I began my communications career in the public relations agency realm, ultimately landing in New York City in the award-winning Weber Shandwick Travel + Lifestyle practice. In addition to media relations, event planning, press trip coordination and communications strategy, I was the early-adopting digital enthusiast on my team, introducing my clients to Facebook, Twitter and the burgeoning blogosphere.

When I jumped the media fence in 2010 and left corporate life behind to travel and write about it here on Angie Away, I experienced firsthand the disconnect between bloggers/journalists and the publicists/brands who want to work with them. It’s no secret that publicists and journalists can be of great use to one another, but sometimes this symbiotic relationship feels more like a profound culture shock.

It’s certainly confusing and sometimes uncharted terrain. When is a press trip invitation appropriate? Have press releases outgrown their usefulness? Should influencers be paid for product reviews? When is it appropriate to ask a blogger or journalist to work for free? (Never, in case you’re wondering!)