Sometimes I’ll see a press release or a pitch that is so distasteful, so crass, that my jaw drops and I’m rendered speechless.
This is one of those times.
(Link from the Bad Pitch Blog)
Archive for the 'PR Disasters' Category
The most distasteful thing I’ve read in a long time
Published by October 29th, 2008 in PR Disasters, PR Practice and Public Relations. 0 CommentsMetallica invites bloggers to listen to new album, won’t let them write about it
Published by June 10th, 2008 in Blogs, Music, PR Disasters, Social Media and Web 2.0. 2 CommentsUsually, when a company invites the media or bloggers to an event to offer an exclusive early look at a product, the goal is to encourage said media or bloggers to write about that product. When Metallica invited bloggers to listen to its upcoming album, reviews inevitably popped up on the Web; reviews which Metallica’s […]
As a Michigan native, I watched the presidential primary results last night with great interest. Fellow Michigander Mitt Romney won among the Republicans, but due to a mix-up in the press releases, the state GOP initially congratulated the wrong candidate:
The Michigan Republican Party mistakenly sent out a news release Tuesday night congratulating John McCain for […]
Utah mine disaster: terrible crisis communication
Published by August 8th, 2007 in Crisis Communication, Mass Media and PR Disasters. 0 CommentsThroughout the Utah coal mine disaster, mine owner Robert “Honest Bob” Murray has appeared at “bizarre” news conferences acting hostile toward questioners and reading statements that completely lack direction.
To make matters worse, at every press conference he seems to be on the defense from the get-go, a bad situation to be in when you […]
Chinese quality issues harm national brand
Published by August 3rd, 2007 in Crisis Communication, Government and PR Disasters. 0 CommentsChildren today will never remember a time when Japanese cars were considered vastly inferior to American brands like General Motors, Ford or Chrysler. They won’t remember when all Korean electronics were cheaply marketed with unheard-of brand names.
In the last few months, front-page news stories have told us of the pet food scare that was inexplicably […]
When media interviews go horribly, horribly wrong
Published by July 27th, 2007 in PR Disasters and Television. 0 CommentsI haven’t felt this awkward watching a newscaster since I witnessed the debacle that was “Boom goes the dynamite.”
I feel for both of them, in a way, since the interviewer looks like she’s just been thrown to the wolves, and Holly Hunter remains such a good sport about it. Nonetheless, if you can get past […]
“Jail Paris” signatures outnumber fans’ protests
Published by May 8th, 2007 in PR Disasters. 0 CommentsIt’s hard to feel sympathy for a wealthy socialite who frequently flouts the law, shows little respect for the judicial system, and then receives just punishment. That’s why I couldn’t help but enjoy the schadenfreude when I learned the “Free Paris Hilton” online petition (that Paris herself is encouraging fans to go sign) is being […]
Diggers are angry, take over site
Published by May 2nd, 2007 in PR Disasters, Social Media, Technology, Web 2.0 and Web/Internet. 0 CommentsDigg is perhaps the most prominent “social news” site, where stories reach the front page based on their popularity. It’s supposed to be a democratic system, but democracies are dependent on the masses to keep them functioning properly. And when the masses are angry, they protest:
The power of Web 2.0 is in full effect over […]
Poisoned pet food: Act fast when crisis hits
Published by March 27th, 2007 in Crisis Communication and PR Disasters. 0 CommentsI’ve been disappointed with the PR response from Menu Foods Income Fund, manufacturers of the poisoned pet food that has sickened and killed a number of dogs and cats in the United States. I understand this issue was remarkably complicated, as the company makes pet food for over 90 companies. However, when things are this […]
What’s next for JetBlue? Customer “Bill of Rights”
Published by February 20th, 2007 in Crisis Communication and PR Disasters. 0 CommentsJetBlue has had some problems since they forced a cramped plane-load of people to sit on the runway for more than 10 hours in a snowstorm last week. There have been cries of “irresponsible,” “incompetent,” and “outrageous.” Any reasonable person would agree.
Fortunately, JetBlue’s CEO David Neeleman seems like a very reasonable guy.
First, he took responsibility. […]
