Even though I do PR, I'm also a journalist and blogger, often winding up in various media databases.  I really don't mind getting pitches for story ideas, especially when they are relevant to the subjects I cover such as  Wired Home Networking, the G.hn industry standard, IPTV and Israel's technology economy.

If you are going to pitch story ideas, don't blindly spam journalists.  

Do your homework first...

1.  Before you start spamming away, it's probably best - and makes tons of sense to research what the prospective journalist covers.  

2.  When I am pitching for a security client, I pitch security related media.  I don't approach (nor do I spam) journalists who cover databases, semiconductors, or consumer electronics.

3.  Do a historical search on articles they have written and make a compelling case for why your pitch fits and how it's relevant.   Even though I might be considered a "tech or social media journalist," do an articles search on me and see what I am writing about.  

4.  Even if you believe the journalist / blogger you are pitching is the right one, send a VERY short query and ask something to the effect of - "are you the right person to propose a story to about ______?"

Follow these steps.  It will increase your chances of meaningful coverage and most of all, won't tarnish the reputation of PR people who are trying to do a good job.

Photo by Alan Weinkrantz - shot on location at a Mercado in Juanajuato, Mexico.  Share but please credit. 

Spafax Interactive President, Raymond Girard, came by the NBC Universal Booth (thank you NBC Universal) during the CES 2011 show to share his views on the consumer in transit and branded content.  

Note Raymond's use of the term consumer in transit vs. being mobile.  

The consumer in transit offers various touch points with brands. Armed with a smart phone, the consumer has more options than ever to engage with your brand, or someone else's. 

Ignite your game with Sparksheet

Raymond's firm also publishes a terrific site that focuses on content, media and marketing, known as Sparksheet, which reflects its deep thinking  in helping its helping clients develop branded content as part of its marketing mix.

During  #BrandsConf, they acted as the event's media partner, publishing stories about speakers and trends on the humanization of brands.