Comments on: I Hate Media Relations

By: Alma

Alma — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:48:55 +0000

Hi Ryan, I'm new to this blog and kudos on media relations. The only reason I do it is because I do it for a non-profit (issues I care about), otherwise I would not bother. I like the humor though.

By: Jade

Jade — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:20:30 +0000

Kathryn, I'm interested to know, what did you end up doing after quitting PR?

I left an in-house job to see what agency-side is like – thought it would be good to be supported by like-minded colleagues – but now I'm realising it's probably worse because you're just flogging lots of different stuff rather than really being part of anything.

By: LC

LC — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:35:53 +0000

Go Kathryn and AP! I’m right there with the two of you. Thank GOD someone’s saying it. If only quitting PR for journalism were so easy… I’m trying my best, but it’s an uphill battle. Good luck to you guys!

By: AP

AP — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:49:51 +0000

Kathryn, my thoughs exactly. And that’s why I’m quitting PR to be a journalist.

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:04:38 +0000

I quit my job in PR because, although I loved the writing element of it, and thrill of success when you get something you have written published, the thing I kept coming back to was, it’s seedy. It is duplicitous and embarrassing, flogging stuff to people while pretending to be breaking ‘news’ to the media. It’s made-up. The ‘profession’ is so over-flated and pompous and filled with such self-deluded double-barelled pretentious unfunny icy-queens, it’s untrue. The journalists would under all circumstances be better speaking to the company direct – as PROs in agencies we know damn well we know nothing. If a story’s worth telling, the media will find it, far better than us. As PRs, we are at best a switchboard service for the media, and at worst, a broken switchboard service for the media, failed journalists or, like me, people who didn’t have the bottle or the guts to become journalists in the first place. PR ‘Professionals?’ I quit because I couldn’t say the word with a straight face anymore. (tears, not laughter). Oh, and PR agencies pay shit, and over-work innocent grads until they bleed. Don’t do it!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:24:18 +0000

Hey Duane – we’re going to be having a bit of an open house once we move, so I’ll be sure to invite you.

Dave – it’s easy to be comfortable with change when you work in an enviroment that thrives on it. That’s one of the reasons I consider myself lucky to work where I do.

By: Dave Forde

Dave Forde — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 20:10:59 +0000

I echo Stella’s comment “saying what’s on your mind” and making those bold statements will get you noticed. Now, you’ve got to back up your words or people will quickly stop listening to you…

At the same time, I’d say don’t get caught in the ‘bubble’, reading Ed’s blog it is interesting to see how his view on things is changing and after all when you are dealing in an industry such as PR you have to be able to cater to different points of view right?

I’d like to think that its easier to be in media relations these days with all the new ‘tools’, as well since we’re in a fast paced changing world you can carve your own niche versus follow the traditional path that has always been there, zzzzzz Look at what Ryan’s doing with Fuel’s releases, he’s setting himself out from ‘the rest.’

Duane, had never heard of your shop, I’ll have to check it out and we should chat…

By: Duane Brown

Duane Brown — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 14:36:44 +0000

Ryan – Thank you for the vote of confidence. I ran a national non-profit in college, so it’s going to be the same and different at the same time. How is the new office coming? *cough* I would love to come out and see it when it’s done and see how you work as the PR contact out there *cough*…hehe.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 04:25:17 +0000

Stella – you’re right. It makes a big difference when you’re actually establishing relationships with the media. I love that too… when you’re managing ongoing media relations for something you’re a part of, the job is a lot more rewarding.

Duane – congratulations on the new business. I’ve gone the entrepreneurial route in the past and it can be as rewarding as it is difficult. I’m sure you’ll be successful in it.

By: Duane Brown

Duane Brown — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 01:20:35 +0000

Hey Ryan

I just started my own PR company, Creative Traction (media). I dabble in web design as well, since a few of my clients are asking for it. I’m taking the road less travelled, you could say.

I actually had Ryan G, you biz dev guy in Toronto, come in last week and picth to one of my clients on what you guys do, as I though you guys could help them out. I’m a big fan of Fuel. I love what you guys do.

My company’s site just went up today, which I’m very excited about. Blog: http://www.creativetraction.com/blog