Raise your hand if you have heard the phrase “damn, Daniel” at least 100 times in the past month. It seems like a new viral meme or video paves its way every month, thanks to two Riverside Polytechnic High School Students in California, we have our next catchphrase. It all started with Joshua Holz taking a series of Snapchat videos following his friend Daniel Lara around school. The video has now gained millions of YouTube views and brands have quickly picked up on the trend.

In a couple of snaps featured in the video, Holz makes the now famous remark, “damn, Daniel, back at it again with the white Vans.” This remark was undeniable for Vans to utilize on Twitter. They were a little late to respond to the video, but the company eventually tweeted out a poll between back at it again and with the white Vans. Thanks to the video, Vans are regaining popularity with a skyrocket demand for white Vans on EBay. The company also surprised Lara with a lifetime supply of the shoes during Holz and Lara’s segment on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Other brands that took advantage of the popular meme and hashtag on social media include Clorox, Axe, and an overwhelming amount of attention from Denny’s Twitter handle.

Even celebrities have taken advantage of the popular video, including Weezer. Both teens were asked to appear in the artist’s “California Kids” music video. This will help the popularity of the music video because the viral video is still a current fad and has gained some die-hard fans. 

From a public relations perspective viral videos like “Damn, Daniel” are the holy grail of unpaid media. Millions of consumers view these kinds of videos, and become exposed to a brand in a way that does not feel like advertising. The key is for brands to hop in the conversation right away, while such videos are at their highest peak of popularity. Vans missed the mark capitalizing on this opportunity to promote themselves by responding a little too late and with lack-luster creativity.

There will come a time when the “Damn, Daniel” remarks and parodies end, but for now we must embrace it until the next viral video makes way. 

​Blog written by Kelly Larson

My time as the vice president of the  Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America has been short, but has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my college career. I gained a level of confidence in my leadership abilities that never knew I could possess. I networked with some amazing professionals in the public relations industry and expanded my knowledge beyond the classroom. Here are five reasons why you should consider applying for next year’s executive board.

1. Networking
 As an executive board member, it is required that you attend every agency tour, PRSA
 dinner, and national and regional conferences. This may sound time consuming, but is one hundred percent worth the time because these events have the capacity to lead to job  opportunities and much more. 

2. The friendships made within the executive board
The executive board must lead as a team and we spend a lot of time together. This is one
of the best perks of being on the executive board because the friendships made can help in your professional career. 
 
3. Fantastic resume builder
A common trend that I have noticed in applying for jobs in the public relations, communications, and even the marketing field has been the ability to lead. The executive board gives you the opportunity to put your leadership skills to the test.

4. The experience of leading a star chapter
The ISU PRSSA Chapter has received six PRSSA Star Chapter awards since 2009. Being on the executive board opens up the opportunity to continue that success.

5. Increase in confidence
 Throughout my time as a public relations major there have been times where I question whether it was the right choice for me. Being on the executive board has helped me find confidence in my communication skills and ability to be successful in the field.  

Blog by Kelly Larson

What comes to mind when you think of March? A high school student is thinking “only a few  months left of school until summer.” Adults are thinking “I have only seventeen days to schedule a babysitter so I can drink for Saint Patrick’s day.” College kids have one thing and one thing only on their mind: spring break. March is the unofficial month of spring break, which, at least to,  thousands of college students across the nation, means it is a 30-day stretch of time dedicated to partying, preferably in exotic locations around the world. So whether you choose to lay on a beach or stay home, what better time to brush up on your writing skills then a week off of school? Here are five commonly used apostrophe mistakes and how to avoid them!
​
1. Plurals 
A common error happens when you write the plural form of a noun in which an apostrophe precedes the plural s. So when you are shooting your friends a text saying that you are waiting for your taxis, don’t use the apostrophe!
2. Pronouns 
Pronouns are followed by an apostrophe and s only as contractions. For example, when you are tweeting about how your ex is staying at the same resort that you are, use an apostrophe (he’s). However, when you run into a total catch, possessive pronouns (such as theirs and yours) never include an apostrophe.
3. Separate/shared possession 
When two or more people or other entities are described as separately owning something, each name should be in possessive form: "Joe's and Ashley's drinks are the same color." However, when they share possession, include an apostrophe and an s after the latter name only: "Joe and Ashley's drinks are waiting for them."
4. Plural form of an abbreviation 
No apostrophe is required with plurals of abbreviations. Write, for example, "This bar doesn’t even have any IPAs" (not IPA's).
5. Plural form of a numeral 
In the rare case of indicating more than one instance of a numeral, do not use an apostrophe: "My room number is three 7s then a four” (not 7's).
 
Hopefully everyone enjoyed this guide while relaxing and working on your tan. Now here's to the second half of the spring semester!

Written by Ellen Devereux