You know what’s great about graduate school?
All the great connections and friends that you make. I’m sure there are other answers to this simple question, but really I think my answer is the best. Never before have I been surrounded by people who are interested in the same things that I am. Never before have I been surrounded by people who truly care about my success in a professional setting. Never before have I felt a part of a large family that is dysfunctional but cares.
Perhaps this is my only child/only grandchild/3 odd cousins family upbringing. My tiny family doesn’t have that “love/hate” relationship that large families seem to. Instead we just awkwardly drink so as not to talk to each other for another year.
But grad school has provided a place that I get to know others who all want the same thing I do. And the teachers want it too. So we work as a group to help get me and everyone there. I’m so grateful for that. And conversely I like being able to help others out as well. I love being able to use my connections to help a friend as well.
Grad school has been worth every cent if not for this reason. I have grown the respected amount. I’ve gotten better at research, I suppose my writing has gotten better and my procrastination has stayed about the same. But my connections, networks and friends have made this. And best of all, my Problems in PR class simply reinforced these networks to me. I know that when I graduate I’ll be more prepared to face that dreaded “real world.” I know that I will have such a community behind me that it will take an effort to fail. That’s what I’m glad I’m paying money for.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
I Love Grad School. No Really, I do.
You know what’s great about graduate school?
All the great connections and friends that you make. I’m sure there are other answers to this simple question, but really I think my answer is the best. Never before have I been surrounded by people who are interested in the same things that I am. Never before have I been surrounded by people who truly care about my success in a professional setting. Never before have I felt a part of a large family that is dysfunctional but cares.
Perhaps this is my only child/only grandchild/3 odd cousins family upbringing. My tiny family doesn’t have that “love/hate” relationship that large families seem to. Instead we just awkwardly drink so as not to talk to each other for another year.
But grad school has provided a place that I get to know others who all want the same thing I do. And the teachers want it too. So we work as a group to help get me and everyone there. I’m so grateful for that. And conversely I like being able to help others out as well. I love being able to use my connections to help a friend as well.
Grad school has been worth every cent if not for this reason. I have grown the respected amount. I’ve gotten better at research, I suppose my writing has gotten better and my procrastination has stayed about the same. But my connections, networks and friends have made this. And best of all, my Problems in PR class simply reinforced these networks to me. I know that when I graduate I’ll be more prepared to face that dreaded “real world.” I know that I will have such a community behind me that it will take an effort to fail. That’s what I’m glad I’m paying money for.
All the great connections and friends that you make. I’m sure there are other answers to this simple question, but really I think my answer is the best. Never before have I been surrounded by people who are interested in the same things that I am. Never before have I been surrounded by people who truly care about my success in a professional setting. Never before have I felt a part of a large family that is dysfunctional but cares.
Perhaps this is my only child/only grandchild/3 odd cousins family upbringing. My tiny family doesn’t have that “love/hate” relationship that large families seem to. Instead we just awkwardly drink so as not to talk to each other for another year.
But grad school has provided a place that I get to know others who all want the same thing I do. And the teachers want it too. So we work as a group to help get me and everyone there. I’m so grateful for that. And conversely I like being able to help others out as well. I love being able to use my connections to help a friend as well.
Grad school has been worth every cent if not for this reason. I have grown the respected amount. I’ve gotten better at research, I suppose my writing has gotten better and my procrastination has stayed about the same. But my connections, networks and friends have made this. And best of all, my Problems in PR class simply reinforced these networks to me. I know that when I graduate I’ll be more prepared to face that dreaded “real world.” I know that I will have such a community behind me that it will take an effort to fail. That’s what I’m glad I’m paying money for.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Black Friday
It’s 1 a.m. Friday and the temperature is in the 20s with a biting windchill. And yet, there is a line of 50 plus people waiting outside of Best Buy for their Black Friday “door busters.” They set up tents, brought warm blankets and coffee for a four hour wait that might not prove to be fruitful.
So what motivates these early morning shoppers? A good buy? A tradition? Loyalty? Or a fancy combination of all these things?
I’m rooting for the latter personally. There’s a certain thrill to pouring over the ads in the newspaper during the Thanksgiving turkey lull. Marking the deals that interest you and then plotting out a plan to go to three different stores before 8 a.m. to capture these great deals. During this one day of crazy shopping it’s not about where you’re shopping at as much as what you’re shopping for. Parents may stalk Toys R Us and Wal-Mart ads, while I snooped around for the best e-reader deal. On this day it really is about saving a buck.
So loyalty to a particular store sorta goes out the window for November 26th. I’m sure this is something most stores don’t relish as they spend the entire year branding themselves to bolster loyalty among customers. Instead they switch to “loss leaders” that convince shoppers to stop by. Companies can only cross their fingers and pray that customers buy other things as well.
So then, why do companies continue to slash prices on this day? While the happy shopper in me wants to believe that they do it to make me happy, I’m sure they turn a nice profit. I’ve worked retail and here’s my super shopper secret. Shop early on Jan. 1st. The sales are crazy at department stores and all over. And I can say that even with the low sale prices, stores make a killing. So I’m sure Black Friday sales still earn a nice profit margin for the stores.
But I still want to believe in this concept of loyalty to a tradition. Even if it is my tradition to drive by the stores, decide it’s too cold and then go home, drink wine and continue to look the ads over. Then go 12 hours later and still manage to get my Nook on sale. Booyah!
So what motivates these early morning shoppers? A good buy? A tradition? Loyalty? Or a fancy combination of all these things?
I’m rooting for the latter personally. There’s a certain thrill to pouring over the ads in the newspaper during the Thanksgiving turkey lull. Marking the deals that interest you and then plotting out a plan to go to three different stores before 8 a.m. to capture these great deals. During this one day of crazy shopping it’s not about where you’re shopping at as much as what you’re shopping for. Parents may stalk Toys R Us and Wal-Mart ads, while I snooped around for the best e-reader deal. On this day it really is about saving a buck.
So loyalty to a particular store sorta goes out the window for November 26th. I’m sure this is something most stores don’t relish as they spend the entire year branding themselves to bolster loyalty among customers. Instead they switch to “loss leaders” that convince shoppers to stop by. Companies can only cross their fingers and pray that customers buy other things as well.
So then, why do companies continue to slash prices on this day? While the happy shopper in me wants to believe that they do it to make me happy, I’m sure they turn a nice profit. I’ve worked retail and here’s my super shopper secret. Shop early on Jan. 1st. The sales are crazy at department stores and all over. And I can say that even with the low sale prices, stores make a killing. So I’m sure Black Friday sales still earn a nice profit margin for the stores.
But I still want to believe in this concept of loyalty to a tradition. Even if it is my tradition to drive by the stores, decide it’s too cold and then go home, drink wine and continue to look the ads over. Then go 12 hours later and still manage to get my Nook on sale. Booyah!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Non-Profits and why I don't like them
As it turns out, I’m an extremely liberal, idealistic person. Thankfully this schema hasn’t crashed and burned against pragmatism yet. I like to think it’s due to my realization of my idealism, but regardless, this mindset makes me opinionated to say the least.
So when I hear “Non-profits,” the first thing that jumps to mind is no salary, and agendas. Not evil agendas, but still…
(Have I mentioned that I’m also a cynic?)
So it may be no large surprise that up until recently I’ve shunned non-profits. I will donate money to carefully vetted organizations, but I have few desires to work for a non-profit. In regards to my own opinion, I personally am not a fan of The Salvation Army. I feel as if there is a forced religious aspect that taints what they are trying to do. It’s simply something I’m not willing to support. Because I staunchly hold on to my beliefs, I have realized it would be best for me to work in a neutral environment, generally away from politics and religion.
However, thanks Anita Foster from the American Red Cross, I have a new respect for the organization. A completely neutral organization that formed because, “you don’t leave the wounded on a battlefield.” Those “wounded” are no longer confined to wars, but appear in any form of a crisis.
These crises bring with them a desire to not only help the needy, but to extend that help where ever it is needed, regardless of situation. It calls for an ability to stay calm in the face of tragedy.
What fascinates me is the ability to apply a generic set of “crisis communications” rules to varying situations all to garner the same outcome. Every day is different, every crisis is different and yet the approach to each day/situation is generally the same.
What seems more impressive is the thought that Anita didn’t view an earthquake as a crisis, rather she viewed the human interactions with that natural disaster the “crisis.” It’s really not what’s thrown at us that is the issue, but rather how we, and others, respond to said problem.
With that in mind, I still won’t donate to the sweet old people ringing bells this holiday season. Not every non-profit can appeal to all people. I am, however, excited to find one not-for-profit organization that strives for something I can deem admirable. Although, with a 94 percent volunteer base, my chances of being paid by the Red Cross is alarmingly weak.
Guess I was right on some of my assumptions about non-profits.
So when I hear “Non-profits,” the first thing that jumps to mind is no salary, and agendas. Not evil agendas, but still…
(Have I mentioned that I’m also a cynic?)
So it may be no large surprise that up until recently I’ve shunned non-profits. I will donate money to carefully vetted organizations, but I have few desires to work for a non-profit. In regards to my own opinion, I personally am not a fan of The Salvation Army. I feel as if there is a forced religious aspect that taints what they are trying to do. It’s simply something I’m not willing to support. Because I staunchly hold on to my beliefs, I have realized it would be best for me to work in a neutral environment, generally away from politics and religion.
However, thanks Anita Foster from the American Red Cross, I have a new respect for the organization. A completely neutral organization that formed because, “you don’t leave the wounded on a battlefield.” Those “wounded” are no longer confined to wars, but appear in any form of a crisis.
These crises bring with them a desire to not only help the needy, but to extend that help where ever it is needed, regardless of situation. It calls for an ability to stay calm in the face of tragedy.
What fascinates me is the ability to apply a generic set of “crisis communications” rules to varying situations all to garner the same outcome. Every day is different, every crisis is different and yet the approach to each day/situation is generally the same.
What seems more impressive is the thought that Anita didn’t view an earthquake as a crisis, rather she viewed the human interactions with that natural disaster the “crisis.” It’s really not what’s thrown at us that is the issue, but rather how we, and others, respond to said problem.
With that in mind, I still won’t donate to the sweet old people ringing bells this holiday season. Not every non-profit can appeal to all people. I am, however, excited to find one not-for-profit organization that strives for something I can deem admirable. Although, with a 94 percent volunteer base, my chances of being paid by the Red Cross is alarmingly weak.
Guess I was right on some of my assumptions about non-profits.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Don't Be Stupid Part II
There are times people/things don’t live up to expectations. coughcoughCliff Lee in Game 1 of the World Series.coughcough But we carry on and keep hope alive.
Then there are times when it turns out our vocabulary just hasn’t been as good as we though. For example, many years ago (read three) I was job searching on Craigslist. All these jobs kept saying there were “lucrative” opportunities. Finally I asked my boyfriend why every job was just telling me they offered sketchy possibilities with a high propensity to fail. Turns out that was NOT was lucrative meant. I still have issues with the word- I think my definition makes more sense.
Regardless, it seems I’ve been imaging “public relations” as “issues management.” It’s nice to have a new name to say what I’m interested in. PR was becoming blasé. So, as I tarry on learning about issues management, I’m newly excited. It’s almost like I got a new pair of boots for the winter. My education got a face lift.
I love that issues management is really about community relations and preemptive measures. It’s thinking ahead to what could be and educating everyone who would be affected. What a wonderful idea!
“Hey guys, we aren’t facing a crisis but in case we are- here’s what you should know. There is no need to worry, because we will do that for you. Instead, let us educate you and guide you to peace.”
It’s oddly reminiscent to the “Don’t be stupid” philosophy espoused earlier on this blog. Such good ideas stem from issues management.
Then there are times when it turns out our vocabulary just hasn’t been as good as we though. For example, many years ago (read three) I was job searching on Craigslist. All these jobs kept saying there were “lucrative” opportunities. Finally I asked my boyfriend why every job was just telling me they offered sketchy possibilities with a high propensity to fail. Turns out that was NOT was lucrative meant. I still have issues with the word- I think my definition makes more sense.
Regardless, it seems I’ve been imaging “public relations” as “issues management.” It’s nice to have a new name to say what I’m interested in. PR was becoming blasé. So, as I tarry on learning about issues management, I’m newly excited. It’s almost like I got a new pair of boots for the winter. My education got a face lift.
I love that issues management is really about community relations and preemptive measures. It’s thinking ahead to what could be and educating everyone who would be affected. What a wonderful idea!
“Hey guys, we aren’t facing a crisis but in case we are- here’s what you should know. There is no need to worry, because we will do that for you. Instead, let us educate you and guide you to peace.”
It’s oddly reminiscent to the “Don’t be stupid” philosophy espoused earlier on this blog. Such good ideas stem from issues management.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
How Twitter is Like Any Other Infectious Disease
I resisted Twitter like many resist syphilis. In fact, I saw Twitter much like a std. It may start out nice and cozy but ends up in an itchy rash. One more way for me to somehow mess up my job search, and forever disappoint my grandmother.
But, since I do anything for class, I finally had to cave to the Twitter rash. I’m glad I did if for nothing other than @prwork posting constantly and affirming my belief that jobs really are out there if you know where to look.
Using Twitter as a tool is the difference between it and a status update. The ability to leverage my views by notifying the subject in a harmless manner is fascinating. I complained about “Project Runway” and Lifetime actually replied back to me. It’s nice to know my voice was heard. Granted, they didn’t change their lineup to offer and encore presentation, but at least they know one person would like it.
Twitter is an amazing public relations tool. Practitioners are able to get an instant read of their product and how the public is reacting. The public is able to easy let their voice be heard. A conversation can be had between me, a relative nobody (my mom would disagree, but I digress), and a major cable channel. My complaint/suggestion didn’t go to an email no one checks, it went to their Twitter account.
On Twitter companies have the ability to activate their followers and get them to do something. Ellen Degeneres shows this all the time by having Twitter contests. That’s the difference between Twitter and a Facebook page. Twitter connects people to causes in a manner that dictates passion.
Will the “revolution be tweeted?” Malcom Gladwell thinks not. And while I hate to argue against Gladwell in any respect, I have to wonder what role this particular social networking tool will have. No, I do not believe that a revolution will start due to Twitter. A revolution will start in its own organic way and then be carried over to Twitter as a logistics tool.
Seems I should start taking antibiotics for the Twitter rash soon. I want to know about any upcoming revolutions.
But, since I do anything for class, I finally had to cave to the Twitter rash. I’m glad I did if for nothing other than @prwork posting constantly and affirming my belief that jobs really are out there if you know where to look.
Using Twitter as a tool is the difference between it and a status update. The ability to leverage my views by notifying the subject in a harmless manner is fascinating. I complained about “Project Runway” and Lifetime actually replied back to me. It’s nice to know my voice was heard. Granted, they didn’t change their lineup to offer and encore presentation, but at least they know one person would like it.
Twitter is an amazing public relations tool. Practitioners are able to get an instant read of their product and how the public is reacting. The public is able to easy let their voice be heard. A conversation can be had between me, a relative nobody (my mom would disagree, but I digress), and a major cable channel. My complaint/suggestion didn’t go to an email no one checks, it went to their Twitter account.
On Twitter companies have the ability to activate their followers and get them to do something. Ellen Degeneres shows this all the time by having Twitter contests. That’s the difference between Twitter and a Facebook page. Twitter connects people to causes in a manner that dictates passion.
Will the “revolution be tweeted?” Malcom Gladwell thinks not. And while I hate to argue against Gladwell in any respect, I have to wonder what role this particular social networking tool will have. No, I do not believe that a revolution will start due to Twitter. A revolution will start in its own organic way and then be carried over to Twitter as a logistics tool.
Seems I should start taking antibiotics for the Twitter rash soon. I want to know about any upcoming revolutions.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
“People complain they can’t get it- call your government! I can’t help”
Engaging.
Not the diamond ring type, although a few carats are always appreciated. But relationships are a good model for companies to study. Honesty, the ability to listen, to randomly do nice things just because (Cliff, I want flowers! I will consider them super nice.), to not get mad when nice things aren’t done randomly (the last 4.5 years sans flowers). These are just a few things that make a good relationship.
Engaging.
If companies don’t do anything with their “fans” on Facebook, they are wasting their presence on the largest social network in the world. This thought from “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations” clicked with the idea from Stan Lee that conversations are wonderful, but useless if they don’t engage the second party. Just like any relationship would be doomed after the first date.
“Hi, I like you but I’m terribly dull.”
“Cool, I think you’re swell, but I’ll probably forget about you tomorrow since you are so yawn-inducing.”
Engaging!
It’s interacting with the people who already want to interact with you. I personally don’t have the best solution for the Facebook “fan” situation, other than offering coupons and freebies occasionally. However to leverage the social media phenomena companies must find a way, and soon. Sitting idly by and creating pages, twitters and even blogs but then doing nothing with the people is wasteful.
Enraging.
Naturally, one can engage in a terrible manner. Johnson and Johnson- I’m looking at you. Mommy bloggers are often the most sought after demographic according to marketers. These bloggers are invested in so many aspects of life that their subculture holds the purse, literally, for companies. So J&J wanted to chat with them and get their perspective naturally.
They invited these bloggers to an event. Then told them they couldn’t bring their babies. Moms and babies. They kinda go together thanks to biology, but J&J wanted none of that baby-sitting expense. Then J&J scheduled their event at the time of another major mommy blogging event. And went so far as to uninvited mom’s scheduled to speak at the conflicting event. Nothing like being hospitable.
(If I was word savvy enough, I would hyperlink this. But I’m not. http://scobleizer.com/2008/03/19/johnson-and-johnson-breaks-into-jail-with-babycamp/)
J&J got jealous of the extra attention that might take the mom’s away from them. Paying attention to their babies and to another event. Jealousy is not attractive J&J!
So, we’re back to being nice to those you love. Turns out, it’s easy and a good PR practice.
Not the diamond ring type, although a few carats are always appreciated. But relationships are a good model for companies to study. Honesty, the ability to listen, to randomly do nice things just because (Cliff, I want flowers! I will consider them super nice.), to not get mad when nice things aren’t done randomly (the last 4.5 years sans flowers). These are just a few things that make a good relationship.
Engaging.
If companies don’t do anything with their “fans” on Facebook, they are wasting their presence on the largest social network in the world. This thought from “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations” clicked with the idea from Stan Lee that conversations are wonderful, but useless if they don’t engage the second party. Just like any relationship would be doomed after the first date.
“Hi, I like you but I’m terribly dull.”
“Cool, I think you’re swell, but I’ll probably forget about you tomorrow since you are so yawn-inducing.”
Engaging!
It’s interacting with the people who already want to interact with you. I personally don’t have the best solution for the Facebook “fan” situation, other than offering coupons and freebies occasionally. However to leverage the social media phenomena companies must find a way, and soon. Sitting idly by and creating pages, twitters and even blogs but then doing nothing with the people is wasteful.
Enraging.
Naturally, one can engage in a terrible manner. Johnson and Johnson- I’m looking at you. Mommy bloggers are often the most sought after demographic according to marketers. These bloggers are invested in so many aspects of life that their subculture holds the purse, literally, for companies. So J&J wanted to chat with them and get their perspective naturally.
They invited these bloggers to an event. Then told them they couldn’t bring their babies. Moms and babies. They kinda go together thanks to biology, but J&J wanted none of that baby-sitting expense. Then J&J scheduled their event at the time of another major mommy blogging event. And went so far as to uninvited mom’s scheduled to speak at the conflicting event. Nothing like being hospitable.
(If I was word savvy enough, I would hyperlink this. But I’m not. http://scobleizer.com/2008/03/19/johnson-and-johnson-breaks-into-jail-with-babycamp/)
J&J got jealous of the extra attention that might take the mom’s away from them. Paying attention to their babies and to another event. Jealousy is not attractive J&J!
So, we’re back to being nice to those you love. Turns out, it’s easy and a good PR practice.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Intelligence Quota
I have a sweet, sweet dog. She’s a Yorkie named Tai. Which somehow got lengthened to “Tai Baby,” because well… she’s just not smart. She’s adorable, but intelligence is not her strength.
I have to wonder then if there are people like my Tai Baby. Just not smart.
Take Nestle for example. What is so hard about not being jerks and doing their best to NOT kill babies? Oh yeah, money.
Then turn your attention to Venus Williams. Is it really so hard to just speak up and say what happened? Tweet a picture of your injured foot? (http://bit.ly/apzGjz)
It’s amazing how many PR fiascoes could have been avoided with doing the logical thing. Transparency. Honesty. Issuing a statement- quickly.
Think of the blunder the Queen of England had after the death of Princess Diana. All she needed to do was talk to the public and she refused for three days. In 72 hours an entire country turned against the established monarchy, as they assumed the monarchy ignored their feelings.
Oddly enough, it wasn’t even a statement the nation needed per se- it was a sign that the family cared Diana was dead. A sign that the royal family understood their grief.
Transparency and Honesty go together easily. In many respect they are the same thing. They really should be. Celebrities, companies and anyone else in the spotlight or in a crisis seem to realize this. To not alienate fans or further upset a situation, honesty is important.
Yet, they seem to forget how important a timely message is. Even it’s something simple like “Ooops, we are looking into this. Sorry!” An acknowledgment that an upsetting event occurred is often enough to appease the public for a short time until further information can be acquired.
Sometimes the easiest thing to do is not be stupid. Too bad you can’t win clients with that advice. “Hey, Lindsey, pick me as your publicist and I’ll help you. Oh, and don’t be stupid!” I just don’t see that going as far as it should, when really it’s great advice.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
For the love of Kant!
Let’s go ahead and address the mastodon in the room- I adore Immanuel Kant. So much so that I have a cute finger puppet of him that stays on my fridge thanks to the magnet in his oversized head. The problem with him and school is that teachers always latch onto ONE thing he said, in passing mind you, and so he’s cast aside like the idealistic reject he kinda is.
I imagine the conversation that pigeon-holed him so went something like this:
Uppity college student: “So, what you’re saying Mr. Kant is that if I say that lying is a universal rule thing…”
Super Smart Professor: “Maxim.” ::cough, stupid student, cough::
Uppity college student: “Sure, so if lying is a universal maxim, and it is destructive to society, we can never lie?”
Super Smart Professor: “Right, but it’s deeper than that. We deem “lying for personal benefit” to create a contradiction in society so we would have to consider “no lying” as a universal maxim, or law…”
Uppity college student: “Whatever, so like, if a bad-killer man came into your house and asked where your wife was so he could like, murder her, you wouldn’t lie.”
Super Smart Professor: “Right, but remember that we haven’t yet deemed this a “universal maxim” and we’re only talking in simple terms so your little head will understand it.”
Uppity college student: “AHHH! Professor Kant wants to kill his wife! I heard him say so!”
End scene
Kant was correct in that if “lying” became a universal maxim that we adhere to not do, then we should never do it, under any circumstances. But we are never under any rule to make such a maxim. In fact I would suggest that such a rule would at some point contradict itself and be detrimental to society and thus couldn’t ever be a maxim. But I digress.
What I find truly favorable in Kant is his second categorical imperative which states that we are never able to treat humanity as a means to an end, as it is only an end. To do so would be a contradiction to self and to the good will that is intrinsic to humans.
In the media industry this should be posted in bold letters with a yellow accent across every door. Even if the person signs a waver they are still being exploited for being a terrible mom, or an orange alien from New Jersey. There are levels of exploitation that the industry needs consider. At what point does ethics get in the way with a profitable business practice few complain about? But, how is it not exploitation when people are being filmed for entertainment purposes that lead to advertising money? “The Real World,” has long strayed from a relevant anthropological discourse of rambling 20-somethings.
Also, when will public relations, marketing and advertising step up and recognize that exploiting the ignorance of publics is just as bad? When disclosure has loopholes and fine print we begin to manipulate knowledge that the public has a right to know. We are treating their ignorance as a mean to our end goal of whatever corporate objective being focused on.
This is not right.
"Let justice reign even if all the rascals in the world should perish from it." Immanuel Kant in Perpetual Peace, 1795.
I imagine the conversation that pigeon-holed him so went something like this:
Uppity college student: “So, what you’re saying Mr. Kant is that if I say that lying is a universal rule thing…”
Super Smart Professor: “Maxim.” ::cough, stupid student, cough::
Uppity college student: “Sure, so if lying is a universal maxim, and it is destructive to society, we can never lie?”
Super Smart Professor: “Right, but it’s deeper than that. We deem “lying for personal benefit” to create a contradiction in society so we would have to consider “no lying” as a universal maxim, or law…”
Uppity college student: “Whatever, so like, if a bad-killer man came into your house and asked where your wife was so he could like, murder her, you wouldn’t lie.”
Super Smart Professor: “Right, but remember that we haven’t yet deemed this a “universal maxim” and we’re only talking in simple terms so your little head will understand it.”
Uppity college student: “AHHH! Professor Kant wants to kill his wife! I heard him say so!”
End scene
Kant was correct in that if “lying” became a universal maxim that we adhere to not do, then we should never do it, under any circumstances. But we are never under any rule to make such a maxim. In fact I would suggest that such a rule would at some point contradict itself and be detrimental to society and thus couldn’t ever be a maxim. But I digress.
What I find truly favorable in Kant is his second categorical imperative which states that we are never able to treat humanity as a means to an end, as it is only an end. To do so would be a contradiction to self and to the good will that is intrinsic to humans.
In the media industry this should be posted in bold letters with a yellow accent across every door. Even if the person signs a waver they are still being exploited for being a terrible mom, or an orange alien from New Jersey. There are levels of exploitation that the industry needs consider. At what point does ethics get in the way with a profitable business practice few complain about? But, how is it not exploitation when people are being filmed for entertainment purposes that lead to advertising money? “The Real World,” has long strayed from a relevant anthropological discourse of rambling 20-somethings.
Also, when will public relations, marketing and advertising step up and recognize that exploiting the ignorance of publics is just as bad? When disclosure has loopholes and fine print we begin to manipulate knowledge that the public has a right to know. We are treating their ignorance as a mean to our end goal of whatever corporate objective being focused on.
This is not right.
"Let justice reign even if all the rascals in the world should perish from it." Immanuel Kant in Perpetual Peace, 1795.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Buffering Through Life
It’s hard for me to define myself. Sure, I can list off enough details to give a pretty decent police sketch but past that I’m stumped. I find it impossible to tell you who I am, because I find that I am really just a perception. I am how people view me.
Companies are similar. They can try to be whomever they like, however it’s really up to me, the consumer to decide who they are. That’s why public relations matters. PR people should be gauging the public’s perception at all times and tweaking the company’s identity as needed.
Jim Haynes explained that research is important at all most all steps of a campaign. Danielle Allen counted that research is needed before any planning can actually begin and then again to evaluate the campaign, while convincing clients to pay for it is another story. I believe that both speakers were right. For a company’s persona to be understood by the company, they need to research and see what people are thinking of them. Extra research tells how to execute a plan to reach a certain objective that should ultimately assist with the created persona that research revealed. It’s a convoluted research circle, a research reach a… no, I won’t go there now.
A smart advertising professor told me about a comparative ad campaign between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Pepsi encouraged viewers to decide which tasted better: Pepsi or Coke. When polls showed that people seemed to prefer Pepsi, Coca-Cola introduced “New Coke.” Backlash was so strong to the new cola that Coca-Cola brought back its classic flavor. Ironically enough, “New Coke” was created to taste more like Pepsi. (New Coke is still sold oversees as the only option for “Coke.”)
Coca-Cola failed to properly research their constituents and see what they wanted from a soda. They tried to be something they weren’t and the result was so loud immediate action was taken. Again, I don’t believe that we get to decide who we are. Others decide for us. Hopefully we are smart enough to research this and fully understand it before we take any action and then research at every step of the process to assure that we on the correct track.
The only thing I do know about myself is that I hate Excel. I do not want to be a boring PR practitioner squished into an Excel sheet. Fingers crossed a new charting system emerges on the scene before someone decides to hire me. Or perhaps they can read my Excel apprehension in an interview and that’s why I can’t nab the 3rd interview. I have such a wonderful 3rd interview suit that no one ever gets to see.
One other great thing from class that I realized is that speechwriters aren’t such losers after all. Apparently it’s a lucrative field. One of my tops three interests just got bumped to number one interest! And I bet I can fit rhetoric research into speech writing if I squint just a touch. Granted Mimi will never understand what I do, but she can understand a paycheck so I suppose that will suffice.
Companies are similar. They can try to be whomever they like, however it’s really up to me, the consumer to decide who they are. That’s why public relations matters. PR people should be gauging the public’s perception at all times and tweaking the company’s identity as needed.
Jim Haynes explained that research is important at all most all steps of a campaign. Danielle Allen counted that research is needed before any planning can actually begin and then again to evaluate the campaign, while convincing clients to pay for it is another story. I believe that both speakers were right. For a company’s persona to be understood by the company, they need to research and see what people are thinking of them. Extra research tells how to execute a plan to reach a certain objective that should ultimately assist with the created persona that research revealed. It’s a convoluted research circle, a research reach a… no, I won’t go there now.
A smart advertising professor told me about a comparative ad campaign between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Pepsi encouraged viewers to decide which tasted better: Pepsi or Coke. When polls showed that people seemed to prefer Pepsi, Coca-Cola introduced “New Coke.” Backlash was so strong to the new cola that Coca-Cola brought back its classic flavor. Ironically enough, “New Coke” was created to taste more like Pepsi. (New Coke is still sold oversees as the only option for “Coke.”)
Coca-Cola failed to properly research their constituents and see what they wanted from a soda. They tried to be something they weren’t and the result was so loud immediate action was taken. Again, I don’t believe that we get to decide who we are. Others decide for us. Hopefully we are smart enough to research this and fully understand it before we take any action and then research at every step of the process to assure that we on the correct track.
The only thing I do know about myself is that I hate Excel. I do not want to be a boring PR practitioner squished into an Excel sheet. Fingers crossed a new charting system emerges on the scene before someone decides to hire me. Or perhaps they can read my Excel apprehension in an interview and that’s why I can’t nab the 3rd interview. I have such a wonderful 3rd interview suit that no one ever gets to see.
One other great thing from class that I realized is that speechwriters aren’t such losers after all. Apparently it’s a lucrative field. One of my tops three interests just got bumped to number one interest! And I bet I can fit rhetoric research into speech writing if I squint just a touch. Granted Mimi will never understand what I do, but she can understand a paycheck so I suppose that will suffice.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Nerd in Me
In high school I was a debate nerd: debate camp, ethics lectures, state UIL meet. I did L.D. style which is a value-based resolution in which the debaters debate one on one. I enjoyed the conjecture and how I was forced to think quickly. My arguments often took on a blurry tone where I would try to “get” what the opponent was offering and still give you more.
“Oh, he’s giving you justice? That’s great. I love justice. I love it so much I’m also going to get you justice, happiness and safety. How’s that for a win?”
I can say that I’ve made many men (ahem, high school boys) cry and forfeit. It was a feeling of triumph.
Thanks to this background, I feel my merger with public relations was a logical one. Rhetoric and quick thinking are vital. I’ve taken, hopefully, what I enjoyed then and related it again to my life. But, I’m actually more confused with where this should lead. Who really wants to debate over Maslow anymore? I kinda do.
In class Wednesday a small part of me got excited when Maslow was mentioned. A mathematician who was hired to create a philosophy. He created something so simple yet he only thought three people had ever actually assumed the “self-actualization” he developed: himself, Christ and Ghandi.
When Maslow is taken to other publics and in the other manners public relations can allow, this simple philosophy takes on a new viewpoint. How can we help our publics reach their pinnacle through what we are offering? How can this company help a person be the best they can?
Naturally, different companies can fill different voids. An electrical company assists in the fundamentals of housing and safety, while a clothing store can help with the sense of belonging (so important to a middle-schooler) and esteem needs. When a company can look at itself and figure out where they assist people, they can then use other ethical methods to assure the rest of their actions are, for lack of a better word, good.
A good public relations practitioner is there in the middle making sure a company is acting in an appropriate manner for appropriate goals. The goals and objectives can take on a larger meaning when confronted and assuaged with an ethical philosophy.
Anyone who assumes ethics aren’t that important in general is bound to fail. Or become a governor.
As for me, I’ll continue to mentor debaters and try to help them realize the possibilities philosophy creates.
“Oh, he’s giving you justice? That’s great. I love justice. I love it so much I’m also going to get you justice, happiness and safety. How’s that for a win?”
I can say that I’ve made many men (ahem, high school boys) cry and forfeit. It was a feeling of triumph.
Thanks to this background, I feel my merger with public relations was a logical one. Rhetoric and quick thinking are vital. I’ve taken, hopefully, what I enjoyed then and related it again to my life. But, I’m actually more confused with where this should lead. Who really wants to debate over Maslow anymore? I kinda do.
In class Wednesday a small part of me got excited when Maslow was mentioned. A mathematician who was hired to create a philosophy. He created something so simple yet he only thought three people had ever actually assumed the “self-actualization” he developed: himself, Christ and Ghandi.
When Maslow is taken to other publics and in the other manners public relations can allow, this simple philosophy takes on a new viewpoint. How can we help our publics reach their pinnacle through what we are offering? How can this company help a person be the best they can?
Naturally, different companies can fill different voids. An electrical company assists in the fundamentals of housing and safety, while a clothing store can help with the sense of belonging (so important to a middle-schooler) and esteem needs. When a company can look at itself and figure out where they assist people, they can then use other ethical methods to assure the rest of their actions are, for lack of a better word, good.
A good public relations practitioner is there in the middle making sure a company is acting in an appropriate manner for appropriate goals. The goals and objectives can take on a larger meaning when confronted and assuaged with an ethical philosophy.
Anyone who assumes ethics aren’t that important in general is bound to fail. Or become a governor.
As for me, I’ll continue to mentor debaters and try to help them realize the possibilities philosophy creates.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A PR Conversation
One comment during my “Problems in Public Relations” class stood out to me. My professor, Sam Bufkins, commented that PR is no longer a “one-way street of information,” but rather a “conversation” due to the influx of social media.
I have to disagree on a technicality. PR, good PR, has always been a two-way street/conversation. That is what sets PR apart from marketing and advertising, or general publicity. They send the information they want to the public. It’s a constant blather of “please look at only what we want you to. Kthanxbi.” They don’t have to listen to the public in the same manner.
Thankfully, Edward Bernays agrees with me. Whew. And since I consider him the father of public relations, I default to him. Otherwise, I would have to side with Barnum and that guy was a touch crazy. And devious. And another touch crazy.
Public relation specialists must talk to everyone and listen to what they say, digest it and produce something that reflects the previous conversation. We’ve always been asked to listen to all of our publics and make a decision for the company based upon this understanding.
Bernays explains that by doing this, in an ethical/legal manner, encourages competition and will manage to push society in a forward motion. It’s a cylindrical relationship that allows all points of views to be heard and considered. Public relations is not a democracy, rather it’s a sense of pluralism. Or what Dr. Land adores, communitarianism.
This is why I have to disagree with my professor, someone who has been in the business years upon years. We simply should have always been having a conversation. If we weren’t, then what we were doing wasn’t PR.
Have I mentioned that I’m also insanely idealistic? It’s actually a fault- I see how thing ought to be, and forget to adjust for how things are. Granted, I think I would rather not adjust mindfully and see where I settle and then readjust myself back towards my ideal. Yes, it’s a lot of adjusting, but I honestly believe work, especially work that reflects the morals of a company should always be striving upwards and not downwards toward reality.
So the real question here is, does anyone else agree? Or am I alone in my thoughts destined to be forever unemployed and scorned by my grandmother?
I have to disagree on a technicality. PR, good PR, has always been a two-way street/conversation. That is what sets PR apart from marketing and advertising, or general publicity. They send the information they want to the public. It’s a constant blather of “please look at only what we want you to. Kthanxbi.” They don’t have to listen to the public in the same manner.
Thankfully, Edward Bernays agrees with me. Whew. And since I consider him the father of public relations, I default to him. Otherwise, I would have to side with Barnum and that guy was a touch crazy. And devious. And another touch crazy.
Public relation specialists must talk to everyone and listen to what they say, digest it and produce something that reflects the previous conversation. We’ve always been asked to listen to all of our publics and make a decision for the company based upon this understanding.
Bernays explains that by doing this, in an ethical/legal manner, encourages competition and will manage to push society in a forward motion. It’s a cylindrical relationship that allows all points of views to be heard and considered. Public relations is not a democracy, rather it’s a sense of pluralism. Or what Dr. Land adores, communitarianism.
This is why I have to disagree with my professor, someone who has been in the business years upon years. We simply should have always been having a conversation. If we weren’t, then what we were doing wasn’t PR.
Have I mentioned that I’m also insanely idealistic? It’s actually a fault- I see how thing ought to be, and forget to adjust for how things are. Granted, I think I would rather not adjust mindfully and see where I settle and then readjust myself back towards my ideal. Yes, it’s a lot of adjusting, but I honestly believe work, especially work that reflects the morals of a company should always be striving upwards and not downwards toward reality.
So the real question here is, does anyone else agree? Or am I alone in my thoughts destined to be forever unemployed and scorned by my grandmother?
Welcome back!
A great post should always be followed by a long hiatus. Right? I think so.
And so I'm back.
I'm in school and when I graduate this time I will have a degree that reads as follows: Masters of Journalism with a focus in Strategic Communications and a minor in Rhetoric. I will have to seriously adjust some kerning and/or leading. I'm sure I'll have to relearn what em and en spaces are again.
Mimi of course has no clue what rhetoric is and what I explained it to her, she looked at me disgust and asked, "Does anyone actually pay for that?"
Sigh.
Yes Mimi, they do. Hopefully. Damn it- stop dashing my dreams!
It doesn't help that she has no clue why the university is paying me now. "Wait, you do research? For what? Why? And they pay you for that?" We've had this conversation about 10 times now. So I just forget about the research and tell her I grade papers and it pays well. Sure, why not.
So now this blog will exist for my thoughts about disapointing Mimi (who I actually love so much), my thoughts about work related things and other endeavors I deem worthy.
And so I'm back.
I'm in school and when I graduate this time I will have a degree that reads as follows: Masters of Journalism with a focus in Strategic Communications and a minor in Rhetoric. I will have to seriously adjust some kerning and/or leading. I'm sure I'll have to relearn what em and en spaces are again.
Mimi of course has no clue what rhetoric is and what I explained it to her, she looked at me disgust and asked, "Does anyone actually pay for that?"
Sigh.
Yes Mimi, they do. Hopefully. Damn it- stop dashing my dreams!
It doesn't help that she has no clue why the university is paying me now. "Wait, you do research? For what? Why? And they pay you for that?" We've had this conversation about 10 times now. So I just forget about the research and tell her I grade papers and it pays well. Sure, why not.
So now this blog will exist for my thoughts about disapointing Mimi (who I actually love so much), my thoughts about work related things and other endeavors I deem worthy.
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