Communicators Anonymous

Reminiscing

Since last Thursday, you cannot flip on the TV, radio or Internet without stumbling across a reference of Michael Jackson. I have tried my best to avoid the gossip and scandal about the star I admired as a young child. (My parents still have home video of me wearing a white glove and hat break-dancing.)

All the talk of drug use and past court trials overshadow the talent of this man. Recent rumors of Michael Jackson's body in a glass coffin being open for viewing to the public are just another shock-and-awe media spectacle. It is sickening and makes me strive to tune out the noise even more.

So, why am I writing a post to further the effervescent chatter?

I will remember Michael Jackson through my life experiences with his music and videos. I have no personal ties or experiences with the rampant rumors about the star. The supposed glass coffin stunt (if true) is just that...another media event. If all you offer is flash, you will never be able to connect with your consumers or evangelize a fan base.

What creates experience? Wonder. Look through the eyes of a child or go back to your childhood and view this past week's media events. Does it make you cringe? It makes me squirm in embarrassment as a human. This is how I feel about a lot of brands pushing their products and services without knowing what makes their consumers tick.

(Image courtesy of PHOTOberryTV.)

APR Process: Calling for a mulligan

Thank you for the support all of you showed me last week in anticipation of my APR exam Sunday, 28 June. The unofficial results were instantaneous...did not pass again...and by the same number of percentage points as times past. It was not any area in particular where I came up short, but a mixed bag of scores and a total mental block when it comes to standardized tests.

Yesterday, my disappointment took hold and I vowed I would not take the exam again. Well, I can't hold that vow. It is not who I am. I have never backed down from a challenge. I am extremely frustrated that I have been unable to pass the exam when I have always excelled in education, other certifications and challenging tasks. I have a tendency to over think the case/answers and don't necessarily agree that the test best response is the best response in the real world. Well, I will need to get over that line of thought to pass this exam.

Now that I have taken and failed the test three times, I must start the APR process from the beginning. I do not regret the process nor will I talk badly about the exam. It is what it is. I am a better communicator for going through the process and by reestablishing self with the founding principles of public relations. I am a better educator. I will move on...and I will succeed. Just not today.

UPDATE: (6/30) PRSA National just called my mobile to tell me they became aware of this post after a UAB member brought it to their attention. They called to tell me, I do not have to start process over completely (i.e. Readiness Review). Once in "advanced" status, I remain there. However, I do have to pay $385 fee again and reschedule test. Wicked cool they called me.

APR: Study Time!

Have you been following the #accredchat Twitter discussions each Friday at 1pm EST? Unfortunately, I was unable to attend last week's chat about best study practices. I encourage you to go online and check out the fabulous tips offered by those who have been there and successfully passed the APR exam.

This Sunday, 28 June, I sit down to complete my APR exam. Here is to hoping that third time is the charm! What have I done differently to study this time around?

• Enlisted the help of a Study Fairy (fancy phrase for Study Buddy). Thanks to Sherry Carr Smith (@prcarrs), who has quizzed me on elements of the Study Guide two-to-three times a week for the last two months.
• Use flash cards! The black and white of the Study Guide blurs to gray after combing through the material for a long time. Your eyes skip the key points and you relax without digesting the study material because you feel you already know what is being highlighted. Stop the laziness and keep yourself on your toes! I used Cobocards because I could create my flash cards and share them with my Study Fairy. Subscribe to the RSS feed of my flash cards and use them to help you prepare. (I have some more decks to publish...getting around to that!)
• Set a target. I set my test date, then working backwards from that date, created a Google Calendar of dedicated study days/times. I mapped out which sections I would study and when my Study Fairy would quiz me on competence of each topic.

Here are some great tips I selected from the #accredchat conversation 19 June:

• @KrisTK: The more senses you use while studying helps get info into diff parts of brain -- read it, speak it aloud, write it down.
• @ljstarnes: My prep: APR study guide, supplemented by Cutlip textbook. Made copious notes, which helped engrain info into my brain.
• @ljstarnes: When studying, focus on the KSAs that will be most of test-theory, ethics, research, crisis comm etc.
• @vanhoosier: Concur it is helpful to review theoretical concepts. Talking through communication models w/peer is crucial.
• @ljstarnes: re study groups, ask your APR chair to help start one. Chair has access to supplemental study mat'l thru PRSA.
• @Samjb: Finding a study buddy and an accredited mentor are absolutely essential. Then set deadlines & a schedule and stick to it!
• @Samjb: Spend time with people who have become accredited recently--they can give you a fresh and accurate perspective on the exam.
• @Samjb: as Dallas APR Chair, I hear good things about the PRSA online course. Not a boring online thing, meaningful interaction w/peers.

Should a community manager go native?

I have been tossing this question around in my mind for some time because I am a community manager with a public relations background. I am constantly balancing my roles as an active listener and organization liaison with being a participant and engaging the community without being a pr megaphone. The question first took form with the anthropologist angle after watching The Nanny Diaries.

Please do not judge me for my movie taste...truly, I was bored and needed to chill in front of the TV without thinking and this movie was all that was on television.

In case you haven't seen the flick, it is about a girl (Annie) graduating from college as an anthropology major and freezes during the interview for an internship at a big corporation. To find herself, she takes a job as a nanny in Manhattan's Upper East Side, and moves in with the X family - a cheating husband, a control-freak wife, and Grayer, a lad of five. Annie puts her anthropology skills to use to save her sanity. She classifies all participants and documents their interactions while trying to maintain a level of separation because a good nanny cannot "go native" and fall in love with the family/child or begin to make excuses for their behavior.

Didn't I say I watched that movie so I wouldn't be thinking?

I know, but I couldn't help but think of the nanny role being similar to the role of a community manager. We keep a safe distance and do not become too emotionally attached as not to negatively alter our job performance. We allow our kids (community members) to foster their own thoughts and beliefs and we act only as guides and facilitators with their parents (organizations). Like a good nanny, should we as community managers reject the invitation to go native?

As the title of community manager becomes more mainstream in organizations, the question of what defines this role is a hot topic of conversation. Is it better for the community manager to be a member of the established community or take the role of an anthropologist? I am sure there is no black and white answer...we seem to live in shades of gray. However, when I ask this question, I am yearning for a b/w answer from a measurement approach.

While a community manager, unlike an anthropologist, is not meant to be an invisible insider, going native may lead to ethical problems involved in participating in some of the community/tribe customs. Undoubtedly, field work, in an attempt to develop relationships with community/tribe members, works best when the researcher becomes wholly accepted as members of the group. The community manager goes native. What happens to perspective? Objective? Any less or more objective than the role as organization liaison?

Another crucial problem is that describing what people believe and how they act may be neither valid or reliable. Data is not likely to be exact or replicable. Yes, trends may be identified and participation requested, but if the community manager is not native and remains an outsider, the community manager is denied the opportunity to truly understand the world view of those studied. Do you agree with this?

The discussion surrounding community management is awesome. More voices are discussing the role and future of consumer tribalism then ever before. It is fascinating to watch and learn. I encourage you to join in the weekly Twitter discussion, #CmtyChat, Fridays at 1pm EST and read the newest community initiative, The Community Roundtable. Also, check out the Blue Sky Factory TV Episode from IMS Dallas, where Amber Naslund discusses the role of community manager.

(Image courtesy law_keven.)

Zany: Brazilian Valentine's Day is 12 June

You may not know, but my beau is Brazilian. As we learn more about each other and deepen our relationship, we are also expanding our knowledge about each other's cultures.

Valentines Day in Brazil is not celebrated in the way as it is celebrated in other parts of the world and is commemorated on June 12th. This day celebrates St. Anthony of Padua who is believed to bring good fortune on marriages.

Leo (my fiance) sent me my Valentine's Day present early because I was scheduled to be in DC on 12 June. He wanted me to enjoy my present and card before I left for the conference. So, I, in turn got a card and present ready to mail to Leo to arrive on 12 June.

I received my gift yesterday.

A beautiful card reminding me that this weekend is not just a holiday but the anniversary of the weekend we first met face-to-face in Montreal. AND the June 2009 issue of my favorite magazine, WIRED.

What is so special about the magazine as a present?

The magazine is filled with sticky notes of commentary made by Leo. What I love so much about this man is that we intellectually challenge each other, don't always agree, but always have dynamic conversations. The sticky notes are sparks of future and meaningful conversations where we will learn more about each other.

So...what did I get for Leo?

(Hold on, I cannot stop laughing.)

Of course, I got a sentimental card with a receipt for a year subscription to WIRED.

I am thinking we were made for each other.

Take a moment and tell the person you love how much they mean to you. Sit down and really talk and actively listen to each other. It is an amazing experience.

(Info from My Dear Valentine.)

In lieu of Valentines Day, the people of Brazil celebrates "Dia dos Namorados", that is, Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day on 12th June. Receiving and giving of gifts between girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands and wives is the most important tradition that is associated with this day in Brazil. The gifts include, flower, cards, chocolates, and various other gift items. These gifts differ from one another in their shapes, sizes, and color combinations.

Various shows, concerts and musical events are organized in the state of Brazil on this day, that are attended by the citizens of Brazil in large numbers and these shows and concerts are very popular among the people of Brazil. The hotels of Brazil offer special packages for the occasion of "Dia dos Namorados".

The citizens of Brazil spent this day with their friends, family and relatives. The activities that are related with this day are, cooking of special meals at home, arranging for a party for friends or taking part in the party celebration, which has been arranged by close associates or family members, spending the day with a special person or making a tour of the local areas or sites to catch a glimpse of the celebrations associated with the occasion "Dia dos Namorados."

Dance and music are an integral part of the occasion of "Dia dos Namorados". Learn more about the occasion that takes place instead of Valentines Day in Brazil from My Dear Valentine.

Our Twitter Love Story:

My version.

Leo's version.

(Image courtesy stinkypony.)