PR People Please Take This Quiz Before Pitching Another Blogger

By B.L. Ochman

This post first ran in 2007. It is running again for obvious reasons.

Dear PR people: please take this quiz before you send out another press release or email pitch. (The correct answers are below: )

1. Has the print, online or broadcast reporter you are pitching ever covered this topic?
2. Why Would this pitch or release elicit a response from people who read it?
3. Is this pitch or release bullshit?
4. Would anyone pass along a story on this topic to a friend or colleague?
5. Have you Googled the reporters and bloggers on your list so you know if they've covered your competitor?
6. Have you read your competitors' press releases?
7. Have you checked to see if any blogs specifically cover this topic?
8. Can you make the copy shorter?

Answers: 1. Yes; 2. Yes; 3. No; 4. Yes; 5. Yes; 6. Yes; 7. Yes 8. Yes.

I didn't catch it the first time around but it's never a bad time for this reminder!