| In the Strategic Public Relations industry, professional communication is defined by well-crafted messaging and carefully chosen distribution channels. As the Internet becomes the prime channel of communication for much of the population---through Social Media---professionals who are willing to engage in the conversation must come to understand the world they are entering, and this paper provides both an introduction to and a framework for discussing that medium. It is my contention that an understanding of the principles of community and identity, as defined relative to a virtual reality, grants insight to exploring the various platforms of Social Media and the norms and principles that define each. As Social Media is an emerging phenomenon, this shall by no means serve as the complete authority on the subject, however it is my aim to provide a foundation for an ongoing review of best practices in Strategic Social Media. |
