The awards for 2011’s biggest PR blunders were released this week by prdisasters.com

See the full list and commentary here.

Interestingly, Gerry McCusker, author of the PR Disasters book and blog said that Twitter was the tool that the public most used to hurl criticism at brands and personalities when they failed in the PR stakes.

I think it’s always good to monitor what’s being said about your organisation on social media even if you’ve decided that it’s not the arena for your brand or organisation.

I’m noticing that public sentiment on Twitter can even influence the course of live television.

Catty comments by a judge and co-host on last year’s Dancing with the Stars prompted a massive attack from Twitter fans, which forced an on-air apology.

Knowing what’s being said about you and responding quickly is the way to stem any further PR damage.