Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Celebrity Blogging

One thing we have talked about in our Social Media class is personal PR or personal branding. Handling your own image is made possible today through blogs. Recently, I have noticed that more and more celebrities are beginning to keep up with their blogs religiously. A classic example is with Kanye West. Mr. West is not a big fan of the paparazzi and was arrested for "vandalism" after attacking a paparazzo and shattering his camera. Soon after, he posted a blog saying he would "rant later". We have seen much ranting on his blog about MTV and other issues, but why? Why would he care so much to leave a blog? After all having millions of dollars and bazillions of fans must give you something to do right?

Well it turns out that celebrities are taking their image out of gossip mags and sites hands and putting it back into their own. This is a classic example of personal PR or branding. After a story or picture is posted on Perezhilton.com or other gossip sites and they don't agree, they will post on their blog their side of the story and try to clear their name.

In Paul Gilin's The New Influencers, he writes that people "exert influence by aggregating the thoughts and opinons of others whom they trust" (pg. 27). Celebrities can influences millions of fans through their blogs because it is a direct conversation with them.

Many celebrities are using this power to promote their political beliefs. For example, Lindsay Lohan and, rumored partner, Samantha Ronson posted a blog on LiLo's Myspace page about John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin. She writes, "Is our country so divided that the Republicans best hope is a narrow minded, media obsessed homophobe?" She goes on to offer a piece of advice, "Oh, and…Hint Hint Pali Pal- Don’t pose for anymore tabloid covers, you’re not a celebrity, you’re running for office to represent our, your, my COUNTRY!"

LiLo knows she is a NEW INFLUENCER (to tie in our textbook). She uses this influence to be a responsible CITIZEN MARKETER (ha, another one) and make her beliefs known to her fans and maybe they might listen.


Disclaimer: My computer has short-circuited 6 times so I am blogging through my Sprint Treo. This is the reason for the lack of links and pictures but I promise to add them as soon as I get my new computer! Thanks!

3 comments:

Christine Pegg said...

Blogging does give everyone a chance to say their piece. I think it's great that celebrities are realizing what a good tool it is to reach the public. They don't have to worry about being misquoted or having what they say taken out of context. Plus, it's great for promoting and building a fan base.

Christine Pegg said...

p.s.
cute blog layout, ceci!

Ceci Garcia said...

I most definitely agree with you christine! And thank you for the layout kudos... it took me forever to try and tweek it just right!

Privacy Policy

All visitors to this site refer to the privacy policy of SEU.