How I see it, as I see it.

I was never a fan of Britney Spears’ music.  That was, until last year’s hit song Gimmie More.  Needless to say, its appeal didn’t last long.  I did, however, walk away with a new found appreciation of Spears. 

On the verge of a come-back, she sadly fell into a self-propelling tail-spin.  Swarmed by paparazzi and fans hoping to catch her next misstep, Spears has become the infamous train-wreck of the year.

As a PR student, I can’t help but think about her publicist.  We have studied the concepts of key messaging, media training and crisis management. Not once have I heard a well-prepared articulate statement from the Spears camp. 

Two questions come to mind. Is it possible that her PR team is sabotaging her? Or, more likely, is it possible that Spears is ignoring advice from her advisors?

Whatever the case, of which the latter is more plausible, Spears is arguably unstable.  I wonder why the public doesn’t recognize the red flags and boycott this feeding frenzy.

My question, budding and seasoned practitioners, is how would you take charge of this situation?

In response to positive feedback on the benefits of blogging, I have decided to launch my first blog. (Well, that and the fact that it’s now a requirement for my Online PR course at Centennial College.)

My initial hesitation in launching a blog was rooted in the fear of publishing my personal thoughts and opinions for the world to see. However, after sifting through hundreds of pro-blogging posts, I am convinced that Web 2.0 sets the stage for  opportunity more than it does threats.   Enabling instantaneous sharing and reflection of information and opinion, it levels the playing field and encourages insightful thinking. To pass up blogging is to pass up the opportunity to develop my craft.

I struggled with the earliest stages of blog development – choosing a name.

At last fall’s IABC/Toronto event – an evening seminar on surefire strategies for branding yourself – keynote speaker, Roz Usheroff, emphasized the impact, influence and opportunity that lie within a strong brand. As I have learned, writing a blog provides opportunity to manage your online reputation.  In essence, a chance to brand yourself.

I found myself two days (and countless lists) later, still trying to generate a name that: (1) accurately represents who I am, (2) distinguishes me from my peers and (3) triggers the idea that it is a student’s commentary on PR.

Narrowed down to two names – Fresh PRspective or PRpetual Motion – I resorted to surveying peers, colleagues and friends.

Almost instantly I got a response from blogging guru Paull Young:

“Hmmm, I must admit that the plays on PR are getting a bit over done. (Says the man who author’s Young PR - however in my defense that’s simply my initials). 

How about plain old kristenzemlak.com? I’m moving over to paullyoung.com shortly (but hanging onto Young PR cause I’m already branded as such).”

At this moment, I realized that in an attempt to be original, I fell into the trap I was trying to avoid. No wonder I couldn’t figure out which one to use – neither was good enough.

Out of this, my blog name was born – How I see it, as I see it. I feel this title accurately represents what I plan to publish on this website – my experiences, as they relate to PR, corporate communications and Web 2.0.

 I welcome the comments of my peers, colleagues and friends on the posts to come.