Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Help a Reporter Out is a 16,000-strong mailing list that links up journalists looking for sources with PR professionals and others looking for good press. The service is free for all involved, and has received rave reviews from customers.

Its main competitor, however, is not free. PR Newswire's ProfNet is rumored to cost upwards of $3,000 for "sources" to receive pitches. In other words, ProfNet's customers pay to get their name in the press (journalists, however, don't need to pay to use the service). ProfNet is a good service for some customers, especially those in very specialized professions, but not so good for smaller PR firms and individuals who won't see a positive ROI on that kind of investment.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

HARO founder Peter Shankman shot back with a feisty comment slamming ProfNet and simultaneously touting social networks as the future of business networking. Given the growth behind Facebook and LinkedIn as business communication tools, he may not be far off -- HARO did start on Facebook, after all:

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

Zing! Yesterday, when one potential ProfNet client, who asked not to be identified, mentioned HARO to a PR Newswire sales rep, they received this missive in return, which claims HARO has copied material from Profnet:

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

Now that's a serious accusation, and one that Shankman vigorously denies. In fact, he received a similar accusation months ago from a Profnet executive. In that instance, Shankman believes a reporter had submitted the same query to both HARO and ProfNet.

In any case, it seems that PR Newswire is talking out of both sides of its mouth: In our comments section, the company compliments Shankman for "growing ... and promoting his organization" and in private slams his service to potential customers.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines

Industry Standard profile prompts HARO, PR Newswire debate

Jordan Golson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:28 -0700

A bit of a debate has broken out in an Industry Standard comment thread after my profile of Peter Shankman's "Help a Reporter Out" service.

Can HARO and ProfNet coexist? Perhaps, but not without some jawing at each other in The Standard's comments. PR Newswire's David Weiner responded to my article with this:

Competition is healthy and keeps all great companies on their toes. We've been aware of this group for some time and have been seeing all of Peter's tweets about his list/group. He's done a great job growing and especially promoting his organization. HARO is a great social media case study that will be looked at for years to come.

Every day we have queries from the most prestigious and circulated publications, broadcast channels, radio stations, organizations, etc. Today we had queries from ABC News, Advertising Age, Associated Press ... and that's just the As. ProfNet has been the best of breed since the early nineties and will continue to be that and an industry mainstay.

While Profnet has played a great role in the past, what's going to happen as more and more reporters and media outlets continue to use HARO every day to reach a much, much broader audience? Sixteen thousand members in four months, appearing in everything from the Wall Street Journal to AARP Magazine. (Since you started with the As, I decided to work backwards,) none of whom had to pay a penny, all of whom have just as much credibility as any of your members.

As word continues to spread of the beautiful simplicity of HARO, and the HARO source galaxy continues to expand ever-outward, how will PR Newswire continue to justify the exorbitant fees your members are paying? As paychecks for your editors? I can produce the same quality and quantity, armed with nothing more than a Tassimo machine, a Mac, two big-boned cats, and one Twitter account.

In an age where social networks, and the millions of people within them can be updated with the click of a "forward" button, Profnet's draconian "forwarding our protected queries outside the walls of your company is subject to a penalty of death" rules no longer apply. I can send a query to my list, and in one click, it can be forwarded to thousands, if not millions of people in social networks around the world.

Therein lies the true value of social media, as well as query services like HARO - The ability to share information and get the reporters the sources they need, on deadline, every time. While you're threatening to sue people for going off the reservation because an AAE forwarded a Profnet query about tooth whitening cream to his mother, I wholeheartedly endorse the forward, giving the reporter the source they need in a fraction of the time.

In the end, isn't it about connecting reporters and sources? If a revenue stream doesn't have to waste time policing a out-of-date AOL-esque "Walled Garden," then it can focus on doing the job for which it was built - making those instant connections between the reporter and the source, all over the world, whenever the need arises. HARO has been doing that since day one. And I would be willing to bet that our ever-growing list of sources, reporters, and yes, advertisers, would attest to this fact.

I knew about HARO. The person who create the facebook site is actually taking his stuff straight from ProfNet. I'm not sure how long it's going to be available. We have a team looking into it. Thanks for sending me the article.

It sounds like ProfNet is a lot more concerned about HARO than they will publicly admit. I have a feeling this fight is a long way from over.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: A source is a source, of course, even when it's free and turning an industry upside down
Prediction: Twitter starts serving ads stateside
Prediction: Google invests $1 billion in Facebook
Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
Analysis: 10 cool Facebook applications that you've probably never heard of -- but should
Analysis: Techmeme analysis, part II: 15% of sources account for more than 70% of headlines