Welcome to the future of public relations: Despite the dizzying array of tools (Facebook, Twitter, a mysteriously-timed sudden resurgence of interest in booth babes, etc.) now at our disposal, the basics still look much the same as they did yesterday. Or rather, they do at least when it comes to dealing with the press. Mutual respect, honesty and relationship building still remain at the forefront of the profession, as does having the insight to realize that it’s imperative members of the media be treated with the same consideration as any long-term partner.
Oddly enough though, despite the sudden uptick in interest in viral promotions, social networking and alternative channels for public outreach, according to today’s top reporters, you’d be hard-pressed to find PR professionals capable of consistently delivering on their promises, providing requested info in a timely manner, or even being bothered to respond to an email with the perfectly reasonable response of “no comment.” (Which, contrary to popular belief, is actually an acceptable comment unto itself.) So from taking the time to formally research an outlet to always crafting a custom pitch, why not get the scoop on what it takes to make headlines straight from the ones who know best – today’s top journalists? The advice rings as true today as ever, as you can see here in one of my favorite pieces, a little ditty on working with the press:
https://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/feature-working-with-the-press/?biz=1&page=1
That said, it’s a pleasure to meet you all. While you can always click on my name – see stage right – for a formal bio, here’s a quick recap. Started out a fansite owner before becoming a talent scout for Microids, Atari, CDV, DreamCatcher, Legendo and more, and self-publishing PC CD-ROM titles (e.g. Heavyweight Thunder) the world over. Spent a decade freelancing and contributing to 400+ outlets from ABC, CBS and CNN to the NY Times, Playboy, Rolling Stone and virtually every game magazine in existence. Then wrote a few books (Video Game Marketing and PR, Get Rich Playing Games, etc.), started the world’s most well-known video game consulting company (Embassy Multimedia), sold said firm in 2007 to DigitalTrends.com and now spend days preaching the gospel of gaming and high-tech to the masses.
The best part of the gig being, of course, the pace at which the world of games and technology changes, and the pressing need to relearn one’s craft every day. So let me ask: What trends, issues and concerns do you see shaping the future of the video game marketing and public relations business here and now? We’ll do our best here to touch on every one, and – gasp! – perhaps even pick up a few new tricks in the process. All due thanks in advance!