Writers’ Resources: HARO
By LMReviews on Dec 5, 2008 in Writing/Freelancing
As I’ve mentioned before, I am a member of several newsgroups, newsletters and the like because I never can tell what or who will be the catalyst for my next article, book or short story. It was this very practice that led me to a site specifically designed to help reporters and experts find contacts. It originated from a PR guru’s Facebook profile. From what I can gather Peter Shankman was receiving from reporters, journalists and freelancers, many requests for sources who could provide valuable experience, feedback and expertise on a variety of topics. Shankman began connecting people based on this need through his Facebook profile. His following of not just reporters, journalists and freelancers but experts, PR professional and various industry experts grew so large that he built a blog, created a Twitter following for urgent requests, and a website reaching thousands.
Regardless of which side of the table you’re on, HARO, which stands for Help A Reporter Out, provides a networking collaboration that’s beneficial to everyone involved. If you are working on a piece for the media regardless if it is TV, radio, print or web you have a place where you can find people to share their experiences and expertise about your topic. If you are an industry expert or a common everyday person with an appropriate experience to share you could find yourself quoted in the media and gather free publicity for your business, service or just get your moment in the limelight.
I’ve interacted with HARO in both capacities in the recent months and I have very impressed with caliber of people who seek content and provide expert information. I’ve seen posts for news shows, television networks, major publications and freelance writers. When soliciting my own queries I have received valuable expert content from surgeons, graduate level faculty at major universities and helpful everyday people with great experiences to share. Plus, Shankman, in true expert blogger style, provides interesting tidbits and humorous quips about the day and the life of a successful PR public speaker and entrepreneur. I also enjoy how he protects your information and polices the email list. Those who attempt to spam those seeking information will be banned from the list and your information is only shared if you want it to be for the purpose of receiving or giving information regarding queries.
Since HARO sends out emails three times a day during the week, it is easy to get enough responses in time to meet deadlines. Additionally, it is an excellent way to maintain a live feed of what kinds of articles are being bought and sold across various media channels. Whether you are in need of great experts or everyman experiences or you can function as that expert or everyman, stop by HARO for a glimpse in the media world.
