Snapchat disses Instagram; Edelman Trust Barometer revelations; Microsoft's storytelling secrets; and more

MORNING SCOOP

Snapchat disses Instagram, 81% of consumers want brands to do ‘right,’ and Snickers campaigns to move Halloween

Also: Edelman drops a client to avoid a crisis, exclusive insights from Microsoft’s chief storyteller, and Ohio State Fair gets sassy.

STORYTELLING

5 ways Microsoft’s chief storyteller makes content more human

Storytelling has become a crucial strategy for communicators looking to attract attention from both employees and consumers. Consider this advice to improve your tales.

WRITING & EDITING

Use this 3-step copywriting formula to overcome writer’s block

This simple but effective approach will unclog your synapses and get the ideas flowing again.

THE WORKPLACE

Infographic: Neutralizgating noisy co-workers to protect your productivity

PR pros have a lot to do—and in a collaborative environment with open office spaces and tight deadlines, if can be hard to stay productive. Here are some tips.

PR INDUSTRY

6 fictional journalists and how to pitch to them

How would you pitch some of fiction and film’s greatest journalistic characters? Here are some classics with takeaways for today’s media relations professional.

CONFERENCE ALERT

3 ways to help your executives thrive in the digital world

Discover how to help them create an engaging digital presence during this can’t-miss conference in Washington, D.C.

MORNING SCOOP

Capital One’s data-breach muddle, Uber cuts 400 marketers, and brands tout chicken wings

Under Armor chief stands for Baltimore, flawed career advice, and younger consumers grow skeptical of tech companies.

WRITING & EDITING

How Alexa Skills can improve your writing and stoke your motivation

The Amazon Echo software offers an array of prompts, inspirational thoughts and linguistic course corrections for casual scribes and professional communicators alike.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

10 essentials for your social media marketing campaigns

Sporadic tweets and banal Facebook posts just won’t cut it in today’s online world. Set clear objectives, and keep current and consistent with engaging posts and audience interaction.

MEASUREMENT

Getting more specific with your PR measurement

If the Barcelona Principles need an update—and the industry can get more precise about which metrics matter—where should we start? Don’t throw your vanity metrics away just yet.

CONFERENCE ALERT

Take your audience on an epic journey with the power of your words

Your own journey to success starts at The Brand Storytelling & Content Marketing Conference at Disneyland.

CONTENT MARKETING

5 cringeworthy content marketing tactics

Is your blog full of sales pitches? Is it fine-tuned to the concerns and questions of your audience? How are you measuring your success? Consider these content essentials.

HOW WE DID IT

Battling Olympic-scale competition for coverage of a startup launch

The founder of Capstone Hill Search discusses the need for patience, pluck and perseverance in vying for journalists’ attention in the midst of the 2012 Summer Games in London.

MORNING SCOOP

Tasteless PR tactics after the Gilroy shooting, top PR tools, and Google honors ADA with giveaway

Also: Film and song mashups to inspire creativity, LinkedIn fixes job-listing loophole, and why diversity and inclusion programs fall short.