you didn't event this theory, but it's a good one.

The following mashable post, via a Steve Rubel post, goes into "the changing role of public relations." Perhaps i'm no authority (one point for self-deprecating humor) but i truly do not think that this is such a new idea.

Here's the post: http://mashable.com/2008/08/12/role-of-public-relations/#comment-1086125

Now, i'm a fairly passionate PR person. I truly believe in a value and need for public relations professionals. That being said, i don't agree that the above is a wholly new mentality...A good PR person is never a gatekeeper... although i believe my MCOM 101 class defined PR as such. It all just seems a little bit basic. No blogger or journalist likes spam. No blogger or journalist likes being pitched off-beat. No blogger or journalist likes a gatekeeper or waiting for interviews. It's true- there are PR people who don't get it - hence, Kevin Dugan's incredibly entertaining Bad Pitch Blog.

Some of us really do get a thrill out of developing great relationships with journalists/bloggers, providing information and resources in a timely and effective manner, and just straight connecting. I don't need to shape the story, that's your job. I can give you the facts and connect you with my client (hopefully the things I am working on are newsworthy and I believe in them enough to pitch them). And hopefully, the end result is great for everybody- client, PR practitioner, and blogger/journalist. but again, is this really a new thing? shouldn't it have always been this way?

We've all got a job to do, here. I think we can come up with some terms that make all of us comfortable and successful. Come on, Scoble, give us another chance. At least the ones who care.