Leaders Apologize

Apple CEO Tim CookThis morning, my Twitterstream revelled in a rare, but full-throated apology from Apple CEO Tim Cook for the widely derided shortcomings in the iOS 6/iPhone 5’s Maps app. In it he wrote: “At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of…… Continue reading Leaders Apologize

Dem Talking Points

Periodically I’ll hear from a former (big agency) colleague advising me to tread lightly on the political tweets and posts. A few even share my politically progressive persuasion, but most warn that overt politicking may not be good for my firm’s sustained health. (Would they rather I sell my soul to Koch Industries or the…… Continue reading Dem Talking Points

ExxonMobil’s Deflection Campaign

If you haven’t noticed, the world’s biggest oil company has kicked off what appears to be a rather ambitious (and pricey) advertising campaign extolling the virtues of…school teachers.I say pricey given that one of the TV spots aired during The Masters and another on “60 Minutes,” the priciest network news spot available. One can extrapolate from…… Continue reading ExxonMobil’s Deflection Campaign

Dem “Message-Crafting Functions”

Senators Schumer and ReidFollowing its drubbing in the 2010 midterm elections, Senate Democrats identified the culprit and now plan to nip the PRoblem in the bud. They have formed a new party organization focusing on…ta da…PR issues!To lead this new initiative, Skin-of-his-teeth Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid anointed New York’s senior Senator Chuck Schumer who…… Continue reading Dem “Message-Crafting Functions”

Full-Disclosure Filibuster

Sen. McConnell (R-KY), Chief ObstructionistThere was a time when the PR industry took it on the chin for its supposed lack of transparency. Specifically, groups like PR Watch and others chastised our brethren for failing to disclose who’s paying for the hand-out video picked up and used in broadcast and cable news programming.It got so…… Continue reading Full-Disclosure Filibuster