Shelby’s Thoughts on PR and Social Media

Astroturfing describes, “the posting of supposedly independent messages on Internet boards by interested companies and individuals In American politics, the term is used to describe formal public relations projects which deliberately give the impression that they are spontaneous and populist reactions. The term comes from AstroTurf — the fake grass used in many indoor American football stadiums.” This is the definition from Answers.com.

Astroturfing is not only immoral, it is illegal, and public relation agents have been using this method as a means to publicize their product or organization.

The Anti-astroturfing campaign began with Paull Young and Trevor Cook. You can view their campaign by clicking here.

Paull and Trevor decided to take a stand against astroturfing after looking more closely into the PRIA.

The anti-astroturf supporters and I feel strongly about this because it’s a practice that is in no way ethical and when it is performed under the guise of PR it makes our profession look terrible.

For those who are still onfused and want to read examples of astroturfing, read Robert French’s view on the Kayak.com ads.

Since I am a student and do not have the opportunity to take a stand within my organization, or company, this is my way of helping this campaign and getting the message accross to stop astroturfing.