Rereading the posts in this thread, I realize that someone needs to say, that although free press releases have zero reach potential they do offer one thing that conventional press releases don't...

SEO.

The more often a "relevant" hit is on the web, the more often your website gains relevancy.

If your crappy little maybe almost an ad press release isn't newsworthy, then don't send it to the conventional media, but DO post it to the free sites, it will be good for your website.

But as... who said it... said, make sure it reads more like a news release than an ad (Even if it really is just an ad disguised as a press release).

For example... If you bring on a new product... don't notify your local media, but do send out an free online press release. If you bring on a new employee, do notify both the local media and the online free press.

Free press may be useless for actual reach, as has been stated, but it does have its uses.

(Great discussion and comments, folks).

T

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!