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