Like many PR people, I’m seeing the changes in media over the past few years. The switch from “traditional” media outreach (TV, radio, print, some online) to the ever-expanding online world of bloggers and social media networks is both exciting and overwhelming for me. That said, I really enjoy working with bloggers. Here is why:

• REAL RELATIONSHIPS. I feel like have a great relationship with the bloggers that I work. Working with bloggers goes beyond product fact checking and sample requests. We chat about everything from upcoming vacations to our favorite TV shows (Top Chef!) to ideas for new campaigns. I truly value the relationships I have built with the bloggers and those in my office know that I star blog conferences on my calendar months beforehand because I know I’ll get the chance to see everyone in person!
• HONEST KNOWLEDGE. Bloggers are smart. They represent the target audience for many brands and they know what they want and like. Better yet, they’ll TELL YOU what they want a like. For that reason, I really value their opinions.
• GOOD STUFF. Have you ever really read the blogs of the blogger’s you work with? I do. I’m amazed by how much thought and work goes into being a mother and a smart consumer. From product reviews to vacation summaries to everyday tips, there is a lot of valuable content shared on blogs today.

Some of my favorite blogs are Resourceful Mommy, Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom, Everday Celebrating, Mama Said and Rockin’ Mama. Do you have a favorite blog? If so, I’d love to hear about it!

We are excited to report Flings Bins will be taking on “The Big Easy” with the upcoming “Bloggers on Bourbon” Mom Blog meetup occurring with “Tales of the Cocktail.” Organized by MomDot and Bookieboo, this event promises to “bring the social back into social media.” “Bloggers on Bourbon” caught our attention as it is comprised of online savvy women who are working to take their connections to new levels. The group is meeting to build stronger relationships within the online community and enjoy the company of like-minded women. A top priority at any get-together is a quick and easy cleanup, which is why Flings Bins decided to jump on board! As a new product, Flings Bins understands the importance of allowing consumers to experience their product firsthand, and was more than willing to send Flings Recycling Bins for these moms to see for themselves.

Flings Pop-Up Trash and Recycling Bins provide a hassle-free solution for cleanup at any occasion – at parties, at home or on-the-go. Flings Bins are convenient, portable, compact containers that are ready to use in a snap. Whether it’s a football tailgate, summer get-together or holiday cocktail event, party hosts can plan ahead for every celebration by providing stylish and convenient trash and recycling options for guests with Flings Bins. Available in a variety of designs including BBQ, celebration, holiday, picnic, birthday and recycling themes, Flings Bins are the perfect cleanup solution to keep your event running smoothly.

Flings Bins invites consumers to learn more about the product that is quickly becoming an essential to any special occasion at www.Facebook.com/FlingsBins and www.YouTube.com/FlingsBins. We look forward to following all the tweets, posts and fun coming out of New Orleans next weekend!

Filling one Flings Pop-Up Recycling Bin keeps 60 cans or bottles from ending up in a landfill, which saves enough energy to power a television for 180 hours.

After the FTC announced new disclosure guidelines for bloggers, I was curious to hear reactions from journalists, PR pros, advertisers and bloggers a like. While my research is far from official, I took a look at three popular sites that each attract a viewership undoubtedly interested in the issue. Wondering whether I’d find varying perspectives, I read related articles from The New York Times, Advertising Age, and Mashable. All three stories gave a factual deduction of the new guidelines, but what I found most interesting were reader comments.

On nytimes.com I read many comments of approval, typically stating something along the lines of “This is fair and necessary, bloggers must adhere to full disclosure.” On adage.com I read many comments saying that the new guidelines will be impossible to enforce. On mashable.com, I found quite a mix.

Regardless of the site, the sheer number of comments and questions on each made it clear this is a hot topic. And along with the comments, came questions. Here are the three questions I came across most often:

1. How will this be enforced?

2. What does this mean for affiliates?

3. When bloggers write about a product they bought, will the FTC require proof of purchase?

When clarification is given, I suspect this heated conversation will cool. Until then, it’s interesting to look at reactions across the board.

As the Church Lady might say, “Isn’t that special.”  The FTC now puts bloggers in the same category as other media outlets such as news reporters or advertisers.  Thousands of men, women and children – as they blithely pour out their thoughts on the Universe, or their baby’s diaper issues, or a recent NFL game –  will be happy for the recognition and the assumed power that goes with it.

According to the new FTC guidelines, which take effect December 1st, “…bloggers who make an endorsement must disclose the material connections they share with the seller of the product or service.”

For our clients, this means if we send a sample of Reese’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups to a mommy blogger and she decides to comment on it – for good or for bad (tho’ we know she’ll love it) – she must disclose that Hershey’s sent her a free sample to taste.  Not too horrible – most bloggers already disclose that they were “given” a sample.  The code of the Internet has always been based on “transparency.”

However, as the BlogHer conference revealed, many bloggers are now earning income from paid advertisers and site supporters….just like “Good Morning America” or the Chicago Tribune receives.  In this case, a blogger’s endorsement of a sponsor’s product might be considered with some skepticism – but then, the American consumer is already familiar with that situation.

What will be most interesting as this story develops, is to see the FTC’s plans for policing the Blogosphere.  That’s where the fun will take place as hundreds of special agents are glued to their laptops pouring through the daily discourse just waiting to slap an $11,000 fine on a renegade mommy blogger.  You know they’ll all be copying down recipes or tips for the best vacation spots.