Automated online press release writing service possible?

[daveguy001]

Maybe some of the programming folks can also chime in on this one. Would it be possible to create a web-based service that would create a press release for the user on the fly? I'm thinking in terms of the customer filling in a detailed form and that info. is immediately turned into a high quality press release and submitted to X number of places. Maybe a pre-written template where the info. goes in the right place -- there could be different templates worded differently for different industries for example. I know this is a custom thing normally and automating it may not be a good idea, but it's something I've thought about. Screenwriters use software to help them write screenplays as do fiction writers -- I guess this is sort of the same principle in a PR context. Seems like it would be a good service if the customer could create and submit a press release automatically in a few simple steps.

[playadonna]

check out
[prweb.com...]

[Syzygy]

Automated online press release writing...

From a content perspective this editor is shaking his head from side to side and making a noise that sounds remarkably like "Tsk, tsk, tsk..."

Why would anyone want such a thing? That's not to say that it could not conceivably work. However, I'm intrigued - would love to hear more.

Syzygy

[inbound]

Something that you have to understand about press releases is how they are used by journalists.

Many Journos are so short of time that they will take much of a press release and use it verbatim if it's good enough.

Automated is just going to be a different type of SPAM to a journo, taking up their time and getting you nowhere.

Having had coverage on the BBC website for a recent client (which sparked a primetime UK-wide TV spot) I can tell you that if you make it easy for journalists then it's worth every hour of your time (and it should be hours, if it doesn't take that long the story just isn't a story).

Pick an angle that has appeal to many people and write a fair piece in a style that fits the publication it's going to (if you go as far as targeting individually).

So, as you may have guessed, my vote is for no automation.

[daveguy001]

Thanks everyone, all good points. Definately seems like it's not such a good idea...