Value is a Two-way Street

Sometimes LinkedIn is more like “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” to me. Between the crazy things people try to post in my group, crazy comments on discussions, and the treasure trove of crazy in my LinkedIn inbox, every day is a visit to crazy town on the crazy express for me. Every so often however, something stands out for being so OUT THERE, and this is the case and inspiration for this post.

In one of the “digital media” groups I belong to, an article was shared from ZDNet.com titled “Did Google Just Kill PR Agencies.” The article explains how Google’s recent SEO crackdown was going to have specific and negative repercussions for press releases. In my opinion, the author has a bit of a chip on his shoulder in regard to SEO “cheats” and seems like he considers PR agencies culprits in this practice. But the author didn’t share the article, a group member did, and it was their comment that triggered this post.

“This is something the industry needs. This should stop PR agencies from using the traditional media press releases on new media.”

I am OVER this them and us attitude coming from both sides of the marketing aisle when there should be no sides, but more so from the digital media side which acts like Print is some drunken Uncle at a party that you are forced to tolerate, especially over the holidays.

Since Print has been here and evolving for hundreds of years, we will need to be the mature ones and lead the way towards harmony, but the digitals should not be getting a FREE ride in this any longer. Who do they think is promoting and supporting QR, AR, and NFC technologies? Who do they think is educating marketers on the overall possibilities of print + digital?

Moving forward, be on the lookout for digital media companies putting skin into the print game—i.e. placing ads in print magazines and/or on print sites, exhibiting at print shows, or somehow supporting what we do in conjunction with what they do in any form. These are the companies that GET the value of print and the printed trigger, as well as the reach we have into the marketing world.

With PRINT 13 coming up, even if you can’t attend I would encourage you to take a look at the show floor and who from the digital world is exhibiting. (www.mapyourshow.com/shows/index.cfm?SHOW_ID=PRINT13&alt_entry=true&curr_pri=facility&curr_sec=OO&norepeat=true) If you are attending, visit the digitals and support them, for supporting us. We already know we have to play “integrated” ball, so might as well be with the people that don’t want to see us lose, and understand we all can win!

Printing Impressions Exclusive Giveaway
As a thank you for reading my blog, I have TWO PASSES to give away for the Executive Outlook Conference at PRINT 13 (http://print13.mapyourshow.com/5_0/sessions/sessiondetails.cfm?ScheduledSessionID=18A9CCC5) on Saturday, Sept. 7, from noon to 6 pm. If you want one, leave a comment, and then get your friends to “like” your comment. The two comments with the most likes on Monday, Aug. 19 at noon ET will receive the passes ($299 value).

Whether you win or not, I do hope you stop by The Printerverse in booth 5440 and say hello! We have some cool stuff going on with some cool partners! (http://print13.printmediacentr.com)