I've spent my entire professional life as a television network publicity and corporate communications executive at such places as Fox, GSN and Lifetime TV. I get a rush dealing with live broadcasts, tight deadlines and press conferences. I think I enjoy my job so much because I love working with the press. In addition to all that, I enjoy being an industry blogger and a social media expert and leading my own consulting firm in Los Angeles. 
Now the Public Can Capture An Image of You Anytime
Before cell phones became recording or filming devices, an executive or PR person dealing with the media could use the words “off the record” to the press and feel comfortable not having those words re-printed or broadcast. But, now, EVERYONE needs to realize that potentially every move or word they say can end up “on the record,” because of the public’s use of their cell phones as cameras.
How so?
Play along with me here. I’m your publicist for the moment whether you need me or not. But, as your publicist, I would like to warn you that wherever you are – whether shopping at WalMart, attending a cousin’s baby shower, walking down the street or speaking in front of class at church, school or conference – your images may have been recorded through someone’s cell phone and uploaded to the web.
The reason for this post is to bring awareness to this “on the record” style of living and that as individuals we need to take it seriously in order to protect our brand and/or personal integrity.
I have to admit I may be going a bit overboard on this matter, but if you could see me at a party you’d think I was behaving crazily. I’m always diving or ducking around any one who appears to be taping or taking my image. Even though I may know you – I don’t want you to take my photo. Why? Since I don’t have the editing rights to your images, I can’t approve the photo(s) you post about me on your Facebook wall. Yes, you may not have tagged me, but the photo stays up there forever. And that’s a long time. I carefully censor and filter everything I ever post online to ensure that I am conveying the right message about me to potential employers, clients and friends. I want to control where my image is posted or transmitted at all times and you should too.
Why? It’s because of sites like these….People of Walmart.com. How many times on a weekend have you left your house with bedhead or mismatched clothes to run errands. I must admit I may look like a wreak at times, but I’ve never shown any bad “cracks” or dressed in costumes other than Halloween like some visiting WalMart. People of Walmart.com is intended to be a site that people can post photos of customers at WalMart. And this site and others are hilarious, when it’s not a photo of you or a family member.
Don't Leave the House Without Looking Yourself Over
More importantly, if you are ever speaking at a conference, seminar or large class setting, you should assume someone in that audience is recording your content and that it will appear online somewhere. With that being the case, be very careful about any assumptions or stereotypes you address without proper backing or this “on the record” recording may back fire upon you. I promise to blog more about this soon.
So, in the meantime, the next time you venture out to WalMart make sure you look presentable.
A showered and shampooed Cindy
And You Said…