Cell phone PR

I am sitting here watching one of my favorite TV shows (Heroes on NBC) and they are using cellphone text messageing.  It's almost like getting directors quotes from a DVD sent to your phone while you watch the program.  They have sent little surveys and quiz questions that you can answer while watching the show.  

Text nessages like: 

• Q: If you could give your child special abilities at birth, would you? Yes or NO
  
• Production Notes: The actors were suspended by wires to help achieve the effect of a vortex's dimensional pull.  
• Q: Does every villain have some Hero in him? Yes or NO

IT is a great way to generate viewer interaction, and maybe throw in a few survey questions that hellps them understand what the viewers are thinking.

Publish Post

I just thought that was neat.

I witnessed first hand this week how a company uses PR internally to influence the employees view of the company.  I work at one of the big casino's here in biloxi.  There was a random drug test done on dealers during one of the shifts.  A lot of people were layed termed because of it.  The following day the CEO issued a memo reminding everyone of the drug policy, then he added at the end that the company does offer a rehab service for employees who need help quiting.  

It was an awsome move .  Even though the company had to enforce it's drug free policy, I felt that by showing that the company cares enough to help their employees get over their "addictions" and keep their jobs.  It also showed that they are not just out to fire folks for no reason.

This just interested me this week.

PR

I apparently misunderstood this assignment so I'm gonna give it another go.  

Pr is a hard concept to understand sometimes.  I'm guilty of confusing it with Marketing, myself.  From what I can gather, it is a way for a company to handle the way it is viewed in the public Eye. It is a way to manage public opinions of a company.  I've seen companies get involved in the local community by starting/sponsoring little league teams.  Giving money to museums and other very public charities.  Does anyone know exactly how effective these things are in creating a positive public image for a company?