The Apartheid State

How long can a politician go without offending a target population? John Kerry, U.S. Security of Defense has been under scrutiny for his comments calling Israel an apartheid state.

John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of Defense

Apartheid* is a form of social segregation that took place in South Africa. The rights of millions were stolen, and representation in politics lost for those in minority groups. Those of different races were not allowed to marry, coincide within the same neighborhood or have sexual relations.

Fortunately, the Apartheid state deceased after continual resistance from minority groups and the election of Nelson Mandela as the president of South Africa. For many years preceding Mandela’s election, the apartheid state was condemned by the west and other parts of the world.

John Kerry’s assertion of Israel an apartheid state has reached criticisms across the political spectrum. Kerry’s comment came after an unsuccessful week of peace talks with Israel and Palestine.

Young child in Israel faces of with tank as the conflict continues 

Like most political blunders, Kerry’s comment was taken out of context.
Politico.com reported the intentions behind the blunder to be nothing more than cautionary -- Kerry’s statement was intended to warn the world about a potential outcome if peace talks are not successful.  

The damage has been done regardless of context.

Kerry quickly went on the defense, explaining that his intentions were never to offend, and apologizing to all those offended.

"If I could rewind the tape, I would have chosen a different word." Kerry stated in his statement.

David Jarvis, Colorado State University student with a focus in Political Science found that the comments where not completely out of line.

“I think the term is correct because of the internal conflict...that has been happening in Israel ever since we declared it a country. So I’d say that fits the description pretty well.”

Jarvis found the term to be brass, yet still appropriate. In contrast, Gereon Fredrickson, Junior at Colorado State with an interest in politics found the comment out of line.

“Given the history of the apartheid state in South Africa, I found it extremely insensitive. Millions of people suffered for decades after decades, and to say that Israel is on the same track if they don’t do what Kerry wants or resolve disputes is out of line. Sometimes sorry just isn’t enough.” Said Fredrickson

Kerry and Israel Prime Minister continue peace talks.

What is a politician to do when ‘sorry’ doesn’t quit cover it? Lie low. As a public relations student I believe that the best approach for Kerry is to lay low at this point in time. He has issued statements apologizing to all those offended, as well as further explained his comment. At this point there is not much left for Kerry to do -- besides to continue to facilitate and resolve conflict between the two countries.

As with most things in politics, it will only be a matter of weeks before one of Kerry’s colleagues makes a statement more offensive than his.

*South Africa is no longer considered an Apartheid State after the election of Nelson Mandela.

Heartbleed

Heartbleed.

An interesting name for a virus that is hacking into peoples personal information everywhere, stealing usernames and account information for hackers.

But in a way, technology tends to be our hearts these days. Usernames connect us to our bank accounts, social media sites, work websites, emails and so much more. So what does a company do when thousandths of usernames are being stolen across the internet?

Pinterest sent out an email to all of it's users, addressing the attack, explained that they are monitoring all accounts on Pinterest, that so far this is minimal "mischief" and prompting all users to change their log in information.

This is the e-mail that Pinterest sent me, many of my fellow pinners confirmed that they too had been notified of the security risks.

I thought that Pinterests approach was a perfect example of textbook crisis communications. The email felt very proactive and informative, without frightening the audience. The email being short rather than lengthy also helped to reduce my perception of the importance of the problem. I even liked how they provided suggestions when creating a password, such as using symbols etc.

As they would say in Harry Potter, mischief managed.

Let's Start a Riot

Colorado State, better known to the student body as Rage State is beginning to portray an image that makes Boulder look good. 

Just when we thought the 2013 CSU Confessions block party turned riot was a thing of our past, CSU students and Fort Collins residents decided to revive rioters. April, 12, 2014 marked the revival of a riot. Students were reported to begin shouting "Stand your ground" as police showed up, even going to the extent of throwing beer bottles and other objects at officers. 

How does a University protect their image of modeling responsible adults when the student body is making national headlines for disorderly conduct? 

First and foremost, the Dean of Students sends a stern email reminding students of the consequences of participating in riots.The most severe being expelled from Colorado State and unable to attend any academic institution in Colorado for one year. 

From the standpoint of a public relations student I think this is a crucial part. The image of Colorado State can only be protected so much by the faculty, the student body has to believe in the image, and embody it whenever they are being featured on any type of social media platform. 

I think the next important piece would be for the university to highlight that it was not only CSU students in attendance of the block party, but also those from Front Range and Fort Collins residents. In addition, a large portion of the student body chose not to attend the block party. 

For now, the best strategy for Colorado State University may be laying low, and staying out of the publics eye. 

Social Media

Social Media has taken society by storm. Whether its Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn, we are communicating in ways that we never have before.

In the world of PR it's important to stay up on trends and communicate with demographics on their preferred medium. I recently read a post on PR Daily that discussed the best times to post on Social Media.

I found it interesting that the primary times to post for sites such as Facebook are in the mornings on weekdays, whereas sites such as Pinterest tends to be on weekdays.

This kind of information is essential for PR practitioners because it helps use Social Media as a vessel to interact with their target audiences, or promote messages on another platform.

A Modern Day Warrior

The sun beats down on the sword. Nestled against the warriors side, waiting. Waiting for the moment when it will be unsheathed. The warrior picks up his pace, the grass crumpling beneath his weight. A long, velvet cloak flapping in the wind.

The war has began.

This scene has played out in movies and tv shows set in medieval times. Yet it's happening in modern times, in the college town of Fort Collins, Colo. These warriors aren't enlisted by kings, or fighting for honor -- but rather for themselves. A burning desire to satisfy their imagination propelling them forward in valiant quests.

Live Action Role Play (LARP) is an underground activity that is becoming more visible within the Fort Collins Community. Most Saturdays, various LARP groups will congregate in City Park and live out their fantasies of battle.

Simply put, LARP "is live action role-playing that combines interactive role-playing with combat sequences for a variety of different classes (knights, wizards, etc)." Stated Tanisha, Employee at Gryphon Books and Comics. Gryphon Books and Comics, with Tanisha's help, organize various LARPing activities around the community.

Through providing resources, workshops, and connecting beginner LARPers with pre-existing groups Tanisha is helping to grow the activity within the Fort Collins Community, despite every effort LARP has yet to gain momentum within the mainstream population.

Parker Williams, sophomore at Colorado State University, participates in LARPing with his fraternity brothers once a year. Randomly divided into teams, the brothers take months to gather their gear, and assemble their weapons. A beginner in the LARP world, Williams describe his personal strategy similar to whack-a-mole.

Despite members of Greek Life helping to bring LARPing mainstream, the movement is still struggling. The real challenge is rebranding LARP to make it 'cool'?

Donna Rouner, Public Relations Professor at Colorado State University, had a couple ideas on how LARPing could make a stand in the mainstream world. First and foremost she would "begin with awareness through media releases, including any entertainment media you may find in Northern Colorado, possibly Denver area (free weeklies, etc., as well as more traditional media)." said Rouner. This would help to promote the local LARPing groups and raise awareness among Coloradoans about LARP and how they could get involved.

Rouner also felt it would be beneficial to go to local schools and YMCA groups to build a generation of LARPers rather than ignite the curiosity of an older demographic. 

Despite effective Public Relations strategies, Rouner has her doubts about LARPing becoming main stream. "It may be possible for a more mainstream population might get interested in the spectator sport of it, rather than participating as a LARPer." Said Rouner.

 

As a public relations student, I believe that LARP would have to be rebranded and introduced to people within a younger age demographic. In an online survey I held 57.89 percent of all respondents said they would not be interested in participating in LARP.

The perception of the general public holds an even graver outlook for the potential for LARP to go mainstream. Only 20 percent of people surveyed felt that LARP could be a mainstream past time for America.


Perhaps Williams said it best "I don't think it can go mainstream because people associate it with being nerdy...there isn't an easy audience to market it to."


For now, LARP will be contained to those who want to live out their biggest fantasies.

For the full interview with Parker Williams and his LARPing thoughts and adventures below or link back to youtube.com if video doesn't work.

Interview with Parker on youtube.com

Main Stream

I have recently found myself wondering what makes an underground activity go 'mainstream.' Is it a series of coincidences, the stars aligning just right, that makes something go viral? Or is it a series of strategic, calculated maneuvers executed by PR professionals across the globe.

Various steps can be taken to make something mainstream or popular. First and foremost would be the value of star power. A trend in America appears to be that as soon as a star has found something 'new' or 'underground' by the next day it is a top seller.

Another way is to appeal to the general public. Through making something go viral it requires a lot of time and marketing to get the public to like and share it -- although this is possible. Sometimes hits on social media can be the most effective form. Word of mouth can also be an effective form particularly with a younger generation.

Call it chance, fate, or strategic planning. Regardless a series of events click together to make things go 'mainstream'. Maybe the greatest achievement of the profession will be to figure out this mysterious formula.

Mailers

Recently in my Public Relations class we began discussing mailers. Back in the day, when people checked their mail daily mailers seemed effective. Those were the good ol' days of letters and simplified media.

But how effective are mailers really?

In a world of social media and increasing dependence on technology it seems that mailers are pointless, a dying medium that nobody has time for.

But what if mailers could be personalized somehow?

A few days ago, I was watching Shark Tank reunions when a guy came on with the idea of a post card that could be sent anywhere, with an electronic message and signature. The image could be selected by the user (including from their personal photo library) and then the company would print it out and send it to the intended recipient.

What if something like this could be incorporated for businesses? They could tailor the post card image to whatever the selected audience was interested in, and include related messages. I would make an argument that people love getting mail still -- just not spam.

The Unfortunate Swimsuit Model

With great power comes great responsibility. Photoshop. It seems that its a rare occasion where photos aren't photoshopped. 

In a recent ad, Target had made the mistake of photoshopping the genital area of a young female in a swimsuit ad. 

Perhaps the outcry would not have been as bad if photoshop hadn't cropped the crotch area of their teenage model -- demonstrating an unrealistic body on impressionable young girls. 

As a Public Relations student, this is a disaster. I believe that an effective way to combat this would be to launch a campaign that promoted positive body image and adds where the models body is not altered. 

SeaWorld -- A house of Horrors

I have never been a fan of SeaWorld, I don't believe in keeping marine locked up in tanks for human entertainment. Very few (if any) humans would enjoy a life of being stared out, forced into entertainment, and confined to bedroom size room...so why do it to marine life or animals? 

Generally, I focus on Public Relations disaster and blunders of corporations or high profile individuals, but I wanted to dedicate this post to the legislation that is put in motion against SeaWorld and the lies they have been feeding our country for decades. 

Orcas, or Killer whales are known for the beauty, and hunting prowess in the wild. Orcas, a whale that is carnivorous is mostly black, with a few white spots. Its not only their beauty that draws humans to them but also their strong sense of self, family structures and matriarchal society. 

Orcas live in pods, and have been recorded to have advanced intelligence, and enlarged sections of their brains which lends its self to extremely advanced emotional connections with other Orcas, this advanced social connection is so severe that the pods (a group of Orcas) actually hold their self identity with the group. When an Orca is separated from the group, it losses a sense of self, and causes extreme disstress. Their intelligence rivals that of humans, and according to Blackfish, a documentary that brought Orca abuse into the limelight. 

This is where SeaWorld comes in. They have been kidnapping baby Orcas (or Calfs) from their pods, confining them in tanks, inbreeding them, as well as creating unnatural breeding practices. The Orcas that aren't featured in their shows often lack proper stimulation, driving them mad and causing psychotic breaks which lead to human deaths.  

The emergence of this information about SeaWorld has lead to legislation in California that would end any and all purchase and breeding of Orcas in the State of California, directly impacting their San Diego location. 

What is happening at SeaWorld is more than just a public relations blundered, it is a monstrosity. Their treatment of these endangered whales should bring an entire industry to its knees. Keeping these creatures in tanks is not only morally wrong, but also slowly killing an already endangered species. Their lifespans are cut in half when kept in captivity, and the dorsal fins in males is floppy -- a genetic mutation that has yet to be observed in the wild. 

Sign the petition, help end the Orca abuse and thwart SeaWorlds attempt to stop legislation that could save the Orcas.

For More Information

Protesters at the Rose Bowl

Background information, reported by Fox News

Please watch Blackfish for the full background, or check out CNN

Sign the petition to support the legislation at:

SIGN THE PETITION TO SAVE ORCAS

Seems Dated

Whats all in a word? They are so much more than just parts of a sentence. Words carry meaning. They can bring you back to your childhood, hurt your feelings, make your day. Words. It's something that our society takes for granted, yet they are a fundamental part of our society. 

Words are powerful, the pen is mightier the sword for a reason and it seems many terms and slogans in todays society seem to be outdated due to negative connotations. 

Take the NFL Redskins. Redskins is more often than not considered a derogatory term for Native Americans. The term Redskins began when the Europeans came over, and often used red-skin to describe the paint that they wore on their faces, and over time has become a derogatory term. 

The debate is on. Should an NFL team, or any franchise, company, non-profit etc. change their name because over time a term has become derogatory?

I believe they should. If we want to live in a society free of hate, we need to take a tougher stance on terms that promote it. Having Red-Skin slapped across t-shirts, flags, pants and other franchise materials will not aid in the removal of offensive terms from common vernacular. 

As a PR specialist I would gear the rebranding campaign focusing on ending derogatory usage in the nation, beginning with changing the name of the NFL Redskins. This way it looks more similar to social improvement. 

You're On...Coke?

The competition for tag lines is steep. They need to be catchy, not cheesy. Not to short, but not to long. The days of jingles are seemingly over -- or at least in reserves for the next generation. 

But what happens when your tag line seems to allude to a sub culture of society? In particular the drug culture. 

You're On..Diet Coke tag line seems to allude to something a little bit larger than the idea of inspiring young entrepreneurs -- but actually the use of cocaine. 

Billboards such as the one pictured above are popping up in cities that seem to illuminate the dreams of the youth -- New York and San Francisco. 

As a Public Relations specialist it seems obvious that the new campaign tag line reads you're on Coke. This is particularly emphasized with the color contrast of the read Coke and the smaller diet behind it. Through simply restructuring the sentence, Diet Coke. You're on. it seems less inappropriate but still conveys the same message. 

As a member of the targeted audience, and I resident of the San Francisco bay area the message seems confused. I'm on? On what? 

After further research and watching the actual commercial the message is better conveyed. Diet Coke is the beverage thats by your side during the largest moments in your life -- whether its nailing the big test, landing investors, or making your dreams come true. 

Within the video the phrasing is in reverse, You're on, which I believe elicits the message significantly better than the billboards and adds that are plastered around the city. 

Tag lines are tricky. There is no doubt about it, but in an era when everything can be taken the wrong way, drug references should be avoided. It seems in the the creative stages of this project that this should have been assessed and the design of the billboards and advertising pieces should have been better constructed to avoid any confusion or misrepresentation of the brand. 

Diet Coke Campaign plastered on wall in San Francisco

For more information on Coke's Blunder!

PR Daily reports on Coke

Oil for All

The pipe slowly cracked. Tick. Oil seeped into the surrounding ocean. Tock. Gaining momentum as the seconds flashed by. Tick. A small tear rapidly turned into a large hole. Tock. Fish, suffocating. Tick. Petroleum staining the water.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

In a matter of minutes British Petroleum was entering one of the largest Public Relations disaster of my lifetime.The country watched helplessly as marine life was suffocated and precious non renewable resources were being lost.

How does a company rebrand after devastating the Gulf of Mexico?

When studying crisis communications, one of the most important pieces is timeliness. Within hours of the leak, BP had addressed the public. The company also maintained conversation with the population in regards to the state of the spill and efforts to being put forth to plug the leak.

The leak got the best of BP, and after multiple attempts to plug it, gallons of oil lost, and ecosystems permanently damaged, it was finally stopped. Not only did BP become the hated face of big oil, but also proved to the nation that the corporation was unprepared for a spill.

As the entire industry of fishing and shrimping began a study collapse, and the impacts of the the spill began rippling far beyond what could have been imagined, Americans began looking for a scapegoat.

The guardian reported boycotts of BP popping up across the country. Then CEO Tony Hayward was brought into questioning as the BP oil spill evolved from being environmentally damaging into corporate responsibility.

Within three months of the oil spill Huffington Post had reported Hayward would be stepping down as CEO and taking a new post in Russia. CEO's within the company stepped down.

It's always interesting to me that as soon as a crisis occurs often times one of the first moves is for the CEO to take on a new, less visible within the company.

With lawsuits and settlements behind them, BP has refocused their marketing energy into pushing alternative energy solutions, and dropping their previous focus on environmental responsibility. According to Forbes, BP will spend around 500 million dollars in the process of rebranding to regain support within the United States. A component of their campaign involved new customer loyalty programs.

On the BP website, the theme is BP's commitment to various failings of the past. There is a tab that states "commitment to the Gulf of Mexico" incorporating the oil spill BP reminds its audience that they have not forgotten about the disaster and are committed to making it right. By pairing this with their attachment to alternative energies, it appears that BP is doing everything it can to exude corporate responsibility and leave the falling out of the oil spill behind them.



BP has also released various educational videos that provide their personal projections in oil. I think that this also helps BP because it gives the allusion of transparency, that their company has nothing to hid. This video and many others like it can be found on the BP youtube channel.

Despite the outrage in 2010 over the spill, the bottom line of BP has been minimally affected. Stocks have been fairly stable and even displayed an increase in shares when Hayward transferred posts within the company.

Maybe the crisis communications team is to congratulate for the lack of economic misfortune BP has experienced or perhaps the dependency of the world on oil and energy producing companies is the largest component of BP staying a float. The Deepwater horizon oil spill will stay on the books as one of the worst oil spills in the history of the United States.

For More information on the BP oil spill....

Interactive time line of the BP oil spill
BP Commitment to the Gulf of Mexico restoration
BP Oil Spill coverage by the Guardian
EPA information of Oil Spill
BP Corporate Responsibility Coverage

The Perfect Slice

Just as the fracking debate was simmering to a slow, an explosion happened. Not just any explosion in a fracking well, but one that rocked the small community of Bobtown, Pennsylvania. 

It was around 5 am when the Chevron well had a deadly mingling of chemicals which caused the explosion. 

Chevron, still trying to win over the small community, gave out pizza vouchers to help compensate for any damages.

Chevrons approach seemed a little lackluster. 

I enjoy a good local pizza as much as the next guy, but I would prefer to have safe drinking water, peaceful mornings, and safe air. It seems that Chevron should be doing more to win over the local community -- this could include putting the money towards local schools or charities. 

If they invested in local organizations, Chevron is demonstrating that they are investing in the future of the town, not just one meal. 

For more information on the explosion visit: 

Chevron Apologizes For Fracking

The Swimsuit Edition

It's that time of year again -- men are rushing to the mailboxes, gingerly looking through the annual swimsuit edition of sports illustrated. Eyes lingering at the bronzed beauties, slowly flipping the pages, admiring the beauty of females.

Or as some women look at it, casually observing some soft porn.

A hot topic in some marriages has become a controversy nationwide as sports illustrated officially released the swimsuit edition not with bronzed models that men everywhere were expecting, but barbie dolls.

The outcry can be heard across the nation. Barbie, who has taken various hits regarding body proportions and the promotion of low self esteem within young girls everywhere. It seems like a double hit to feminists everywhere that sports illustrated would promote their most controversial issue with a doll that has links to eating disorders in young girls.

Sports Illustrated has often claimed the swimsuit edition provides an outlet for men to admire the natural beauty of women, rather than the objectify them and set them on a stage for wondering eyes.

This ill conceived publicity stunt has brought body image problems to the forefront, detracting from the brand as well as the magazine. The Swimsuit Edition is often anticipated every year, pairing with a controversial brand seems like a mistake of epic proportions. It seems the best way to deal with this one might just to be to sit it out.

Mr. President

Presidents Day. A time of reflection, of remembering the valiant leaders of the United States. From the humble beginnings of George Washington to the political misstep of Richard Nixon, Presidents are being remembered, idolized and honored. 

Interestingly enough, Groupon managed to commemorate a 'President' that never actually was. So who was the lucky fellow that Groupon inducted into the oval office? The one, the only, Alexander Hamilton. 

Contrary to Groupon belief, Alexander Hamilton, although played a vital role in the establishment of our nation, never quit made it to the White House. 

So how could a major chain like Groupon have such a historical blunder? Perhaps some lowly intern cracked under the pressure, or maybe the writer never took a history class, or maybe, just maybe, it was a purposeful mistake. 

Swearing in Alexander Hamilton, Groupon has gained an exponential amount of free publicity, and has set themselves apart from other corporations on this fine Presidents Day. If this is a publicity stunt, it would be best for Groupon to maintain their cheeky attitude on Twitter and taking advantage of social media platforms to connect with their audience and promote their deals. 

For more coverage on Groupons publicity stunt check out: 

CNN Coverage

FOX Coverage

Dumb Vanilla Latte

It may as well be a recital. As the costumers line up, each orders their specialty drink. A chorus of orders, the symphony of the steamer creating the musical vibrations of the mornings. Somehow, a huge corporation has so delicately engrained itself into a part of every citizens lives. It's Starbucks. The seemingly recession proof corporation that appeals to Greek life and GDI's alike.

What happens when the keynote of a morning routine is the center of a parody? Absolutely nothing.

Dumb Starbucks, a parody store owned by Comedian Nathan Fielder, opened over the weekend of February 7. Lines wrapped around the store as coffee goers waited nearly two hours for the store to open, according to ABC news.

As locals of Los Angeles waited hours in line to enjoy their morning coffee -- which received mediocre reviews on yelp -- Starbucks communication teams were rapidly devising a flawless response.

Social media assisted in promoting Dumb Starbucks, and even creating a fan base. Rather than create a commotion, Starbucks only legal action is the accusation of trademark infringement.

Although Starbucks is still in the process of evaluating the situation and their next step, they have reported that they do appreciate the humor of Nathan Fielder, although Starbucks is trademarked. Due to the fan base that social media has created for Dumb Starbucks, it is best that Starbucks does not take this situation to seriously, but subtly shuts down the rival shop.


If your interested in background information on Dumb Starbucks visit these links!

USA Today coverage of Dumb Starbucks

CNN Coverage of Dumb Starbucks

#Sochiproblems

Athletes across the globe, superstars in their own rights, are flocking to Sochi, Russia to participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Some a vessel for change, others the soul of entire nations have been introduced to an Olympic Village that redefines 'Under Construction'. 

Athletes have been exposed to falling lighting fixtures, doors missing from bathrooms, and electrical wiring in the showers. Sochi is officially breaking from the traditional Olympic Village design. Olympians, who appear to be surprised at their current living arrangements, have created their own twitter campaign -- #sochiproblems. 

Athletes have began uploading images of their rooms -- all still under construction -- and bathroom stalls that happen to be missing doors. Nothing claims bonding like taking a pee next to your teammates. 

If the simple living conditions are not enough cause Olympians to question there status among society, perhaps its the continual safety concerns that have them up in arms. US bob slender Johnny Quinn chronicled his escape from his hotel room after being locked in the bathroom from the outside. On the less extreme end, Olympians are only risking serious falls over electrical wiring or and falling lamps on their head. 

The controversy surrounding Sochi set the stage for criticisms before the games had even began, but the lack of adequate living arrangements has made Sochi a contender for one of the worst hosts of the Olympics. 

First and foremost, Sochi should deliver their own press release explaining the inadequate housing and potentially provide to a solution or other living options. The disaster for Russia could have been completely avoided if they had created a more realistic time table. After attempting to fix the problem, it seems that those in charge of the games should issue a statement explaining to the globe why their athletes are breaking out of their hotel bathrooms like criminals escaping prison. Lastly, I would be furiously pitching media stories that were Olympic game focused. 

For more information on the Sochi Olympics or # Sochiproblems visit these sites

Washington Post Coverage on Sochi

The images of #Sochiproblems

#HerestoHijacked

In a matter of weeks, the 2014 Sochi Olympics will be here. Millions of viewers around the world will be watching perfection of a craft. Not only will we be viewing competition within the sporting arena of the highest level, but more importantly advertisements and campaigns that may just rival the Super Bowl.

The Olympics create a platform for corporations mobilize campaigns on a global scale -- such as McDonald's and Coca-Cola, two long time sponsors of the games -- that is until their campaigns were hijacked by gay rights activists that oppose Russia's current policy and laws.

Both McDonald's and Coca-Cola have had their campaigns hijacked on social media, fighting to remain neutral in a politically charged debate of gay rights in Russia. McDonald's #CheerstoSochi campaign was quickly hijacked, as reported by the New York Times, and activists began tweeting at McDonald's negative comments in regards to Sochi Olympics and their stance as a sponsor.

Activists wouldn't let McDonald's take all the heat, Coca-Cola wasn't left out of the attacking fun. The New York Times reported the recreation of a popular coke commercial by Queer Nation NY, which depicted attacks on Russian protestors.

So what is a corporation supposed to do when their campaigns are being hijacked and used as a platform for activists? A good start is a press release, which Coca-Cola has already issued that re-asserts their stance and brand image. "The big message here is America is beautiful and Coke is for everyone." McDonald's also released a statement shortly after their campaign had been hijacked "McDonald’s supports human rights, the spirit of the Olympics and all the athletes who’ve worked so hard to compete in the Games. We believe the Olympic Games should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and athletes.”

The next step seems to be to better design their campaigns, social media is an uncontrolled media form that grants access for anybody, not just extremists groups, to hijack and recourse entire campaigns. Due to current civil tensions within Russia, with an outspoken global support for both sides of Gay Rights, I would advise both companies to stop launching social media campaigns and focus more on news stories, advertisements and promotional events. All of these methods are better controlled and will help to convey the message the corporations are trying to send without the blundering effect of activists and politically charged groups.

For the full story at New York Times Click Here!

The Unfortunate Letter Head

It seems that common sense can escape even the largest corporations, as Office Max depicted about a week ago when the company sent a letter addressing the man "Mike Seay, Daughter Killed in Car Crash or current resident." not only offending Seay, but also his grieving wife.

I would say that it is safe to say that Office Max has had quite the blunder. The only problem is it seemed to be one wrong mis-step after another. When Seay called to complain to the company, Office Max proceeded to deny the allegations -- if only Seay hadn't had the letter in his possession, which was all the evidence he needed in order to prove the insensitivities of Office Max.

After Office Max realized the mistake, they backtracked and apologized to Seay. The damage was done. Seay reported that his wife was traumatized by the entire experience, and is demanding an apology from the companies CEO.

From the perspective of a PR student the entire situation could have been preventable if Office Max had created a system of checks to ensure that everything that is delivered to the public is appropriate. Office Max should have taken ownership of the mistake from the beginning of the fiasco rather than shifting the blame to the third party company, and even worse, denying the blunder all together.

For more coverage and commentary on this crisis check out:

http://verdict.justia.com/2014/01/28/officemaxs-deceased-daughter-mail-blunder-limits-privacy-law

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/217676/officemaxs-dead-daughter-gaffe-torpedoes-big-da.html