On this Independence day of the world’s largest democracy, people are talking about one nation, one society, (it is another thing that a good friend of mine pointed out that how ironical is it on the day we got our freedom, we are all so bound and terrorised that nobody dares step out…and she was right.)……let’s talk about the PR community …online ones for now.

We know there are many communities on various subjects on the web. Joining one of them could be fun - you get to meet people like you, discuss ideas, seek help on a project, post a vacancy, tell people you are looking for a change, or just read what others are saying. This is a list of the popular online communities on public relations. Check them out.

YAHOO GROUPS

(Global)
YoungPROs (3163 members so far)
Your connection to early to mid career public relations professionals.

Image Management (1277 members so far)
Public Relations professionals, students, practioners who are interested to discuss more on the various techniques of ‘Image Management’ may join this group.

PR Bytes (819 members so far)
Lively moderated forum, a place for public relations professionals to discuss a wide range of timely, topical PR/communication issues, especially as they relate to the Internet, to New Media and to ways that technology impacts public relations - as a practice, and as a profession. The list is open to all PR professionals.

(India)
PR Point ( 564 members so far)
For Indian public relations and communication professionals to share the India related problems, job requirements, vacancies, job offers, etc. All PR professionals, students from India may join.

ORKUT GROUPS

(Global)
Public Relations (2006 members so far)
Community for individuals who work in Public Relations, or aspire to do so. Ask a question, or share some career advice. All are welcomed.

Public Relations- Feng Shui (244 members so far)
This community is here to help businesses balance their marketing programs with effective tips on Public Relations. If you are in the industry and would like to share your experience, please join. If you need some PR tips on how to help your business grow, you are welcome.

Online Public Relations (63 members so far)
Community for anybody who studies or works with Public Relations and Internet in everywhere. Come join us in discussing Online, Digital, Electronic & Cyber Public Relations.

Public Relations Specialists (63 members so far)
This group is for all Public Relations professionals from across the world. The forum will be used to discuss and debate issues affecting the PR profession.Get updated on new practices coming into the field and look at case-studies.

(India)
Public Relations in India (265 members so far)
Of the People, For the People, By the PR. An opportunity for aspiring PR professionals to experience the working with and consulting the top-notch corporates.People who are interested in revolutionising the PR industry in India…Giving new face to Corporate Communications.

Public Relations, India (24 members so far)
Public Relations is the next big thing in india. It is all about influencing the behavior of your target audience and as predicted the size of this indutsry is going to grow by folds in the coming future. It also encompasses various communication tools like events, promotions and is looked upon as an exciting career prospect. This forum is for all of us who are currently studying public relations or are interested in pursuing it as their career.

RYZE GROUPS

PR
This is an open network on Public Relations. Please feel free to post messages relevant to this field. Professionals of this area are encouraged to join this network.

LINKEDIN GROUPS
Surprised to find no group on PR here. Who’s starting one?

UPDATE: Your India PR Blog has started a network of PR professionals at Linkedin. You can join the network by sending a request from here.

My opinion: All of them have their merits. The Yahoo groups primararily have discussions on PR tools and practices, new developments in the business community, etc., and have young and experienced professionals as members, though most of them maintain a formal tone. The Orkut communities are like informal groups of friends - vibrant with mostly young crowd coming up with cool ideas like PR people meeting up at popular restaurants in different cities. The Ryze community is a bit of both. You will find most people from Orkut here as well, but for the time being, people just seem to be enjoying introducing themselves

Well, there are many more communities, I’m sure.

UPDATE:

MYSPACE GROUPS

(Global)
Public Relations (773 members so far)
A group for all those in the Public Relations Student Society of America nationwide. Network and meet new people. If you’re interested in public relations, join as well. This group is not officially affiliated with PRSSA.

Public Relations Professional (519 members so far)
The Public Relations Professionals group extends networking opportunities to public relations professionals located throughout the United States. Join today to meet fellow PR professionals in your area.

Public Relations Network (335 members so far)
The best networking group for people who are in the Public Relations career spectrum. Also including those who work as promotions, marketing, advertising and publicists! Lets share our experiences and help everyone grow into a successful PR environment.

UPDATE Aug 27, 2006

GOOGLE GROUPS

(Groups just started)

PRSI
Public Relations practitioners anywhere in the world. Group started by PRSI Chandigarh chapter.

(Descriptions against each group are the groups’ own, not mine)
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