The Blog DoggerStudy: Bloggers will write for PR kickback

A recent study finds surprising differences and similarities between PR execs and bloggers.

A recent study finds surprising differences and similarities between PR execs and bloggers

A recent study addressed the murky waters of PR/blogger relations and it turns out both groups demand transparency … unless money is involved.

The State of Blog Relations, released last week by PR giant APCO Worldwide and the Council of Public Relations Firms, asked respondents whether they agreed, disagreed or felt neutral about a variety of statements, among them: “There is no harm in leaving an anonymous comment on a blog on behalf of a client.”

Eighty-six percent of PR execs and 84 percent of bloggers disagreed with the statement.

Findings of the study reflect a 2007 questionnaire the council sent to both PR firms and what APCO called “top-tier bloggers.” Without revealing the bloggers’ identities, the study said more than 90 percent of the bloggers questioned spend at least 10 hours blogging each week and 15 percent described themselves as “full-time” bloggers.

While the study shows both bloggers and PR execs want transparency with blog comments, it suggests PR execs are more ethical when it comes to compensation than bloggers.

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