How NOT to plan a pr campaign

By now you’re probably aware of the unbelievably tacky and irresponsible pr campaign Burson-Marsteller – a pr firm that should definitely know better – attempted on behalf of its client, Facebook: TechCrunch’s coverage is entertaining as well as a great source for the details: http://techcrunch.com/2011/05/12/karma-is-a-bitch/

There are so many lessons to be learned from this incredibly poorly conceived stunt:

1. Taking the high road is always better – people will listen when you’re honorable in presenting facts and information;

2. Journalists do have standards and morals – and most of them will staunchly defend those standards and morals, that’s a big reason why they’re good journalists;

3. Throwing mud usually gets the thrower dirty, too – it may work occasionally in politics, but it’s a terrible approach to take, and reduces everyone involved to be less than they can be;

4. If you’re going to call out a negative about a competitor, take a stand and clearly identify yourself and your motives. Then if you’re right, you’ll be taken seriously.

I could go on...but you get the point. For the record, if you’re interested in launching a negative, underhanded campaign, don’t call me – we work for wonderful, honorable companies who understand the value of positive pr...

And if you’re foolish enough to get yourself into such a predicament, we provide great crisis communications expertise...

HSTV IDEAS for a Secure Tomorrow Video Awards

If you're an amateur videographer and care about the greater good, there's a wonderful contest you'll want to check out - the HSTV IDEAS for a Secure Tomorrow Video competition(www.hstvchannel.com/contest).

The contest is open to amateur videographers, including high school and college students, and will commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The goal is to look toward the future to find solutions to the security challenges that are still out there. This is a great way to commemorate 9/11 in a positive, forward-looking way...and a wonderful summer project: entries are due by August 1, 2011, so participants will have much of the summer to work on it! Winners will be announced September 12, 2011- the perfect way to share IDEAS that will help us grow stronger and look toward the future!

For more details, including a list of prizes that will be awarded, check out the competition page at www.hstvchannel.com/contest.