media Plan?

When you start a business or nonprofit organization, typically your business plan is in place -- the mission statement, the goals you want to accomplish and how you plan to do it.

Is there a media plan included?

If there answer is no, then you should get to work on one. Here's why: If you randomly pitch random things to random media outlets, believe me, you will get equally random results.

Last week, we talked about why you should consider publicity for your business or organization and how it can help you. Once you decide publicity is something you want to pursue, you should have a map to get there, much like your business plan, marketing strategy or any other plan.

What is it you want to accomplish through the media -- social and traditional? How will you get it accomplished? What are the costs? What are the benefits?

If you have no idea what the answers to these questions are, you should get the help of someone who does. I'm not talking about someone who took a random journalism or marketing class in college, either, but someone who really understands the field and how to work in it.

Remember the old adage: failure to plan is a plan to fail. This also applies when it comes to media.

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

Why Do You Want Publicity?

You have been working on your business or cause for years now. You know if you can just get your pitch in front of a reporter, it's completely golden for a story.

But have you ever really thought about why you even want news coverage or what it may do for your business or nonprofit organization? It may be time to think beyond the flashing lights.

I have to thank public relations guru Steve Harrison for inspiring this topic. I listened to a teleconference of his a few weeks ago and agreed with every single one of his points about why an organization would seek publicity over traditional advertising.

That's not to say your marketing budget should disappear because all you want to do is ferret free publicity. It just means if you have something newsworthy, consider the fact that coverage can carry a tad bit more weight than paying for ad space. The coverage can definitely be a tool, but is not one to be abused or taken advantage of -- remember that.

However, here are some of Harrison's reasons why publicity can be greater than an ad:

• It doesn't cost anything.
• It gives you and your business/organization credibility. We news folks can dig fairly deep. If you have somehow managed to get past the gatekeepers, editors and fact checkers, you must have a pretty valid project going on.
• It multiplies. You ever notice how a person or organization gets on one news show and is soon popping up on all the shows or in all the papers? In fact, you may hear the person is "making the rounds" on different stations or in publications. That's because Harrison was totally correct when he said that many times, one story can get the attention of more media and it often does turn into a sort of blitz.

Now I want to take Harrison's topic even a step further when I ask you to ask yourself if you have considered the potential effects of media coverage.

• Do you have a website where customers/clients/supporters can find out more information?
• If your story results in orders of your product skyrocketing, are you prepared to fill those orders? If your restaurant suddenly sees an uptick in service, do you have the staff to handle it? If donations come pouring in for your 501(c)(3), do you have a bank account, accurate records, etc.? 
• Do you have someone who is a reliable, knowledgeable and well-spoken spokesperson or representative?

Of course, you can't be prepared for every single thing and if a reporter calls you up today to do a story, I wouldn't tell you to refuse because your website is down. However, these tips translate into good media relations practice and can increase the effectiveness of your publicity message. These tips also translate into good business practices, which is the focus of your venture -- publicity should be secondary.

If you get started on this now, when the media does get wind of your golden story, you will be well-prepared.

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

The Cotillion: Introducing Philanthropy to Society

Pamela Pressley
The Cotillion Founder and Publisher

When it comes to getting publicity, nonprofit organizations typically enjoy a great advantage -- the media loves a good cause. In fact, the publisher of one online publication, The Cotillion,, has made the coverage of charitable causes her own mission. Any non-profit, individual or other business actively engaged in the community can be featured on the site. 


I initially spoke with The Cotillion founder and publisher Pamela Pressley in the summer of 2010, when I interviewed her for a profile that appeared on Young Black Professional Guide. Pressley explained the art of "solanthropy" -- giving back to the community through social events.


Pressley recently gave an update on how the the site is doing: The Cotillion has doubled in size since last summer and Pressley is considering ways to use the latest technology to interact with readers, she said. Based in Washington, D.C., the site now also covers charitable happenings in Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and New York.


"I want people to know that we are a motivator and supporter to the non-profit community and we celebrate those who make it point to [do so]," Pressley said. "We generally support those who have a focus on volunteerism, civic engagement, philanthropy and other types of new age charitable giving."

Pressley is planning the site's inaugural Young & Philanthropic Gala this year "that will celebrate those who are leading the way for the next generation of charitable givers," she said. 

Email tips, press releases and event coverage requests to The Cotillion at contactus@thecotilliononline.com. 

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

'Tiny' Nonprofit Reaches Its Goal After 12 Years

So, remember last week when we talked about focusing about your product, service or cause more than your publicity (or lack thereof)?

Consider the 12-year battle of the nonprofit organization, The Promotheus Radio Project. According to Reuters, this "tiny" organization operated a national campaign to get more noncommercial radio stations approved. On Jan. 4, President Barack Obama signed the Local Community Radio Act into law, which requires the Federal Communications Commission to allow more low power stations to access the FM radio dial.

The law could reportedly result in 2,000 new radio stations, beginning in 2013.

Promotheus is a grassroots organization that operates out of the basement of a west Philadelphia church. Nevertheless, the organization's leaders have been tapped to comment on radio-related issues hundreds of miles away, such as Houston and Florida. Check out their In the News section.

The story is a prime example of how an organization's dedication toward its cause resulted in achieving its goals, attracting media attention. That same dedication established Promotheus leaders as expert sources and activists. It doesn't matter how "tiny" the organization is, focus on the bigger picture -- the cause and how your organization can help.

Looking for media attention for your business? Consider Apple status

I was perusing the news stories and blogs -- I often do, I'm a serial peruser -- and a News Stream post from CNN caught my attention.

It was an article about Apple, the electronics hardware and software giant that seems to stay in the news for one thing or another: co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs' medical situation, new products and the like. It wasn't so much the topic at hand that caught my attention -- after all, it is Apple. But the first few lines of the story are what drew my eye, something I frequently tell clients and potential clients.

"I hear it in the newsroom every time Apple announces a product," Kristie Lu Stout wrote."'Why are we covering this? Aren’t we just giving Apple free advertising? We wouldn’t do this for any other company.'"

And there it is.

As a media consultant for small businesses, I tell the truth: it can be a rather tough sell to convince the media to give you coverage because, well, the media isn't about free publicity. We would rather you just buy an ad.

"The sentiment isn’t wrong," the reporter continued. "We probably wouldn’t give the attention we give Apple to any other company. But Apple isn’t any other company.

"Apple is unique because it’s able to project influence far beyond the marketshare it holds. It’s not just journalists and consumers hanging on to their every word: Apple can shape the direction of the entire technology industry."

But when your company has something so great, in such demand and has inspired such brand loyalty as the likes of Apple, the media is bound to notice, again and again.

So, is media attention for your company impossible? Absolutely not. But do you think Steve Jobs and his ilk wake up in the morning and wonder, "Oh, how are we going to get on the news today?"

Well, the company may pay a PR team to wonder, but the truth is that Apple's core team is focused on the product. The company has carved out such a unique place in the market that if the company didn't make the news, it would make the news that it wasn't in the news.

The moral of the story? It won't happen overnight, or maybe over the next year. But focus on your product, your service, making the experience of your company so unique that publicizing your efforts and products is like doing the public a favor.

Strive for Apple status. The publicity will eventually follow.

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

Do You REALLY Get Your News From Twitter?

I love Twitter. I'm on it on my laptop, on my phone and eventually on my Samsung tablet when I get one. It can be entertaining, informative, whatever you want it to be -- depending on who you follow.

But I do cringe when someone says they now get their news from Twitter and hope they don't mean in the literal sense, as in whatever someone posts, they believe it and call it "news."

Don't misunderstand; I do know that some people get their news from Twitter in the sense that they see a link someone tweeted, click on it and lo and behold, it's news from a credible source. Twitter is also great because live accounts of events (Iran election, Kanye West's latest situations and so on) come directly from the tweeting public as they happen.

However, all we have to do is look at the number of celebrities that tweeters kill off daily, the number of rumors that swirl in an instant and the rampant misspellings of things that may be news (but frankly, we're just not sure) to remember that Twitter is full of regular, everyday people. People who don't necessarily have the access or know how to actually report breaking news. It's kind of like getting your research from Wikipedia...wait, you don't do that, do you?

I was on Twitter when Ron Isley (@theRealRonIsley) tweeted about Teena Marie's death. While I acknowledged that he sent out the tweet with one of my own, I immediately became what I described as "a Googling fool" to find some verification. It was amazing the watch the news outlets catch up with Twitter posts, but it was eventually a journalist, Roland Martin (@rolandsmartin) whose retweets confirmed it for the Twitterverse. Twitter seemed to know Michael Jackson died before mainstream outlets but I still waited on a credible verification before I broke out the old CDs and candles; I wondered about the people who simply took others' word for it without any confirmation.

It's those kind of blindly retweeting people who may be to blame for the latest celeb death fiasco -- those posting about the supposed death of Nelson Mandela  when the former South African president is quite alive, although ill.

In my humble opinion, these situations show that many stories are just rumors until they are confirmed, even if a news source (CNN, MSNBC, Fox and the like are all on Twitter) verifies via the microblogging site. If that is the case, you didn't get your news from Twitter -- you got it from journalists who are using Twitter.

So my good tweeters, if you INSIST on getting your news from Twitter, here's a tip: follow a reporter.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc.  Her background is in print journalism and she has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette advises nonprofits and small businesses on how they can get media attention for their programs and efforts. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

We'll Want to Know What Happens to Ted Williams

From a journalist's standpoint, the story of Ted Williams is a dream come true.

Rags to riches. Overnight success. And all of the other choice phrases.

That's the same reason why it appeals to the public. The now-famous homeless man -- the former addict with the golden pipes discovered by a Columbus, Ohio producer -- is virtually everywhere.  Williams and his mother have hit the TV show circuit and the touching reunions.

Even how Williams was filmed by the producer is a story: Doral Chenoweth III is something of an advocate for the homeless, for the downtrodden, for people like Williams. Chenoweth's need to help is what made him stop and film that day, but he held the story for five weeks before he posted his video on Youtube, according to CNN.

But because we are journalists, of course, it didn't take long for us to discover the other side of the story. The Smoking Gun published reports of Williams' long rap sheet. And it wasn't long before it was common knowledge that Williams' allegedly has nine kids.

My prediction is that even with Williams' past run-ins with the law and less-than-stellar background (not so surprising, considering his addictions and his homelessness) he will continue to hold the airwaves captive. People are going to want to know: did he make, did he fail? Did he disappoint his mother again? Did he fall off wagon the again?

And my fellow journalists, as tenacious as we are, will be right there to tell the story.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc.  Her background is in print journalism and she has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette advises nonprofits and small businesses on how they can get media attention for their programs and efforts. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.