Rodeo Queens and the Internet
The internet is an amazing tool that has changed the world in many positive ways. However, it can also be a quick way to ruin a reputation, to end a queen's reign and to bring down a pageant program. Protect your online reputation by being vigilant about what is posted about you, your pageant, and others involved in your program.
As a titleholder you are expected to represent your program, rodeo and sponsors in a professional manner. This simply means you look your best, act your best, and speak your best even when you're not in crown and banner.
As a titleholder you are expected to represent your program, rodeo and sponsors in a professional manner. This simply means you look your best, act your best, and speak your best even when you're not in crown and banner.
Facebook
We love Facebook. It is a good tool for promoting your title and pageant program. It is also one of the easiest and quickest ways to make a bad impression on sponsors, supporters, potential contestants and others.
Your personal Facebook page should not have photos of you in inappropriate situations. If you'll recall, most pageant descriptions describe the ideal contestant as "a wholesome young woman". Photos of you drinking alcohol (especially if you are underage), partying, dressing up in inappropriate costumes, or otherwise portraying an image that does not fall under wholesome are not appropriate. With judges often knowing contestant names prior to the pageant beginning, you do not want to risk the first impression you make on a judge (or pageant personnel) with a photo of you dressed as a naughty nurse, playing drinking games or passed out half naked.
Remember, once something is online it is there forever. It is easy for others to click and save photos and postings or to print them off for future use. It is easy to prevent this from happening. First, just don't do it. Avoid situations where photos may be taken of you in an unflattering manner. It's okay to have fun, but draw the line at inappropriate. Secondly, if you insist on participating in inappropriate behavior lock down your account so others can't tag you in photos. However, be aware that even without a tag you can be recognized. Finally, you have the power to remove any inappropriate post on your wall. This includes cursing and references to inappropriate behavior.
When you are in crown and banner (and quite frankly, even when you're not) no one wants to see screwed up faces and your tongue sticking out. You are to be representing your title in a PROFESSIONAL MANNER and these types of photos are not professional by any means. Again, it's okay to have fun but don't be immature.
Speaking of photos, use a photo for your profile picture that also projects a professional manner. Whether you are in crown or banner make sure it's appropriate.
Your personal Facebook page should not have photos of you in inappropriate situations. If you'll recall, most pageant descriptions describe the ideal contestant as "a wholesome young woman". Photos of you drinking alcohol (especially if you are underage), partying, dressing up in inappropriate costumes, or otherwise portraying an image that does not fall under wholesome are not appropriate. With judges often knowing contestant names prior to the pageant beginning, you do not want to risk the first impression you make on a judge (or pageant personnel) with a photo of you dressed as a naughty nurse, playing drinking games or passed out half naked.
Remember, once something is online it is there forever. It is easy for others to click and save photos and postings or to print them off for future use. It is easy to prevent this from happening. First, just don't do it. Avoid situations where photos may be taken of you in an unflattering manner. It's okay to have fun, but draw the line at inappropriate. Secondly, if you insist on participating in inappropriate behavior lock down your account so others can't tag you in photos. However, be aware that even without a tag you can be recognized. Finally, you have the power to remove any inappropriate post on your wall. This includes cursing and references to inappropriate behavior.
When you are in crown and banner (and quite frankly, even when you're not) no one wants to see screwed up faces and your tongue sticking out. You are to be representing your title in a PROFESSIONAL MANNER and these types of photos are not professional by any means. Again, it's okay to have fun but don't be immature.
Speaking of photos, use a photo for your profile picture that also projects a professional manner. Whether you are in crown or banner make sure it's appropriate.
Facebook - A page, group or individual account?
It is best for pageants and titleholders to have either a group or page, not an individual account. Again, presenting a professional online image is a must and a page or group has more promotional features than an individual account.
If you set up a page or group for your pageant or title USE IT. Keep it updated, post weekly about the appearances you or your titleholder are making, do sponsor spotlights, promote your pageant deadline and prizes, and let others know the pageant schedule. During the pageant post daily updates about the activities the contestants are taking part in and post photos.
If you set up a page or group for your pageant or title USE IT. Keep it updated, post weekly about the appearances you or your titleholder are making, do sponsor spotlights, promote your pageant deadline and prizes, and let others know the pageant schedule. During the pageant post daily updates about the activities the contestants are taking part in and post photos.
Email
Communicating by email is quick and easy. It also provides a record of communication between you and others. Set up a general email account with an easy to remember address. If you use your title always include your year (ex: missrodeoiowa12@whatever) so as to not confuse you as the titleholder with the pageant itself.
Check your email regularly. While texting has quickly become "the" way to communicate it is often easier to attach documents and to provide lengthy communications with email. When entering a pageant and providing an email address be sure to check it daily for updates from the pageant coordinator.
Reply quickly to any email you may receive. Avoid using abbreviations and use your best spelling & grammar. Again, this goes back to acting in a professional manner.
Check your email regularly. While texting has quickly become "the" way to communicate it is often easier to attach documents and to provide lengthy communications with email. When entering a pageant and providing an email address be sure to check it daily for updates from the pageant coordinator.
Reply quickly to any email you may receive. Avoid using abbreviations and use your best spelling & grammar. Again, this goes back to acting in a professional manner.
