China is paying tens of thousands specially trained - and ideologically sound - internet commentators 50 cents per post to tell the government's story, according to the BBC. The commentators have been dubbed the "50-cent party" because of how much they are reputed to be paid for each positive posting (50 Chinese cents; $0.07; £0.05). "Almost all government departments face criticism that is beyond their control," …
Google’s Good Graces
According to Online Marketing Performance, Google says that the average 501(c)(3) non-profit organization receives just over $300/month of benefit. Actual grant amounts appear to be higher. …
Stealing Someone’s Zebra Is Just Wrong
If you have information about Merlot, Pederberg Winery's missing zebra please contact proper authorities. I hate to see harm come to such a beautiful creature. [via Cherryflava] …
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Big Three Building Their Bridge With Digital Support Beams
According to The Wall Street Journal: Ford went into crisis-communications mode around the middle of last week, assembling a digital push to differentiate itself from GM and Chrysler, anchored by a Web site, TheFordStory.com. To save money, Ford is also reaching out to consumers directly through blogs and other social media. The company has enlisted members of its staff to respond to blog postings and messages on …
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Wayward Journalist Builds Storm Shelter, Invites Colleagues
MSNBC kicked Dan Abrams to the curb this fall. Now the lawyer, color commentator, show host and former MSNBC General Manager, is organizing a new PR firm that he plans to staff with journalists. According to The Wall Street Journal, Abrams Research will help business executives navigate public-relations challenges -- from major acquisitions to bothersome bloggers to outright scandals. The firm's chief selling point …
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From Sweet Talker To Sweet Maker
Some marcom execs invent brands as intrapreneurs, others simply hang up their agency cleats and start fresh. Brian Pelletier, 41, a public relations executive at Fleishman-Hillard in St. Louis, is one of the latter. According to St. Louis Beacon, Pelletier left his PR job and is now the sole proprietor of Kakao Chocolate. He dons an apron and comfortable Crocs instead of a starched shirt and tie at his small …
David & Goliath, The Remake
Pitching massive corporations on a new idea can be a treacherous road. They can ignore the pitch, steal the idea or worse. It's the stuff of legend and at time, material for a Hollywood movie. According to Ad Age, this week Universal Studios releases "Flash of Genius," a film that paints Ford Motor Co. as a corporate ogre. The film is based on the true story of Detroit engineering professor Robert Kearns (played by …
Your PR Spin Quote Of The Day
From an Indoor Tanning Association press release regarding Sarah Palin's installation of a tanning bed in the Alaska Governor's Mansion: “Kudos to Governor Palin for standing up to dermatologists and other members of the sun scare industry who are trying to frighten Americans away from UV light.” - Dan Humiston, President of the Indoor Tanning Association The "sun scare industry"? Now, I go to a tanning salon every …
