Foriegn Policy PR issues

So, yesterday, I was watching the news, as I often do. The current story was about the war in Iraq and terrorism in general. As I watched it, I thought about all the things I have heard about the war and terrorism and U.S. Policies, and I contemplated how I could see this terrorism problem being solved.
Of course, being a P.R. Major, I had to look at it from a PR Perspective. Because that is essentially what I see this war to be. I say that because no amount of military might or troops can stop determined minds, unless, of course, all the determined minds are killed. We learned that in Vietnam, and currently, in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. So, in the face of the continued threat of terrorism and extremism, and in the face of a war that has lasted for more than half a decade, what steps should the U.S. take to win the minds of the people away from terrorism and extremism in the middle east?

Mandla Deskins

Attack of the Snuggie

So I’m going to make this post on a lighter note since spring break is coming up and I know you’re tired of thinking about anything too complicated.

So here I go, have any of you ever seen those Snuggie commercials? You know the oversized blanket that has sleeves? Well if you haven’t, here is the link check it out, http://video.aol.com/video-detail/snuggie-commercial/1451114745. The advertisement shows people enjoying their Snuggie at sporting events, reading on their coach, or even just walking around the house. The commercial has been acknowledged as being extremely corny. There have been many parodies all over YouTube, including the “Cult of Snuggie”. Over 4 million Snuggies have been sold since they went on sale this past August. It has been said that it’s not even the actual commercial that is producing sales of the Snuggie, but instead it is all of the jokes about the commercials that’s getting them sold. Even Jay Leno has made fun of the blanket saying, “Why not just put your robe backwards?” Ellen Degeneres wore one during her show. USA Today has a quote from Scott Boilen, president and CEO of Allstar Products Group of Hawthorne, N.Y., who conceived and markets the China-made Snuggie saying that, "Every once in a while, a product transcends advertising to become part of pop culture." There are nearly 250 Facebook groups on the Snuggie. One fan group has nearly 6,000 members.

Okay, now that you know what I’m talking about, my question for you is do you believe that all publicity is good publicity? Apparently, in this instance, it is. There are more spoofs about this blanket than there are raves praising it. Do you think this applies to all products trying to be sold? Is this just a fluke? Did you like the commercial? Personally, I found it hilarious.

Well that’s it.


Talk to you later!
Kiah

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-01-27-snuggie_N.htm

What's Next?

As the reality of the economic crisis this country is in hits me, I have been left wondering what next? As a soon to be college graduate I have been wondering what will happen when I enter the real world. As a PR Practitioner will there be jobs available for me when I enter the work force or has our industry taken a hit like many other industries throughout the country. I plan to continue my education after graduating but what about my peers who have to enter the work force? Will they be able to find gainful employment that will support a new graduate? What are your plans after graduation and do you have similar feelings as mine? Please chime in I am interested to see how others feel.

-Nicole Jackson

A bill that will decide our politcal landscape

In his first weeks in office, President Obama has put together a stimulus package that is set to be a PR disaster for some, and a PR milestone for others--no matter whether the economy picks up or sinks further. After passing through the senate and the house of representatives with virtually no Republican support (only three republicans in the house of representatives supported the package), the implications of the package and its passage on congress and the white house are sure to be serious. On one hand, if the economy shapes up in the next year or so, Pres. Obama will be a hero, and the backlash against republicans who did not support the bill could be huge. On the flip side, if the economy continues downhill, the democrats may lose control of congress in the next set of elections. I'm sure that PR people for both sides have already prepared a crisis plan for both scenarios.

My question is, as a PR person for a republican who voted against the stimulus package, how would you advise the senator or Representative to save face? And on what about for the democrats or the president?
Mandla Deskins

Who owns the content on your Facebook page?

Questions were recently raised when users of Facebook were curious about who controls the information shared on the social networking website, which now has 175 million users worldwide. Facebook discreetly updated its terms of use recently. After the update, tens of thousands of Facebook users joined groups protesting the new update fearing that Facebook now owned all of the user’s information. In an attempt to calm their users, Facebook greeted them with a sign-in message Wednesday morning stating they will be following their old terms of use policies. Facebook also stated it doesn’t claim to own your photos or any content on your site. The site created a group called “Facebook Bill of Rights and Responsibilities”, which was meant to let users share their input. Lastly, Facebook has issued an apology for any confusion that this might have caused.

So I pose one question to you, how do you feel about this situation?

To see a full article click the link below:
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090218/ap_on_hi_te/facebook_sharing


Talk to you soon!
Kiah

Communication Can Prevent Tragedy

Continental Airlines is currently in a position where they can be totally honest and forthright or they can be partially honest. After 50 people were killed in a plane crash less than a week ago it seems as though Continental would be very honest instead they are siding with the actions of their pilot. Although the actions of the Continental pilot were within the legal confines of the techniques used by Continental, they were not correct for the specific situation. The major issue is a communications issue. The two organizations that regulate airlines the NTSB and the FAA have slightly differing opinions. They have slightly differing opinions on how pilots should handle icing and whether they should navigate manually or by using auto pilot. This is a crucial difference that could have possibly prevented a tragedy. As PR practitioners and communications specialists it is part of our responsibility to make sure that communication is not a barrier in organizations we work for. Perhaps had the regulations been more clearly defined and outlined this tragedy may not have happened.
-Nicole Jackson

Appalling Behavior

After pictures of 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Athlete Michael Phelps surfaced showing him smoking marijuana, Subway decided to accept his apology and keep him in their plans for their new advertisement campaign of “Fresh Celebrities.” Other celebrities included in that advertising campaign include Ryan Howard, Chris Long and Reggie Bush.

Instead of taking Phelps out of their plans, Subway has decided to postpone the advertisement scheduled to be aired early of 2009. Phelps also had an endorsement deal with Kellogg but the company cited his “recent behavior” as being “inconsistent” with Kellogg’s image and decided to drop him from any advertisements.

Another celebrity, Chris Brown, is faced with having his ties cut from companies such as Wrigley’s. Chris Brown is under investigation for battery. His girlfriend, Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty, was named as the battery victim. A 911 call this past Sunday morning brought L.A. police officers to the scene of the alleged assault. Brown, with his attorney present, turned himself in to L.A.’s Wilkshire police station. He was charged with making criminal threats and was released after posting a $50,000 bond. He will be going to court March 5 to face the charges.

With these recent high profile incidents, I pose a couple of questions for you. As a PR professional, if you were a publicist for Chris Brown or Michael Phelps, what would you suggest for them to do? Also, if you were doing PR for Subway or Wrigley’s, how would you have handled these situations?

Talk to you soon,
Kiah