In class, we’ve been discussing the new role of PR in pitching bloggers. I get phone calls and emails from former students asking about this process more and more these days. Go figure.

Tom Murphy of PR Opinions has posted a terrific article with tons of links to resources on this issue. Visit Blog Relations… it’s time to grow up.. for a resource worthy of any PR practioner’s time.

Another great resource for this is the New PR Wiki. Constantin has already assembled a very valuable page with even more links. This will also be great topic for PR Blog Week 2. It isn’t on the proposed topics page yet, but I think it would make for a good discussion (podcast, even) between several PR practioners.

What works. What doesn’t. Gotta keep on top of new tactics.

Update: For a real world example of the consequences of not thinking before pitching to bloggers, please read Russell Beattie’s rant about being pitched by Steve Rubel. It isn’t pretty. Now, Beattie’s use of the word morons and generalizing that “PR People Are Morons” is not the best of behavior either. His reaction, however, is something you have to be prepared for as you tackle this new medium. The conversational characteristic of his comment is the nature of blogs. Unlike MSM, you can almost count on such a free wheeling call-out if your pitch fails.