Comments on: If All the World’s a Stage, Who Gives the Stage Directions? http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/ Unique perspectives from women in PR Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:02:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Jennifer Ouellette http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-236127 Jennifer Ouellette Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:36:59 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-236127 Thank you both, it goes to show that we are never too old to be reminded our parents can pop up from time to time to surprise us! Rahaf, I agree with you. I think that it is also true of every profession, there can be good and bad in any sector; doctors, contractors, writers... I feel that it is unfair that PR is looked at with so much more scrutiny and labeled in a way that does not do justice to the hard working professionals and good work that we do. Dave, some great examples. And everyone loves a good chuckle... :) Thank you both, it goes to show that we are never too old to be reminded our parents can pop up from time to time to surprise us!

Rahaf, I agree with you. I think that it is also true of every profession, there can be good and bad in any sector; doctors, contractors, writers… I feel that it is unfair that PR is looked at with so much more scrutiny and labeled in a way that does not do justice to the hard working professionals and good work that we do.

Dave, some great examples. And everyone loves a good chuckle… :)

]]> By: Dave Fleet http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-236068 Dave Fleet Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:08:13 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-236068 Mike, I agree with your take - I think it is incumbent on us to showcase the best side of our profession. Unfortunately, there are bad apples who tarnish everyone as they burn relationships with journalists and bloggers alike. Instances such as the blacklists created by LifeHacker's Gina Traponi and Wired's Chris Anderson are illustrations of the outcome of a low-standards approach to publicity (as it rarely encompasses the entirety of what PR represents). BTW, thanks for commenting - you've given us all a good chuckle here in the office :) Dave Mike,

I agree with your take – I think it is incumbent on us to showcase the best side of our profession.

Unfortunately, there are bad apples who tarnish everyone as they burn relationships with journalists and bloggers alike. Instances such as the blacklists created by LifeHacker’s Gina Traponi and Wired’s Chris Anderson are illustrations of the outcome of a low-standards approach to publicity (as it rarely encompasses the entirety of what PR represents).

BTW, thanks for commenting – you’ve given us all a good chuckle here in the office :)

Dave

]]> By: Rahaf Harfoush http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-236067 Rahaf Harfoush Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:55:22 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-236067 Dear Jen, I'm pretty sure that was the cutest parental comment on a blog ever. On a more serious note I think PR can be both good and evil, instead of spin, if used correctly it can also keep the coverage a little more balanced and fair particularly in situations when the public is eager to blame someone. I think the age of "spin" is over, it's just not as easy to fool people anymore, and you probably don't want to considering they just get enraged when they find out. Dear Jen,
I’m pretty sure that was the cutest parental comment on a blog ever. On a more serious note I think PR can be both good and evil, instead of spin, if used correctly it can also keep the coverage a little more balanced and fair particularly in situations when the public is eager to blame someone. I think the age of “spin” is over, it’s just not as easy to fool people anymore, and you probably don’t want to considering they just get enraged when they find out.

]]> By: Jennifer Ouellette http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-236066 Jennifer Ouellette Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:53:18 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-236066 .... thanks Dad. I can say that I never, EVER expected a comment from you! And now I patiently wait for the office to poke fun at me!! Honestly though, your passion for media relations and long conversations I have had with you over the years on the subject has sparked my interest in PR, and is why I find myself here today. I'm glad people can see where I get it from now. But please refrain from cyber-embarrassing your daughter in the future! :) …. thanks Dad. I can say that I never, EVER expected a comment from you! And now I patiently wait for the office to poke fun at me!!

Honestly though, your passion for media relations and long conversations I have had with you over the years on the subject has sparked my interest in PR, and is why I find myself here today. I’m glad people can see where I get it from now.

But please refrain from cyber-embarrassing your daughter in the future! :)

]]> By: Mike Ouellette http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-236059 Mike Ouellette Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:22:36 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-236059 Hi Jennifer, I read your articles and especially agree that PR is given a less than favourable image in the public in general. In my opinion this is reinforced when a politician, organization, etc. tries to inappropriately use PR to "spin" an event and happens to fail miserably. Now you have a situation where the perceived cover up can attract all kinds of unwanted attention and even eclipse the original problem. I don't think it's worth a short term PR gain to potentially diminish longer term professional credibility. Could you imagine the PR problems if Michael Bryant had asked for (and received) special treatment from the police at the accident scene as their former boss; the previous Ontario Provincial Solicitor General ? I think he handled things very well for being in the intense spotlight. Professional PR support was a logical part of dealing with this tragic event. He had nothing to hide and dealt with it patiently and with dignity, regardless of the early accusations of his detractors. On a related note, we had talked awhile back about how well the CAO of Maple Leaf Foods handled their crisis, and how PR must have played a critical role in delivering a clear and honest corporate message. In conclusion, I would say that it is up to you and your colleagues in PR to raise public awareness on the issue of PR versus spin. If you see or hear a reporter inappropriately labelling/misrepresenting your trade, call them on it. Part of the problem of PR is that it is done so much in the background (and rightfully so), but once in awhile you might have to step out and clarify the fact from fiction of modern PR. You may slowly educate reporters/public on the finer aspects of your profession. At the very least you will not let an inappropriate attack on it go unanswered, giving it legitimacy. For other people reading this article, I am Jennifer's proud father. I have a bit of former hands on experience in PR and media relations (at least enough to form a reasonable opinion I figure). I was chair of my professional fire fighter association's political action committee for over ten years, lobbying at all three levels of government, working with local media on fire/public safety issues, and creating a number of successfull public education projects. Keep up the hard work Jennifer, your mom and I look forward to seeing you soon in Toronto. Hi Jennifer,

I read your articles and especially agree that PR is given a less than favourable image in the public in general. In my opinion this is reinforced when a politician, organization, etc. tries to inappropriately use PR to “spin” an event and happens to fail miserably. Now you have a situation where the perceived cover up can attract all kinds of unwanted attention and even eclipse the original problem. I don’t think it’s worth a short term PR gain to potentially diminish longer term professional credibility. Could you imagine the PR problems if Michael Bryant had asked for (and received) special treatment from the police at the accident scene as their former boss; the previous Ontario Provincial Solicitor General ? I think he handled things very well for being in the intense spotlight. Professional PR support was a logical part of dealing with this tragic event. He had nothing to hide and dealt with it patiently and with dignity, regardless of the early accusations of his detractors.
On a related note, we had talked awhile back about how well the CAO of Maple Leaf Foods handled their crisis, and how PR must have played a critical role in delivering a clear and honest corporate message.
In conclusion, I would say that it is up to you and your colleagues in PR to raise public awareness on the issue of PR versus spin. If you see or hear a reporter inappropriately labelling/misrepresenting your trade, call them on it. Part of the problem of PR is that it is done so much in the background (and rightfully so), but once in awhile you might have to step out and clarify the fact from fiction of modern PR. You may slowly educate reporters/public on the finer aspects of your profession. At the very least you will not let an inappropriate attack on it go unanswered, giving it legitimacy.
For other people reading this article, I am Jennifer’s proud father. I have a bit of former hands on experience in PR and media relations (at least enough to form a reasonable opinion I figure). I was chair of my professional fire fighter association’s political action committee for over ten years, lobbying at all three levels of government, working with local media on fire/public safety issues, and creating a number of successfull public education projects.
Keep up the hard work Jennifer, your mom and I look forward to seeing you soon in Toronto.

]]> By: Jennifer Ouellette http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-235574 Jennifer Ouellette Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:31:11 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-235574 Craig, wow! How are you, and when did you stumble across PR Girlz? Also, what a great quote. I really did learn a lot during my time in England, and thank you for the compliment. Please do keep in touch! :) By the way, Denise and Stuart are visiting Canada for two weeks, are you still in touch with them? Best, Jennifer Craig, wow! How are you, and when did you stumble across PR Girlz? Also, what a great quote. I really did learn a lot during my time in England, and thank you for the compliment. Please do keep in touch! :) By the way, Denise and Stuart are visiting Canada for two weeks, are you still in touch with them?

Best,
Jennifer

]]> By: Craig http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-235498 Craig Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:36:44 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-235498 I've had a few bad bits of press in the past which have followed me around like a bad smell and, which, to quote Churchill, "a lie is half-way around the world before the truth has a chance to get its boots on". The use of honest, ethical and professional PR can and will pay sizeable dividends to all concerned and, having known Jen during her time in the UK, I believe that she's got the skills necessary for this. I’ve had a few bad bits of press in the past which have followed me around like a bad smell and, which, to quote Churchill, “a lie is half-way around the world before the truth has a chance to get its boots on”.

The use of honest, ethical and professional PR can and will pay sizeable dividends to all concerned and, having known Jen during her time in the UK, I believe that she’s got the skills necessary for this.

]]> By: Jennifer Ouellette http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-234287 Jennifer Ouellette Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:09:03 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-234287 Hi Curt, I'm going to try to respond very tactfully, because while I do want to engage a discussion on this, I do not want to get into a discussion of the case. That is for our legal system to review. I want to discuss PR. First, thank you for the link. It was an interesting read. But is it fair/good/responsible reporting when there is an obvious bias? The writer is not a fan of Michael Bryant, and his article clearly expresses that. He also states his opinion as fact. I think that there should be fair reporting from both sides, respecting the deceased but in that same thread, Mr. Bryant should not be demonized because of his position or status. I'm also offended by the writer using the term "PR vermin", and it is this exact stereotype which bothers me and many other responsible, ethical and hard working professionals in my field. Hi Curt,

I’m going to try to respond very tactfully, because while I do want to engage a discussion on this, I do not want to get into a discussion of the case. That is for our legal system to review. I want to discuss PR.

First, thank you for the link. It was an interesting read. But is it fair/good/responsible reporting when there is an obvious bias? The writer is not a fan of Michael Bryant, and his article clearly expresses that. He also states his opinion as fact.

I think that there should be fair reporting from both sides, respecting the deceased but in that same thread, Mr. Bryant should not be demonized because of his position or status.

I’m also offended by the writer using the term “PR vermin”, and it is this exact stereotype which bothers me and many other responsible, ethical and hard working professionals in my field.

]]> By: Curt http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-234282 Curt Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:59:45 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-234282 Finally a story that tells the truth on the Michael Bryant Incident without spin: http://tochat.tv/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=351 Looks like there is some media that can't be bought! Finally a story that tells the truth on the Michael Bryant Incident without spin:

http://tochat.tv/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=351

Looks like there is some media that can’t be bought!

]]> By: Jennifer Ouellette http://www.prgirlz.com/index.php/2009/09/09/if-all-the-world%e2%80%99s-a-stage-who-gives-the-stage-directions/comment-page-1/#comment-234171 Jennifer Ouellette Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:52:37 +0000 http://www.prgirlz.com/?p=386#comment-234171 Hi Joscelyn, It really is very interesting to follow isn't it? I think there is such an important relationship between PR and the media, I never really expected the agency to be pulled into the spotlight like it has been in this case. I think it is good to open people's eyes to what we do, but only when it is done in such a way that doesn't skew public perception or reinforce negative stereotypes. I'm also going to be following this closely, to see if I can learn anything from it... Thanks for your input, I'm hoping we can get a few opinions going back and forth on this topic, generate a bit of discussion. Topics like this bring out the PR-Geek in me... :) Hi Joscelyn,

It really is very interesting to follow isn’t it? I think there is such an important relationship between PR and the media, I never really expected the agency to be pulled into the spotlight like it has been in this case.

I think it is good to open people’s eyes to what we do, but only when it is done in such a way that doesn’t skew public perception or reinforce negative stereotypes. I’m also going to be following this closely, to see if I can learn anything from it…

Thanks for your input, I’m hoping we can get a few opinions going back and forth on this topic, generate a bit of discussion. Topics like this bring out the PR-Geek in me… :)

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