As a freelance writer and webmaster, I'm not a fan of automatic content creation software for articles. Frankly, a so-so writer could turn out better content in their sleep. As a public relations professional on top of being a writer, automatic press release creation software is a double-whammy on my little list of no-nos.
I came across someone in a webmaster forum reselling the press release-o-matic software created by Bill Myers. While I knew instantly that the product could never live up to the marketing hype like calling it an "absolutely foolproof way to create attention getting press releases," I spent the few dollars on it just so I could review it. It didn't "disappoint." It was exactly what I expected.
The Idea Behind the Software
Instead of writing a press release in a typical word processor, the writer or PR person would use the software's fill-in form, including various press release components. The software then spits out the press release in a printable form and code form for the user to add the news release to their website.
Does it Work?
If you're too lazy to write a few paragraphs in a word processor, and to figure out how to center the title, then sure, the software works, because that's all it does. If you want a real press release that has any potential of attracting the attention of editors or journalists, then no, it doesn't work.
Here's What's Wrong With the PR-O-Matic Software:
- The software doesn't actually do anything to help you write the release. It just gives you fields to fill in. You still write the press release from scratch. Any decent press release software, if such a thing exists, would at least have to provide some kind of press release writing tips. If the user can't format a news release, chances are they don't have a clue how to "write for the media" either.
- You apparently have to choose between adding a release time (ie "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE") or including an actual date. Both are important in press release writing.
- The software completely neglects important press release components, such as a subheading and/or summary, and a boilerplate.
- The tool tries to force you to insert quotes into very rigid locations. Quotes are one of the most misused press release items as it is. Only material that must be in a quote should appear in a quote. They should carry a strong impact, and not be tossed into a release just because the PR-o-Matic says a human interest quote belongs in a particular position.
There's honestly nothing about this software that I like. It doesn't do anything you couldn't do on your own using a basic word processor, and it doesn't make the task easier... if anything, it limits the user far too much, and doesn't allow for differentiation between general news releases, product press releases, event press releases, etc. If you really want a guide on how to write a press release, use free press release templates and press release writing tips online here or on other sites managed by someone with actual PR knowledge.
