I attended the PRSA seminar today on how to use social media (like blogging, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) during crisis communication. It was an interesting session and if you want to learn more about the nuts and bolts of the discussion check out the Costa DeVault blog tomorrow.

In the meantime, I thought I’d write about two other interesting things I learned today. One is about what makes blogging work. During the session this afternoon, the experts repeatedly commented on a couple key elements that make blogs work: quickness/timeliness, authenticity, forthcoming and transparency. If blogs are lacking in those areas, they won’t work. Along those same lines, the presenters noted that communication needs to be instant and constant. As in, the same “tried and true” approval processes won’t work. The vetting process needs to change. If blog posts or comments needs to get run through multiple levels of approval, the blog won’t work. It’s just that simple.

The second thing I learned today, is much more light hearted … and possibly applicable to a broader audience. It’s time for Thanksgiving … Mashablestyle. The web-savvy people at Mashable have assembled a list of helpful websites — everything from the history of Thanksgiving and favorite pastime recipes … to sustainable Thanksgiving tips and (fake) Napolean Dynamite’s take on Thanksgiving.

Two lessons. More to come tomorrow. Have a great day!